The truth is, even if you never bought a record like “Le Freak,” Chic’s wall-to-wall late 1970s hit, Nile Rodgers was all over your radio dial anyway.

Funky guitarist, gifted composer, hipster arranger, giving philanthropist and hit-making svengali, Nile Rodgers is just as chic as ever.

We were reminded of Kool and the Gang’s rump-shaking joys all over again when they were invited to serve as opening act on Van Halen’s ongoing reunion tour. You May Also Like: James Taylor – ‘One Man Band’ (2007; 2019 reissue) Barista – ‘Open Sesame Vol. 2: Press Rewind’ (2021)

Former Talking Heads Chris Frantz and Tina Weymouth are returning to their Tom Tom Club side project, started in 1981 during an earlier break with the band. You May Also Like: Chris Frantz – ‘Remain in Love: Talking Heads, Tom Tom Club, Tina’ (2021): Books Ever Wonder How David ByrneRead More

Originally released in 1976, loverman/maestro Barry White’s sixth album — despite including three monster hit singles, including the title song, “You See The Trouble With Me” and “Baby, We Better Try To Get It Together” — somehow had gone out of print. That is, before this new reissue from Hip-ORead More

The only concert I’ve ever walked out of was Depeche Mode. This was during the Music For The Masses tour at the old Boston-area Great Woods shed. The primary reason was musical: just too much, uh … sameness You May Also Like: Medeski Martin & Wood with Alarm Will SoundRead More

VH1 will pay tribute to “Soul Train” creator and founder Don Cornelius with a Friday, February 3rd re-airing of the Emmy-Award nominated documentary “Soul Train: The Hippest Trip in America.” You May Also Like: Brian Groder Trio – R Train on the D Line (2016) Nick Frater – ‘Full FathomRead More

Disco had its moments, even amidst dark days when pointing straight up counted as a dance move.

The sophomore release from the best cartoon-band in the world found them skirting that dreaded sophomore-slump, for the most part. Out is Dan the Automator, in is Grey Album conspirator Danger Mouse, and the difference is notable in the tone of the album. Where the self-titled release was a littleRead More

Even though it’s really a dance record, I loved the old-school touches from Groove Collective — like an organ, vibes and a flute (memorably tooted on “Rashaanasong” from this self-titled release). It’s like Basie by way of Bootsy. When the cacophony crescendoes, there’s even the pure fusion expansiveness of turn-of-the-1970sRead More