I have been in love with Chris Isaak since the first time I heard "Wicked Game" and saw him in concert in about 1990. So in a sense, I have known and loved him even longer than my husband (we met in '94). What is it about the power of a song sung with emotion (by a cute boy, although it also works for plain looking boys - i.e. Mick Jagger) that can make you fall in love with a stranger?
I once read a book called "This is Your Brain on Music" about the neurological pathways involved in making and listening to music. There was actually a chapter devoted to the topic of why girls fall for rock stars. It turns out that certain brain pathways involved in love and trust are turned on (no pun intended) by music. In addition, over history, humans have been conditioned to trust and love singers. In the 1600's in the low countries (Belgium and Denmark today), many paintings depicted singers with their flutes and lutes, which stood for sexual references. It is no different now.
In 2000, I went to the Kentucky Derby and Chris Isaak was there doing interviews on behalf of The Tonight Show. Being in love, I could not help but go up to him and introduce myself. We spoke for an uncomfortably long time (uncomfortable because my husband and several of his coworkers were waiting for me and watching me while we talked). We flirted shamelessly and I left with the satisfaction of knowing that if I was not married, I would have gotten to know more about Chris Isaak than his music. I thought (OK, fantasized) about this for WEEKS...
Last Saturday, Chris Isaak was in town and my husband and I went to see him. We had seats in the 10th row but ended up about 5 feet away from him when we were allowed to rush the stage. As soon as the crowd settled, he locked eyes with me for what was again an uncomfortably long time. He sang something like, "I want you, I need you," at least that's what I thought I heard. Every now and then through the show he'd sing a line or two to me (as well as other ladies in the audience, but that did not really register at the time.) Was there any recognition in his eyes? Who cares, it was a thrill nonetheless! After the show, my husband said, "I saw Chris Isaak checking you out and singing to you." I responded nonchalantly, "Oh, gee, did you notice that?" He said, "How could you not?" He smiled, happy that I got a such a kick out of seeing my crush.
Since the concert, I have been thinking a lot about why the experience was so much fun. I understand the brain pathway aspect of it. But it feels like more than that. What it is came to me this morning. It feels so good because you feel like you're in love for the first time. And that makes you feel YOUNG. So ladies, go out and fall in love with a Rock Star today - feel great and feel young! Time to go listen to "Wicked Game" again...
