Top Of The Pops 1982 - BBC4

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Robbie01

15-11-2016

Off the top of my head, my top 10 Nile / Bernard Chic Organization tracks:

1. Le Freak - Chic
2. Spacer - Sheila B Devotion
3. Good Times - Chic
4. Lost In Music - Sister Sledge
5. Upside Down - Diana Ross
6. Why - Carly Simon
7. Dance, Dance, Dance - Chic
8. Saturday - Norma Jean Wright
9. Thinking Of You - Sister Sledge
10. I'm Coming Out - Diana Ross

Servalan

15-11-2016

Originally Posted by ramraider1:
“Any way - can't resist your gauntlet, Andy.

1.Spacer - Sheila & B Devotion
2.Upside Down - Diana Ross
3.Good Times - Chic
4.Thinking of you - Sister Sledge
5.He's the greatest dancer - Sister Sledge
6.Everybody Dance - Chic
7.We are family - Sister Sledge
8.I want your love - Chic
9.I'm coming out - Diana Ross
10.Why - Carly Simon

There are 2 wonderful Chic tracks on the LP 'C'est chic' entitled 'Happy Man' and the sublime 'Sometimes you win' I did not include these as they were not singles. Another good track is Sister Sledge's 'Pretty Baby'.

I've only included singles where Nile and Bernie both featured.”

Glad I'm not the only fan of 'Happy Man' (which features some amazing bass guitar courtesy of Bernard Edwards). C'est Chic also includes a stunning ballad, 'At Last I Am Free', which was subsequently covered by (of all people) Robert Wyatt and, later, Elisabeth Fraser.

As for a Chic Top Ten - so difficult, but how could I not join in the fun?

1. Upside Down (Chic mix) - Diana Ross
2. Why (12") - Carly Simon
3. Lost In Music (1984 12" remix) - Sister Sledge
4. Spacer - Sheila & B Devotion
5. He's The Greatest Dancer - Sister Sledge
6. Good Times - Chic
7. Rebels Are We - Chic
8. My Old Piano (Chic mix) - Diana Ross
9. Thinking Of You - Sister Sledge
10. Le Freak - Chic

Those Chic mixes of the Diana Ross tracks are the original versions of the tracks before a misguided Ross instructed Motown to remix them. They languished in the vaults for years but were released not that long ago on a 'Deluxe edition' of the diana album … which is largely significantly better than the 1980 release, IMHO.

Scott_Whitton

15-11-2016

I see we are to be getting a John Peel double on the 1st and 2nd of December with the shows from 23rd September and 14th October (two Yewtrees in between, of course).

SgtRock

15-11-2016

Originally Posted by Andy_JS:
“It's possible to watch the 26th August 1982 episode of TOTP online, but can't find 2nd September at the moment. Hopefully someone has a copy.”

I think the 2nd Sept is one of those with mute links, and it's another where it could have been fixed with the audio from a private recording, but the BBC wouldn't bother with this one as it's Savile. I would expect that episode to appear somewhere next week.

Robbie01

15-11-2016

Originally Posted by Servalan:
“Glad I'm not the only fan of 'Happy Man' (which features some amazing bass guitar courtesy of Bernard Edwards). C'est Chic also includes a stunning ballad, 'At Last I Am Free', which was subsequently covered by (of all people) Robert Wyatt and, later, Elisabeth Fraser.

As for a Chic Top Ten - so difficult, but how could I not join in the fun?

1. Upside Down (Chic mix) - Diana Ross
2. Why (12") - Carly Simon
3. Lost In Music (1984 12" remix) - Sister Sledge
4. Spacer - Sheila & B Devotion
5. He's The Greatest Dancer - Sister Sledge
6. Good Times - Chic
7. Rebels Are We - Chic
8. My Old Piano (Chic mix) - Diana Ross
9. Thinking Of You - Sister Sledge
10. Le Freak - Chic

Those Chic mixes of the Diana Ross tracks are the original versions of the tracks before a misguided Ross instructed Motown to remix them. They languished in the vaults for years but were released not that long ago on a 'Deluxe edition' of the diana album … which is largely significantly better than the 1980 release, IMHO.”

