Dire Straits

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
By the mid-'80s Dire Straits were a platinum band dismissed in their native England as safe, yuppie rockers, yet the original quartet's lean, guitar-driven music struggled to find a label home when first recorded in 1978. Mark Knopfler offers craggy vocals, literate blues-based songs, and sinuous, virtuosic guitar work. He melds keening solo lines and rapidly picked fills and dodges the synth washes and postpunk power chords of then-competing new wavers; he relies on atmosphere, character, and pure musicianship intead of heavy irony or pop fashion. "Sultans of Swing," codifies this stance, a galloping paean to aging jazz musicians playing for the sheer love of the music. This became a major hit and has endured as a radio classic. The album itself has proven equally sturdy thanks to cinematic imagery and the tightly wound arrangements of "Down to the Waterline," "Six Blade Knife," and "Water of Love." --Sam Sutherland

Tracks:

Sultans Of Swing
Lady Writer
Romeo And Juliet
Tunnel Of Love
Private Investigations
Twisting By The Pool
Love Over Gold (Live)
So Far Away
Money For Nothing
Brothers In Arms
Walk Of Life
Calling Elvis
Heavy Fuel
On Every Street
Your Latest Trick (Live)
Local Hero / Wild Theme (Live)

Amazon.com

This compilation repeats seven tracks from 1988's Money For Nothing anthology. Given that Mark Knopfler and crew have recorded one new album during the decade between best-of collections, how different could Sultans of Swing be? For one thing, CD dominance has made for longer compilations, and this one is fleshed out by singles, three tracks from 1991's On Every Street, and Knopfler's solo "Local Hero" theme, performed live. More importantly, the second track here is the band's terrific second single, "Lady Writer," previously only available on the otherwise dismal Communiqué LP. Five tracks from Dire Straits' huge Brothers in Arms LP appear here, but only two tracks surface from Making Movies, the group's pinnacle achievement. Ultimately, if you own Making Movies and this compilation, you own the essential Dire Straits. --Bill Holdship

Customer Reviews:

Sultan Schmultan.......2007-06-10

This work has there more famous hits, and a bunch of secondary ones if you ask me. Stick to their first album. Good tunes, but they start to sound lot alike after awhile.

Great Band, so-so Collection.......2007-03-04

While this was as good a compilation of Dire Straits as you could find for a time, the recent "Private Investigations: The Best of Dire Straits & Mark Knopfler" ups the ante for two reasons. First and foremost, on that 2-disc collection, the Dire Straits songs are included in their full length versions (edited versions are here for "Money For Nothing" in particular), and the live cuts - especially "Love Over Gold" - are replaced with studio versions. Since Dire Straits were always a product of studio perfections and the belief that great things last longer than 4 minutes, losing almost half of "Money For Nothing" just isn't acceptable.

Secondly, the "Private Investigations" set has its second disc devoted to the best of Mark Knopfler's solo career. Since that was madly uneven, it beats his spotty solo albums. Here, "Local Hero" is the only solo track, and again in a live version.

While I have long been a fan of Dire Straits ("Love Over Gold" and "Brothers In Arms" were the two CD's I often used to show off - gawd I'm Getting Old - the brand new CD player and its spanking new technology), "Sultans Of Swing - The Very Best Of" under represents the band. On the other hand, "Private Investigations" leaves off "Heavy Fuel" and the goofy "Twisting By The Pool." That was the first time Knopfler showed off his sense of humor prior to (the also missing) "Industrial Disease." ("Private Investiagtions" also completely ignores the "Communique" album).

I have a few personal favorites here. The shock of hearing "Sultans Of Swing" during the period of all things Clash or Sex Pistols has never worn off. As a calling card of Mark Knofler as new guitar hero, it remains very hard to beat. The Noir detective tale of "Private Investigations" has long affected me, as has the call for understanding of "Brothers In Arms." My personal favorite missing songs are "Skateaway" and "The Bug." But since they appear on neither collection, maybe Knopfler isn't too keen on them, either.

So while you may finds yourself drawn to the more expansive collection, if you're a casual listener, "Sultans Of Swing" will do ok. Just be aware that the two songs you probably most want here are trimmed from their LP versions. If you are really interested in them, starting with the debut album or the still incredible "Brothers In Arms" is an even better bet than this particular Dire Straits best of.

That's what I call music.......2007-02-03

Although not a Dire Straights loyal fun, when I heard this CD I realised what makes this band so special. It's not only the classic quality rock tunes, nor the deep and warm texture of the lead vocals. This CD rocks because you literally feel the songs. The quitar inputs and the general orchestration of this collection are simply exquisite, the melodies so symmetrically beautiful that you keep repeating the song inside you even when you're not listening to it. My favourite track is the 'Tunnel of love', so full of youth and nostalgia, I almost cry when I replay it, over and over again.
Do not hesitate. This is good rock material.

The Best of Dire Straits.......2007-01-10

The case was broken, other than that everything is fine.

