Communiqué [Original recording remastered]

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Dire Straits seemed to be a band with no popular context when they recorded this sophomore outing. Their previous album's "Sultans of Swing" still hadn't charted and former schoolteacher Mark Knopfler, whose 30th birthday coincided with this album's release, still had little interest in mirroring the post-punk obsessions of late-'70s London. Oblivious to the changes that would soon take place (brother David leaving the band, compact discs resurrecting older rock consumers, and their own ascension to arena-rock status), the band continued to refine its pub-rock aesthetic on this unpretentious set of melancholy rock tunes. Mark's talent for cynical character sketches is further developed on tracks like "Where Do You Think You're Going" and "News," while the presence of Jerry Wexler at the production helm ensures that the rest of the band keeps the rhythms tight. But the laid-back atmosphere of recording in the Bahamas seems to have had just as much influence, from the reggae lope of the opening "Once upon a Time in the West" to those waves crashing against the beach in the hypnotic album closer, "Follow Me Home." All in all, a solid effort from a band that probably had no idea what was just around the corner. --Bill Forman --This text refers to the Audio CD edition.

Tracks:

Once Upon A Time In The West
News
Where Do You Think You're Going?
Communique
Lady Writer
Angel Of Mercy
Portobello Belle
Single-Handed Sailor
Follow Me Home

Amazon.com

Dire Straits seemed to be a band with no popular context when they recorded this sophomore outing. Their previous album's "Sultans of Swing" still hadn't charted and former schoolteacher Mark Knopfler, whose 30th birthday coincided with this album's release, still had little interest in mirroring the post-punk obsessions of late-'70s London. Oblivious to the changes that would soon take place (brother David leaving the band, compact discs resurrecting older rock consumers, and their own ascension to arena-rock status), the band continued to refine its pub-rock aesthetic on this unpretentious set of melancholy rock tunes. Mark's talent for cynical character sketches is further developed on tracks like "Where Do You Think You're Going" and "News," while the presence of Jerry Wexler at the production helm ensures that the rest of the band keeps the rhythms tight. But the laid-back atmosphere of recording in the Bahamas seems to have had just as much influence, from the reggae lope of the opening "Once upon a Time in the West" to those waves crashing against the beach in the hypnotic album closer, "Follow Me Home." All in all, a solid effort from a band that probably had no idea what was just around the corner. --Bill Forman

Customer Reviews:

Classic Dire Straits.......2007-05-07

Whilst this is not my favourite album of this classic band it is still better than probably ninety percent of the other albums by other groups on the market in my opinion. This remastering of the original album has been done with skill and consideration of the feel of this album. The tracks "Lady Writer" and "Portobello Belle" are my favourite tracks on this album. Worth a serious listen.

great second release.......2007-02-25

This album was probably the 3rd or 4th album I bought from these guys. This album is a bit weaker than the debut but there are some great songs here. 'Once Upon A Time In The West' is the opener and sounds great. This later appeared on Alchemy, being played and expanded upon for 12 minutes or so. 'News' is a great song and always reminds me of Paul Revere's midnight ride. This ends with a great little drum sequence. 'Where Do You Think You're Going?' starts acoustic and then adds some nice drums that really pick up at the end. The solo at the end should have been a bit longer though. The title track here has some great piano. Thankfully they expanded on their sound here and the keysboards stick around on all the albums after this.

'Lady Writer' is a great little song, with a guitar solo better than the one on 'Sultans Of Swing'. 'Angel Of Mercy' has some great romantic lyrics that would later be expanded upon in 'Romeo And Juliet'. 'Portobello Belle' is a ballad that has many images that stay in your mind. 'Single Handed Sailor' has some more great bass work and really give the feel of the seaside at 2am (as they lyrics state). 'Follow Me Home' continues with this same feeling and is clearly one of the better songs here. These two songs are not a surprise since this album was recorded in the Bahamas.

So this is a five star album. Not as good as the first but a worthy follow up and good companion for the first album. This is also the last time that David Knopfler played with Dire Straits and Mark pretty much took over completely. Buy this album and enjoy it.

One of Their Best If Not Their Best Album.......2006-11-13

Like a lot of people I first got into Dire Straits through Brothers In Arms in the mid 80's. Then quickly got all of there other albums, including Communique and they became my favourite band. Communique is the album that I still play continuously to date and includes my all time favourite DS song News. It is quite different to their later more commercial releases, but I think thats why it is so good, just a 4 piece rock band, with a legendary Guitarist Frontman, who wrote some of his best songs for this particulary album.

No sophomore slump here.......2006-11-13

Tasteful guitar licks, intelligent lyrics, gruff voice. This album defines the Knopfler sound for me. There aren't any "hits" on this album, just consistently good songs. Sure, Brothers In Arms was the biggie for the band, but I'll bet Knopfler had more fun with stuff like this rather than trying to create the next big album. After BIA and the touring that followed, I think Knopfler had to take some major time off (6 years before the band's next release) to decide how he wanted to fit into the music biz. I'm guessing the fame and fortune wasn't what he was after in the first place. Just the chance to play music on his own terms. Marginal Dire Straits fans probably don't have this album in their collection, and it's a shame. Knopfler has always been one of my favorite guitar players, and I'm constantly reminded of it whenever I put this one on.

