Is THIS the most 'PERFECT' performance EVER?!!

Tonight we're taking a look at Chris Isaak performing 'Wicked Game'!
Original Video - • Chris Isaak - Wicked G...
TIME STAMPS -
0:00 Intro
0:28 Performance
2:09 Analysis Start
6:41 The Head Voice ‘Flip’
7:45 The Tuning Dilemma!
9:03 Guitar Subtlety
10:05 Keep Things Quiet!
11:39 Performance Resumption
15:10 Strange Goings On?!
For more, check out my other sites! / wingsofpegasus www.wingsofpegasusband.com/ / wingsofpegasus Twitter - @wingsofpegasus Insta - @wingsofpegasusofficial

[@hectorsmommy1717]

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.

[@waygonner]

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.

[@wonsworld61]

100% agree. I have seen him a bunch of times and its been a bloody pleasure every time

[@towertone]

Yes, when we saw him a couple of years ago he was dead-on the entire night with both vocals and humor!@@wonsworld61

[@Frip36]

A bloody pleasure? You guys really say this in England? @@wonsworld61

[@RosaKay55]

Chris has a hauntingly beautiful voice, reminds me of Roy Orbison and Elvis. Thanks, Fil, for this enlightening analysis.

[@Frip36]

I want to be hauntingly beautiful. But I'm a creep.

[@lisamarcel1]

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.

[@susanmurray7654]

Did you watch his TV show? That was great. Maybe it was on VH1...

[@louannlang7471]

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.

[@nicolehand]

Try actually looking at the channel before putting your whole entire foot in your mouth next time

[@richardtaylor6604]

No pitch correction was needed for Chris. What a voice! Thanks for sharing.

[@TorToroPorco]

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.

[@jjakes5589]

It came out in the late 80's, The album was recorded in 1988 I understand.

[@TheGotoGeek]

I miss Jimmy.

[@michaelgeorge5436]

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.

[@mrsdth1943]

He's got a deep soulful voice ..love this song.

[@Scorchy666]

Thanks for covering Chris. He's such an amazing singer and sadly overlooked today.

[@danielbrosky]

Chris, for me, has always beautifully vocally expressed the Japanese concept of "wabi-sabi" .

[@darthtraya5992]

Anyone with any true musical talent is overlooked for people who twerk and scissor on stage

[@danielbrosky]

@@darthtraya5992 Isn't that the sad and sorry truth!

[@1allstarman]

I thought the point of the video is he is using pitch correction ! @@darthtraya5992

[@kerrythomas6220]

@@darthtraya5992Check out Angelina Jordan Unchained Melody at the 2023 Nobel Peace Prize Awards.

[@debbier938]

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☮️

[@A.Briggs628]

The world was on fire, and no one could save me but you What a SONG! What a voice! I love it! Thanks, Fil!

[@danielbrosky]

Second your comments! Thanks Fil. Great appreciation for Chris.

[@A.Briggs628]

@@danielbrosky Thanks, Daniel! 👍😊

[@danielbrosky]

A.B - Chris, for me, has always beautifully vocally expressed the Japanese concept of "wabi-sabi" . Can't help but zen out when I listen to him!

[@kimmypooh5527]

Chris is absolutely perfect live and doesn’t need pitch correction. A shame the industry does this.

[@scottrackley4457]

"Look what they did to my boy!"

[@avalondreaming1433]

I always considered him across between Chet Baker and Elvis. I've seen him live twice and he's always sounded great.

[@RSVPini]

Also, he sounds like he was very much influenced by Roy Orbison.

[@earlgrey691]

@@RSVPini Beat me to it.Deffo from the same RO veil of tears realm.

[@lyallg7925]

Chris’s and Elvis’s version of Chet’s ‘How’s The World Treating You’, are nothing short of stunning.

[@M0odyBlue]

He looks like that, too!

[@justlilyanne]

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.

[@michaelgeorge5436]

I agree, he is incredible in concert. The Japanese have a saying, Wabi Sabi= perfection is in the imperfection

[@toneenorman2135]

@@michaelgeorge5436Thank you for that cool Japanese saying! I’m going to use it🎶👍

[@debrasamsrotowoman]

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.

[@fatClyde]

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.

[@IDPhotoMan]

Love Wicked Game. Isaak could sing! And that lead in electric guitar gives me chills every time. (and it doesn't NEED any of this correction)

[@veecee3669]

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?

