Chris Isaak (indie,pop rock,rockabilly)
Chris Isaak was probably one of the smoothest/biggest heart-throb of the late 80’s and early 90’s.The guy still has a lot of mainstream fans in Australia, where his records still go platinum. Now his music may not still be mainstream material but a stroll down the mans' discography leads us into a few breath-taking and smooth music. He dabbled a lot with the Elvis meets ZZ Top swagger with his guitar always having his name in white paint. Although his look had a much innocent James Dean feel to it. Solid rhythm when it came to his jumpier and up tempo music(Baby Did A Bad Bad Thing where the ZZ Top influence is clear). And near Elvis like slickness when we talk about ballads and smoother tempo’s. The guitars used in some of the smoother tracks reminisce of the Edge from U2 like in We Let Her Down.
Here are some quintessential tracks from Mr.Isaaks vault (Check into the descriptions for info about the track; musically, lyrically, influence/feel wise. It will give you an idea about what your actually listening and ,well, frankly it saves you some needless Youtube buffering; As the description will let you judge what kind off a song it is and exactly what’s in store for a listener ) :
• We let her Down :
This track has the Edge feel to it when it comes to the rhythm section. A strong mid eighties rock rhythm going on. Solid and stable bass and drums throughout the track give it a very identifiable sense of hard times. Lyrics tell about a girl in the dumps of life because of being uncared by those around her, paints a real somber picture of the dystopia we live in where abandonment and moving-on are terms that no longer have a line dividing them
• Wicked Games :
For those who are familiar with the show called FRIENDS {like that’s a something that’s conditional}, this is the song that Ross and Rachel first made out to. Very unconventional sounding intro, especially the first note, but then the complete bars set in and perfection sinks in, Lyrically its an expression about finding someone in the throes of despair and loneliness, and then realizing just as easily how a wonderful relationship, that seems too good to be true , runs out its course and love dies out.
• Graduation Day :
This probably best defined as a ballad take on the theme that one saw in Bryan Adams summer of 69. its all about that nostalgia that sets in once you remember about someone or some memory of college and it just snowballs from there into a big flashback. Real touchy music if you really get into it, something that each of us will at least have felt if completely but at least a little. Musically this one has a lot many sweet bluesy licks and mini leads that simply melt on your musical palate.
• I’m so Lonesome I could Cry:
Now this is the one I was referring to when I said there’s an Elvis ballad feel to the music. There’s a wee hint of a Jim reeves-y baritone to it if you ask me. A very chilled out and 50’s elegant track.
So that's the guy ,hope you enjoy his music .Silvertone,Heart shaped world and Forever blue are his best albums yet. I really feel that Chris Isaak has still been a dark horse even after this much success, people haven't really given his music its due credit; with his amazing sense for ballads and smooth rhythm laying skills.
Thanks for reading. Your feedback is welcome.
Chris Isaak was probably one of the smoothest/biggest heart-throb of the late 80’s and early 90’s.The guy still has a lot of mainstream fans in Australia, where his records still go platinum. Now his music may not still be mainstream material but a stroll down the mans' discography leads us into a few breath-taking and smooth music. He dabbled a lot with the Elvis meets ZZ Top swagger with his guitar always having his name in white paint. Although his look had a much innocent James Dean feel to it. Solid rhythm when it came to his jumpier and up tempo music(Baby Did A Bad Bad Thing where the ZZ Top influence is clear). And near Elvis like slickness when we talk about ballads and smoother tempo’s. The guitars used in some of the smoother tracks reminisce of the Edge from U2 like in We Let Her Down.
Here are some quintessential tracks from Mr.Isaaks vault (Check into the descriptions for info about the track; musically, lyrically, influence/feel wise. It will give you an idea about what your actually listening and ,well, frankly it saves you some needless Youtube buffering; As the description will let you judge what kind off a song it is and exactly what’s in store for a listener ) :
• We let her Down :
This track has the Edge feel to it when it comes to the rhythm section. A strong mid eighties rock rhythm going on. Solid and stable bass and drums throughout the track give it a very identifiable sense of hard times. Lyrics tell about a girl in the dumps of life because of being uncared by those around her, paints a real somber picture of the dystopia we live in where abandonment and moving-on are terms that no longer have a line dividing them
• Wicked Games :
For those who are familiar with the show called FRIENDS {like that’s a something that’s conditional}, this is the song that Ross and Rachel first made out to. Very unconventional sounding intro, especially the first note, but then the complete bars set in and perfection sinks in, Lyrically its an expression about finding someone in the throes of despair and loneliness, and then realizing just as easily how a wonderful relationship, that seems too good to be true , runs out its course and love dies out.
• Graduation Day :
This probably best defined as a ballad take on the theme that one saw in Bryan Adams summer of 69. its all about that nostalgia that sets in once you remember about someone or some memory of college and it just snowballs from there into a big flashback. Real touchy music if you really get into it, something that each of us will at least have felt if completely but at least a little. Musically this one has a lot many sweet bluesy licks and mini leads that simply melt on your musical palate.
• Blue Hotel :
Typical track with minimal lyrics. Got some good arpeggios and open chord clean guitars in the track with make it all that more pleasant. This stuff could very well be a part of a Quentin Tarantino movie soundtrack like pulp fiction. The feel of the track if I could put a finger on it would be , that off a Westside open highway in an old hotrod and typical squeaky radio playing this ( very Vince Vega)• I’m so Lonesome I could Cry:
Now this is the one I was referring to when I said there’s an Elvis ballad feel to the music. There’s a wee hint of a Jim reeves-y baritone to it if you ask me. A very chilled out and 50’s elegant track.
- Baby did a bad thing (ZZ top vibe anyone?)
So that's the guy ,hope you enjoy his music .Silvertone,Heart shaped world and Forever blue are his best albums yet. I really feel that Chris Isaak has still been a dark horse even after this much success, people haven't really given his music its due credit; with his amazing sense for ballads and smooth rhythm laying skills.
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