No Need For Big Hits Here.......2006-09-21

This album has everything you could ask for but the big hit. It is by far my favorite Dire Straits album and for good reason. Every song is good in it's own way. Once Upon A Time In The West and Lady Writer are the best but all the songs here are good.

Average customer rating:

Wait a tic... I'm Intercepting a COMMUNIQUE!
please step away from communique
The Shins Meet The Killers
Fantastic album!
Next Big Thing

Poison Arrows
Communiqué
Manufacturer: Lookout Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0002235EE
Release Date: 2004-06-15

Tracks:

The Best Lies
Evaporate
Ouija Me
Dagger Vision
Perfect Weapon
Black Curses
Strays
My Bay
Death Rattle Dance
Rattling Bones

Customer Reviews:

Wait a tic... I'm Intercepting a COMMUNIQUE!.......2005-07-22

"Poison Arrows" picks up right where the Cresent Honeymoon EP (also on lookout!) left off and continues the progression that these guys have been going along ever since American Steel's "Jagged Thoughts"... These amazing retro-pop songs are by far the best I've heard from this genre, far exceeding the efforts of Franz Whatstheirname, and The [insert hip sounding noun here].... Communique has come a long way since their American Steel days, but lucky for them they've gone a long way down the right path!

please step away from communique.......2005-06-23

um...why dont all of you scene POS go buy Franz Ferdinand's new cd or hey how about the Killers...oh and lets not forget the Shins...how the hell can you compare this band to them......please put the cd back in its case and kindly return it to your nearest indie distro...this is serious...this band is you either love or hate personally i love it but i have my reasons.....and those i will stick to.....these guys changed my life back in oh 1999...please for the love of god dont let this band be another comparison to your square ass retro chorus ridden staccatio laden fag rock this is serious music written by a man with talent so Fa Coff..

"i never looked at you with hateful eyes
i never held you in angry arms"

The Shins Meet The Killers.......2005-05-21

- This is one of those few cds that you can listen to the cd the whole way through without skipping tracks. My friend kept telling me about this band and I finally forced myself to pick up a copy of the album. Usually when someone introduces me to a band, it takes me awhile to get into them. With Commuinique, it wasn't like that. After the first listen, I was hooked. They have that catchy sound that gets stuck in your head. Here's my review of the songs..

1. The Best Lies 8/10 - A good song, not the best to start an album off with, but good.

2. Evaporate 10/10 - An awesome song with an amazing chorus and harmonies. One of my favorites on the cd.

3. Ouija Me 10/10 - Probably my favorite. Right from the beginning of the song, it gets you hooked. The vocals and synths are awesome.

4. Dagger Vision 9/10 - A good one - the chorus is the best part of the song.

5. Perfect Weapon 9/10 - This song really reminds me of an 80's pop song. It's really cool, not one of my favorites though.

6. Black Curses 10/10 - Another favorite. This one and track #3 are the tracks that you can listen to over and over again.

7. Strays 8/10 - A slower one with verses that kind of drag but a chorus that makes up for it.

8. My Bay 10/10 - Another amazing tune - everything about this song is great.

9. Death Rattle Dance 9/10 - Great song - nothing that stands out above the other tracks though.

10. Rattling Bones 10/10 - Definitely the slowest song on the album, but a great one to wrap it all up. It's pretty much a closing song with a lot of emotion. Great tune.

If you are a fan of; The Killers, The Shins, The Strokes, Old Phantom Planet, etc. I highly recommend picking this cd up or checking out the band.

Fantastic album!.......2005-05-06

This is one the best retro pop acts going. The vocals are superb and the song writing is sly and catchy. This is a keeper.

Next Big Thing.......2004-10-24

Communiqué have a fresh, unique sound and definitely aren't just another band to be brushed under the rug. Poison Arrows has the perfect combination of raw guitars, melodic keyboards, and poetic lyrics. They are an awesome band live and I definitely recommend this CD if you are looking for a great new band. Buy this CD. YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED!!

Average customer rating:

Better live than on cd

A Crescent Honeymoon
Communiqué
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Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000089IZZ
Release Date: 2003-02-25

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Cross Your Heart
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Annabelle

Customer Reviews:

Better live than on cd.......2004-05-08

I just recently went to their show in LA and thought they were really good. I've never heard their stuff before so i purchased the cd at the show. The cd is worth it but i think they are so much better live. They have great vocals too. Check them out.

Average customer rating:

3 1/2 stars -- not bad at all!

Communiqué
Dire Straits
Manufacturer: Polygram Int'l
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00000IHE3
Release Date: 1999-04-27

Tracks:

Once Upon A Time In The West
News
Where Do You Think You're Going?
Communique
Lady Writer
Angel Of Mercy
Portobello Belle
Single Handed Sailor
Follow Me Home

Album Description

Digitally remastered edition of their second album, a top 20record when originally released in 1979. Nine tracks,including 'News', 'Lady Writer' and 'Communique'. 1996Mercury Records release.

