Customer Reviews

Remixed & Reimagined [Vinyl]

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(10)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

I wish the purists would just stay away from these remix projects! They complain that this isn't the Nina Simone (or whoever) they're familiar with and trash the release because of their own hidebound attitudes. The fact is, this a well assembled remix project that should please fans of the jazz-electronica genre (Verve Remixed, etc.), and more open-minded Nina fans as well. Calling this house music is simple-minded. There are beats here to be sure, but the producers take a variety of approaches that honor the original music without trampling it too much. Of course, like most of these remix projects, some efforts are more successful than others, but overall, very solid. I hope there are more in the Remixed & Reimagined series in the pipeline. Meanwhile, the stubbornly literal-minded types should stop buying (and reviewing) these!

The music of the late great Nina Simone is revisited on "Remixed & Reimagined". Unlike remix albums of Blondie (1995's "Remixed Remade Remodeled") and Shirley Bassey (2001's "The Remix Album...Diamonds Are Forever"), "Remixed & Reimagined" features remixes of 13 separate songs, with no repeats. Also unlike those remix albums, this one does not have any house/club/dance remixes (altho' "To Love Somebody" is a funky up-tempo neo-Motown/Phil Spector's Wall of Sound style remix); most of the remixes are similar to (but not as good as) Joe Cladussell's remix of Nina Simone's "Feelin' Good", found on the first "Verve/Remixed" album; the sound/style is called "Chill House or Lounge" on the back of the album.

REMIXED & REIMAGINED consists of 13 tracks. The 13 remixes (13 different songs by 13 different remixers) are from Nina Simone's RCA recordings, originally recorded 1967-1973 (some are remixes of live recordings, none are songs written by Nina Simone). The disc is not packaged in a jewel case; it is cardboard single flap fold-over with a clear plastic disc holder glued inside. There is no booklet, but the inside of the front panel includes original recording dates, which RCA album the song is from, and the remix information. There are no song lyrics, photographs, or additional artwork included.

The biggest problems with this album are that it is (1) hard to find and (2) overpriced. If it was readily available and under ten bucks, I'd be much more enthusiastic about it. Another problem is that the first several tracks are actually much shorter than the times listed ("I Can't See Nobody" is under 3 minutes); they fade-out much too gradually. With that stated, it is an enjoyable collection of both remixed songs and reinterpretations of Nina Simone recordings.

While most of the tracks are standard remixes (new music added to original vocals), a few of the remixes sound more like new instrumental tracks that sample Nina Simone's voice ("Turn Me On" is, as indicated, not a remix but a seven-plus minute Dub).

Since there are so few decent collections of remixed classic recordings, this would be a welcome addition to the collection of anyone who enjoys the genre.

I hope more "Remixed & Reimagined" projects are to come... I suggest Dinah Washington, Josephine Baker, Lena Horne, Eartha Kitt, and, the Mother of Modern Music, Bessie Smith!

Yeah, I know it's also remixed and reimagined. I'm a huge Nina Simone fan, and this album definitely did not disappoint. I have to say that some of the songs are a lot better than others, but the people that worked on this album did a great job of shining light on a whole new way to enjoy her music. I've played it for dozens of my friends, and the consensus is that it rocks.

I like to play it during those late night drives through the hills or while I'm cooking. . . but your results may vary.

I gave it "4 stars" because she has some other (way better in my opinion) songs that they should/could have used in this album. . . but hopefully they'll release a follow-up.

To the other reviewer - "under 10 bucks?" Honey, true Diva's don't come cheap!

This is one of the best remix albums i've heard and is certainly worth every penny. Being a big fan of the Verve remixed albums - this work is in the same vein and masterful. Nina is exceptional and this compilation compliments her artistry perfectly.

i always had very conflicting feelings about Nina Simone. Her ability to give such waight to the waighty issue of her day, raceism, is admerable, and she tackled it with complete courage and honesty, long before most other artists, white or black did.

