Search results: Nina

Review: If you've not heard 'Skyscrapers' yet, where have you been? First released digitally last year and accompanied by more remixes than we can count, the track is arguably Nina Kraviz's most accessible, radio-friendly release to date - a potential crossover anthem that's as cool as it is catchy. Now finally available on vinyl via this single-sided seven-inch, 'Skyscrapers' is a prime piece of what Kraftwerk would have called 'techno-pop', with the much-loved Russian producer's sweet vocals rising above a bed of ultra-crunchy, snare-heavy machine drums, dreamy Chris Lowe chords, gaseous pads and ear-catching lead lines. It's basically synth-pop, but it's classy and sonically deep enough to please all but the angriest underground techno purists.

Review: Originally released way back in 1978 on a thoroughly obscure seven-inch single, Nina Dunn's sole single, 'If You Want My Love (Do It)' is one of the rarest Canadian disco records around. The team behind the Le Freak label are fans and have delivered this much-needed reissue. The title track (side A) is a righteous slab of funk-fuelled, orchestra-sporting disco built around a typical 'walking bassline', cut-glass strings and a brilliantly sassy, emotion-packed lead vocal from Dunn. Original B-side 'Stay & Dance', meanwhile, is a deeper and more laidback two-step disco affair with warmer horn arrangements, simmering strings and a killer, Clavinet-sporting groove section later in the track. Disco gold all told!

Review: 'Black Is the Color of My True Love's Hair' has origins as a black folk ballard that was associated with colonial workers across the United States. It has distinctive melodies and a mournful and melancholic feel and has been covered by man artists, but none quite as powerful as the late great Nina Simone. Taken from her Nine Simone at Town Hall album recorded in 1959, it became a staple of her sets which is what in part helped to increase the song's popularity throughout the late 20th century. Here it is presented as a mash up with 'A Hymn' for a beautifully moody new take.