Emergency Ward! from 1972, is Nina Simone‘s statement on the Vietnam War, and by dealing with matters more spiritual than political, this album aptly reflects the events of the day. The entire first side consists of an 18-minute medley of George Harrison’s “My Sweet Lord” and a poem by David Nelson called “Today Is a Killer,” set to music by Simone. This is a very strong, gospel-like performance, sometimes resembling the Capitols’ “Cool Jerk” with a call-and-response vocal arrangement – one of Simone’s finest moments.It was performed together with the Bethany Baptist Church Junior Choir of South Jamaica, New York.

Side two consists of the Lennie Bleecher’s Jeremy Wind song “Poppies” and George Harrison’s “Isn’t It A Pity”. Tracks 1 and 3 were recorded on november 18, 1971 at Fort Dix, and track 2 is recorded at the RCA Studio in New York City.

Emergency Ward! is available on audiophile black vinyl.