Best dire straits........2006-12-26

I was a dire straits fan for several years. i have all their cds. i even have all their lps too and one of their cassettes and 45s. i have it all.
this is where i began when i was first a fan to dire straits back in may 2002. my dad introduced me to mark knopfler and i liked him a lot. he was a great guitar player and singer too he can sing really well. this is very good for beginners who want good taste in music. this has all the great songs.sultans of swing,lady writer,tunnel of love,money for nothing,calling elvis,and heavy fuel are maybe all the greatest songs this compilation has. there are a few bad songs on this,private investigations isn't a song at all,it puts me to sleep and there could have been better choices like telegraph road or industrial disease. another bad song could probably brothers in arms,ooh man that song makes me cry because it is a song about war.and the live tracks arent that great i wish those were removed from this.romeo and juliet was great for a while then got tired of that! go ahead.most of the songs are really good,get this with mark knopfler's sailing to philadelphia,ragpickers dream,golden heart and love over gold. recommended.

Average customer rating:

4 very good songs
so good
What a band
A great album!
A good pop album

Brothers in Arms
Dire Straits
Manufacturer: Warner Bros / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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General | Classic Rock | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Dire Straits
Making Movies
Love over Gold
Communiqué
On Every Street

ASIN: B00004Y6NP
Release Date: 2000-09-19

Tracks:

So Far Away
Money For Nothing
Walk of Life
Your Latest Trick
Why Worry
Ride Across The River
The Man's Too Strong
One World
Brothers In Arms

Amazon.com essential recording

Propelled by Mark Knopfler's literate songs, gruff vocals, and spidery guitar work, Dire Straits had overcome initial skepticism for their resistance to '70s new wave accents in favor of a rootsy traditionalism. This 1985 album captures the band consolidating a far more epic style than the concise shuffles and ballads that the original scrappy quartet had reeled off, their ambitions fueled by the larger canvas afforded by the CD. One of the first albums to exploit the format's longer playing time, Brothers in Arms was initially released in separate versions for CD/cassette and edited LP, and the band became digital poster boys on a world tour sponsored by CD hardware interests. Critics that had once warmed to the band sniffed at the marketing, but the album remains their best known, noteworthy for the MTV staple "Money for Nothing" and the breezy rock shuffle "Walk of Life," as well as for the wistful "So Far Away," the plot-driven narratives of "Ride Across the River," and the title song. --Sam Sutherland

Album Description

Digitally remastered edition of their 1985 multi-platinum album, their biggest ever. Nine tracks, featuring the #1 smash 'Money For Nothing', plus the top 10 'Walk Of Life' & the top 20 hit 'So Far Away'. 1996 Mercury Records release.

Album Details

Their Landmark Recording Digitally Remastered. Includes 'money for Nothing'.

Customer Reviews:

4 very good songs.......2007-06-19

Brothers In Arms, Your Latest Trick, The Man's Too Big, and (okay) So Far Away are great songs...especially Brothers. The rest is pretty bad. Get their first 3 albums. THOSE are great.

so good.......2007-05-25

One think I really admire about Dire Straits is that, whether it was intentional or not, the music they made in the 80's (and 70's) stands up REALLY well today, and you'd never know this stuff was recorded during a time when big drum machines and loud beats were the most popular thing on the music scene.

Brothers In Arms is all about being a very good rock album during a time when rock was changing, and being *very* pleasing in the process. The entire first side is nothing but one HUGE radio hit after another. You know the songs. They are all really good, and take me back to my childhood.

"Money For Nothing" NEVER gets old, especially that slow build-up in the beginning. I remember when me and my parents went looking for a refrigerator one night right after this album came out, and this song always reminded me of that night because of the part when the band mentions a refrigerator in the lyrics. "Walk of Life" reminds me of my mom. GREAT song.

The second side, while initially it seems weaker, it's actually not, and the title song is one of those soothing builder-uper type songs. It's great. The entire album is highly enjoyable. For those of you who were children back in the mid 80's, it's worth hearing again for the memories.

What a band.......2007-05-07

What can you say about a band that has the courage to play almost exclusively its own music and then make it sound like you have heard it a million times before. This is one of the true "classics" of our times and this remastering of the original has produced for the listener an even greater enjoyment and awareness of the sublime musicianship of this band. If you like Dire Straits and even if you have the original do your self a favour and give this a listen on some decent equipment. I cannot stop playing it again.

A great album!.......2007-05-04

Dire Straits was formed in Britain in 1977, but it was the release of this album in 1985 that really launched them into international stardom! Brothers In Arms is an eclectic collection of songs that each has a different sound. When I first got this album in 1985, I really liked the bouncy Money For Nothing, but with time, other songs moved up to being my favorites, including the romantic Why Worry, and the soulful Brothers In Arms. Heck, Brothers In Arms reminds me of my father, a combat veteran who formed life-long attachments to other soldiers, but who personally hated war.

Overall, I think that this is one of my all-time favorite albums. Indeed, its one of the unusual ones that I can share with my entire family. This is a great album, and I give it my highest recommendations!

A good pop album .......2007-04-18

Great pop album, with lots of well known songs.
To me, the best one is the title track, really good emotional song.

Private Investigations: The Best of Dire Straits & Mark Knopfler

Average customer rating:

Not what I expected
Private Investigations Review
Supreme Skills
Private Investigations, a new best-of from Mark Knopfler
Best Dire Straits collection so far.

