Funny how you hear a song and it seems like it was just yesterday you first heard it. In some cases I know I am kinda astonished to realize just how many years have fled since I first heard a tune. To me the songs of the Beatles remain fresh as the day they first reverberated from the radio. The same is true of a lot of bands and singers. And that includes singers I did not hear of until they had been active in the music scene for quite some time. The first time I can recall hearing "Wicked Game" by Chris Isaak was barely over ten years ago. At the time I was working in the Seminole Casino, over in Tampa, and the sound system played some station all night long while we cleaned the place. "Wicked Game" was one of the tunes that I heard and remembered. But to me, hearing it then was it's first incarnation. What a surprise to learn that it had been released as far back as 1989. Folks, that's nearly twenty years ago!
My ex used to have a bit of a thing for Chris Isaak. But the name meant nothing to me. Though I had heard "Wicked Game" I had no idea who the artist was. So when she would ask me to buy her a Chris Isaak album - she lived in Wyoming, or Texas, at the time - I would find one and buy it for her. I never put the name and the song together. A few months ago I was watching some sort of concert on TV. It may have been a PBS offering, but I don't recall. Anyway the artist was Chris Isaak and Silvertone. And he performed "Wicked Game". I think, aside from finally putting two-and-two together, what I really enjoyed most about the performance - and I do like this song immensely - was that Isaak didn't add lots of flourishes and crap to the performance.
I know some people like the concert versions of their favorite bands. They get a kick out of the free-form some bands take to the music they perform live as opposed to the studio version. But I prefer the studio versions of most music. After all, that's the way the band or artist originally wanted to present the song to the public. I could care less about a drum solo added or a guitar riff that lasts five minutes. Give me what was first recorded. That's what I paid for in the first place.
As for Chris Isaak, he's considered in some circles a Rock musician, in others as a Country musician. Me, I think he's managed an interesting mixture of the two. Isaak has his own unique musical sound as well as a compelling voice. Here is one version of "Wicked Game" for you to enjoy. This is a music video with the studio version of the song. Click here for YouTube's unembeddable video: the version I saw on TV. Live with Silvertone. I think you'll enjoy both. And if you don't recognize the title of the song or the name Chris Isaak, I'm betting you'll recognize what you are hearing.
"Wicked Game" may be 20-years-old, but I think it's as fresh as ever.
"Wicked Game"
by Chris Isaak (1989)
The world was on fire and no one could save me but you.
It's strange what desire will make foolish people do.
I never dreamed that I'd meet somebody like you.
And I never dreamed that I'd lose somebody like you.
No, I don't want to fall in love (This world is only gonna break your heart)
No, I don't want to fall in love (This world is only gonna break your heart)
With you (This world is only gonna break your heart)
What a wicked game to play, to make me feel this way.
What a wicked thing to do, to let me dream of you.
What a wicked thing to say, you never felt this way.
What a wicked thing to do, to make me dream of you and,
I want to fall in love (This world is only gonna break your heart)
No, I want to fall in love (This world is only gonna break your heart)
With you.
The world was on fire and no one could save me but you.
It's strange what desire will make foolish people do.
I never dreamed that I'd love somebody like you.
And I never dreamed that I'd lose somebody like you,
No, I want to fall in love (This world is only gonna break your heart)
No, I want to fall in love (This world is only gonna break your heart)
With you (This world is only gonna break your heart)
No, I... (This world is only gonna break your heart)
(This world is only gonna break your heart)
Nobody loves no one.
Okay, he's a good-looking guy. I get why my ex had a 'thing' for him.
8 comments:
I always luvvvvvvvvvvved this tune!
I too like that one. And am continually amazed when I actually think about how long ago a particular song was first performed. Try "If You Don't Know Me By Now" by Harold Melvin and the Bluenotes, one of my favorites of all time. 36 years ago in 1972.
Try another that I cannot stand and couldn't care less if I ever heard again, "Stairway to Heaven." I never liked it from the first listening, I have now hated that song for 37 years. Yeah, I can hold a grudge.
That was one CD I bought based on one song.
A rarity for my thrifty self...
I love that song, but the chick from the video reminds me of one of those starving, pissed-off perfume models.
Someone throw her a sandwich! LOL!
It is difficult to believe that it is @20 years old based on just the date of the video. It seems like a new song.
Yes, I remember that. It's beautiful but I didn't know the name of the artist.
Benning, I don't understand anyone getting a crush on someone who is famous. Incidently, I don't find this man attractive but I do love his voice. He looks too much like a girly man to me. He's too pretty!
Benning,
TAG!. But you don't have to play if you don't want to. ;^)
Dude,I can't believe it took you this long to find Chris Isaak, he used to have a funny t.v. show as well. Ah well, maybe there's hope for you yet. Befroe you know it I'll have you trying out Soundgarden.
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