Nina Says She Wants A Revolution
There weren't many singers in the world as intense, righteous, individualistic, and often just plain angry as Nina Simone. In the 1960s she had a lot to be angry about like the Civil Rights struggle and the murder of Martin Luther King which produced her emotionally charged songs like "Mississippi Goddam" and "Why? (The King of Love is Dead)." Nina sang Blues, Jazz, Gospel and Broadway tunes but was never really classified a "soul" singer, though she poured so much feeling into her perfomances I don't what else you'd could call it. When she was on fire she was smoking and "Revolution (Parts 1 & 2)" from 1969 shows Nina at her most blazing and soulfully righteous. This is a storming blues-soul-rock workout with testifying lyrics and some very tasty organ and guitar licks. It owes more than a little to The Beatles song of the same name but I know which one I'd rather storm the barricades to.
Originally on her album "To Love Somebody" (now available on one CD with her "Here Comes The Sun" album) where it was split into two parts, the track has now been restored as one tune on the fantastic compilation "Forever Young, Gifted, & Black: Songs Of Freedom & Spirit."
[Download]
Revolution (Parts 1 & 2) - Nina Simone
5 Comments:
Oh yes. Nina was one of the best. I've been listening to a track of hers titled 22nd Century quite a lot recently.
It'll be interesting in see what Hollywood will do to her legend with this recently announced bio-pic (starring Mary J Blige) they're doing.
My single favorite artists of all time. She's the rare artist whose work gets better with each listen. I'll be playing this stellar tune on the radio tomorrow...
In Paris we talk about "riots" for the moment, because in France the revolution is just televised.
I will always hold dear my opportunity to see Nina Simone at the New Orleans Jazz fest. Apparently she did very few shows in the usa over the last 2 decades of her life, and I'm glad she chose there as a place to be her wonderful self.
That kinda slide-y guitar sound in the breaks between chorus and break sound just like George Harrison too. Amazing track.
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