Verve Vinyl & CDs

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: 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.