Best Of Chris Isaak

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.

I love Wicked Game so much I got the new collection for a better sound quality. I like Voodoo and that one is missing, I would have replaced Blue Spanish sky with Voodoo because it is a little sad for me. I never heard of King Without A Castle, but it is right up there with Wicked Game and I love it as well. Instrumental version of Wicked Game is missing, but I didn't like it because you could still hear the vocals slightly. I like the fanmade instrumental on youtube, but it would be nice to have an official instrumental. Never really got into the albums, being a headbanger, but this song King Without A Castle is great, I'll have to pick up some albums in the future.

Did nt even know who he was till I went to his show in Reno. Great showman! Great show so I bought his cd!

Heard a Chris Isaak song on the radio while driving and decided to order one. Order this one just my chanceand it is my new favorite. Love his voice. I also like that the write up sleeve with the cd tells the story behind the writing of each song. Some are “interesting”. Order the cd just to read them.

Case came cracked disc was fine

What can I say. I've always loved Chris Isaak's music. His loving ballads and good looks can't be beat. Every song has something to offer. The DVD has commentary if you want, which gives good insite to each song, with a sense of humor that shows he's human too. I wish there was a DVD on all of his songs. The DVD also offers a couple songs I haven't heard on any of his CDs. Also, the DVD offers the videos without the commentary. I do not like country music, but Chris provides the country side, with rock, stories and heartfelt songs that are relateable. The Dvd/Cd Best of Chris Isaak has a good combination of songs from all of his releases. I like the DVD best because he makes you feel he is singing to you AND he is good looking in a bad boy/good boy old fashion new modern look. Hard to get all of that in one artist.

This album illustrates Isaak’s breadth of musical styles for rockabilly to rock n roll. The thread that ties many together are lyrics about boys and girls and the heartaches of love. The one Chris Isaak song missing from the collection is Graduation Day. Otherwise, a perfect compilation:

Arrived on time and in good condition