Nina Simone

Given her extensive and varied recording catalog, if you're looking for a place to explore the talents of the late Nina Simone, then 1965's I Put a Spell On You is a great place to dip your toes - particular if you want to start with her more pop oriented sides.

As was the case with many mid-1960s releases, Simone's record label had a major say in the material she was allowed to record and it shows on this set which features a truly eclectic mixture including stabs at jazz (the instrumental "Blues On Purpose"), R&B (the title track), French chanson ("Ne Me Quitte Pas") and a number of show tunes.