This woman is a great American musical icon. If you have any inclination at all to try something in this style, get this cd. It is an exellent place to start. She is one of the few that really stands out from the rest. I could write paragraphs on her but just know that if you don't like this you probably won't like anything in this style.

The only way you can not like this one, is if you do not have good taste for music.

The song 'Why? (The King Of Love Is Dead)' it's a song dedicated to the memory of Martin Luther King... it will make you cry...! Big time...! Only Nina's deep voice can provoke those feelings in us...

This is truly a wonderful collection! Nina Simone is a treasure and has such beautiful AND haunting songs. A must have!

i bought this album specifically because it had sinnerman on it and it is worth every cent!

If you are new to Nina, or an old fan, this is a great CD. It is a great introduction to her music, as well as a great compilation for further appreciation. Another great one is Sugar in My Bowl. Nina covers the gamut, there is something for everyone in her music.

I LOVE THIS CD COMPILATION. ITS FULL OF A DELICIOUS BLEND OF JAZZY SOULFUL RENDITIONS OF TUNES. WE LOVE IT. ITS A GOOD RAINY DAY BLEND AND ALSO A "ME" DAY KIND OF CD.

this is a good introduction to nina simone.not a huge fan of alot of her earlier music thats on disc one,but it is a good thorough anthology.

Comprehensive survey of her career marred by some poorly mastered/re-mastered tracks. Would sound much better on vinyl than CD.

If anyone has made the unfortunate mistake of ignoring Nina Simone's music, or if you're of a certain age and have not been exposed to her immense talent, this is the CD package for you.

Anthology spans the length and breadth of Ms. Simone's great career, and charts the music of an artist who refuses to be categorized or pigeonholed. Her music is gospel, jazz, funk, traditonal, folk, pop, and so much more. Every song is a gem, but particular standouts are My Baby Just Cares For Me, The Other Woman, Black is the Color of My True Love's Hair, Why? (The King of Love is Dead), See-Line Woman, and her version of I Put A Spell On You.

Hard to catergorize but even harder to ignore, Nina Simone's talent is on rich display on Anthology.

E' un cd che bisogna avere nella propria collezione.

Da riascoltare in qualsiasi periodo. Resterà sempre bello.

I bought this out of curiousity. I was no Nina Simone fan. I am too immature and brutish to be able to appreciate classic, "torch song", slow, and ballady piana driven songs.

I am also a big music fan. I love to listen to what shaped and influenced contemporary artists. I enjoy angst-driven female performers ( a la Kate Bush, Tori Amos, Ani Difranco, Janis Joplin). I dig real, I mean true emotional music.

Nina Simone has historical significance. Seh has a strong, cult following of fans who really know their stuff.

I decided to give it a try. The consensus is that this is THE anthology to get. I believe I have found a new artist to like.

I do not get into the slow stuff. I live a wonderful life and I do not have to empathize with a slow, syrupy, piano ballad. I skip those.

I do like the jazzy, peppier stuff. Some of the songs constitute blues. That is good too.

What I enjoy the most is the sparce, truly raw sound of many of these songs. They are under produced (which I like).

"My baby just comes for me" is a famous song, used commercially all of the time. It has a terrific rolling bass line and the piano playing is stunning. "Mississippi Goddam" is a live recording of a blues driven tune. Its pretty cool.

"Glory of love" is a peppy song of elation that is hummable. "To be young, gifted and black" is a wonderful, folk tune that sounds so earnest.

'Rich Girl" is a cover of the Hall & Oates song and it does the tune justice. In fact, disc 2 has a lot of covers and I find those, more recent songs more enjoyable and comtemporary then what is on disc 2. She also does a cool version of teh Bee Gees "To Love Somebody".

My favorite tune is "I wish I knew it would feel to be free". This is the most rock sounding tune. The instrument intros, at the beginning are cool.

I am a fan now and this is definetly interesting listening.

