Chris Isaak

First Co mes The Night

Wicked Game Records/Rhino

Who could forget that pure Strat tone beautifully executed by James Calvin Wilsey on Isaak’s Wicked Game single back in 1989? Calvin and Chris may have parted company but that classic sound is well in evidence on this album that finds Isaak working with Silvertone. On guitar duties is Hershel Yatovitz and he does an amazing job from the soft and sultry ballads to the upbeat Tex Mex side of things. Guitar heavy it isn’t but this is classy, strippedback playing, so check out tracks like Down In Flames, Reverie and the dirtier Dry Your Eyes; but perhaps it’s Kiss Me Like A Stranger that most closely recaptures that Wicked Game atmosphere. This album isn’t just about guitar though, Isaak does a fantastic job on a fine mix of country songs with his distinctive, Orbison-toned voice and style.