Another Reason to Like Chris Isaak
by Christian TotoRed-blooded males aren’t supposed to stock their CD shelves – or iPod Shuffles – with songs by handsome crooner Chris Isaak. But I’ve got plenty of Isaak’s music spread throughout my eclectic collection – being a fan of both Dwight Yoakam and the Monkees qualifies the “eclectic” label.
It isn’t just Isaak’s retro music, a heady crush of rockabilly and no-nonsense pop that endears him to me. It’s his attitude. He’s hopelessly self deprecating, a singer with talented pipes and a movie marquee mug who never gets lost in his own hype.
He’s also smart enough to know his limitations. Just listen to him dodge a baited question from a Washington Post interviewer over the weekend.
Isaak, a San Francisco native who chatted with the paper to promote a D.C.-area gig, was asked his thoughts on California’s economic crisis.
“But I should say that I, and the rest of entertainers, don’t know a god-durned nothing about policies. We’re too busy self-aggrandizing to come up with any solutions. It’s amazing how many entertainers can find time between adopting children to tell you how to live your life.”
That’s music to my ears.
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89 Comments
Interestingly enough i just maxed out my Ipod and some of my new stuff is Chris Isaak. I never really got him beyond the creepy sexy foolish game. My brother has liked him for years.
I'm gonna give him a listen.
Try "Cheater's Town". He still has his magic!
Very wise words from a man why doesn't take himself as seriously as the rest of Hollywood.
Huh. Refreshing!
It is just as refreshing to listen to someone who knows what they don't understand as it is to hear a true master speak about what they do understand. Both can impart great lessons to those who are willing to listen but you have to be willing to have an open mind to listen. That seems to be something that the "tolerant" and "peaceful" have forgotten of late.
As for Eclectic? Hahahaha
My selections include Bagpipes, Bluegrass, Mozart, 7Seconds, Primus, Beethoven, (though not the Fifth) Metallica, Folk, Blues, Jazz, The Doors … is that enough to qualify me?
Sign me – EclecticWard
Wow – didn't know these kinds of people – entertainers – knew how to abstain from anything. Good for him – I'll add him to my eclectic iPod mix as well.
WarTip – did you steal my iPod by chance? Add in a dash of Boston, Linkin Park and Daughtry and that's me as well.
Nice little article there. I respect a man who rates more time for fishing with his brother as highly as hosting a talk show.
His new CD Lucky Man is really good and that quote makes me want to go to Itunes and download a couple more of his albums.
I always go out on a limb with some women when I say that Chris Isaak is the only performer who can sing of how badly a man's heart can break. When our hearts break, we're like cats who know they're dying. We go look for someplace to hide so no one can watch our agony.
"No sense to go on living,
Still there's a lot to do,
New tears to cry, old songs to sing,
And feel forever blue."
Excuse me. . .I've got something in my eye.
saw him last week, we did…
At the Ryman in Nashville- the former Grand Ol' Opry, fer cryin' out loud. As you might expect Chris was up for the show. His repertoire of rockabilly. romance and standards is a good as anybodys. All man, too- not a girly type like just about everyone- Jon Bongiovi included- and a hit with both sexes. As the girl (lady, more appropriately) who scammed a quick lap dance off of him as he worked the audience as he is wont to do.
He needs to be tapped to do a Bond film title song- the great mystery is why it hasn't happened yet… and 'Wicked Game' is still one of the best videos ever and, ahem, works quite well with putting a tender young thing in the mood, so to speak…
I love CROONERS's…. I have not bought his new CD…. and will for my birthday!!!
I just loved that quote from Isaak especially the dig at celebrities busy adopting kids. Has anyone else watched the comedy series he had on Showtime a few years back? It was really funny. His bandmates were pretty good as actors.
I also liked the Chris Isaak Show on Showtime. Some made fun of him for being "normal", not a Hollywood type. He seemed pretty grounded since the first time I saw him interviewd years ago. It's great to see he has not changed..
Breath of fresh air indeed — who knew entertainers — genuinely talented ones, not the likes of limo liberal Rosario Dawson — had it in 'em? So very, very glad I successfully swerved to avoid hitting Mr. Isaak crossing Sunset, a guitar in each hand after a House of Blues gig, the week I moved out here 13 years ago.