There's some much to be said about Nina Simone, that it's a little difficult to know where to begin. Born in the 1950's....few singers have been able to effortlessly shift musicals styles as seamlessly as she did. Proficient in singing, soul, jazz, pop, blues, gospel, and Broadway, R&B...much like the other great female vocalist of her generation (Aretha Franklin, Ella Fitzgerald, Dusty Springfield), when she sung a song....irrespective of whether it was a cover version or not. She had the uncanny ability to make the song and sound totally hers.

There have been a great many Compilations compiling her prolific output, and a great many more sprung up, after her untimely death in 2003. Most are adequate, but due to licensing issues, most have notable exceptions missing due to her work on various labels and the permission to source songs from a variety of labels, largely proves to be too problematic for most compilers. Well...things are different this time, because for this Anthology (by the RCA Label),they have taken the considerably thankless task of collecting all the essential tracks from the multitude of labels she worked with over her career, as well as including a handful of unreleased tracks.

So while you get the more familiar tracks that are considered essential for any Nina Simone compilation to even get a look in ("I Loves You Porgy, My Baby Just Cares for me, I Put a Spell on You, Sinner Man, To Love Somebody, Don't let me be misunderstood"). Which is fine for the casual fans that want a fairly brief, and not to involved summary of her work. But the real benefit of forking out the extra money for this Anthology, is the previously little heard, obscure or important tracks that don't usually make it onto the majority of the cheap compilations floating around. So this Anthology goes several steps beyond the regular compilations by including tracks from Live performances, stunning individual tracks cherry-picked from her lesser known albums, or absolutely breathtaking tracks such as "Funkier Than a Mosquito's Tweeter", that doesn't always make compilations (such as Universals excellent "Gold" compilation). As phenomenal a vocalist as Nina was...singing smooth Jazz, or Bittersweet ballads, Yearning Soul, and Brooding Torch songs, and plaintive Blues....most will agree that Nina was at her best when she was pissed-off or rallying against something, and a fantastic selections tracks, chosen here, highlight that fact. What you sometimes find with some of the Nina Simone compilations out there, are that they tend to lend a little bit too much towards certain aspects of her genres that she sung (for instance Soul, Jazz or Blues) but this Anthology gives a truly rounded overview, that Nina was possibly one of the most Versatile singers of her generation, this Anthology covers it all: Blues, Torch songs, Ballads, Jazz, Pop, Soul, Gospel, R&B, Broadway & Hip-hop (Just kidding!!!).

Make no mistake about this...this is arguably the finest Nina Simone collection that money can buy. And short of having to buy a Boxset, nothing else on the market matches this for depth, selection, mood, Arrangement, and versatility. The irony being that this Anthology appeared months after her death, and until then, nothing had previously satisfied in quite the same way as this release does. Bad points??....weeeeell, there is a lot of material here, and its likely to be a little overwhelming for the causal fan, or people that have only really expressed an interest in her work, from hearing one of her tracks on a commercial. This is something that is largely geared towards the enthusiast or long-time admirer of her work, because the more unheard/obscure work is likely to pass over the more casual fans head. And compared to some of the cheapo compilations of her work floating around, it can be a little more expensive...but to be fair, anyone searching on Amazon.com for this particular Anthology, is probably committed to getting the best summary of her work. And without a shadow of a doubt, this is it!!! (Absolutely essential)

Nina Simone, more widely loved and respected abroad -- particularly in Europe -- then stateside is one of the U.S.'s true unclaimed treasures. This voice is stunning, soul deep, and inhabited with unmistakable force of personality by a singular performer for the ages. Perhaps only Nina Simone heard the bird singing in the gilden cage, but she warbled about it with such natural, eerie, musclar talent that to hear it is to be arrested on the spot. You've probably heard a bunch of these songs before -- she's been ripped off and copied by many performers with just a thimblefull of her prowess and gift (and to dismaying degrees of commercial success) -- but when you hear them it will be like hearing them for the first time. Anthology is chockablock full of one choice cut after another, there's nary a dud in the bunch. Someone with a voice like Simone, who could effortelessly master just about any musical form she tried her hand at -- pop standards, soulful ballads, smoky jazz, throaty R & B -- this is someone who ought to be in your collection if you want to bat with the big boys. TOP NOTCH, THRILLING STUFF -- a diva with the real goods who might not have ended up with her own show in Vegas but a brilliant body of work, that's Nina Simone, and this collection is a fabulous overview of that life's work.

all you need do is listen to DO I MOVE YOU. and ask yourself if the answer is HELL YEAH! NINA PLEASES ME!