Yet, when i listen to her, I really have to prepare myself, because this is going to be one HEAVY experiance: listen to Pirate Jenny or Two sisters, or for that matter, most of her work, and it is an emotional, frightening, almost menacing experiance.`You get the feeling she is pissed enough to reach through the speaker and kill you. This is not a critcism, because the music is so genuine, and the racial gripes very well founded in those days. Yet, even when she is singing a love ballad, that vibrato tinged voice sounds deadly serious.

All of which is what makes this album so great. It focuses on her later work, which is more oriented towards rock and pop. The remixes of, say "what I got" or "to love sombody" remind you of how good a singer she was, even outside the heviness of her era, and outside of the fact that her voice is defiantely an aquired taste.

but for me, the selling point has to be "Funkier Than a Misqito's Tweeter" The riff and her approach to the material almost make this a funky piece of hard rock, and the mix is just incredible, taking the song through all kinds of permutations--drums, tablas, studio chatter--and it just KICKS/ Plus, Nina's vindictive, caustic women scorned attitude on this is FUNNY-even she seems to love the humor of it--is a refreshing side of her i have never heard before. It is as if a firebrand preacher is comming down from the alter, and the two of you are sharing scotch, dirty jokes, and ciggarettes. i wish she did more of this.

i found this CD by accident opportunity had opened the door and now i am blessed you can enjoy this CD simply open the door !

I have been listening to Nina Simone for 20 years, before it was cool! I think this album of remixes for the most part, are true to the spirit of her music. If you are a Nina Simone fan, you'll appreciate this album. Of course, not as good as her originals, but they are fun.

If you like Nina Simone(what not to like?)and electronica in the vein of music like the Verve remixed series than you will LOVE this disc. The mixers did justice to Nina by retaining the original vocals and piano work and blending them with the modern marvels of modern mixing. The result is a disc that if the truth were unknown to a novice Nina Simone listener would surely make them a fan. Leaving behind a ton of music I only hope more of the same is to follow. The compatibility is amazing. It is as though her voice were perfect for a genre developed before her time. The marriage is heaven sent.If you have heard the originals I doubt you will be disappointed in this reincarnation of Nina Simone. Her famous "Funkier Than a Mosquito's Tweeter"(has there ever been a more appropriate funkier title?)is a pefect example of the perfect pairing of a modern genre and a classic voice.The black church choir influences on Nina mix like sinners and saints in God's eye's on the classic "Save Me," it's all good. The same can be said for "Go To Hell." She can even take a familiar and often recorded tune like "The Look of Love" sound exceptional and exotic. The Beatle song, "Here Comes The Sun" is revamped by Francois K for a listener friendly jazzy interpretation. The beauty of Nina Simone's style is the meshing of folk, jazz and pop with passion and grace. Mix that with electronica and you have Nina exposed to a whole new generation of listeners that hopefully will be inspired to seek out the original music. It is hard to say what part of Nina's musical persona is best but no doubt it is all suited for remixing . Her bluesy tunes like "My Man's Gone" put her in a league of a few choice artists like Lady Day(Billy Holiday)and the tasty remixing is pure downtempo with a jazz edge.I would recommend this disc to old and new fans(maybe you've heard "Sinnerman" by Felix da Housecat) of Nina Simone and the electronica-remixed genre.

I've been a fan of Nina Simone's for better than 10 years now. Very much in the vein of the Verve Remixed collection (which I absolutely love), this album I think is certainly in the spirit of Nina Simone. Were she still with us today, I think Nina would have very much enjoyed this album.

With a couple of excellent dance grooves and a few moodier pieces, this album satisfies both the old and the new--the flavor of Nina's original recordings still shine through (and are enhanced by) the technological sounds of electronica. Nina's unique perspective when it came to arranging well-known pieces to suit her own musical moods and taste is mirrored here in this compilation of remixed tracks.

They played this CD in the bookstore today and I had to have a copy. I am familiar with Nina Simone's work. I think that this CD is a refreshing interpretation. If you want a good "lounge" CD, this one does not disappoint. To be fair, I also purchased "I Put a Spell on You." So, I have "Classic-Nina" and "Electronica-Nina." What a powerful artist!