I’ve only listened to samples of Meshell Ndegeocello’s album of Nina Simone covers, but from what I’ve heard, I’m not feeling it. There are way too many wispy-voiced singers, for starters. People, this is Nina — you need a set of pipes to compete.

One of the exceptions is “The House of the Rising Sun,” with vocals by lesbian folkie Toshi Reagon. Reagon and Ndegecello take this legendary cautionary tale at a brisk pace, and lather on the funk.