Back catalogue: Blues

Review: A reissue of a reissue of Chris Isaak's 1989 opus Heart Shaped World - his third and best-known album, and the first to be released by Reprise Records. Heart Shaped World is Isaak's best-known album for a very good reason: by 1989, the American rockabilly musician had already released two rather ghostly, reverb-doused solo record, and it just so happened that he'd find himself within dark surrealist filmmaker David Lynch's orbit at this same time. It wasn't long before the filmmaker would commission one of Isaak's songs in his next film; this turned out to be Wild At Heart, for one of whose's ending montage sequences Isaak's 'Heart Shaped World' was both a titular and moody fit. Wicked Game was thus a unique record in that it would be catapulted to chart success despite sounding like nothing else in the charts at the time; Isaak recalls the Roy Orbison-esque style that still resounds so familiarly, yet uncannily in the Anglo-American psyche.

Review: San Francisco Days is Chris Isaak's fourth album, originally released in 1993. It presents a more upbeat sound compared to its predecessor, the darker Heart Shaped World featuring the breakthrough hit 'Wicked Game.' Though it didn't achieve the same level of commercial success, it was certified gold by the RIAA, and several tracks became live staples for Isaak. The album's 60s-styled cover art and design evoke a sense of timelessness. The collection is the most experimental Isaak had yet recorded, blending his clean, classic approach with newer musical touches and unique arrangements. Highlights include the barrelhouse piano on the title track, sassy female backing vocals on 'Can't Do a Thing to Stop This' and 'Move Along,' and the dark feedback rumble on 'Round N' Round.' Guest Jimmy Pugh's Hammond organ adds a quietly funky element to the album. Tracks like the gently loping 'Two Hearts' and the stripped-down 'Waiting' will appeal to fans of 'Wicked Game,' while the cover of Neil Diamond's 'Solitary Man' concludes the album on a high note. Overall,a a fantastic album from Chris Isaak that helped prove he was no one hit wonder.