MUSIC UPFRONT - 01.03.08: Catalogue reviews.

Nina Simone: Tell It Like It Is (Sony BMG 988697056822)

This excellent album contains rarities and previously unreleased tracks from Simone during her 1967-1973 peak. Completists will marvel at the treasures here, which include Simone's original To Be Young Gifted And Black, an Italian version of To Love Somebody and the studio version of the Hair song Ain't Got No - I Got Life which proves, surprisingly, that the hit version - a live take - was indeed more spirited and gutsy.

Aretha Franklin: The Platinum Collection (Rhino/Warner Platinum 8122799665)/Otis Redding: The Platinum Collection (8122799664)

The king and queen of soul take their rightful place on the throne thanks to these splendid sets, which cram 16 of their most celebrated recordings onto digitally remastered collections at budget price. The album contains notable omissions such as Franklin's Respect or Redding's Satisfaction, but what does appear here is solid, sweet and soulful.

Various: New Folk Roots (Rev-Ola CRREV 237)

An updated and expanded version of Island Records' long-deleted Seventies folk/rock sampler has more resonance now than it has had for a while, thanks to the recent folk mini-revival. Charmingly British and as diverse as it is similar, the material on offer here is first-rate. Nick Drake's Road, The Incredible String Band's Black Jack Davey, Fairport Convention's majestic She Moves Through The Fair and Richard & Linda Thompson's When I Get To The Border add to the magic, while Traffic's salute to John Barleycorn is also a vital component of a fine album.