My first Chris Isaak concert was with my wife and several friends at the North Shore Center in Skokie Illinois, a suburb of Chicago. It was a December 2011 concert and Isaak played a few Christmas songs along with many of his fan favorites. He came out in a Santa Claus outfit and quickly had all the ladies swooning while he sang “Blue Christmas”. Watching my wife's emotional reaction and smile throughout the song, I knew right then and there that Chris Isaak would be forever one of her most favorite entertainers! Featuring his signature combination of romantic ballads, rockabilly and retro-cool, his magnetic personality and charm provided one heck of an enjoyable evening for everyone, both male and female!
Heart Shaped World
Much of what is stated above, is also well represented in Chris Isaak's third album and 1989 release entitled Heart Shape World, which many consider one of his finest efforts. Such a fantastic if not unexpected choice by Mofi for the One-Step treatment! Not that you need much convincing, but the album reinforces once again that Isaak is the man. The velvety voice, the charisma, the timing, and the vocal phrasing – he has all the tools! IMHO, he compares well with some of the very best. That includes Roy Orbison, Chris Rea, John Hiatt, and Raul Malo, as just a few examples. On occasion, you might even sense a touch of Elvis thrown in!
Isaak’s band serves him well and has been recording and touring with him for many years. This includes James Calvin Wilsey on lead guitar, Kenny Dale Johnson on drums, and Rowland Salley on bass. Tight, locked-in and extremely cohesive, they provide a spectacular foundation and sounding board for Isaak’s fabulous melodies and lyrics. In particular, the late guitarist James Calvin Wilsey and his use of simple cords, reverb, and gentle vibrato is a key element to many of the outstanding compositions on the album. Even beyond all the personality and good looks, Isaak has a true gift for writing and storytelling!
It is also important to highlight and discuss the track “Wicked Game.” After being featured in David Lynch's 1990 film and soundtrack for Wild at Heart, this song was the game changer that took both Chris Isaak and Heart Shaped World up the charts. Finally, he managed to receive the notoriety, respect and sales that he deserved! The record was certified double-platinum by the RIAA and remains Isaak's best-selling album."Wicked Game" was released as a single, and the album reached number seven on the Billboard chart. The video for the single, filmed in black and white, featured the model Helena Christensen and Chris Isaak in the surf and on the beach. Both were pretty much in the buff. It was one of the most popular videos ever on MTV. The rest is history!
Production & Packaging
The Mofi One-Step reissue of Heart Shaped World is cut from 1/2 inch, 30 IPS analog masters, to DSD 256, to analog console, and then to lathe. Cut by Krieg Wunderlich, this 45 RPM two LP vinyl box set was pressed on 180 gram vinyl at Fidelity Record Pressing, which continues to build on its reputation as one of the finest record plants in the world for overall manufacturing and pressing quality. This special edition also uniquely includes the bonus track “Diddley Daddy," which was written by Bo Diddley, and is a fantastic addition to the playlist.
Packaging includes a heavy weight collector-grade slipcase with gold foil printing, two Mofi rice paper inner sleeves for safe storage, two premium grade paper inner sleeves for additional safe storage (again, with the album cover picture and gold printing), and a two page insert with additional group pictures, graphics, and album information. All in all, a very attractive and high end level of storage and display with a minimal amount of shelf space required. This box set will be limited to 3000 numbered copies.
Comparisons
I have a 1989 Specialty Records original pressing mastered by Greg Fulginiti, which was released on the Reprise label. Several Mint Minus listings on Discogs range from $150 to $200. Despite some brightness on a few of the tracks, many collectors would agree that this OG might just be worth the price of admission. One important factor is that there were very few vinyl copies pressed during the then heyday of CDs. I have heard many times from both collectors and critics that this OG provides some of the best sound quality in their entire collection. Fast, detailed and with excellent slam, this 1989 classic was for years the benchmark and standard for this title.
I also have a 2020 RSD reissue pressed at Furnace Record Pressing and cut by Levi Seitz at Black Belt Mastering. Levi has done a fantastic job on several of the DSS One-Steps and also some of the more recent Pearl Jam reissues. Mint Minus listings on Discogs range from $50 to $80, which is a nice value compared to the OG. Not quite as dynamic and open, but certainly an excellent pressing with much of the same superb presentation that the OG offers. At this price range and considering the lack of vinyl options out there, I can highly recommend the RSD!