'At Last I Am Free' is a wonderful ballad and 'Happy Man' is a great track too. I owned the album 'Tres Chic' which contained both tracks. It was meant to be the UK version of 'C'est Chic' but was deleted almost as soon as it was released. Allegedly it was because Bernard Edwards wasn't happy with the image on the cover as he felt it didn't reflect what Chic were about plus he found the image demeaning to women. It looks like Atlantic Records in the UK just wanted to put a picture of a good looking model on the cover and didn't consult with the group before the album was released.

https://www.discogs.com/Chic-Tr%C3%A...release/546070

The album was hastily replaced with 'C'est Chic' as the official release after just a few days. I still have the 'Tres Chic' album. It's certainly something of a rarity as so few copies of it were sold.

Servalan

15-11-2016

Originally Posted by Robbie01:
“'At Last I Am Free' is a wonderful ballad and 'Happy Man' is a great track too. I owned the album 'Tres Chic' which contained both tracks. It was meant to be the UK version of 'C'est Chic' but was deleted almost as soon as it was released. Allegedly it was because Bernard Edwards wasn't happy with the image on the cover as he felt it didn't reflect what Chic were about plus he found the image demeaning to women. It looks like Atlantic Records in the UK just wanted to put a picture of a good looking model on the cover and didn't consult with the group before the album was released.

https://www.discogs.com/Chic-Tr%C3%A...release/546070

The album was hastily replaced with 'C'est Chic' as the official release after just a few days. I still have the 'Tres Chic' album. It's certainly something of a rarity as so few copies of it were sold.”

Chic were very savvy with their image, driven by their love of Roxy Music, and the cover of the Chic album - two models - was obviously a nod to the likes of Country Life. But they clearly wanted to make a mark with their own image - clearly with Bryan Ferry's love of suits in mind - hence the image of the well-dressed, elegant group on the front of C'est Chic, Risqué and Real People. Bernard Edwards wasn't just a top notch bassist …

Boz_Lowdownl

15-11-2016

Originally Posted by Servalan:
“Glad I'm not the only fan of 'Happy Man' (which features some amazing bass guitar courtesy of Bernard Edwards). C'est Chic also includes a stunning ballad, 'At Last I Am Free', which was subsequently covered by (of all people) Robert Wyatt and, later, Elisabeth Fraser.

As for a Chic Top Ten - so difficult, but how could I not join in the fun?

1. Upside Down (Chic mix) - Diana Ross
2. Why (12") - Carly Simon
3. Lost In Music (1984 12" remix) - Sister Sledge
4. Spacer - Sheila & B Devotion
5. He's The Greatest Dancer - Sister Sledge
6. Good Times - Chic
7. Rebels Are We - Chic
8. My Old Piano (Chic mix) - Diana Ross
9. Thinking Of You - Sister Sledge
10. Le Freak - Chic

Those Chic mixes of the Diana Ross tracks are the original versions of the tracks before a misguided Ross instructed Motown to remix them. They languished in the vaults for years but were released not that long ago on a 'Deluxe edition' of the diana album … which is largely significantly better than the 1980 release, IMHO.”

I am another who loves "Why", bought it at the time. One of those few songs that (so far) everyone who has commented on only has praise for. I would also have it at Number 2 but would have your Number 3 as my Number 1. However, thanks to the wonders of modern technology I have just listened to "At Last I am Free" and my reaction is

for the love! Perhaps it needs a few more listens!

ianradioian

15-11-2016

C'eat Chic is a great old album

I've always loved it, and the track Happy Man.

ianradioian

15-11-2016

Originally Posted by Boz_Lowdownl:
“I am another who loves "Why", bought it at the time. One of those few songs that (so far) everyone who has commented on only has praise for. I would also have it at Number 2 but would have your Number 3 as my Number 1. However, thanks to the wonders of modern technology I have just listened to "At Last I am Free" and my reaction is for the love! Perhaps it needs a few more listens!”

