Although I was born toward the end of the period The Twelve Inch covers, I feel like this song has been a part of the American fabric for as long as I’ve been alive. Glad to learn Nile Rodgers is such a nice person too and would expect no less. Can’t wait for Side B tomorrow!
I love Edwards' bass playing so much. Such a groove. I frequently play covers and remixes of Chic tunes, but Le Freak just about always gets the best reaction. Everyone loves to shout "freak out." Ever since I heard that story about the song's origin, I always listen for someone adding in a "fuck off!" when singing along.
Soup for One but they're all good. I showed up early at Chaz and Wilson's UPW NYC one night and Nile was hanging in the corner with some cronies. The band playing for nobody let me sit in and sing Cold Sweat by JB. Nile smiled after a first verse "I don't care..." then I traded off with the lead singer. It was a moment in time never to be forgot but not nearly as great as just the ecstasy of seeing them live twice! Nile's magic is subtle and not everyone benefited from his presence on recordings he produced. I know this from an irate almost made it guy that tried to blame me for leaking a pre-release tape for his downfall! I left that out of my story no names but damn! There, it's out there. I bought a budget disco three CD set for $6 and there's an incredible post Bernard live Good Times on it with the Sugar Hill Gang Hotel Motel Holiday Inn, in the middle. Nile can do almost anything in the studio but he's even better live. Aside from Thelma Houston not many disco acts can claim that as their strong suit. She also has great live tracks on that metal box 3 CD set. Maybe that's something to highlight down the road: The Best Live Disco Acts? Chic's Le Freak was a game changer for every genre at the time because of the guitar riff. Like a method acting affective memory I easily visualize that NJ bar for a joyous feeling. The song made me feel better. Your story made me stop in my tracks again. Friday night! Your story is written like a great song it flows from beginning to the end in a reverse pyramid.
"Good Times" is the first one that comes to mind. It was everywhere.
• Do you think “Le Freak” is the ultimate Chic anthem, or does another song beat it?
See above. :)
• Where did you first hear Chic, on the radio, in a club, or on vinyl?
Radio, most likely, but where I remember actually paying attention it was on a jukebox in the Pizza Hut where I worked then. I want to say it was "Dance Dance Dance".
• And which Nile Rodgers production still blows your mind today?
I really like what he did for Duran Duran. Plus, I love his first solo record, "Adventures in the Land of the Good Groove".
Although I was born toward the end of the period The Twelve Inch covers, I feel like this song has been a part of the American fabric for as long as I’ve been alive. Glad to learn Nile Rodgers is such a nice person too and would expect no less. Can’t wait for Side B tomorrow!
Wow! I had no idea that Edwards was associated the the band New York City. I remember that song well. Not a big hit but catchy enough for me to enjoy it! By the way, this is my Rodgers/Edwards playlist that I keep on Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/nile-rodgers-bernard-edwards/pl.u-oZylPW9TR3k4MA
I love Edwards' bass playing so much. Such a groove. I frequently play covers and remixes of Chic tunes, but Le Freak just about always gets the best reaction. Everyone loves to shout "freak out." Ever since I heard that story about the song's origin, I always listen for someone adding in a "fuck off!" when singing along.
Can’t unhear the song now as ‘Awww, fuck off!’ Great story, Pé.
Soup for One but they're all good. I showed up early at Chaz and Wilson's UPW NYC one night and Nile was hanging in the corner with some cronies. The band playing for nobody let me sit in and sing Cold Sweat by JB. Nile smiled after a first verse "I don't care..." then I traded off with the lead singer. It was a moment in time never to be forgot but not nearly as great as just the ecstasy of seeing them live twice! Nile's magic is subtle and not everyone benefited from his presence on recordings he produced. I know this from an irate almost made it guy that tried to blame me for leaking a pre-release tape for his downfall! I left that out of my story no names but damn! There, it's out there. I bought a budget disco three CD set for $6 and there's an incredible post Bernard live Good Times on it with the Sugar Hill Gang Hotel Motel Holiday Inn, in the middle. Nile can do almost anything in the studio but he's even better live. Aside from Thelma Houston not many disco acts can claim that as their strong suit. She also has great live tracks on that metal box 3 CD set. Maybe that's something to highlight down the road: The Best Live Disco Acts? Chic's Le Freak was a game changer for every genre at the time because of the guitar riff. Like a method acting affective memory I easily visualize that NJ bar for a joyous feeling. The song made me feel better. Your story made me stop in my tracks again. Friday night! Your story is written like a great song it flows from beginning to the end in a reverse pyramid.
• What is your favorite Chic track?
"Good Times" is the first one that comes to mind. It was everywhere.
• Do you think “Le Freak” is the ultimate Chic anthem, or does another song beat it?
See above. :)
• Where did you first hear Chic, on the radio, in a club, or on vinyl?
Radio, most likely, but where I remember actually paying attention it was on a jukebox in the Pizza Hut where I worked then. I want to say it was "Dance Dance Dance".
• And which Nile Rodgers production still blows your mind today?
I really like what he did for Duran Duran. Plus, I love his first solo record, "Adventures in the Land of the Good Groove".