[@lizgrosset1012]

yes please

[@patricklynch1962]

I second that request, not just for Isaak's voice but also for James Calvin Wilsey's vastly superior performance on the guitar.

[@kerrythomas6220]

Why? It’ll just show it wasn’t pitch corrected and he was missing most of the pitches.

[@veecee3669]

@@kerrythomas6220 You obviously aren't a fan, so why watch a video regarding Chris Isaac? There are many of us who do like his unique vocal ability.

[@kerrythomas6220]

@@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.

[@sunrisings292]

I remember watching Chris in an old SNL episode rerun. The man's voice is Amazing and the performance, flawless. True artist. A very talented man

[@meredithinserra4670]

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"?

[@lyallg7925]

Yes! When I read your comment I recalled those country singing and square dancing shows which used to be shown on tv when I was a child.

[@savegraysoncats]

I thought it was a country song when it came out

[@Angel-rq3pi]

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.

[@Jeff-jg7jh]

I've seen opening acts that were embarrassing and never deserved to open for some great bands.

[@juliahuff6035]

One of my favorite songs ever. Great job reviewing song. He does not need any pitch correction.

[@verpeiler089]

Thing is.. we don't know how the original performance was... for some reason they did the pitch corrections.

[@christiansmakingmusic777]

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.

[@chocho8036]

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. ❤

[@brianjames5685]

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!

[@russellmiller9977]

Kenney Dale Johnson, drummer & vocals

[@HelensStudio54]

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.

[@pianistabella]

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!

[@cindi1313]

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! 😂

[@tomhiggins875]

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!

[@MasseyVF]

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. ❤

[@tomgreene121]

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.

[@MikeD_]

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.

[@wookie7409]

I agree-I’ve seen him 3X in concert and he’s such an entertainer (love the mirror jacket he saves for the end) and incredibly talented….

[@moogdome2562]

What a great emotional, effortless voice,, His varied range of pitch is amazing. Love your voice too Fil. Wonderful song.

[@seangawne8392]

I saw him sing this live, I was in the front row and he sounded just as good as the studio cut. Pretty amazing singer.

[@richardryan3296]

Thank you, Fil. Thanks for the education.

[@tnmoppylaura5476]

The music, the song, and the voice. Love this performance, even with the correction. Thanks for looking at this one Fil.

[@rebelbabeconner9064]

I love Chris Isack... seen him live a few times

[@debrakalb2548]

one of my most favorite songs,Chris needs no pitch correction.

[@cindyd.01]

Saw him live three times at a mountain winery in California. A lifetime ago. ❤

[@marciahuehn2365]

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.

[@danielbrosky]

Ditto that excellent comment, Marcia! Fil's videos are treasures of painlessly transmitted technical explanation and info!! Thanks Fil!

[@1msbucket]

Agree!

[@jamesdaviddupre99]

Big hit. Totally Roy Orbison vocals.

[@Springermom2]

Such a beautiful song & voice! Why must they mess with a good thing! 🤬 Thank you, Fil

[@katherinea.rodgers8366]

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!🤣

[@ktkitty1903]

I love this song & Chris!

[@BobBlarneystone]

Moody, haunting melody and lyrics, sung by a man with the perfect natural voice for it.

[@stubee56]

Notice so many are doing the analysis vids now. But Fil, yours will always be the best. I sure enjoy your presentations. Thank you.

[@trishrocca8568]

Looks to me like it's the drummer singing that off harmony note at the end. I've always loved this song. So moody and expressive.

[@idankoos4156]

C. Isaak has ever been one my altime favourite singers...this song is so touching

[@pyoungquist]

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.

[@Brose_Addy_and_Gang]

Yes! Kenny is the main background vocal for Chris

[@Vixyn5850]

I’ve seen him 3 times and each time he and the band were awesome!

[@puddysue]

I've always loved this song. It's so hauntingly beautiful. The video he put out with it is beautiful too.

[@alexbowie6316]

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.!

[@alchemydp]

See Chris live if you can. He always puts on a great show and doesn’t need pitch correction!

[@lisaurgero8893]

One of my favorites

[@wandaburnsworth1588]

He has a gorgeous voice!

[@Roberta-my7qr]

Great to see you've still at it, Fil. It's really quite perfect. Surprisingly so. R

[@voulafisentzidis8830]

Chris is exceedingly talented with an amazing voice. Thanks Fil, for sharing your views.

[@idankoos4156]

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

[@wargamingrefugee9065]

James Calvin Wilsey -- Rest in Peace. May your sound never be forgotten.

