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Steve Winwood
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I'm Not There (Original Soundtrack)
Various Artists
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Neil Diamond
Toby Keith's 35 BIGGEST Hits
Toby Keith
It's A Shame About Ray (Collector's Edition)
The Lemonheads
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Otis Blue (Collector's Edition)
Otis Redding
Loaded
Wood Brothers
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Chris Isaak
In recent weeks, I have been thinking about moving to the West Coast.
That’s right, I have been dreaming about California. Well, now I have found my soundtrack. His name is Chris Isaak. When I listen to his music, I conjure up thoughts of the Pacific Ocean. That should be no surprise; Isaak’s main hobby is surfing
Isaak has the voice of Roy Orbison, the looks of Elvis and the comedic timing of The Monkees. That’s what’s so great about his live performances. It’s like your seeing three acts for the price of one. And boy, did he put on quite a show at Jones Beach.
Isaak ripped through his hour and a half set on Saturday, July 13th. Songs like 89’s "Heart Shaped World" and 93’s "San Francisco Days" still sound fresh. "Speak Of The Devil" and "Baby Did A Bad Bad Thing" tore the roof off the place. Wait a second; Jones Beach doesn’t have a roof! Ah, you get the picture. The latter song is from the Nicole Kidman/Tom Cruise film, "Eyes Wide Shut". It probably could be this former couple’s theme song! And there’s no better place to hear "Wicked Game" then at the beach. It’s the perfect date song. Now, I’m thinking!
One of the main reasons why I enjoyed this concert has to do with Isaak’s television show. I’ve come to know each band member through "The Chris Isaak Show". I love their rapport with Isaak, both on on-stage and off. Each band member is a character. You’ve got Isaak’s best friend, Drummer Kenny Dale Johnson. "Nature’s Perfect Warrior", Bassist Roly Salley and Guitarist Hershel Yatovitz. That’s right, a Jewish guitarist. Boy, are these guys are hilarious. Isaak, dressed in a pink suit, picks on each member like a brother. He made fun of Salley’s Internet dates and Yatovitz’s shameful acts. For most bands that’s a no-no. But, for Isaak and co. it’s an everyday occurrence. I would really love to hang out with these guys. It would be quite a trip.
If you’re looking for a great date concert, take your lover to Chris Isaak.
You’ve got awesome music, great comedy and an overall good time. I hear California calling, I’d better pick up. Got to go, see you on the West Coast!
-- Bret J. Callahan

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