Private Investigations: The Best of Dire Straits & Mark Knopfler
Dire Straits , and Mark Knopfler
Manufacturer: Warner Bros / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Pop | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

All the Roadrunning
Shangri-La
One Take Radio Sessions
Sailing to Philadelphia
Golden Heart

ASIN: B000BI0WOA
Release Date: 2005-11-15

Tracks:

Telegraph Road
Sultans of Swing
Love Over Gold
Romeo and Juliet
Tunnel of Love-Intro: Carousel Walz
Private Investigations (album version)
So Far Away (full version)
Money for Nothing (album version)
Brothers in Arms (album version)
Walk of Life, Your Latest Trick (edit)
Calling Elvis (album version)
On Every Street (album version)
Going Home: Theme of the Local Hero
Darling Pretty
Long Road
Why Aye Man (radio edit)
Sailing to Philadelphia
What It Is
Trawlerman's Song
Boom Like That
All the Roadrunning

Album Description

For the first time, a compilation brings together the best of one of rock's most admired bands, Dire Straits, and the best of its leader, guitarist-singer-songwriter Mark Knopfler. Private Investigations: Best of Dire Straits and Mark Knopfler, a double CD, spans their entire careers.

Customer Reviews:

Not what I expected.......2007-06-14

I wish that i had sampled more of the songs - too much Mark, and not enough Dire

Private Investigations Review.......2007-05-14

This is an excellent 2 disc set for long time Dire Straits fans, and those who are new to Mark Knopfler's music. The first song is "Telegraph Road", which is best enjoyed driving down a long lonesome highway. I find myself skipping around a bit after that, trying to follow the orginal sequence of songs in the albums that are represented. Good tunes, and most excellent road music!

Supreme Skills.......2007-05-07

This anthology from one of the most talented bands I have had the pleasure to listen to is exactly that - a true pleasure. I am a big fan of Mark Knopfler and Dire Straits and his particular take on music is one that touches my soul. If I want to chill out after a long hard day I take a long dose of this album with my best headphones and my favourite chair and just kick back. It has to date not let me down once. Buy it and enjoy.

Private Investigations, a new best-of from Mark Knopfler.......2007-04-10

This is more of a Dire Straits collection than a Mark Knopfler CD, but who cares. MK always remained true to the DS sound, even with the latter day country tunes. A nice CD for any DS and/or MK fan.

Best Dire Straits collection so far........2007-03-04

The recent "Private Investigations" ups the ante for Dire Starits Best of Collections two reasons. First and foremost, on this 2-disc collection, the Dire Straits songs are included in their full length versions (edited versions were on the "Sulatns Of Swing" set for "Money For Nothing" among others), and the live cuts - especially "Love Over Gold" - are replaced with their studio versions. Since Dire Straits were always a product of studio perfections and the belief that great things last longer than 4 minutes, losing almost half of "Money For Nothing" just isn't acceptable. On "Private Investigations," MfN, as well as all 15 minutes of "Telegraph Road" etc, are back as they should be.

Secondly, the "Private Investigations" set has its second disc devoted to the best of Mark Knopfler's solo career. Since that was madly uneven, it beats his spotty solo albums. Here, "Local Hero" is the only changed over to its album version. Great songs like "Boom Like That" or "Sailing To Philadelphia" are as good as his best Dire Straits work, and a track from his duets album with Emmylou Harris is included. All are really worth hearing.

While I have long been a fan of Dire Straits ("Love Over Gold" and "Brothers In Arms" were the two CD's I often used to show off - gawd I'm Getting Old - my brand new CD player and its spanking new technology), "Private Investigations" leaves off "Heavy Fuel" and the goofy "Twisting By The Pool." (That was the first time Knopfler showed off his sense of humor prior to the also missing "Industrial Disease.") On the other hand "Sultans Of Swing - The Very Best Of" under represented the band. "Private Investiagtions" also completely ignores the "Communique" album, and "Lady Writer" is essential Dire Straits in my opinion.

I have a few personal favorites here. The shock of hearing "Sultans Of Swing" during the period of all things Clash or Sex Pistols has never worn off. As a calling card of Mark Knofler as new guitar hero, it remains very hard to beat. The Noir detective tale of "Private Investigations" has long affected me, as has the call for understanding of "Brothers In Arms." My personal favorite missing songs are "Skateaway" and "The Bug." But since they appear on neither collection, maybe Knopfler isn't too keen on them, either.

So while you may finds yourself drawn to this more expansive collection, if you're a casual listener, "Sultans Of Swing" will do ok. If you are really interested in them, starting with the debut album or the still incredible "Brothers In Arms" both an even better bet than this particular Dire Straits best of.

PS - it's time to retire the floating guitar in the clouds image already!

Average customer rating:

Another all-time classic
The foundation of the classic Dire Straits sound
Making Movies
Tied with Rumors for best album of all time
a simpler time...

