I was at sound check for his show in NYC in 2010. Was demoing guitars for the opening bands guitar players. From what I heard on stage, his pitch is so naturally good that I think it’s criminal they edited this performance so heavily.
I once heard a description of Chris Isaak: he is what would happen if Elvis and Roy Orbison had a baby and it was born into the body of Michelangelo's David. Been a fan for decades. Thank you for this.
Look, I’m not gonna say I’m Chris’ biggest fan, but I have seen him many, many times, at outdoor venues back in Michigan, inside auditoriums, the House of Blues in Chicago and the Grand Ole Opry here in Tennessee. Most recently at a little record shop, Grimeys, in Nashville. I always say he is absolutely the best entertainer around. His shows are so much fun! I’ve even taken my kids when they were little. It’s criminal what they’ve done to this performance as the man always sounds great live. Even now that he’s older, he maybe can’t hit the high notes like he used to but who cares? If your looking to see a really good show, you can’t go wrong seeing Chris Isaak.
I was wondering why . of all performers to choose from, they chose Chris Isaaks to point out for using pitch correction (as if its never been done by anyone ever)...with LOADS OF CURRENT FAKES in the music industry I would think a more popular artist would get more views for the reactor 😆 JS lol I respect him and I just don't get it.
Absolutely loved the single coil Fender guitar tone from the original recording. Chris’s vocals on the original recording seemed effortless it’s hard to know how hard he had to work to achieve his performance. For me, it was one of the landmark albums of the 90s.
I was at a music festival a few years back and Chris Isaak was in on the bill. I was like, meh. Then he started playing. I was captivated. His talent is incredible and he is a real showman. I would rate him one of the best artists I have ever seen live. And I have seen hundreds.
Hi Fil, I have always found that this song has a beautiful haunting melody. Very different when it came out and I think it holds that same mystique today. Too bad someone thought it needed to be pitch corrected. That is kind of the point of this song is too be off kilter to convey the emotional message of the song. Great analysis and guitar demonstration, always appreciate it! Thanks for all you do! Debbie☮️
I remember when Wicked Game first came out; I was mesmerized. Chris Isaak's voice is unique and doesn't need "help". The guitar work always reminded me of being in a dreamy trance. And oh yeah, I really, really hate auto tune, pitch correction, etc.; it just takes all of the character out of a song. Fil, could you pretty please find the original version of Wicked Game and analyze that recording?
@@veecee3669 I’m a huge fan. No singers hit the pitch line exactly consistently during a song. My point was why expose this fact to his fans who probably think he is a lot more pitch accurate than he is. That video he made with Helena Christensen of Wicked Games is one of my all time favorites. Never assume something about someone about whom you know nothing.
I was fortunate enough to see Chris Issak live at the Moody Auditorium in Austin, Tx (home of Austin City Limits). The most amazing performer I've seen. If he hit any bad notes during his performance of "Wicked Games" it didn't matter, as this song is so haunting that you almost anticipate perfect flaws, as being haunted is by its nature imperfection. All of this correction is taking away that most important aspect of music, being human.
Chris Isaak was standing outside looking into my store when he was young and so was i young... he had been jogging with headphones and I thought who is that guy checking me out as all egotistical young things do until i realized that it was Chris Isaak giving that look when celebrities think that they are being recognized... 😂 as very famous people often do 😂❤ it was my second run in with him during that time period... for some reason, he was playing at some event i attended and as i was far higher than is usual for me, i reached out as he was playing and touched a spangly sequin item on his costume. as i was gentle and merely transfixed more than i should have been but relatively harmless, a roadie very gently removed my hand and Mr. Isaak looked unfazed ... i hope to this day, he was as unbothered as he looked. lovely voice. ❤
Saw CI in Austin Tx many years ago (touring to support Blue album).... He sang the entire 3 hrs or so ...while the rest of the band took breaks he kept playing and singing. After the show there was a two hr meet/greet that went on did dawn. They got in the bus, left.... Performed in next town. He was talking in between songs. Just very PRESENT .... ***When he hit that one high note....and held it so long the entire place got quiet. My friend grabbed my hand and we both had goose bumps. The note stretched and went on and on. Amazing singer Btw-Opening act got BOOED 2 songs in.... The Wallflowers right before One Headlight broke.
I absolutely fell in love with this song when it first came out. His voice is so different from other male singers. I wish others would quit manipulating pure music.