This anthology is up there with Nina compilations "The Colpix Years" and "Sugar In My Bowl" (which are available on Amazon - if you don't already own them buy them today!!).

On this anthology we are treated to perhaps the best sample of Dr. Simone's genius and breadth. Here was a woman far beyond measure and her time. She could move effortlessly between jazz, blues, folk, gospel, classical - and often within the same song!! She knew no boundaries and interpreted each song on its own merits - injecting a personal narrative in each note she played and word she sang. Though her influence can be seen everywhere, there is no artist like her today and definitely not enough credit given to her artistry.

Here we are given her supreme bests...impossible to list the "good songs" because no song included in this set is without mention. We are even given a previously unreleased track ("Glory of Love") which Nina makes all her own.

If forced to choose, stand outs would be the HAUNTING "Strange Fruit", the underrated "Do I Move You?", the inspiring "I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel To Be Free", her tribute to the late Dr. MLK - which may be one of the greatest eulogies of all times - "Why? The King Of Love Is Dead", and the infectious "Funkier Than a Mosquito's Tweeter".

It's hard to imagine a more inclusive Nina anthology. This one is for true die-hard fans. The only song I wish had been included - for the exposure - is "Consummation". For those interested in her work, I recommend seeking out this song...it more than any other shows the true power of Nina's voice and spirit.

But, exclusion of "Consummation" aside, this anthology is at the TOP of the Nina Simone list. Don't pass this one up.

Nina Simone was an artist before the world was quite prepared for a black woman to be an artist, making her own choices and demands on her audience. Her life itself is quite interesting, but it is her music for which she will be remembered. There are so many gems on this set. From Disc 1, Nina takes a Gus Kahn number "My Baby Just Cares for Me" in 1957 with a piano backing and sets your toe tapping with her playful vocal delivery. "Nobody Knows You When You're Down & Out" has almost some doo wop chords on piano as Simone then meets the melody and nails its irony with her wry delivery. "Mississippi Goddam" is Simone's angry indictment of racial bigotry, but she does it with such a perky joyfulness in performance that it puts a smile on your face despite its very serious theme, "This is a show tune, but the show hasn't been written for it yet." "See Line Woman" has a pronounced drum track that creates a desperate urgency in her delivery, "Black dress on, for a thousand dollars she wails & she moans, wiggle wiggle, turn like a cat, wink at a man & he wink back." The Animals had a rock & roll hit with "Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood," but it also fits Simone like a glove with her weepy blues interpretation. Simone is incredibly powerful on the standard "I Put a Spell on You." When she sings, "I can't stand it with you running around," all the anxiety of an age seems to be expressed in her voice. The disc closes with a dynamic "Do I Move You" with a blues rock background. Disc one covers 1957-1966, while disc two covers 1967-1993. Nina's unreleased version of "The Glory of Love" shines with her personality. On George Harrison's "Here Comes the Sun" she displays a world-weary sense of play. She does a live version of "Ain't Got No" from the musical "Hair" that is as emphatic as it is joyful. "To Be Young, Gifted & Black" is probably her best know anthem that she wrote. She tackles Bob Dylan's "Just Like A Woman" head on, making it seem like it was written for her. On the Hall & Oates' classic "Rich Girl," she bounces and rocks. Rod McKuen's "A Single Woman" is a fitting closer for this excellent set, orchestral and moving. "Anthology" certainly doesn't encapsulate Simone's expansive career, but it is an excellent collection with great technical remastering, drawing from many of her different labels. Enjoy!

I was recently re-introduced to Nina's music when I saw "The Dancer Upstairs." Within a day, I heard "Mississippi Goddam" on the radio. Because of those two events, I got this CD, and I'm engrossed! She is an underrated treasure that deserves to be far better known.