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

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Pop | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music

General | Classic Rock | Styles | Music

Dynasty | Warner Brothers Records | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Love over Gold
Dire Straits
Communiqué
Brothers in Arms
On Every Street

ASIN: B00004Y6NX
Release Date: 2000-09-19

Tracks:

Tunnel Of Love
Romeo & Juliet
Skateaway
Expresso Love
Hand in Hand
Solid Rock
Les Boys

Amazon.com essential recording

Making Movies is Dire Straits's third album and includes several epic numbers that remain among Mark Knopfler's finest work. "Tunnel of Love, " "Romeo And Juliet" (covered by the Indigo Girls), and "Solid Rock" all work with the same distinctive galloping rhythm underneath Knopfler's country-blues staccato guitar. The addition of Springsteen's E Street Band pianist Roy Bittan hardly seems less a coincidence considering the Springsteen-esque tone of the material. --Rob O'Connor

Customer Reviews:

Another all-time classic.......2007-06-08

This is another all-time classic, another all-time favorite of mine, still as fascinating as it was 25 years ago when I first heard it. Make sure you get the remastered edition, though, it sounds much better than the non-remastered one. Extremely sensitive love-inspired tracks.

The foundation of the classic Dire Straits sound.......2007-05-10

In the late 1970s, Dire Straits was a band that built a strong following. Much of Dire Straits was the result of the awesome guitar work of Mark Knopfler, but there was also some great instrumentation from other band members such as drummer Pick Withers and bassist John Illsley.. In many circles, Knopfler is considered as good as they come. For Dire Straits, they would do things much differently than many of the other bands during the time of the "British Invasion". In an era where Punk and New Wave were taking center stage, Dire Straits were doing things the old-fashioned way - a combination of Classic Rock, Blues, Folk, and even some Country. Knopfler also proven himself to be a top-notch lyricist - writing both humorous and serious songs. The combination of outstanding instrumentation, great lyrics and a mix of old-fashioned Rock genres is really what made Dire Straits such a great band. . The achieved success with their debut album - the self-titled Dire Straits. Although, their follow-up album "Communiqué" followed up, many consider that album not as strong as "Dire Straits". For the band's third album, "Making Movies", some changes would take place - and as a result it would become what many consider to be one of the strongest albums in the Dire Straits portfolio.

On the first two albums, many feel that Dire Straits had a more stripped down basic classic Rock sound. For "Making Movies", things changed. It would be on this album where we would see Dire Straits move toward more-complex arrangements. This trend would actually continue on the album that would follow "Making Movies" - 1982's "Love Over Gold". "Making Movies" would make a major personnel change in that Mark Knopfler's brother, David would depart the band. At the same time, the band would bring in the E Street Band's Roy Bittan to play keyboards. Bittan has one of the most distinctive keyboard sounds in the music business and it often is easy to identify his work. It is Bittan's unique style combined with the outstanding guitar work and music arrangements of the band that helped "Making Movies"s easily emerge as the band's signature sound to date.

There are seven tracks that make up the "Making Movies" album. Here is a track by track review:

"Tunnel of Love": This is the opening track of the collection and has easily become one of the band's classic tracks. The song opens with an arrangement of a melody from Rodgers and Hammerstein's "Carousel". As the song progresses into the "Rock portion", you will first hear Bittan's trademark keyboards followed by Mark Knopfler's trademark guitar. This song presents a great narrative as Knopfler reminisces about his younger days at an amusement park. Overall, this song just seems to capture the signature style that Dire Straits has really garnered a reputation for. I saw one review say that this song this song is "everything that was great about these guys condensed in 8 minutes" - I couldn't agree more.

"Romeo and Juliet": As the title says, this is basically a song about Romeo and Juliet. Here we get Knopfler's unique take and spin on this classic William Shakespeare work. Knopfler displays humor when he says, "Juliet says 'hey it's Romeo you nearly gave me a heart attack'". At the same time Knopfler gives his perspective on the whole story when he says (from Romeo's point of view), "Juliet the dice were loaded from the start". More great instrumentation - especially from Bittan and Knopfler help complete the picture of this story.

"Skateaway": This is a sometimes overlooked song, but nonetheless still a Dire Straits classic. This song might seem simple, yet it demonstrates some of the terrific arrangements by the band. The song paints a picture of a girl at a roller skating rink. Yet the part that really is interesting is how Knopfler tells the story of the girl listening to music on a portable music player (probably a Walkman). The lyrics "she gets rock n roll a rock n roll station; and a rock n roll dream; she's making movies on location" tell the story perfectly. Listen to how Knopfler creates a sound that gives you a feel of the roller rink. At the same time, listen to how the music "changes up" throughout the song. Bittan's keyboards shine as well - you will definitely pick out his classic sound.

"Expresso Love": This is another classic Dire Straits song. It also starts out with some great keyboards by Bittan and like "Tunnel of Love", this progresses into a classic Dire Straits song. Knopfler's guitar chords will have you jamming them over and over again.

"Hand in Hand": This song takes a softer sound when compared to most of the other tracks on this collection. In some ways this reminded me a bit of Dan Fogelberg. In this song, there is a slight country-like sound - and this is something that would become an influence on Knopfler's influence later in his musical career.

"Solid Rock": This is the shortest track on the album, but that doesn't impact anything. This song has a Southern-Rock feel and in some ways, Knopfler's vocals reminded me of Tom Petty. Knopfler's guitar will be the primary star of this song. In this song Knopfler sings about living a safe and conservative kind of life as he sings "Well i'm sick of potential; I'm sick of vanity now". This is another terrific song.

"Les Boys": This song was a most unorthodox song. It basically pokes fun at the female impersonators in the cabaret. The lyrics "Les boys got leather straps....get dressed up get a little risque" tell the whole story. This song does a great job at creating that cabaret feel to it.

