I just used Wicked Game in a playlist for a memory for the 90s which brought it fresh to mind. I may have loved this song the first time I heard it. I may have even watched Chris Isaak’s TV show because of this song. Because. And, well, Chris Isaak is not hard on the eyes.

I don’t remember what the year was but suspect it was the 90s, when my boss, Ted L. walked by as Chris Isaak was wailing on my radio and Ted L. said the song/singing was pretty much caterwauling. Ted L. was not someone you crossed if you knew what was good for you. He had a reputation. I may not have always liked him but I liked my job, kept my nose to the grindstone and ignored his comments on Chris Isaak and Wicked Game. Not long after, a cassette tape of Etta James appeared on my keyboard. Ted L. had offered a substitute. Who could argue with the choice of Etta James? And, I’ve got to say that the offering of the cassette tape made Ted L. far more human to me than he’d ever been before. Maybe we had found a mutual ground in music. Unfortunately I was too intimidated by him to ever find out, and he passed away before I could.

I like Etta James. I like Chris Isaak. And I will always love this song.

The world was on fire and no one could save me but you
It’s strange what desire will make foolish people do
I never dreamed that I’d meet somebody like you
And I never dreamed that I’d lose somebody like you

Chris Isaak