P.S. Christian, didn't know there was something wrong about red-blooded owning Isaak's CDs. Looks just right in an "I" section on my shelves next to the Billy Idol, INXS and Iron Maiden.
I never really gave the guy a chance.
I think now I will. Thanks.
That is awesome to know – Isaak has always been an interesting performer. Now he's even more interesting!
[...] Another Reason to Like Chris Isaak by Christian Toto [...]
"We’re too busy self-aggrandizing to come up with any solutions."
Oh, it's not just entertainers, Isaac.
What a wicked thing to say.
Smart man.
he is the only performer i will pay a ticket to see…his concerts are fantastic!
More wisdom in three sentences than I've heard from Washington D.C. in SEVEN MONTHS! Thanks Chris!
i would add lyle lovett to your list. he broke my heart when he married julie, but more than made up for that when he came to his senses. sometimes hollywood's ridiculous lights blind the best of us.
If only EVERY celebutard would say the same thing. Every time I hear some Hollywood idiot tell people how to live, I just want to punch them in the head and scream "Shut up and entertain!"
Good on you, Chris Isaak. And at the same time, it's sad that we have to take time out to praise somebody for just using common sense.
Heart Shaped World is one of my favorite cds. Ever.
Extra bonus: He doesn't look like Lyle Lovett (who is monotonous after the first three songs).
And I'll have an extra helping of Dwight Yoakam and the Monkees, please.
I bought San Francisco Days and Baja Sessions when they came out new and still enjoy listening to it. You have to love the sound of his Gretsch electric guitar!
"If you're listening to a rock star in order to get your information on who to vote for, you're a bigger moron than they are. Why are we rock stars? Because we're morons. We sleep all day, we play music at night." – Alice Cooper
I saw him perform a few months back and part of his elaborate stage show featured a rumble between Bush and Obama. Rock 'em, sock 'em with no winner. Cooper then came onstage and kicked them both off, declaring that this was HIS stage. Subtle, not. But refreshing.
I really liked That thing you Do
good call
well played!!
Great post.
I've always loved Chris Isaak's music and respectfully disagree with the assumption that "red-blooded males" aren't supposed to stock their music collection with his songs.
There's a clear "retro-masculine" quality to both Chris and his music — the way men used to be, look and talk, and they way men used to relate to women before they got all "metrosexualized" and became indistinguishable as a gender.
As my wife remarked as we were leaving a Coldplay concert (don't ask…) earlier this week, surrounded by twenty-somethings, "where have all these feminine men come from?"
Believe Paula Cole asked it best, Joe: Where have all the cowboys gone?
That's right, I have that CD, too.
Bonjovi always seemed to me like his mom ironed his t-shirts before gigs.
he is a twerp…
and what a great screen name… for '2001' trivia buffs…
Much thanks, Christian.
I first discovered Chris Isaak's music while sitting in a dark movie theater watching David Lynch's "Wild at Heart". On the way home from the movie, I stopped by the music store and purchased the soundtrack. Listening to the CD on the way home and, repeatedly, to Isaak's three songs at home, I kicked myself for not purchasing Isaak's CD's instead (Cage doing Elvis — not entertainment).
Since then, I've purchased each of Isaak's new CD's as soon as available. I have never been disappointed with his music, just at the recent infrequency of its release.
As to red-blooded males listening to Isaak … there is no more a target rich environment than a Chris Isaak concert. Take my word. Better yet, go see him for yourself. No regrets.
I always liked Chis, his music and his style.
Lyle Lovett too!
Add Silence of the Lambs to his movie credits…
Erie native has to chime in with a shout-out to Isaak as Uncle Bob in That Thing You Do. OK, didn't have to, just wanted to do so.
Ah, I love that! Another SMART entertainer who knows when to keep his mouth shut. A say "another" b/c Obama fan Shia LaBeouf said something similar in an interview before the Indiana Jones movie came out – he answered the question about who he was going to vote for, but he stated that his opinion would end there b/c movie stars have no knowledge to say much else and he hates it when movie stars do it.