Album Details

Domestic Sept 19. Do Not Order After August 19.

Customer Reviews:

3 1/2 stars -- not bad at all!.......2004-08-30

It's not their best, but still worth getting. I'd suggest getting this one before Love Over Gold or Making Movies (their two best ones), otherwise Communique will seem like a letdown. Portobello Belle is very nice.

Average customer rating:

21st Anniversary: Not That Innocent
Girlschool
Manufacturer: Communique
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00005Y3L5
Release Date: 2006-03-23

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Coming Your Way
Mad Mad Sister
Love Too Far
Stay Wild
Knife
London
I Told You So
Have a Nice Day
Born to Be
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Everybody Does It

Average customer rating:

Walk Into the Light
Communique
Manufacturer: Sabot Productions
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000JSI7OO
Release Date: 2006-10-18

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The Sad Valentine
Somebody Poisoned the Well
Wake Up Wake Up
What's Been Lost
Got Your Number

Average customer rating:

Classic Dire Straits
great second release
One of Their Best If Not Their Best Album
No sophomore slump here
No Need For Big Hits Here

Communiqué
Dire Straits
Manufacturer: Warner Bros / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Brothers in Arms

ASIN: B000002KK8
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

Once Upon A Time In The West
News
Where Do You Think You're Going?
Communique
Lady Writer
Angel Of Mercy
Portobello Belle
Single-Handed Sailor
Follow Me Home

Amazon.com

Customer Reviews:

Classic Dire Straits.......2007-05-07

great second release.......2007-02-25

One of Their Best If Not Their Best Album.......2006-11-13

No sophomore slump here.......2006-11-13

No Need For Big Hits Here.......2006-09-21

Average customer rating:

Girlschool - self-titled (Communique)

Live
Girlschool
Manufacturer: Communique Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00000084A
Release Date: 1996-06-05

Tracks:

Screaming Blue Murder
Hit and Run
We Came
Action
Future Flash
On My Way
Knife
Not for Sale
Little Green Men
Kick It Down
Demolition Boys
C'mon Let's Go
Emergency
Take It All the Way

Customer Reviews:

Girlschool - self-titled (Communique).......2005-02-08

I give it 3 1/2 stars.Unless I miss my guess,this CD isn't a 'Live' disc.It's actually a self-titled 14-track compilation of some of the heavier tunes of the long-running heavy metal all-girl band's career,that of course began during the NWOBHM era.Some of the tunes that hold pleasant memories for myself are "Hit And Run","Action","C'mon Let's Go","Demolition Boys" and "Take It All The Way".Line-up:Kim McAuliffe-vocals&rhythm guitar,Denise Dufort-drums,Chris Bonacci-lead guitar and Jackie Carrera-bass.Believe this disc was later reissue on the Griffin Music label.

Average customer rating:

Amazingly strong!
Real Rock at last

Calling
Statetrooper
Manufacturer: Communique
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Statetrooper

ASIN: B00029KSZ6
Release Date: 2004-07-19

Tracks:

Calling
Casablanca
I'm Alive
Amerasians
Love Lies Bleeding
D.O.A.
Marionettes
Don't Say Goodbye
How Does It Feel
Twilight's Last Gleaming
I Believe

Album Description

Long awaited 2004 album from the band fronted by es-MSG vocalist Gary Barden. Features members of MSG, The Sweet & Praying Mantis. CIC label.

Customer Reviews:

Amazingly strong!.......2006-02-01

Well, this is a very good hard rock CD. This new Gary BArden outfit is playing authentic hard rock with energy and precison, full of big choruses, speedy solos and great riffs. Even the slow ones are very good. And I also must point to the fact that Barden (maybe using the new recording technology available, or mayde due to vocal improvement) is singing much better than in his old Michael Schenker Group days, back in the eighties.

Real Rock at last.......2004-10-29

All of the songs on "The Calling" are filled with infectious melodies, catchy choruses and a lot of background vocals. This CD is a perfect example why we should love hardrock. Songs like 'The Calling', 'Casablanca', 'D.O.A.' and 'Twilight's Last Gleaming' are all great in-your-face hard rock songs, but the highest possible level is reached by Gary Barden and guitarist Jeff Summers on songs like 'I'm Alive' and 'Marionettes'. Highly recommended material indeed!

Average customer rating:

Believe
Girlschool
Manufacturer: Communique
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Demolition

ASIN: B0002L30FE
Release Date: 2006-03-23

Tracks:

Come On Up
Let's Get Hard
Crazy
We All Love To (Rock N Roll)
Secret
New Beginning
C'mon
Never Say Never
You Say
Feel Good
Hold On Tight
Yes Means Yes
We All Have To Choose
Play Around (Bonus Track)
Passion (Bonus Track)

Album Description

Details TBA. Plastic Head. 2005.

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