Chic
BERNARD EDWARDS - Bass, Arranger, Conductor, Vocals, Producer, Compilation
NILE RODGERS - Guitar, Arranger, Conductor, Producer, Compilation
LUCI MARTIN - Vocals
ROBERT SABINO - Piano, Keyboards, Clavinet
ANDY SCHWARTZ - Keyboards
RAYMOND JONES - Keyboards, Fender Rhodes
TOM COPPOLA - Keyboards
TONY THOMPSON - Drums
JON FADDIS - Trumpet
GEORGE YOUNG - Flute, Tenor Saxophone
ALEX FOSTER - Saxophone
EDDIE DANIELS - Horn
SAMMY FIGUEROA - Percussion
JEANIE FINEBERG - Saxophone
KENNY LEHMAN - Arranger, Producer, Woodwind
ROBERT MILLIKAN - Horn
MECO MONARDO - Horn
BARRY RODGERS - Trombone
JOE ROSSY - Tubular Bells
ELLEN SEELING - Trumpet
JOCELYN BROWN - Vocals
NORMA JEAN - Vocals
LUTHER VANDROSS - Vocals
DAVID LASLEY - Vocals
ROBIN CLARKE - Vocals
MICHELLE COBBS - Vocals
DIVA GRAY - Vocals
ALFA ANDERSON - Vocals
CHIC STRINGS:
ALFRED BROWN - String Contractor
MARIANNE CARROLL - Strings
CHERYL HONG - Strings
KAREN MILNE - Strings
YVES BEAUVAIS - Compilation Producer
JEAN CHARLES COSTA - Liner Notes
MICHAEL MAZZARELLA - Research Coordination
GENE ORLOFF - Concert Master
HOWIE WEINBERG - Digital Remastering
BOB DEFRIN - Art Direction
STEPHEN INNOCENZI - Digital Assembly
CAROL BOBOLTS - Design
Nearly a quarter of a century after Chic first broke onto the Billboard
charts with the top 10 hit "Dance, Dance, Dance," pop music is still
feeling the ripple effects of what was arguably the most influential
band of the disco era. Although Chic's popularity ended in the 1970s,
its unique sound -- sleek strings, thumping bass, funky rhythm guitar,
and catchy keyboard riffs in sparse, yet stylish arrangements -- would
be emulated in future classics from artists as widely divergent as
Queen, Soul II Soul, and Duran Duran. And if this weren't enough, Chic
produced hits -- including the anthemic "We Are Family" -- for female
vocal quartet Sister Sledge. Individually, in the 1980s, its members
generated albums for the likes of Madonna, David Bowie, Debbie Harry,
the B-52's, and numerous others. Dance, Dance, Dance: The Best of Chic
collects the group's biggest and most influential hits of the late
'70s, many of which can be found here in their original 12-inch glory.
Such funk-disco classics as "I Want Your Love" and "My Feet Keep
Dancing" appear on the disc alongside notable non-hits, including the
trumpet-and-flute-inflected "Strike Up the Band," the cool funk anthem
"Chic Cheer" (which would later provide the hook for the Faith Evans
hit "Love Like This"), and the jazzy instrumental "Savoir Faire."
Founded by bassist Bernard Edwards and guitarist Nile Rodgers, Chic
scored five top 40 singles between 1977 and 1979, including the chart
toppers "Le Freak" and "Good Times" (both of which appear on Dance,
Dance, Dance). With Tony Thompson on drums and Norma Jean Wright and
Luci Martin on vocals, Chic became successful not for its lyrical
content (no deep social issues discussed here), but rather its focus on
dance. And if the infectious beats and hooks weren't enough, the
refrains of such hits as "Dance, Dance, Dance," "Le Freak," and
"Everybody Dance" enticed listeners onto the dance floor with their
catchy melodies. As the lyrics to one of the group's biggest hits
states, Chic's mission was to "leave your cares behind," for these were
indeed the "Good Times." Although Chic broke up in the 1980s, and later
reformed in the 1990s, any attempts at a comeback reunion were quashed
when Edwards passed away in April of 1996. Although Chic's hit streak
was relatively short-lived by pop-history standards, Dance, Dance,
Dance is a worthy testament to one of the most important bands of the
disco era.
Regis D'Angiolini - September 13, 2000 CDNOW Copy Editor
You think disco was nothing more than assembly line funk and
freeze-dried beats? Then you need to step into the crisp grooves and
walloping boogie found on this stunning collection of Chic's '70s
recordings. Such hits as "Good Times," "Dance Dance Dance," and "Le
Freak" used the stylistic innovations of James Brown and Sly Stone as a
blueprint for a new era of funk. Bernard Edwards' bass lines are so
provocative they seem to talk, while Nile Rodgers' skeletal guitar runs
hark back to Steve Cropper's slashing style. Sure, the songs don't say
much. Sure, the dance mixes collected here ramble on after about six
minutes. But once you step into these grooves — grooves that
influenced an entire generation of artists from David Byrne to Prince
— you will realize that these were indeed good times.
