During the 1960s, Nina Simone readily covered any pop hit that came her way, so one shouldn't be too precious about seeing her back catalogue remixed (and, oh yes, reimagined) by a baker's dozen of dance producers, however unnecessary it may seem.
When you're dealing with a voice as imposing and idiosyncratic as this, breezy house (Madison Park vs Lenny B's The Look of Love) and anaesthetis ed chill-out (François K's Here Comes the Sun) are a waste of time, so only the bolder strategies pay off.
Coldcut refashion Save Me into a sodium-lit techno mantra, while Groovefinder splashes exuberant, retro brass all over Ain't Got No/I Got Life, as if imagining how Simone would have sounded had she signed to Stax. As for the rest, managers of boutique hotels can rejoice at some superior lobby music, but Simone fans shouldn't get too excited.
