CHRIS ISAAK
Boosted by a Calvin Klein-hits-the-beach MTV video, Chris Isaak catapulted to fame with the spare, noirish Top 10 hit “Wicked Game.” With his chiseled Elvis-meets-James Dean features, Isaak was a natural for video, and his music career spread to film and TV throughout the ’90s and aughts. His amiable but mannequin-like acting worked best for David Lynch, where a non-reactive presence served as the calm eye amid a storm of mind-fuckery. However, the same reticence that grounded Isaak onscreen unfortunately hampers his carefully crafted music. Without fire in the belly, it’s a short step from languid to lethargic. Currently paying homage to vintage rock and country, Isaak’s “Beyond the Sun” tour highlights his new collection of covers. It’s a tasteful tribute to Isaak’s avatar and influence, Sun Studios honcho Sam Phillips, who cut classic 1950s records with Carl Perkins, Johnny Cash and others. “Sun”-drenched in reverb, Isaak wails in a Roy Orbison falsetto and croons in an Elvis baritone over moody ballads and country shuffles. The craft on display is awesome, but while Isaak is trying for old-timey grit, his gut instinct is to go pristine. For all his allegiance to retro rockabilly, this Sun worshiper rarely rocks out. $44.50-$94.50. Sept. 10, 7:30 p.m. McGlohon Theatre, 345 North College St. 704-372-1000.
This article appears in Sep 5-11, 2012.
If you think the Chris Isaak (and his band Silvertone) “rarely rock out”, you have obviously never seen them live. Take advantage of the fact that they are playing in your town and go. They put on an amazing, high energy show.