The Best of Chic, Vol. 2 (1978-1983)

"26" If you like the first collection, you'll probably like this one more. It nods to a few hidden gems on the better known albums, such as the gorgeous and affecting "At Last I Am Free" from C'est Chic. But it devotes most of its attention to the four albums of the early '80s: Real People, Take It Off, Tongue in Chic, and Believer, none of which produced a hit. While admittedly patchy, each had more high points than low, and it remains fair to call them criminally overlooked. This is incomplete, but it's a fine sampling of music fresh as a shirt from the dry cleaners, crisp and creased and ready to be worn and used well. A night on the town, funny, sophisticated, witty, wry, and dopey by turns. Endless fine moments, bootylicious, danceriffic, hip-shaking, calibah wack in, boodley daken. Nobody sweats outside of gym or bedroom, everyone dances, and they all look very, very good.

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