Lastly, I want to mention one of my all-time favorite compilations. Chris Isaak – Wicked Game was released in 1991 on the Reprise label. I have a much sought after EU original pressing which was manufactured in Germany at the WEA Musik GmbH record plant in Hamburg. It was never released on vinyl in the USA. Cut by Ludwig Hümmler at Record Service Alsdorf, I don’t know what generation of master tapes or digital files were used, but this pressing sets new sound quality standards for several of Isaak’s most popular songs. “Wicked Game” from Heart Shaped World in particular beats the OG (which really surprised me), with vocals and guitar work that absolutely shines. With a Discog’s high selling price of $264, I was very excited and looking forward to comparing this compilation to the One-Step too!
The Mofi One-Step Sound Quality
Lets get right to the point. Despite the almost legendary and expensive competition discussed above, the Mofi One-Step still sets a new standard. Cut fairly low, you have to push the volume some to really hear what this pressing can offer. You get the speed, detail and punch of the OG, but now we have additional timbral purity and harmonics. Vocals are especially more fleshed out and liquid. Electric guitar has the driving sizzle and bite of the real thing, yet not the edge and grain of many overcooked guitar recordings. Every song is presented with a three dimensionality and space that exceeds that of the OG and the compilation. This all allows for an alluring if not distinctive level of transparency and excitement. Dynamics, dynamics, and more dynamics!
Per the above backstory, lets take the track “Wicked Game” as a point of discussion. Isaak’s vocals are clearly more defined and palpable than both the OG and the compilation. There is a now a new found level of both intimacy and seduction. James Calvin Wilsey's guitar eerily floats through the soundstage with layers and layers of vibrato and air. Everything is exquisitely revealed with tremendous depth and separation. Even beyond the past benchmark from the compilation, there is a boldness of presentation and a sonic beauty that will draw you in and totally immerse your senses. When you now sit back and listen, you have to wonder what else is it that we need to know about this song and this love story? What might the future behold for these two lovers? Great music and great sound always stimulates an emotional connection, which it easily does here. Story telling from Mr. Isaak at it’s finest!
I want to make it very clear that this is an album of many many outstanding songs. "Wicked Game" is a classic, but there are several more tracks that will truly resonate and satisfy. As just one example, "Blue Spanish Sky" is a touching, yet extremely expressive ballad that is driven by both sadness and heartbreak. James Calvin Wilsey continues to display a remarkable level of nuance and technique on acoustic guitar. The slowly spun trumpet solo (uncredited), radiates before you center stage with a bright and brassy tone that will make you sigh with absolute anguish. Isaak's vocals now have an astonishing sense of ease and richness that communicates and connects well beyond the other pressings. So much to offer! So much to appreciate!
Final Thoughts
Mofi is on a roll! I am so impressed by some of their most recent reissue selections for their One-Steps and for their standard 33 RPM and 45 RPM pressings: Chris Isaak, The Stooges, The Butterfield Blues Band, My Morning Jacket, Stone Temple Pilots, Sixto Rodriguez, The Temptations.
The list goes on and on, and virtually every one of them with outstanding production and sound quality! One would be hard pressed to complain about “the same, same old” that continues to saturate the market place from other labels. Mofi for one is listening!
Bottom line. The Mofi One-Step for Heart Shaped World is a must have for any Chris Isaak fan, and should be strongly considered for virtually every audiophile collection. If you are unfamiliar with the Chris Isaac catalog, this is a wonderful way to get acquainted. I guarantee it will not be the last title that you buy! Grab it while you can!
Proper Perspective And Caveats
It cannot be overstated that system synergy and personal taste are critical when evaluating high-end audio components and music. These reviews are based on my subjective listening priorities, my specific system configuration, and my specific listening room. This combination is only one data point of many that exist out there for my components and the music that is played. Please consider my comments and analysis appropriately.
Review System
I have included a comprehensive list of all my components and a description of my listening room. Please click on my name in red above if this information is needed for reference and comparison.
