I wasn't that crazy about them till a friend of mine dropped a self-made compilation album. I gave it an easy listen,,,,and they won me over

I know couple of songs here and there but I'm not heavy into them.

Hip this ol' gal ya'll

My favorite Chic compilation is also disgustingly cheap (bargain bins everywhere!)



CHIC
Dance, Dance, Dance And Other Hits
1.Le Freak
2.Rebels Are We
3.Soup For One
4.Everybody Dance
5.Dance, Dance, Dance (Yowsah, Yowsah, Yowsah)
6.Good Times
7.My Forbidden Lover
8.Real People
9.Chip Off The Old Block
10.I Want Your Love

start with this excellent compilation for the 70s hits...

and then grab Volume 2 for the early 80s hits and key album tracks...

I cant really help that much, cause I listen mainly to the original albums, even though I have a couple of compilations as well... but whtever you pick, make sure it has the long versions included



or save time and grab all of them regular albums in the first place

Dancelot said:

How are their 80s albums? I only have the three albums from the 70s,but noe of their 80s stuff.

DavidEye said:

Their 70s albums are better, no doubt. The post 80s were not very consistent, sometimes lacking inspiration or strong song ideas, also they were partially adapting the chic sound to new technologies with somtimes not so satisfying results...

but you'll find a couple of good tracks on ALL of the later albums as well "Just out of reach" is my fave post 70 chic track for sure. Funky shit!

I would rank the post 80 albums in this order (from best to worst)

Take it off (1981)
Tongue in Chic (1982)
Chic-ism (1992)
Believer (1983)

Bernard Edwards solo album from 1983 "Glad to be here" also has some very fine gems on it, and it would qualifiy as an unofficial Chic album, since the whole gang and many guests were on it (Nile Rodgers, Tony Thompson, Alfa Anderson, Luci Martin, Eddie Martinez, Luther Vandross, Ray Chew, Yogi Horton, Jocelyn Brown etc.)

also don't forget about Nile Rodgers solo works, nothing that would have been called album of the year, but always interesting enough.


check it all out on http://www.chictribute.com/ you get soundclips from most songs and albums, including the solo works

Dancelot said:

Thanks for the info,and yes,that Chictribute site is GREAT

As far as their 80s work goes,I remember buying the 45 of their 1981 single "Stage Fright".That's such a cool groove!

I wish that there was a Chic anthology that could also include work that they did for other artists, songs like Thinking Of You, We Are Family, Somebody Loves Me, He's The Greatest Dancer, You're A Friend To Me, Easier To Love, Reach Your Peak, I'm A Good Girl, Lost In Music, How To Love, Let's Go On Vacation, etc. for Sister Sledge, High Society, This Is The One for Norma Jean, I'm Coming Out, Upside Down, Have Fun Again, for Diana Ross, Spacer for Sheila and B. Devotion, as well as later Chic tracks like One and Only One , and Keep Doin That Thing, from Chic-ism...





...
[Edited 5/4/05 7:18am]

For the casual Chic consumer, I recommend picking up The Best of Chic series, Volumes 1 & 2. You'll find all of the major warhorses on there such as "Good Times," "Le Freak" and "I Want Your Love." Plus, you get those moderate hits/album jewels from the later LPs (especially on Vol. 2) such as "Will You Cry (When You Hear This Song)," "Soup For One," "Rebels Are We" and "You Are Beautiful." Great comp.

But if want to keep it real, I suggest you just pick up the actual albums C'est Chic (1978) and Risqué (1979). They're essential from start to finish.

.
[Edited 5/4/05 8:14am]

paligap said:

I'd kill for a compilation like that!

CinisterCee said:

[quote]

That is the best, outside of getting the actual full albums (cds)

I just found Norma Jeans album on CD with "Saturday" and "High Society" on it and a Compilation with Sheila B. Devotions "Spacer". Chic was a great group. I met Nile Rogers a two years ago....VERY COOL DOWN TO EARTH GUY. He signed my copy of "C'EST CHIC"

CinisterCee said:

That's actually a mediocre compilation.Only ten songs?! Where is "My Feet Keep Dancing","Savior Faire","Strike Up The Band" and key album tracks like "At Last I Am Free"?

DavidEye said:

David! I think it's perfect for the casual consumer, and indecently affordable. If you want that other shit, start coppin' the albums!

CinisterCee said:

No,it's a crap compilation.Chic deserves better than that


get the two CDs that I recommended above

alright... we'll see who wins...



AT THE CASH REGISTER

CinisterCee said:

Just so you know,I always stay away from those cheap,bargain-priced compilations.I prefer a thorough,complete compilation with not just the hits,but the key album tracks as well.Rhino Records,who are responsible for those two CDs I recommended,always does a kickass job with compilations.There are some excellennt,detailed liner notes....superb remastering,which you don't always find on those "cheap" compilations.Spend a few more bucks,boy,it won't kill you

I have heard those 2 compilations you suggested and they are good, but I feel like... why buy 2 compilation CDs?

If you are willing to invest in not one but TWO cds, you could get closer to your actual goal by buying the first two albums.

Sorry, I meant C'est Chic (1978) and Risqué (1979).


[Edited 5/6/05 6:08am]

CinisterCee said:

The first two albums?? What about the third album 'Risque'??

DavidEye said:

Sorry, second and third.

CinisterCee said:

I guess if you're a casual fan,you will be satisfied with one cheap compilation.But I'm a diehard Chic fan,so I have no problem with buying two compilations and the actual albums too.Hell,I must have about six Earth Wind and Fire compilations,in addition to all of their albums too.

True..

a person needs the song "Chic Cheer" which isn't on the cheapo comp.

CinisterCee said:

that's what I'm talking about.There are many key album tracks that are important when you're exploring their catalog.The "hits" only tell part of the story.