**1/2 Chic

LIVE AT THE BUDOKAN

(Sumthing)

If the Rolling Stones can slouch across the world's stages 25 to 35 years after it really mattered, why not Chic? Thus comes this live CD of the number-one disco band's 1996 appearance in Tokyo, memorable for having been the last time that Nile Rodgers and the late Bernard Edwards, the Chic rhythm kings, played together -- Edwards died that very night in his hotel room.

The Budokan show was Chic's first in eight years. Minus original drummer Tony Thompson and silky singers Diva Grey and Alfa Anderson, a new Chic crew resurrected a lot of the old dreamy dance magic on hits like "Dance Dance Dance," "Le Freak," "I Want Your Love," and, with Sister Sledge joining in, "He's the Greatest Dancer" and "We Are Family." Surprise guest guitarist Slash was there too, playing a wild lead on "Le Freak." Still, the band's rustiness shows on this recording. Songs that once whispered and shimmered now walk thickly and sound dark. The Rolling Stones would love it.

-- Michael Freedberg