Best of Chris Isaak

Given that many artists get the "best-of" treatment after only a few albums, it's quite remarkable that the first real Chris Isaak overview didn't appear until 2006, more than 20 years into the nostalgic pop/rock crooner's career. The 18-track non-chronological collection ranges from the twangy early single "Dancin'" to the guitar-rocker "King Without a Castle," one of four previously unreleased tracks. Along the way, the set makes room for Isaak's hits, including the ethereal "Wicked Game," the sinister "Baby Did a Bad Bad Thing," and his spot-on cover of "Only the Lonely" by Roy Orbison--one of his most obvious influences. Although some fans may be irked that Isaak's first non-holiday release since '02's ALWAYS GOT TONIGHT is a compilation, it's an exceptional one, and provides an excellent sampler of his charmingly vintage persona and formidable talent.