Chic: Live at the Budokan

Bassist Bernard Edwards, guitarist Nile Rodgers, and a revitalized version of the influential outfit they formed in the 1970s, join together for this 1996 Chic concert at Tokyo's famed Budokan, featuring a full band, horn section, three vocalists, and trio of backup dancers—which, in essence, creates a house party effect. As Rodgers says, “We came here to dance and party and have a good time,” which the band does in this nine-song set that also features Sister Sledge joining the lineup for the Rodgers-produced tracks “He's the Greatest Dancer” and “We Are Family” (the latter becoming an extended audience sing-along). Although Rodgers does most of the talking, his partner Edwards solos on the #1 hit “Good Times,” which Nile describes as “the beginning of hip-hop,” a not-so-idle boast, since everyone from the Sugarhill Gang (“Rapper's Delight”) to Queen (“Another One Bites the Dust”) has referenced or sampled it. The concert also incorporates another chart-topper, “Le Freak,” which sounds great until Guns ‘n' Roses and Velvet Revolver guitarist Slash (née Saul Hudson) gives the funk track a metal edge it never had (or needed). Sadly, Edwards—who at one point admits, “I'm a little sick tonight; I've got the Tokyo flu”—died of pneumonia two days after this show. Presented in Dolby Digital 5.1 and stereo, DVD extras include audio commentary by Rodgers, text bios, and a discography. Recommended. Aud: P. (K. Fennessy)