That earned him a kudos in my book, despite his support of Obama. I can disagree with him, but I can still respect him.
And I've liked Chris, too, though I'm not a big buyer of music, either CD or iTunes. I do like the fact that he can actually sing and sounds unique and not like all the other dopes they push on us.
He had a nice cameo in Silence of the Lambs. I've seen Chris a couple of times and he put on a great show. Still breaks out the old Rockabilly Nudie suits which are great. Gotta love that rockabilly!
I totally agree! It seems like he knows what it's like for a man to lose a "True" love…
“It is better to keep your mouth closed and let people think you are a fool than to open it and remove all doubt.”
Mark Twain
Gotta admire a man who also appreciates a good haircut. Here's mine…
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/221/523253194_b0c5...
Gotta admire a man who also appreciates a good haircut. Here's mine…
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/221/523253194_b0c5...
The Clown in Demme's Married to the Mob as well — Isaak was everywhere!!!
He did a bad bad thing.
In hollywoods view of things.
Spouse and I caught a few of the Chris Isaak interviews — the one with Stevie Nicks was stupendous! Didn't know he was on HBO – which we don't get (a useless waste of money). Hope he's still doing the interview show. He has a charisma lacking in most American entertainers these days. I'd like to see him get a lead role in a film.
I only know Wicked Game, but I like it. One of the two videos features a really sexy supermodel. If Wicked Game is any indication, guys can like Isaak's music because he's teaching us a lesson: "If you can sing like this to the ladies, you won't be going home alone."
He can't be all bad. He lives in San Francisco, but doesn't behave like it. He's a genuine guy. Surfer, boxer, and he really used to show up once in awhile at Bimbo's 365 Club in North Beach (where much of his Showtime cable "Chris Isaak Show" took place) for an impromptu set or two. Very approachable, and quite a character. I may not have lived quite his "busy" social life, but I have to admit that at times I've wished I could.
Izaak never appeared in the Twin Peaks series.
He did have a major role in the film Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me. He played the FBI agent who investigated the death of Teresa Brewer, the killer's first victim. The pre-Cooper Cooper.
Indeed! Mine, too. Got it right after my divorce back in 1991.
This guy just passed the test for President – sign him up – he can even sing the state of the union.
[...] to their site and the same applies for how much AdSense banner holders make from their websites. Another Reason to Like Chris Isaak – bighollywood.breitbart.com 07/30/2009 Red-blooded males aren’t supposed to stock their CD [...]
His San Francisco Days album is fantastic all the way through. Beyond that record, my impression is that he's more of a "greatest hits" type artist, but folks who have dug deeper may wish to correct me.
Your excerpt leaves out an equally admirable sentiment, at least from the small-government point of view. See here:
http://www.gormogons.com/2009/07/chris-isaak-gorm...
I'm a big rockabilly fan and always liked Chris Isaak's modern interpretation. He's a fine interviewer / host as well, if you've never seen the old Chris Isaak Hour on HBO.
Plus a pretty good actor — he had a recurring role as an agent in Twin Peaks, and a fun cameo role in Tom Hanks' highly underrated That Thing You Do!
He did a song by Dire Straits on his show – Calling Elvis – this is a cool song. Chris and his band are very talented and a pleasure to listen to.
Hawk – Speaking of San Francisco musicians, I saw Rob Ickes last night at Tennessee Shines. Ickes is one of the top two dobro players in the universe. He is stretching out musically into jazz and has a brand new CD out. I highly recommend.
Tennessee: I'll give it a listen. Thanks.
"The Lonely Ones" from Silvertone is classic. A great song.
Yes he is! I didn't know about the new album, so thanks from me also Tennessee Jed………….
Don't ya just hate it when other people eavesdrop on your conversation…….
Cool!
Chris Isaak just earned himself one new fan.
Not at all – I had a chance to chat briefly at the show. The pianist on this album, Mikael Alvey is his daughter's piano teacher and is absolutely fantastic. A local singer named Robinella does vocals. Check out this video of Rob testing out a new Scheerhorn:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bf3wr8GDb10
I used to watch it occasionally. I liked it. What is not to like about him?
