Chris Isaak: Greatest Hits Live

Chris Isaak has almost everything he needs to be a major star: the looks, the voice, the band, the tunes, and the versatility (movie and TV roles, even two shows of his own, including the current The Chris Isaak Hour). Isaak hasn't, however, turned out a lot of hits, which makes the title of this 2005 Soundstage gig a bit of a misnomer. Little matter, as Isaak's sound—a little rock, a bit of country, some surf, a lot of Roy Orbison—is timeless and distinctive. That style is epitomized by “Wicked Game,” which may not only be Isaak's best-known song but his best, period: with its sinuous, reverb-drenched guitar (played beautifully by Hershel Yatovitz, who replaced James Calvin Wilsey years ago), mournful lyrics, and Isaak's effortless slide to falsetto, the hit has lost none of its haunting appeal. Also featured on the 12 song-set are “Baby Did a Bad Bad Thing,” featured in Stanley Kubrick's Eyes Wide Shut, and excellent covers of Orbison's “Only the Lonely” and Neil Diamond's “Solitary Man” (part of a five-song acoustic set in which the guitars are augmented by some tasteful accordion). In fact, everything about this show—including Isaak's funny, self-effacing stage patter, the stunning high-def filmed visuals, and terrific Dolby Digital 5.1 sound—is right in the pocket. DVD extras include three bonus tracks. Definitely recommended. Aud: P. (S. Graham)