If you have a tuntable I'd search out LPs. Of the many recordings and compilations available, I own relatively little. I'd start with her 60's Philips recordings, specifically "Wild Is The Wind". "Raw" is the word I'd use to describe many of these songs. Her rendition of "Lilac Wine" is phenonmenal. "Nina Simone Sings the Blues" put out by RCA is another one. I also have a much later "Baltimore" LP, much of which I like.
If you don't have a turntable I'd be reluctant to buy anything on CD that hasn't been remastered. If you go to yourmusic.com you'll find what's available remastered as well as overviews of many of her recordings.
Good luck.