John Floyd, All-Music Guide
Among the best of disco
"Dance Dance Dance" is the best Chic album, because unlike other "Best
of..." efforts, these are full length (either album versions or 12-inch
singles). As another reviewer opines, that fact makes this compilation
the best value for the money (or otherwise). It is way TOO easy to dog
out disco. But it was equally incredibly easy to dance to, to the point
where it is almost impossible to sit still while this music is playing.
The sound was infectious, which in part is why it is so regularly
sampled even by "musicians" of today (I hope that home-girl Luci Martin
and the rest of the group get their royalties from those today who
flatter by their imitation!). These are among the songs which made
disco what it was. From "Dance Dance Dance" to "I Want Your Love",
"Good Times" and of course "Le Freak", this has all their best. I
cannot think of another disco group which had so many number one hits.
Dance, dance, dance, dance
Keep on, keep on
Dance, dance, dance, dance
Keep on dancin'
Dance, dance, dance, dance
Keep on, keep on
Dance, dance, dance, dance
Dance, dance, dance, dance
[Fade]
EVERYBODY DANCE
Everybody dance, do-do-do
Clap your hands, clap your hands
Everybody dance, do-do-do
Chorus |Clap your hands, clap you hands
Everybody dance, do-do-do
Clap your hands, clap your hands
Everybody dance, do-do-do
Clap your hands, clap your hands
Music never lets you down
Puts a smile on your face
Any time, anyplace
Dancing helps relieve the pain
Soothes your mind, makes you happy again
Listen to those dancing feet
Close your eyes and let go
But it don't mean a thing
If it ain't got that swing
Bop-shoo-wa, bop-shoo-wa, bop-shoo-wa
Repeat chorus
Spinning all around the floor
Just like Rogers and Astaire
Who found love without a care
Stepping to our favorite tune
The good times always end too soon
Everybody's dancing
Lift your feet, have some fun
Come on everybody, get on your feet
Clap your hands
Everybody's screaming
Repeat chorus
LE FREAK
(Chorus:)
Aaahh Freak out!
Le Freak, C'est Chic
Freak out!
Aaahh Freak out!
Le Freak, C'est Chic
Freak out!
Aaahh Freak out!
Le Freak, C'est Chic
Freak out!
Aaahh Freak out!
Le Freak, C'est Chic
Freak out!
Have you heard about the new dance craze?
Listen to us, I'm sure you'll be amazed
Big fun to be had by everyone
It's up to you, It surely can be done
Young and old are doing it, I'm told
Just one try, and you too will be sold
It's called Le Freak! They're doing it night and day
Allow us, we'll show you the way
(chorus)
All that pressure got you down
Has your head spinning all around
Feel the rhythm, check the ride
Come on along and have a real good time
Like the days of stopping at the Savoy
Now we freak, oh what a joy
Just come on down, two fifty four
Find a spot out on the floor
(chorus)
Now Freak!
I said Freak!
Now Freak!
All that pressure got you down
Has your head spinning all around
Feel the rhythm, check the ride
Come on along and have a real good time
Like the days of stopping at the Savoy
Now we freak, oh what a joy
Just come on down, two fifty four
Find a spot out on the floor
(chorus)
I WANT YOUR LOVE
I want your love, I want your love.
I want your love, I want your love.
Do you feel like you ever want
To try my love and see how well it fits?
Baby can't you see, when you look at me
I can't kick this feelin' when it hits
All alone in my bed at night
I grab m pillow and squeeze it tight
I think of you and I dream of you all the time.
What am I gonna do?
I want your love, I want your love.
I want your love, I want your love.
Sometime, don't you feel like you
Never really had a love that's real?
Well, here I am, and who's to say
A better love you won't find today?
Just one chance and I will show you love
Like no other, two steps above.
On your ladder I'll be a peg.
I want your lovin', please don't make me beg.
I want your love, I want your love, ...