My husband does not get how I am not big on Roy Orbison but love Chris. I can't help it. It is a personal magnetism thing! I love Chris' music!
Maybe Isaak read Laura Ingraham's book!
Seriously- longtime CI fan, have all his music, and am glad to read this recent quote of his. He's one of the good guys.
throw in some Carpenters, Funk and Ska and I'd think you were reading my mind
The 9th symphony is a thing of wonder (and I hear it goes well with the "ultraviolence")
btw if you like pipes check out "The Wicked Tinkers"
It's about time!!! Finally an "entertainer" who doesn't tell me I stupid for my beliefs & acting better than me!
I love it and I hate it. I Love it because he is so damn good, and I hate it because he is so damn good……….
Thanks again Jed…..
Reminds me how truly god awful my playing still is after 20 years……
Looks like I'm going to have to add to my Chris Issak collection.
I have always liked him, and don't care HOW he believes, or WHAT he believes, I am just thrilled he keeps it to himself!
Forever Blue….great CD, some guy swiped it from me.
Niiiice.
Looks similar to the "Jesse James" coiffure.
I'd go for the "Isaak " if I still had enough hair.
BTW: any possibility of the swag by this Christmas,
really wanted the Iowahawk T-shirt (XL).
The type to wear Mom Jeans for baseball.
A Bond film title song would be awesome from him. Although, it might be a challenge for the publicity department as Chris is so much taller than Daniel Craig. And Chris has more sex appeal. Now I want Chris as James Bond!
The best work Bai Ling ever did. Or the only work?
One More Reason To LOVE Chris Isaak – Fixed it for you. Love him! I wish I could say I would add his music to my collection but I already own ALL of them. *swoon* And for those of you wishing for an evening out, let me say I have never attended a Chris Isaak concert and had a political meeting break out. Joy.
[...] native, Chris Isaak’s response when asked about the financial debacle in [...]
No surprise, really, that he has more sense than most entertainers. If he had less sense, then maybe his music, which is far above par, would have led him to greater success as a musician. Still, he has done well and deserves it. A friend's band opened for Chris Isaak WAY back in the 80's. Unfortunately for the friend's band (but not for the rest of us) Isaak "warmed up" through his sound check, his warm up, the opening act's sound check and their warm up. To bad. But the result was that we all had a chance to listen while Isaak sat on a folding chair for well over an hour and just played. His recorded music is very good. He is even better during live concert. But listening to him "just play" was something else entirely. Too bad his good sense has possibly kept him from a wider audience.
good- and funny points as well…
Chris appears to be 5'11 or so; which would make him several inches taller than Mr Craig- who is really very good in the role- and so far the ladies buy him just fine- it's actually what got him the part over more well known (and taller!) types like Hugh Jackman and Clive Owen… but Chris' sex appeal is pretty well documented.
Great reply!
If more people had that attitude, wouldn't Big Hollywood be out of business?
I hope for the day when Big Hollywood had no reason to be in business. Not that I think that day would ever happen.
Also, he did make a political statement. It was that it would be best if the government would stop spending money.
I mostly listen to 70s hard rock these days but the forlorn, nocturnal, even somewhat eerie quality of his work has always done it for me. Isaak´s music is not really "soft", you see?
I ended up owning most of his albums and always suspected he was a decent sort.
I´m forever grateful to the fact that my first albums were Frank Zappa, Blue Öyster Cult and the Star Wars soundtrack. That mix prepares you for anything. It was 1978 and I was 13.
Reply not working for some reason –
I´m forever grateful to the fact that my first albums were Frank Zappa, Blue Öyster Cult and the Star Wars soundtrack. That mix prepares you for anything. It was 1978 and I was 13.
Did it prepare you for The Existential Blues? If not, you should definitely check it out. (T-Bone Stankus) LOL I remember those days too. Looks like we were born in the same year.
I'd rather have this bottle in front of me than a frontal lobotomy! How profound!
WarTip – did you steal my iPod by chance? Add in a dash of Boston, Linkin Park and Daughtry and that's me as well.
I saw Boston in concert twice, never got to see Linkin Park (though they were recently here in Manila) and I never got to see The Who.
Read was interesting, stay in touch……
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