That "flip" you're talking about is used extensively in YODELING and used to great effect in earlier country music. In fact, his use of this vocal technique makes this track sound more like country music, to my ear anyway. Does anyone else notice this style trait that makes it sound "country"?
One of my most FAVORITE songs of all time. Ringing guitars and the expressive voice of Chris is the perfect combination. Jumping from the chest voice to the head voice is perfect!
I was pretty obsessed with this song when it initially came out and the first thing I noticed was that Chris Isaak lost a lot of the "cry" in his voice with the pitch correction, which robs it of a lot of the emotion. I agree that the backing vocals are kind of a distraction too. It was such a great song, really different from a lot of the songs out at the time, and just dripped with emotion, so I will stick with the original version! BTW, loved the eye roll at 14:44 with that held note! 😂
Brilliant performer and great band. When Chris Isaak first came to UK he was on the radio a lot ! He's no doubt the funniest celeb I have ever heard. A really top sense of humour.
It’s a rudiment of yodeling. I’m sure you could learn it. If notIwould be super surprised. Love the haunting hypnotic melody of this song. I remember when it first hit the radio.
I love how my brain always tells me it's a slow tempo song but when you watch the drummer it's not actually that slow. Very clever and after all these years it still melts me!
I've seen the Stones, Tull, Petty, etc. over the years, but some how I've seen Chris Isaac more times than any artist. If he comes through your town, simply go. Go see him. He never disappoints.
His voice has so much depth, such a full velvety texture...true (deep) baritone....his falsetto is angelic as well...typical 80s men voice and rockabilly singing style
It's sacrilege to do this to Chris' performance. His singing is distinctive in how effortlessly & accurately he slides between notes right through his impressive range - like beautifully played slide guitar. Autotune just destroys that. I've seen him live several times &, yes, the man needs no help to sound amazing. ❤
Agreed. I would like to know exact proof that compression and pitch correction were used for this. This performance wasn't last week...it was a long time ago. I saw him live and he sounded exactly like this.
My introduction to Chris Isaak a few decades ago was hearing Blue Hotel on the radio and I was blown away. His voice and that beautiful guitar was like nothing else being played on the radio at that time. I had to find out who it was and bought the CD which I played to death. Still one of my favourite musicians today and have nearly all his albums.
Chris is one of my favorite singers and I don't think he gets the credit he deserves for his phenomenal voice and tasteful guitar playing. No need to pitch correct his sublime voice!
It's the Drummer who is singing the backing vocal at the end! The Drummer is also singing backing vocals throughout the song. Watch again around 17:50, you'll see his head moves forward and is singing.
Oh so glad you analyzed this performance! I had the luck to see them perform live a few years ago just after Johnny Cash passed. They played a few songs as tribute. The music was superb. I was in the sixth row and I could see all the non-verbal cues between the band members. It added so much to my experience. They are a tight group. Chris's voice was cool, smooth, velvety, almost liquid. No need for any "correction " or "enhancement ". I encourage everyone to see them perform live. You will carry that memory with you.
I thought so on having the same band, but I've always hear him referred to as 'him'. His CDs say 'Chris Isaak' rather than that + 'band' Thanks, was just curious! :)@@MikeD_
@@lauraallen55 Makes sense. I would generally just say "him" or "Chris," but I've seen him and the band so many times, I can also see me referring to "them" depending on the context. : -)
You broaden my world of music by exposing me to new artists and techniques. I think of every art as a type of puzzle on how the artists combine various pieces/ elements to come up with something new. Your analysis helps me to examine those pieces and show how they are used to form the final product. Thank you, Fil. I appreciate you!❤ peace.
I saw Chris Isaak perform many years ago. He has such a unique recognizable voice. I haven't heard this song in a long time. Wow! wonderful to hear it again. Thanks, Fil! You always surprise me with your knowledge of so many different artists! Good grief, I just remembered something funny about Chris. During an interview he told the world that he suffered from bad breath!🤣
That record and his music drew on everything from Elvis , Big O, Del Shannon. Backing vocals there were very Travelling Wilberrys. Was brilliant, best of it's kind. Nice info brother.!
Interesting choice of song--I haven't heard this in years. The correction in this version is so obvious, I agree! It sounds really off, which is disappointing because I love this song. Great example of how pitch correction changes an expressive voice!
Wicked Game is aperfect song. Chris' voice is perfection and needs NO HELP sounding perfect. It's a shame his career , while successful, didn't reach the heights it should have. Thanks Fil for bringing Wicked Game to our attention.