The liner notes include all of the lyrics. Overall, this song exemplifies the classic Dire Straits sound. If one has any interest in Dire Straits at all, this would be the album I recommend getting.

Making Movies.......2007-05-07

This is probably one of the fifty best albums I had heard when it first came out. This remaster of that album is fantastic. I have both the original and the remaster and I now only play the remaster. Highly recommended for Dire Straits fans or anybody else with an ear for good music.

Tied with Rumors for best album of all time.......2007-05-06

This is perhaps the best album ever made. Buy this album. Play and leave on repeat. End of story.

a simpler time..........2007-04-28

1980 I was in Denver, CO before MTV. There was a half-hour program on late at night called FMTV. Videos!!! The regular rotation included; Start Me Up - Stones, Controversy - Prince, Whip it - Devo and a couple pieces by a group I wasn't that familiar with...Romeo and Juliet and Tunnel of Love - Dire Straits. They had me hook, line...you know. To this day, along with Sultans of Swing and Brothers in Arms, I'm convinced that Mark Knofler is a rare bird, a true trubador. He tells stories so damn well(not to mention he strokes axe mighty nice)that I never tire of his expressions.

T of L reminds me of a girl I met when I was 18 at Worlds of Fun in Kansas City, MO by the name of JoSylvia Malone. We rode the 'Zambini Zinger' roller coaster together one time, I never saw her again, but this song describes that type of youthful passion perfectly...

Average customer rating:

An all-time favorite
This is where it all began for Dire Straits - Great Lyrics as Well
Amazing Album
4 1/2 stars.
Still dull

Dire Straits
Dire Straits
Manufacturer: Warner Bros.
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Pop | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music

General | Classic Rock | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Making Movies
Communiqué
Brothers in Arms
Love over Gold
On Every Street

ASIN: B00004Y6NW
Release Date: 2000-09-19

Tracks:

Down To The Waterline
Water Of Love
Settin' Me Up
Six Blade Knife
Southbound Again
Sultans Of Swing
In The Gallery
Wild West End
Lions

Amazon.com

By the mid-'80s Dire Straits were a platinum band dismissed in their native England as safe, yuppie rockers, yet the original quartet's lean, guitar-driven music struggled to find a label home when first recorded in 1978. Mark Knopfler offers craggy vocals, literate blues-based songs, and sinuous, virtuosic guitar work. He melds keening solo lines and rapidly picked fills and dodges the synth washes and postpunk power chords of then-competing new wavers; he relies on atmosphere, character, and pure musicianship intead of heavy irony or pop fashion. "Sultans of Swing," codifies this stance, a galloping paean to aging jazz musicians playing for the sheer love of the music. This became a major hit and has endured as a radio classic. The album itself has proven equally sturdy thanks to cinematic imagery and the tightly wound arrangements of "Down to the Waterline," "Six Blade Knife," and "Water of Love." --Sam Sutherland

Customer Reviews:

An all-time favorite.......2007-06-08

This album is an all-time favorite of mine (except 1 or 2 tracks) and it sounds great too - just make sure you get the remastered edition! Extremely inspired tracks that are always a delight to listen to! It's certainly a classic: I've been listening to it over the past 25 years or so and it's still as fresh and exciting as ever!

This is where it all began for Dire Straits - Great Lyrics as Well.......2007-05-18

Dire Straits is a band that would form in the late 1970s Throughout their career, Dire Straits, they would do things much differently than many of the other bands during the "British Invasion" that was taking place. In an era where Punk and New Wave were taking center stage, Dire Straits were doing things the old-fashioned way: a combination of Classic Rock, Blues, Folk, and even some Country. In latter years, Dire Straits would migrate toward more complex and progressive arrangements and somewhere along the way they would become pop stars. However, the early days of Dire Straits would demonstrate their roots around Classic Rock, Blues, Folk, and Country. Their debut album - the self-titled "Dire Straits" demonstrates a simpler, more-stripped down sound than what they would eventually become known for. In a lot of was, they were the anti-thesis of the stereotypical British Invasion band of the 1970s. This album would also demonstrate some clever songwriting - all by Mark Knopfler.

For the most part, Dire Straits is the brainchild of its lead guitarist and vocalist - Mark Knopfler. Throughout his career, Knopfler would assemble a group of musicians that would comprise Dire Straits. This self-titled album consisted of Mark Knopfler on vocals and lead guitars, his brother David - also on guitars, John Illsley (who would be the only constant throughout the life of Dire Straits besides Mark Knopfler) on bass, and Pick Withers on drums. On latter albums, Dire Straits would demonstrate more use of the keyboards (for example Roy Bittan would add a new dimension by playing keyboards on the "Making Movies" album), but for now Dire Straits would mostly focus around a guitar-oriented sound.

As for the lyrics, Mark Knopfler does some of his best songwriting on this collection. I like how he makes use of metaphors and storytelling.

Here is a track by track review of this collection:

"Down to the Waterline": This song demonstrates the Classic Rock influence. In a lot of ways, this being the first track on the first Dire Straits album would become a prototype of a good chunk of Dire Straits sound. That sound would consist of the classic guitar grooves Mark Knopfler and company would become known for. It would also be a blueprint for the unique vocals delivered by Mark Knopfler. Overall, while this is the first song it probably remains one of the band's best.