GOOD TIMES
Good times, these are the good times
Leave your cares behind, these are the good times
Good times, these are the good times
Our new state of mind, these are the good times
Happy days are here again
The time is right for makin' friends
Let's get together, how 'bout a quarter to ten
Come tomorrow, let's all do it again
Boys will be boys, better let them have their toys
Girls will be girls, cute pony tails and curls
Must put an end to this stress and strife
I think I want to live the sporting life
Good times, these are the good times
Leave your cares behind, these are the good times
Good times, these are the good times
Our new state of mind, these are the good times
A rumor has it that it's getting late
Time marches on, just can't wait
The clock keeps turning, why hesitate
You silly fool, you can't change your fate
Let's cug the rug, a little jive and jitterbug
We want the best, we won't settle for less
Don't be a drag, participate
Clams on the half shell and roller-skates, roller-skates
Good times, these are the good times
Leave your cares behind, these are the good times
Good times, these are the good times
Our new state of mind, these are the good times
Good times! Music turnaround -16 bars-
chorus
MY FEET KEEP DANCING
Dancin, dancin’
My feet keep dancin’, dancin’, dancin’
My feet keep dancin, dancin’
My feet keep dancin’, dancin’, dancin’
I need some help, I get beside myself
And I’ve got so many things in life to do
Like reach for a star or maybe shoot 10 under par
I’d like to do it all before I’m through
Fly into space or maybe save the human race
All of these things seem so appealing
But I’ll never get the chance ‘cause all I do is dance
My mama said my brains are in my feet
Dancin, dancin’
My feet keep dancin’, dancin’, dancin’
My feet keep dancin, dancin’
My feet keep dancin’, dancin’, dancin’
Dancin, dancin’
My feet keep dancin’, dancin’, dancin’
My feet keep dancin, dancin’
My feet keep dancin’, dancin’, dancin’
Papa told me every night when he would scold me
He knew I’d never make him very proud
So I ran away from home to live all alone
And make myself a standout in the crowd
Then it hit, my ideas began to fit
I had to be what I was meant to be
Now my name is up in lights and I hoof here every night
They were right, my brains are in my feet
Dancin, dancin’
My feet keep dancin’, dancin’, dancin’
My feet keep dancin, dancin’
My feet keep dancin’, dancin’, dancin’
Dancin, dancin’
My feet keep dancin’, dancin’, dancin’
My feet keep dancin, dancin’
My feet keep dancin’, dancin’, dancin’
Dancin, dancin’
My feet keep dancin’, dancin’, dancin’
My feet keep dancin, dancin’
My feet keep dancin’, dancin’, dancin’
Dancin, dancin’
My feet keep dancin’, dancin’, dancin’
My feet keep dancin, dancin’
My feet keep dancin’, dancin’, dancin’
Dancin, dancin’
My feet keep dancin’, dancin’, dancin’
My feet keep dancin, dancin’
My feet keep dancin’, dancin’, dancin’
Dancin, dancin’
My feet keep dancin’, dancin’, dancin’
My feet keep dancin, dancin’
My feet keep dancin’, dancin’, dancin’
Dancin, dancin’
My feet keep dancin’, dancin’, dancin’
My feet keep dancin, dancin’
My feet keep dancin’, dancin’, dancin’
Dancin, dancin’
My feet keep dancin’, dancin’, dancin’
My feet keep dancin, dancin’
My feet keep dancin’, dancin’, dancin’
Dancin, dancin’
My feet keep dancin’, dancin’, dancin’
My feet keep dancin, dancin’
My feet keep dancin’, dancin’, dancin’
Dancin, dancin’
My feet keep dancin’, dancin’, dancin’
My feet keep dancin, dancin’
My feet keep dancin’, dancin’, dancin’
MY FORBIDDEN LOVER
My forbidden lover
I don’t want no other
My forbidden lover
I don’t want no other
I fell in love and I didn’t want to do it ‘cause I knew
That your love wasn’t true
You try to hide that sinister appearance
And the lies, those alibis
You’ll give your love to anyone who asks, yes, you do
And I know that it’s true
But still I care and I want to see you there
When I need, yes, indeed you are
My forbidden lover
I don’t want no other
My forbidden lover
I don’t want no other
My forbidden lover
I don’t want no other
My forbidden lover
I don’t want no other
I can’t resist that very strong urges to have you, dear
Oh, please come here
Just let me love you any time and any place we dare
We’ll just let them stare
You want to love everybody and everything you can
You’re the typical man
Yet still and all I’m at your beckon call
When you need, yes, indeed you are
My forbidden lover
I don’t want no other
My forbidden lover
I don’t want no other
My forbidden lover
I don’t want no other
My forbidden lover
I don’t want no other
My love is forbidden
We keep our love hidden
My love is forbidden
We keep our love hidden
My love is forbidden
We keep our love hidden
My love is forbidden
We keep our love hidden
My forbidden lover
I don’t want no other
My forbidden lover
I don’t want no other
My forbidden lover
I don’t want no other
My forbidden lover
I don’t want no other
My forbidden lover
I don’t want no other
My forbidden lover
I don’t want no other
SOUP FOR ONE
Soup for one
When you’re on the run
When you’re by yourself
While there’s someone else
Why must I be so depressed, mmm
I’m feelin’ not like the rest, no
‘Cause I want love to be right
Stay with you, darlin’, all night
Soup for one
When you’re on the run
When you’re by yourself
While there’s someone else
Soup for one
When the evening comes
When you’re all alone
In your empty home
You have that look in your eyes
Just wanted you to be mine, girl
To bathe here in the new light, ooh
And love you with all my might
Soup for one
When you’re on the run
When you’re by yourself
While there’s someone else
Soup for one
When the evening comes
When you’re all alone
In your empty home
Soup for one
When you’re on the run
When you’re by yourself
While there’s someone else