[@cazgerald9471]

They used to say Chris looked like Elvis and sounded like Orbison.

[@bensimard5574]

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.

[@bethhumphreys110]

LOL, I saw "PREFECT" in the title but when it started, it wasn't. I saw him in Ft. Worth and he was wearing a mirrored sports coat - like a disco ball. It was hilarious, and he thought so too. The striking thing in person was the equality of all the band members. He's the voice, but he defers to them, and they'll correct him. Of course, this is rare because they are all precise. Mad respect.

[@richardcasey4439]

Gorgeous song

[@karensamuel5616]

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.

[@emmaemma6641]

I call that flip a yodel. Leona lewis has it too.. and I love it

[@1SeanBond]

Appreciate your efforts and quality content thanks Fil. You are a classy fella Bro. Cheers!🎉❤

[@chthoniapodcast]

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!

[@denises9140]

I’ve seen Chris perform this song live many times. He always nails it !!! Thanks for presenting this song.❤

[@Acceleronics]

I have probably less than 1% of Fil's ability to hear this stuff, and the video title suggested that this was going to be an example of a genuinely very good performance. But even I (with my lack of ability) was thinking "there's something wrong with this singing" during the initial segment of the performance. Fil, I think you have infected me! 🙂

[@lizgrosset1012]

I thought the exact same thing.

[@mimi-3212]

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!

[@robertvose7310]

Saw in in 94 at The Greek in LA! He was awesome...

[@diannawalker758]

One of my favorite songs and singers. Great analysis, as usual.

[@carlasainz95]

This is such a beautiful song; it's so soothing.

[@CthulhuInc]

chills

[@sharonpanetta5846]

You are so knowledgeable and talented, the best review as always

[@justathought88]

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.

[@lauraallen55]

Do you mean Chris when you say 'them'? Or does he have a new band?

[@MikeD_]

@@lauraallen55 Chris has had the same band forever. Although Chris is the lead singer, his fans think of them as a group.

[@lauraallen55]

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_

[@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. : -)

[@lauraallen55]

I've never seen him/them but wish I had!@@MikeD_

[@lindamcnelis6374]

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.

[@charlesbireland1780]

I loved this album and this was my favorite cut on it. I think it was used in the movie "Wild At Heart."

[@milehighed52801]

Spot on as always, Fil. Love your analysis and videos. Thanks for covering Chris Isaak. He’s an excellent talent.

[@michaellepore5400]

Thank you for this, and ALL your analyses, Fil. Great job. I learn a lot.

[@taragreenetarotastro]

An amazing performance Ive always loved this song and Chris Isaak, very Roy Orbison influence but his own unique style. He deserved to be better known

[@stevemadrid6522]

I've seen Chris live a couple of time. Dude has a great voice.

[@JB43186]

My favorite performer being analyzed by my favorite You Tuber! Woo hoo!!!

[@QBAN2010]

Fil, another home run of a video! Keep them coming, mate!!!!!!

[@suehollar2578]

There's so much I didn't catch in this song. Now I can't unhear it.

[@quicktastic]

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.

[@lauraallen55]

The original music video is here on YT and I believe it has not been changed from the original.

[@rhetriver]

I've seen him live and he was spot on.

[@Sheamarie]

Love this song. Thank for this analysis. :)

[@MicheleM236]

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.

[@lauraallen55]

It's like a yodel

[@anthonymaccherone]

His TV show was a hoot.

[@420moonbase]

I think that last harmony at the end of the song is the drummer. You can see him pick up his head and sing into his mic.

[@iandobbs4920]

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. 👍

[@callmeishmaelk767]

Absolutely beautiful song

[@claptonhousecat8092]

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.

[@markhesse2928]

On the original song, that haunting guitar sound was the perfect complement to Chris' vocals. Wonderful for you to analyze this terrific song Fil.😊😊

[@franksullivan1873]

I love Chris.He has that breezy beach sound to his music with that touch of western cowboy,lol.

[@jlspindler]

Very well done, Fil, thank you.

[@rome8180]

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.

[@roderickramsay8538]

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.

[@cliffwheeler7357]

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.

[@kilgoretrout3966]

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.

[@robertrobertson2922]

You certainly are the very best of You Tube...I enjoy your channel 😀 so 👍 much. Keep up the excellent work!!!

[@wingsofpegasus]

Thanks!

[@jnn6201]

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.

[@digitalbrand2930]

Excellent