Nina Simone

These "36 Essential Recordings" contain two single volumes, originally issued on Union Square, for a very affordable price. If you are not fussy about audiophile sound -- it's way better than other budgets, but it's not pristine -- this is a good way to get acquainted with one of the most iconoclastic and enigmatic singers and songwriters of the 20th century, who played piano exceptionally well, too. Disc one features 16 cuts, including her inimitable versions of "I Loves You Porgy," "Little Girl Blue," "My Baby Just Cares for Me," and "House of the Rising Sun." Disc two contains 20 cuts and gets right to it with "To Be Young, Gifted and Black," "Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood," "Gin House Blues," "I'll Look Around," "Mississippi Goddam," "I Want a Little Sugar in My Bowl," and her elegy to Bob Marley, "You Took My Teeth." There are many Simone comps out there with better notes, but here each track is annotated and despite shoddy packaging, the music is undeniable. ~ Thom Jurek, All Music Guide