"Water of Love": The theme of "water" continues on to the second track. The guitar work on this one reminds me a bit of Lindsay Buckingham from Fleetwood Mac, but also has a Folk-Rock feel. Mark Knopfler does a good, yet simple job at using metaphors in this song. "High and dry on a long hot day.....I need a little water of love". The chorus is also very catchy on this song.

"Setting Me Up": On this song, the sound begins to move toward more of a Country type of sound. Country would be something that Dire Straits and Mark Knopfler would demonstrate throughout their careers. This song is as a-typical of a British Invasion song as you will hear, yet the band pulls it off flawlessly.

"Six Blade Knife": The opening guitars of this sound are terrific. You can almost "see" the Knopfler brothers plucking away on the strings of the guitar. While this isn't the strongest track, it still is a very good track because of how good the guitar work is. Mark Knopfler again uses metaphors - "Your six blade knife can do anything for you....one blade for breaking my heart; one blade for tearing me apart."

"Southbound Again": This song not only showed me the country sound, but it also showed me a Southern Rock influence. The guitar work and vocals gave me a feeling that this was an Allman Brothers Band song. Like "Six Blade Knife", it is going to be the guitar work that will be the ultimate strength of this track.

"Sultans of Swing": This would become a legendary song and put Dire Straits on the map. Along with 1985's "Money For Nothing", it is a signature song for the band. In this song, Mark Knopfler tells the story of a bunch of working class guys who want to play their own unique jazz sound in a London club. We are introduced to two of those guys - "Guitar George" and "Harry". While Knopfler does a great job with the lyrics, it will be the combination of the Knopfler brothers on guitar and Illsley on bass that will help supplement this terrific narrative.

"In the Gallery": While "Southbound Again" gave me a feeling for the Allman Brothers Band, this song virtually had me believing this was the Allmans. This song has the combination of Blues and Southern Rock that became an Allmans trademark. In this song we are introduced to another "Harry". Unlike the working-class "Harry" in "Sultans of Swing", this one is an artist who works in "Clay and Stone".

"Wild West End": While I wouldn't say this song has a "Cowboy" sound, it still has a very good sound. More guitar work where you can virtually "see" each individual string being played. This song has a nice chorus too.

"Lions": This song has a classic 70s rock sound. "Lions" are used as metaphors again. "Drunk old soldier he gives her a fight; he's a crazy lion howling for a fight". This song is slowly grew on me - I can see why fans really like it.

The liner notes contain all of the lyrics to it. This is the album where it all began for Dire Straits. You can hear how Dire Straits - and in particular Mark Knopfler would lay the foundation for the next 3 decades of music. While "Sultans of Swing" may be the best known song, there should plenty of other songs on this collection that will appeal. Highly recommended.

Amazing Album.......2007-04-12

I just recently found out about Dire Straits, but from the moment I first listened to their self-titled debut, I knew I had stumbled upon a classic that would stand the test of time. Everything about this album clicks, from Mark Knopfler's Dylan-esque voice and lyrics, to the tasteful guitar lines and great rhythm section. I've tried listening to their later works but to me, its all pretty much garbage, besides Communique anyway. Here's what I think of the songs

1. Down To The Waterline - 10/10 - This song has got to be one of my personal favorites, the guitar is great and the lyrics really got to me. After listening to this a few times it really makes me wish I grew up in the 60s/70s when things were simpler. One of the best on the album.

2. Water of Love - 7/10 - Great lyrics, almost has a middle eastern vibe to it, like an oasis. Kind of slow (which isn't bad) but I find it harder to listen to this all the way through compared to the other songs after giving this cd repeated listenings.

3. Setting Me Up - 8/10 - Great rocker, reminds me of J.J. Cale and Eric Clapton, but with Knopfler's signature style. Definitely not bad, but also not the best.

4. Six Blade Knife - 10/10 - Excellent blues song, got stuck in my head for days. Clever lyrics and great guitar as usual, definitely one of the best

5. Southbound Again - 9/10 - Another rocker, similar to Setting Me Up, but personally I find it more enjoyable. Great tune.

6. Sultans of Swing - 10/10 - What else is there to say that hasnt been already? This song is great, from the lyrics to the captivating solo, this song has it all. Just dont overplay it or it'll wear out really fast if you know what I mean.

7. In The Gallery - 10/10 - Excellent song about the art biz. Not sure why some people dislike this song, its got great lyrics and guitarwork and doesnt sound like any of the previous songs

8. Wild West End - 10/10 - Amazing song. Lyrics about ordinary life, stuff a lot of people can relate to. Sounds almost like a country song or a ballad, but of course its not because we're talking about Dire Straits. This song really gets to me for some reason, it really is a beautiful song. One of the album's best

9. Lions - 10/10 - What a great way to close an album! This song is great, everything about it. Another one of my favorites.

