Monthly Music Post
January 2012
I'll admit, this month I really thought I would go back to making a mix of the songs I've been listening to this whole month... but I really haven't been listening to much. I'm rediscovering old bands that I do love quite a bit (like the Arcade Fire and Muse) but I've also been getting into bands that I've really never given too much of a chance (like Arctic Monkeys and Ludovico Einaudi.)
The result is, my music taste this month's been a bit chaotic.
However... in light of recent transgressions-- as in I don't have enough space to keep adding every band I'm listening to's discography, I've slowly but surely have begun what I would assume is my biggest music purge ever.
Now how does this relate to Nina Simone?
I've always gone through phases of just listening to Nina Simone, and this month, I gave her 4 CD greatest hits collection a listen and I just fell in love with her music once again. Nina Simone is in one word-- astounding. Her voice is just perfect, and her style, grace, and sound are beyond words.
So.. without further ado, I give you my favorite Nina Simone songs! Some of them are very well known, because they're amazing but I tried to mix them with songs you may have never heard of hers, or didn't know she did a cover of.
I hope you enjoy her music as much as I do!
Sinnerman
Probably one of her most well known songs, and usually one of the first songs people think of when they hear her name. I know this song became more "popular" in a sense this month since it was featured in the latest episode of BBC's Sherlock. Either way, this song is gorgeous, and you hear Simone's control and style displayed throughout the song.
I Put a Spell on You
A cover of Screamin' Jay Hawkins song (which is also very good too!) This song is one of her most famous, and rightly so.
Ne Me Quitte Pas
I don't even know how to even describe this song. It's beyond beautiful, and it's such a well sung piece. If you're really bored, I'd highly suggest listening to this song live by her. A number of other artists have done this song, like Regina Spektor, but I do prefer Simone's over every other version.
Marriage is for Old Folks
This song is quite fun. I do relate to the lyrics in the sense that I'm okay not finding anyone at the moment, because there's so much more to do, and fun to have, and being bogged down by someone else may not be something I'm ready for right now.
Feeling Good
Another classic. And honestly no Nina Simone list would be complete without this song.
Be My Husband
This song I've seen people call "tribal" and I do see this and a lot of people think this song's a bit repetitive, which it is. However I do like Simone's vocals on this one, and I do think it is a really nice song, even though it may not be the most lyrically diverse.
See-Line Woman
Nina Simone does many folk songs, without sounding folky. This song is a fine example of what I mean by not being "folky." Sea Lion Woman is actually a folk song, which was originally a children's playground song. It is believed to be from the south. What I like about this song is it's very smooth. It does in fact sound very jazzy, and nice. Unfortunately the version that I have on my iPod seems to no longer be on youtube. So I put the closest thing I could find-- even though it gives the song no justice.
Four Women
I do think this is a song everyone should hear, because it's such a thought provoking song. And by hear, I mean really listen to it and understand what it's saying. This is one of Nina's most famous songs, even though it does not get as much recognition as it rightly should. If I had to choose one song out of this whole list to make you listen, it would be this one.
Why? (The King of Love is Dead)
This song was released during the middle of her amazing career, when she was very popular and was a huge part of the civil rights movement. This song was recorded three days after the death of Martin Luther King Jr. Although this song is very mournful, I do feel a shred of optimism almost.
Brown Eyed Handsome Man
Another cover of a song, but this time by Chuck Berry. This is another song she released during the civil right's movement. Definitely another one that should be heard.
I'm Gonna Leave You
This song isn't about the civil rights movement, but it's a very empowering song. But it's very fun, and happy. And again empowering.