I've always loved Carly Simon's Why

Servalan

15-11-2016

I heard Robert Wyatt's cover of 'At Last I Am Free' before I heard the Chic original - which gives the song a very different atmosphere (and possibly interpretation?) …

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6xQx4G11pRo

Elizabeth Fraser's version feels different to me again (and less ambiguous) - possibly because her relationship difficulties are well documented …

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vVj-BA0Zufk

starry

15-11-2016

Carly Simon's Why is obviously catchy and has an expressive vocal but I wouldn't say it's among my very favourite songs by her or among my very favourite Chic tracks. The production is very middle of the road 80s American, and the focus might be too strong on the chorus hook. I did a search on youtube looking for covers of it and couldn't find any straight away, but I could for other songs like You're So Vain.

mickmars

15-11-2016

Originally Posted by Jedikiah:
“Yes, it was definitely Nile and Bernard in combination, that made it work so well. Their output with Chic, and then when working with the likes of Sister Sledge, Sheila B Devotion, DIana Ross and Carly Simon, at best presented a rather cool and classy sound. I was never sure Diana Ross' voice fitted the material so well as the others, as it didn't strike me as being quite so cool and exotic sounding. Sheila B Devotion, though, fitted the bill perfectly.

Carly Simon's "Why" does seem in retrospect, to be their last great moment, and the last one which shows their classic Chic sound coming together most effectively. Chic's final album from 1983 seemed marred by terrible over production, which seems to completely take away all those elements that made them great in the first place. They were definitely desperate to remain contemporary sounding at this time, but they were no longer setting the trends anymore - they were following others (one could also argue that was a knock on effect of the anti disco backlash from 79). Bernard Edwards bass lines were such an integral part of the charm of the Chic sound, because alone, Nile Rodgers doesn't strike me as being nearly so effective, although i did enjoy some of his work on David Bowie's 'Let's Dance' album. However, sometimes though, it is also a case of wanting to move on, and not risk repeating yourself. The producers role by the mid eighties was also becoming seen as almost as important as the acts themselves. I really didn't care for Nile's production work for Madonna, Mick Jagger and Duran Duran, amongst others, during the eighties.”

I don't think the drummer Tony Thompson should be forgotten either,
His drumming was fantastic on those Chic songs - and the Power Station band

Servalan

15-11-2016

Originally Posted by mickmars:
“I don't think the drummer Tony Thompson should be forgotten either,
His drumming was fantastic on those Chic songs - and the Power Station band”

One of the best drummers - ever.

Spookily, today is his birthday (according to Nile Rodgers' Twitter feed) … so kind of appropriate we're talking about Chic!

Jedikiah

15-11-2016

Originally Posted by mickmars:
“I don't think the drummer Tony Thompson should be forgotten either,
His drumming was fantastic on those Chic songs - and the Power Station band”

Yes, you are spot on, mickmars. I was thinking more along the lines of the Nile Rodgers/Bernard Edwards partnership as in songwriting primarily, but, yes, Tony mustn't be forgotten.

Robbie01

15-11-2016

Originally Posted by Servalan:
“One of the best drummers - ever.

Spookily, today is his birthday (according to Nile Rodgers' Twitter feed) … so kind of appropriate we're talking about Chic!”

I've just checked - it was indeed his birthday today, born 15 November 1954. Sadly, he's no longer with us, having died at only 48 of cancer on 12 November 2003

https://www.theguardian.com/news/200...artsobituaries

ramraider1

15-11-2016

Originally Posted by Avid Eighties:
“Great list and I wouldn't disagree with many, except I would almost have it upside down (if you pardon the pun ). My top three would be

1. Why
2. I'm Coming Out
3. Thinking of You”

Crikey I've missed out Lost in music !!!
Back to the drawing board.

ramraider1

15-11-2016

A fine appreciation of Chic's work. I agree about the mastery of Bernaaaaard's baseline playing. Also agree that Diana's voice was not the best suited to Chic's production style - nonetheless Upside Down was still one of their best compositions.
One criticism is that their 12 inch versions are a bit on the repetitive side and often I prefer the shorter 7 inch version of their dance classics.

