Search - Chris Isaak :: Best of Chris Isaak (CD + DVD)

Talented musician... and funny too!

Albert G. Smith Jr. | Daytona Beach, Fl USA | 05/16/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I'm a latecomer to the music of Chris Isaak. Sure, I saw the video for "Wicked game" and thought it was good, but I never bought any albums until about a year ago. While going through a break up, I was seeking out music to drown my sorrow, and was given the suggestion to check out Isaak. I bought one album, and after a couple of listenings, went back and bought three more. I swear, he was writing about my particular situation in several songs. For those that wish to know that they are not alone when feeling the pain of unrequited love, or if you feel that you were "done wrong" by your girl, these are your songs. Besides the subject matter, it doesn't hurt that the band can actually play, and Isaak can actually sing. In a world of manufactured "stars", it is nice to know that some musicians can actually do music.



As for the DVD part of this combo set, it is very well done. Technically, it is basic 2.0 stereo, which was a bit of a let down in a world of 5.1 surround sound, but this is not a limitation. I played the disc in 2.0 and it sounded pretty good. I then set my receiver to Dolby Pro-Logic II, and the sound got even better. It might not be true 5.1, but the music engulfed me and was very balanced from all of the speakers. In short, as I said, the rendering is not a limitation for listening enjoyment. One very unusual thing for a music DVD is the inclusion of Isaak's commentary for each song. I thought this might be some ego driven thing, but no. Chris Isaak is very funny. He has a dry, self-depreciating style of humor that is devoid of ego. The music alone is great, but the commentary is also terrific. Besides the commentary during the songs, also check out the "preamble", where Isaak very cleverly makes light of the production value. While watching very low tech pencil drawings of Isaak and his band in the studio, hear Issak's voice saying, "we were going to use film, and then hand puppets, then they gave me this pencil." And his request to the viewer about to watch the videos which span many years, "While watching the videos, see if you can see when in out career we became bitter." Funny stuff in the context of the visual.



The bottom line, this is a fine "get to know Chris Isaak" set for the uninitiated, and for fans, a chance to hear and watch the music from this talented group. You might also find, as I have, that he is also a very funny guy.

"

Very COOL

Antonio Cunha Silva | Stb, Portugal | 06/11/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"In the old tradition of Cash, Orbison or even Elvis, Isaak is a name that we can easily put side by side with those American kings.



This great collection is missing some memorable hits! How?

"Heart Full of Soul", "Funeral in the Rain", and, specially, "Lie to Me" (one of his best songs)! How could they be left out?! Add to this "Best Of", the older collection "Wicked Game", and the hits were all together.



"Baby did a bad bad thing", originally from "Forever Blue", wich Stanley Kubrick pick it up to haunts us in his last movie, "Eyes Wide Shut" - in wich the song had made a fabulous connection with Nicole Kidman's Alice - is a real nice addition to the older songs.



I think this collection is essential and the top video for "Wicked Game", with Helena Christensen, is worth the pack price alone! Gladly there are plenty more! And all good!



Plus, among other stories - we get to know, by Chris, that the European version of the classic "Wicked Game" video, by Herb Ritts, is more arty and sexy. And the clouds are not a montage as some people might think. Hotel stories - Chris changed room with Helena, during shooting sessions, in Hawaii... And because of that he gets in trouble with his girlfriend. And lots more. Very funny...



Do yourself a favor - buy this magnific set!"

"Look at those white guys dance..."

Geonn W. Cannon | Oklahoma | 05/21/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I've been waiting for a best of Chris Isaak, and this delivers in spades! The music on the CD is perfect by itself, but the videos and commentary are an added bonus. Each part of this deserves five stars... CD, videos, commentary.



Get this if you like any of Isaac's stuff or want to see what all the five-star ratings are about.



Oh, and Chris, if you're reading this? I know what you can do with those puppets in your garage: Sell them! Ebay, brother! ;-D"