The drummer is singing the harmony at the end. His microphone boom comes over top of him from behind and you can see him stretch his neck to reach it when he sings.
It would be nice to hear the unadulterated version of this to know why they felt the need to tamper with it. I have only heard good things about Chris's voice from people that have heard him sing live.
I have always admired Chris Isaak as a very talented artist, and was surprised he didn't achieve greater stardom. Back in 1996 I purchased his Baja Sessions album, and that is when realised what an incredible guitarist Hershel Yatovitz is. His playing on both electric and acoustic guitar is superb on every track, especially his slide technique. Good to see him in this video still playing beautifully.
Do you remember an early song from his intro album, “Silvertone,” called “Dancing?” It was really before he was known outside of Colleges, but it’s a hauntingly beautiful piece.
One of my son, Christopher’s favorite. Phenomenal performances, ❤️💕 in my humble opinion. I love everything about this song, the singing, and musicality just the way it is.
The original had a haunting quality that the edited version lacks. I really appreciate learning about auto correct from watching your videos. It makes me appreciate authentic performance so much more.
Hi Fil, it appears the drummer was singing the last harmony, doesn’t it? That is an incredible song-timeless. That flipping in voice is not uncommon with country-style singing-very stylistic. Thanks for your vid’s.
The stray harmony at the end looks like it was being sung by the drummer, difficult to see but, I saw him lean in to the mic’ and then out again when the harmony finishes. 👍
Live is the way it was performed unedited. This is a gorgeous song and he has a gorgeous voice. It won’t be perfect live, but the fact it’s Live by such an artist will move you. Heavy editing and auto tuning extinguish beauty. Thanks for covering this point song after song.
I remember having a discussion about guitar intonation with my teacher (in the contect of zigzag frets etc) and we kind of came to the conclusion that if that sound is what you are pursuing then it is great - but it can also take you away from the sound you want. So much of the music we love is the result of dodgy instruments, clumsy fingerings, fried amps etc in the hands of gifted (experienced, passionate) musicians. There is a place for "perfection" but it isnt the be-all, end-all - and never at the expense of the performance
Chris Isaak has such a great voice and control. i love the rockabilly style. Kenny Dale drums [kick it off Kenny!]. Chris has a small part as uncle bob in the movie 'that thing you do'. a must movie. really captures the excitement of a hit and muso's
I've seen Chris live a couple of times at smaller venues and his voice was fantastic and unprocessed- he certainly didn't need it & his voice, with all it's imperfections, was perfect. Not sure if this guitarist was the one from the album (where that iconic part was much better than in this) - sadly, the guitarist from the recording ended up a homeless addict - it was such a brilliant song.
RE: orphaned harmony - It's the drummer in red. You can see in the original at 0.34 he's miced up for vocals and at 16:52 of your video you can see his head snap to where his mic is.
I love listening to Chris Isaak sing this song. The music is hauntingly alluring and his voice is perfect for it. Studio or live version, doesn't matter. His voice just puts it over the top. This is the song I'll sit and listen to with the lights off, the fireplace going, and a really nice glass of wine. Turn him up and enjoy it with your sweetie.
Cool vibe to this song. Thanks for pointing out all the details about it's treatment in this particular live-ish performance. The "held note" smacked me in the ears!
One interesting thing is that Chris is actually switching up the melody quite a bit from the studio recording here. In almost every line he's changing at least one note. That implies that he's ad-libbing. Most singers that are capable of doing that have great natural pitch. So I'm guessing this would have sounded fine without the pitch correction.
I've been meaning to ask you to do to Chris Isaak for a while now. I hadn't listened to him for several years but I recently relistened to 1987 S/T and 1989 Heart Shaped World albums and was reminded how much I love Chris's vocals on those albums. Since those albums came out well before the era of Autotune it's nice to know that what you hear is mostly* what Chris sang. Truly one of the best. *because, well, there's always been a little bit of studio sweetening.
I have always loved Chris Isaak's vocal gymnastics as well as that mellow-chiming sound of his picking style, and if this video is an example of what pitch correction does, then I will never have anything to do with it. It just flattened every dynamic in his voice.
This was a favorite tune of mine and hearing it certainly brought back great memories of time gone by, but I have to say when the video started playing it didn’t sound like Chris at all to me. I had to look up to see if I’d hit a button, or something, then realized what was happening. How extremely sad, and frustrating, that the Industry is doing this to the fabulous artists