I have to admit however to still enjoying a lot of Nile's solo production work.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PLnYoHsOVJM

The link above is for Happy Man should the track be unfamiliar to you and of interest.

By the way, which of the 2 Nile of Bernard does the vocals?

North Downs

15-11-2016

Originally Posted by LittleGirlOf7:
“Was that a bunch of 12 year olds in the studio?

Told you before...the Keith Harris Show's next door.”

Originally Posted by ukcarter:
“I was wondering how they could pass for 16 and thought it was just the deely boppers”

JS was letting them in round the back.

faversham saint

15-11-2016

Originally Posted by aiwacat:
“My experience is completely the reverse. I loved the track as an 11-year-old, and it was one of a very small number of singles I bought. These days, however, I really don't enjoy it at all. It just seems so plodding, with that histrionic hair-metal vocal and godawful lyrics.”

Survivor's lead vocalist apparently thought it was cool to wear a beret but in Britain the Frank Spencer image may have made him look more accident prone than street wise.

http://www.celebritynetworth123.com/...ve-bickler.jpg

Originally Posted by UrsulaU:
“When you compare the youth of the early 80s to the youth of today - there was no internet to browse, sex was rarely seen on TV except for the odd late night film, there was little or no sex education in schools & the only time you read about it in magazines were if you were able to reach up to the top shelf (which very few people under about 5 ft 5 could actually do)! ”

These days we have to sit through PC chocolate commercials about disabled women in wheelchairs performing sex acts on their boyfriends.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YgUqmKQ9Lrg

mickmars

15-11-2016

Originally Posted by Jedikiah:
“Yes, you are spot on, mickmars. I was thinking more along the lines of the Nile Rodgers/Bernard Edwards partnership as in songwriting primarily, but, yes, Tony mustn't be forgotten.”

Thompson played drums on Bowie's Let's Dance, Madonna's Like a Virgin too,most of the early sister Sledge stuff,the Diana Ross (chic) album and the Power Station
He was a rock drummer,who played funk - a genuinely hard hitter

ramraider1

15-11-2016

Having earlier had a go at 12inch Chic productions, I should however state that the 12 inch 1984 remix of Lost in Music featuring Le Bon and Andy Taylor on backing vocals is one of the best 12 inch singles ever produced along with Blue Monday, The Crown and Let's Start II Dance Again.

UrsulaU

15-11-2016

Originally Posted by faversham saint:
“These days we have to sit through PC chocolate commercials about disabled women in wheelchairs performing sex acts on their boyfriends.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YgUqmKQ9Lrg”

I hate that advert! Crap idea & even worse acting!

- If that's what's considered as innovative these days, then I dread to see what else they'll come up with!

Brummy Girl

15-11-2016

Originally Posted by starry:
“Carly Simon's Why is obviously catchy and has an expressive vocal but I wouldn't say it's among my very favourite songs by her or among my very favourite Chic tracks. The production is very middle of the road 80s American, and the focus might be too strong on the chorus hook. I did a search on youtube looking for covers of it and couldn't find any straight away, but I could for other songs like You're So Vain.”

Why was sampled on this song by Glamma Kid FT Shola Ama in 1999 (the video doesn't start properly until 21 seconds in) https://youtu.be/nbj2OCge1UU

Nick G

15-11-2016

Quick mention for arguably the greatest chart achievement by any album or single ever. The number one album in the week of November 18th 1965, 1966, 1967 and 1968 was....

cody jarrett

15-11-2016

Let me join the masses in praise of Carly Simon's Why.

For those searching for songs that sampled it, this one immediately sprang to mind.

A Tribe Called Quest - Bonita Applebum
https://m.youtube.com/?reload=7&rdm=...?v=gA9kQdE9rCA

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