The thing that really strikes me about this album is that every song has a unique sound and style to it, like its one of those albums that really sticks with you. Every song reminds me of something from my life, and I'm sure everyone who has heard this will say the same. I've listened to tons of rock from the 60s and 70s and I can easily say that this one album put more of an impression on me than the hundreds I've heard before. That's truly a testament to how good this album is. Even if you're like me and detest what they turned in to, you can still pick up this album and listen to a band that was truly unique in their day

4 1/2 stars........2007-04-09

what my ears tell me is that "making movies" is dire straits masterpiece, though this, their debut from 1978, is pretty darn close to deserving that status, as well. knopfler's dylanesque overtones work perfectly on this great set of songs. his guitar playing is sharp and wonderful throughout. and the groove of the whole band moves things along with a grace seldom felt in rock and roll. "wild west end," is the song i go bonkers for here: a gorgeous slow number that was right there with the best of anything produced in '78. though that's my favorite track on the album, it's all excellent stuff through and through. a fantastic, seasoned sounding debut from a great group of musicians. get it and the quality of your life will immediately improve.

Still dull.......2007-03-17

Bought it when I was 10 because I liked Sultans of Swing. Hated the rest of it. Well, I was 10; it was adult music. Got rid of it.

Bought it again at 38 in a bargain bin. It hasn't improved for me. Dire Straits recorded half a dozen great songs over 7-8 years, but 'Sultans' is the only one on show here. There's nothing exactly wrong with the others - they're just not especially good songs when you measure them against thousands of others recorded over the last 50 years or so. They deserve a certain degree of respect; the rest is a question of taste.

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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Dire Straits
Making Movies
Love over Gold
On Every Street
Brothers in Arms

ASIN: B00004Y6NT
Release Date: 2000-09-19

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:

My favorite Album...
Huddy
Masterly remastered album!
another great release
Dire Straits' Best Album.

Love over Gold
Dire Straits
Manufacturer: Warner Bros / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:

Making Movies
Communiqué
Dire Straits
Brothers in Arms
On Every Street

ASIN: B00004Y6NU
Release Date: 2000-09-19

Tracks:

Telegraph Road
Private Investigations
Industrial Disease
Love Over Gold
It Never Rains

Amazon.com essential recording

This Mark Knopfler-dominated release from Dire Straits (as if there were any other kind) features the ringing guitar work and clever lyrics we've come to expect from the band over time. The dark, moody gravel of Knopfler's voice mutters, mumbles, and muses through songs like "Telegraph Road" and "Private Investigations" and virtually giggles through the silly patter of "Industrial Disease." The title track and "It Never Rains" are solid, if unremarkable offerings from the band that has come to represent the epitome of one man's vision of good ol' rock & roll. --L.A. Smith

Amazon.com

Customer Reviews:

My favorite Album..........2007-06-19

...from one of my favorite bands of all time.Incredibly played and recorded.A must!

Huddy.......2007-03-18

For me (only my opinion) the 2 songs Telegraph road and Private investigations alone are worth this CD. These are 2 amazing musical arrangements that is really really hard to find these days. I'm not saying the other tracks are bad. My other favourites are the Title track and "It never rains".
I have been listening to this album for more than 10 years in cassettes and older CD versions. I even tried to get a LP version recently. Then I found this and picked this up recently as this is a remastered one. Believe me when I say this is the best version I have. The sound is full compared to the older CD version and I get an amazing feel when I play it every time. This is a very good remastered version. Highly recommend this remaster to all the quality conscious dire straits fans.

Masterly remastered album!.......2007-03-17

I've had this album for 15 years now (the non-remastered version) and the sound seemed to lack a little punch and excitement. The sound on this new remastered CD is much better than the old version, everything is crystal-clear and exciting - a great improvement! If you love this album but only own a regular CD, I totally recommend this remastered version - it's so much better! I am not stating the obvious here: I also have several remastered Led Zeppelin CDs which, surprisongly, aren't ANY better than the regular versions! Dire Straits' remastered Making Movies album is also much better and clearer than the old recording!

another great release.......2007-02-25

This album was the one I played the most when I was back in school. This was back in 86. I had discovered Dire Straits the previous year (as did alot of people) and i still listen to all of their albums to this day.

'Telegraph Road' tells a great story about the rise of a city. The many solos keep the song interesting and the great lyrics always keep you entranced. Most long songs can be boring or only exercises in ego and pretension. But not this one. This song deserves every minute of its running time. 'Private Investigations' is a nice slow song that reverts to loud quickly. The steady bass drum almost sounds like a heartbeat and the power chords heard here are stinging. The songs after this are almost like a concept album. The city in 'Telegraph Road' is now the setting for the last three songs. Or that's how i always imagined this album.

'Industrial Disease' is one of those strange songs you really don't know what to make of. This is the beginning of many songs with a similar style ('Walk Of Life' and 'The Bug', for example) This song has the same organ sound that almost makes it sound like a country song, if you forget the industrial type lyrics. The song can be amusing but as with many of Mark Knopfler's lyrics there is a element of seriousness underneath. The title track is a bit overlong, but does have a great ending with tympani. It's basically a song about a woman who does not look after herself and 'throws her love to all the strangers/and caution to the wind'. Of course in the next song (It Never Rains)she gets whats coming to her in the worst possible way by being 'taken out to vaudeville valley/with his hand up smothering your screams/ and he screws down in tin pan alley/in the city of a billion dreams..' after which a great guitar solo makes you feel that way.

Powerful stuff from a great band. This is easily 5 stars. Buy this and give it a listen.