One of this country's most renowned singers is also one of the most misunderstood. And no, this is not a cheesy segway into her great version of "Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood." Nina Simone was never as popular as she should have been due her strength of refusal to be a puppet for neither record company executives, racism, and even the audience's refusal to support a talent who refused to be pegged as either solely a jazz, soul, blues, gospel, standards, or Broadway artist. Her story in a way is similar to Tina Turner's in that she eventually got fed up and felt she needed to leave the US to make the most of her life and not to suffer some of the hardships/prejudices that some would like to sweep under the rug for people.

But what about the music? Well one listen to this remastered 2 CD collection will give any fan or future convert an overview of a versatile treasure who could sing the most tender and elegant of songs and immediately display her anger and frustration, especially when it came to issues surrounding the Civil Rights Movement. The common denominator that I found in hearing all these treasures was a certain elegance, soulfulness, and pride that left do doubt about her feelings regarding any song she was singing. On the other hand, she never resorted to the histrionics of other singers and both her pain and joy were tempered and best appreciated by listening very carefully to the way she uses silence as much as her voice to interpret any given song.

It's amazing that Simone sounds equally good in both studio productions and live performances, and this collection is peppered with many of both. In a nutshell, I think that this is a must have collection and that with the exception of a few covers towards the end of the second CD (Here Comes The Sun and Rich Girl), is perfect. Since I was not around during her most productive period, I am not sure if any of her essential songs are missing, so if you've been are a hard-core fan, consult the song list to make sure that none of your favorites are missing.

Although not relevant to this review, I think that those who love some of the artists thoughtlessly clumped as "neo-soul" artists, owe themselves the pleasure of listening to some of the masters to get a better un understanding and perspective to the music that they listen to. I am amazed by how great treasures like Sam Cooke, Marvin Gaye, Etta James, and Stevie Wonder (just to name a few) still sound fresher than much of what is hailed as the cream of the crop these days. If for example, you were one of the millions that thought that Usher's latest CD was good, give the masters a listen and you may find that it would not sound odd to burn a mix that may have Prince, Lena Horne, Van Hunt, Nina Simone, Seal, and ______ (fill in with your favorite(s)) sitting side by side and the result would be more cohesive than those alleged best of compilations that records companies love to release. One listen to "Mississippi Goddam" and you may never be the same. Nina Simone died in the South of France in 2003, but her music makes her sound more alive than many of the lesser singers who self-pen themselves as "divas." Simone may have been misunderstood but with time we are all catching up to all the singers who matter and she stands at the front of that line.

Fantastic compilation. However, I was very upset that my favorite Nina Simone song was excluded, the wonderful "Wild is the Wind". Why that song is not in her anthology is beyond my understanding.

Nina Simone. This collection of her work might just be the best 2 disk compilation of music ever made. There is not a song on here that can be called anything but outstanding. Ms. Simone makes even the most standard of torch songs huanting and compleatly new... she takes classic blues ideal and makes them complex works of classical philosophy....

as a guy raised on indie rock and folk nina simone early on became and important break from the norm. It is impossible for anyone to not like her.... i just cant see how there could be a single human alive that would not appriciate this collection of her work in their library..... FOR THE BETTERMENT OF HUMAN TASTE PLEASE BUY THIS!!!!!

This woman sings and you believe every word she is singing. She sings from her heart. She sings deep and from her gut. I feel transformed into a dark smoky lounge room when she sings. I really like her even though she sounds so sad when she sings.

Young, gifted and black, Nina Simone had a lot of things she needed to get off her chest. Racial conflict, social inequality, political aversion - the passionate subject matter of her songs is as gritty as the voice that sings them. This anthology gathers a collection of material from a variety of labels and demonstrates Simone's two-sided mentality; namely, that of musician and poet. Guided by a subjective introspection, her songs dive head first into a political pathos with an unapologetic disregard for sweetness and simplicity. Their messages are harsh and candid, brutally confrontational; their titles are explicit labels of what issues are contained inside ("I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel To Be Free"; "Black Is The Color Of My True Love's Hair"; "Strange Fruit").

