Back catalogue: All genres

Review: Nina Simone has never enjoyed the credit she deserves because of quite how confrontational and anti-establishment she often was. Never was that more true than with her performances at Montreux Jazz Festival over the years. Many of them are collected here on this new new double album and many of them are rare and never-before-released recordings. She first played the historic event in 1968 and turned out an emotional show while her famous 1976 showing was much more fiery and unpredictable. Tracks like her fearless 'Four Women' and hauntingly beautiful performance of 'Ne Me Quitte Pas' are all included.

Review: The sixth full-length from the incomparable Nina Simone was originally released in 1966 via Phillips Records, and was predominantly comprised of several recordings left over from sessions over the two previous years. Considered by many to be the jazz/soul goddess' most seminal work; the album features some of her most timeless renditions and contributions such as 'Lilac Wine' (later covered by Jeff Buckley), 'Wild Is The Wind' (covered by David Bowie), her definitive version of 'Black Is The Color Of My True Love's Hair', as well as the somewhat controversial 'Four Women', which was banned by New York jazz radio station WLIB due to their ironic misinterpreting of her skewing of black female stereotypes as racist.

Review: Dark Horse Records has put together this limited edition pressing of Nina Simone's seminal debut studio album, Little Girl Blue, in honour of its 65th anniversary. Originally released in February 1959, this special pink vinyl reissue features a 12x12 insert with an introduction by Dhani Harrison and of course the record itself includes many an iconic track. Take your pick from the likes of 'My Baby Just Cares for Me' and 'I Loves You, Porgy' which showcase Simone's early brilliance and hint at her profound influence on music in the decades to come. This collector's item is a tribute to Simone's timeless sound.

Review: ***B-STOCK: Record slightly warped***


The sixth full-length from the incomparable Nina Simone was originally released in 1966 via Phillips Records, and was predominantly comprised of several recordings left over from sessions over the two previous years. Considered by many to be the jazz/soul goddess' most seminal work; the album features some of her most timeless renditions and contributions such as 'Lilac Wine' (later covered by Jeff Buckley), 'Wild Is The Wind' (covered by David Bowie), her definitive version of 'Black Is The Color Of My True Love's Hair', as well as the somewhat controversial 'Four Women', which was banned by New York jazz radio station WLIB due to their ironic misinterpreting of her skewing of black female stereotypes as racist.

Review: Nina Simone's 1964 album stands as a powerful testament to her unwavering support for the Civil Rights movement, marking one of her most personal and impactful releases during her time with Philips Records. The album captures Simone at her most fervent and fearless, channeling her artistry into a profound expression of social consciousness. Unlike some of her other works, where orchestration sometimes overshadowed her voice, this gem benefits from a minimalistic yet vibrant jazz quartet, which perfectly complements her bold vocal delivery. Tracks like 'Old Jim Crow,' 'Pirate Jenny,' 'Go Limp,' and the titular 'Mississippi Goddam' emerge as potent declarations of African-American pride and resistance, making this album a landmark in the intersection of music and activism. Simone also revisits more traditional material with grace, including her timeless rendition of 'I Loves You, Porgy' and the soulful 'Don't Smoke in Bed.' Verve's Acoustic Sounds series honors this historic album with a meticulously crafted vinyl reissue. Mastered from the original analog tapes and pressed on 180-gram vinyl, the album is packaged in a deluxe gatefold sleeve, offering an audiophile experience that preserves the integrity of Simone's revolutionary work.

Review: It is fair to say that this Nina Simone live album really captures the legendary singer at her raw and most powerful best. Recorded during her 1969 European tour, this live recording showcases Simone's incredible ability to blend genres-jazz, blues, folk, and soul-while delivering deeply emotional performances. Songs like 'Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood' and 'Why? (The King Of Love Is Dead)' reflect her lyrical prowess and elsewhere her activism and social consciousness shine through. Her haunting renditions of classics, combined with virtuosic piano playing, make for a magnetic listen that all these years on is a great record of Simone's enduring brilliance, charisma, and her role as a vital cultural and musical innovator.