But that's only half the appeal. Simone's vocal delivery - often unfathomably overcooked - produces a dark, smoky and undulating quality to the proceedings that, curiously, travels further than the material often permits. The blues-cum-gospel musical arrangements are mostly uncluttered to lend a more engaged sound as Simone protests, dismays, and wrestles to establish her communal identity in the foreground, and tinkers away brazenly on piano in the background.

Yet her delivery is just as convincing in her love songs. "I Loves You, Porgy", the album's opening track, adopts a relaxed, almost sleepy, disposition, and whose bittersweet content is perfectly reflected in Simone's beseeching voice: "Don't let him take me/don't let him handle me/and drive me mad." In addition, her talents also extended to good humor, as some of the live recordings reveal; her ability to make the audience laugh through on-stage banter is quite moving. Ultimately, Nina Simone left this earth with a much clearer chest. This compilation stows her lifetime's worth of encumbrance.

Everything about this woman and her voice is amazing. Her music is an all encompassing soulful back and foreground that I will never tire of. I buy all her CDs and rip all her MP3s. She even sounds great remixed. I've generated legions of Nina fans by playing her and giving her away at every opportunity. She's relaxing, inspiring, helps me concentrate, perks me up and sends me off to sleep. This cd covers her best tracks, and I'm sure there is something here for everyone. Buy it. Buy two copies and bless a loved one with her moving voice.

When the Gods created the skies, Africa and life, they gave birth to a living spirt, Nina Simone, the Queen of the Queens of Afro-American music. Nina Simone is an enigmatic, exuberant and extroverted person. One of the most eclectic artists of our time, Nina is guaranteeed to run the gamut of musical diversity; whether it's a time-honored spiritual, a blues groove, a folk song, a jazz standard, a pop hit or a show tune, she always adds her own distintive musical touch to the material at hand. As this remarkable album domonstrates, she belongs to that rarest of the musical species: an uncompromising artist whose choice of material is dictated by her own emotional sensibilites. As much as any other Nina Simone collection, this album is a kaleidoscopic tour of the musical world of this extraordinary artist, Whether singing with unabashed passion or offering a scintillating round on the keys, Nina perfoms whithout restraining on every cut of this album. Indeed, one might say that freedom is the key to Nina Simone's consummate artistry. And, as expressed by the peerless musical pioneer, that very human quest for freedom - on all levels - is as relevant in 2003 as it was in the 60's & 70's when this music was first recorded, Enjoy!

In her introduction to "Who Knows Where The Times Goes" on this fantastic CD, Nina Simone says that time transcends race. Sadly, we are reminded that racism in this country practically drove this great singer mad. I purchased this CD for this cut alone. As always Ms. Simone takes a song that we think we know or that somone else has sung what we think is the definitive version and makes it her own all over again. That is precisely what happens here. It's as if you have never heard this music before. With a simple accompaniment, Simone sings this sad, haunting ballad. I have been loving this woman's albums for over thirty years and didn't know she recorded this beauty in 1970. In the recent movie "The Dancer Upstairs," the movie ends with a young girl dancing while Ms. Simone sings this song. I knew I had to own Ms. Simone's version of this Sandy Denny lyric.

There are many other wonderful songs as well on this 2 CD set. "I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel To Be Free,""To Love Somebody," "Here Comes The Sun," "Just Like A Woman." I had not heard this arrangement of "To Be Young, Gifted and Black" before. Finally "Everyone's Going To The Moon" has Ms. Simone playing piano. You can imagine what a great concert pianist she would have been. But we would have been the losers, not to have witnessed her magnificant voice.

Of the 31 cuts on this set, at least 10 of them were recorded on the recently released "Four Women" 3 CD set that contains all the songs Ms. Simone recorded for Verve in the 60's, I believe. I would have purchased this CD, however, if everything but "Who Knows Where The Time Goes" had been on the previous CD.

I wouldn't have missed hearing Ms. Simone sing this song.