Dire Straits' Best Album........2006-11-19

I cant stand why people slam Dire Straits. Dire Straits are a wonderful band as talented as Foreigner and make great music. Love Over Gold is my favorite album from Dire Straits and it has some of the finest songs ever like Telegraph Road and Industrial Disease. Don't listen to the 1 star reviewers and get this album with Foreigner's FOurth Album today.

Average customer rating:

Best SACD I have
SACD
Incredible Sound *****
won't play on all SACD players.
Awesome SACD 5.1 Surround Sound

Brothers in Arms
Dire Straits
Manufacturer: Umvd Import
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Concord Records SACD Sampler 1 (Multichannel Hybrid SACD)

ASIN: B0009A21R6
Release Date: 2005-07-26

Tracks:

So Far Away
Money for Nothing
Walk of Life
Your Latest Trick
Why Worry
Ride Across the River
Man's Too Strong
One World
Brothers in Arms

Album Description

20th anniversary limited edition of Dire Strait's 1985 album in the Hybrid/SACD format - 5.1 Surround Sound, packaged in a standard jewel case. Features the same nine tracks as the original version. Mercury. 2005.

Customer Reviews:

Best SACD I have .......2007-07-17

I have been listening to the CD version for a while now and the SACD version is just leaps and bounds ahead ! Dont miss this even if you have the CD. The sound envelops you and I could hear new nuances that I missed on the CD.

SACD.......2007-03-09

Awesome. I grew very tired of this album and then the cd after multiple listening sessions. This multi-channel mix is outstanding and brings this music back to life. The separation of the channels is incredible. Instruments pop from various speakers at different times on the different songs. Many times you feel like you are sitting on stage in the middle of the band. Knoppler never sounded better. If you have a 5.1 set up with dvd-a or sacd player capability this is a must have for your collection.

Incredible Sound *****.......2006-08-23

I have a middle of the road high end 5.1 audio system and it came to life with this SACD. The sound quality is magic. I can only hope that I can locate other SACD's out there than can compare in quality of music and recording excellence.

won't play on all SACD players........2006-08-12

Wouldn't play on Pioneer and Yamaha. PLays on Cambridge Audio and SONY!

Awesome SACD 5.1 Surround Sound.......2006-07-18

This quite possibly is the best quality 5.1 surround sound mix I've ever heard. This is the import only SACD 5.1 CD, not to be confused with the DVD-Audio 5.1 edition available in the U.S. Actually one of the reviews posted here appears to be for the DVD-Audio version. Both versions are playable on standard CD players though the DVD-A is a 2 sided disk where you must flip it over to the other side for the standard CD mix. So, with both Hybrid SACD and DVD-A we now have CD's that can be played on any player though you really need to play them on surround sound systems to get the full appreciation of their sound. Otherwise, why buy it? I will say that most hybrid SACD's I've played on standard CD players (automobile) do sound better than their non-SACD versions.

Well, I do have both the SACD and DVD-A versions (just to show my obsession/love for this CD). The first thing to make clear, the SACD version may or may not have used the same audio source mixes used for the DVD-A version, but they are by no means inferior. The 2 versions truly do sound different. Its hard to describe in words how much additional sonic details come out in the SACD version verses the DVD-A. I have an above average system (not top high end) and I'm able to hear sonic details including guitar passages I've never heard before. One listen to the final song, Brothers in Arms is all it takes though there is not a weak moment song-wise or sound-wise on this SACD. As for the DVD-A, it's still good, but on my system I can't draw out the same details that I'm able to on the SACD version. Maybe has something to do with my DVD player being a SONY SACD/DVD combo player? Or, maybe the SACD version is just that much better. I'll leave that for further debate.

The fact that most people have a surround sound DVD system and not many people have a SACD player does mean the DVD-A will be the more popular version purchased. That is a shame as I just don't hear the same level of detail in the DVD-A 5.1 mix (at least on my system). From a playability perspective, I also prefer the SACD over the DVD-A. When you put the DVD-A in your player you will find it defaults to the standard 2 channel mix and requires you to go into the menu and select the 5.1 mix. With the SACD it will automatically detect the 5.1 mix if played in a SACD player. Also, if you have a multi-disc DVD player, once the DVD-A has finished playing it will not automatically move to the next disc in the changer as this SACD will.

So, if you love this CD and have a SACD player, don't hesitate to purchase this one. As for the DVD-A, I've heard better than this one, but I still believe the DVD-A is a worthwhile purchase if you don't have a SACD player as long as you have surround sound stereo DVD system. It will still provide a new level of enjoyment for listening to this classic Dire Straits CD.

Average customer rating:

Live Straits
Extended live songs the way they should always be...
great live document
this is the best live album ever. period.
Simply put, the best live album I know.

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

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Similar Items:

On the Night
Making Movies
Love over Gold
On Every Street
Communiqué

ASIN: B000002L5V
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

Once Upon A Time In The West
Expresso Love
Romeo And Juliet
Love Over Gold
Private Investigations
Sultans Of Swing

Tracks:

Two Young Lovers
Tunnel Of Love
Telegraph Road
Solid Rock
Going Home-Theme From 'Local Hero'

Customer Reviews:

Live Straits.......2007-05-07

This was a good album when it first came out and gave the listener some image of what it is like to hear this band live. Very few recordings can ever do that experience justice. This remaster of the original goes part of the way to achieving that experience. It has brought out some of the excitement and emotion of being part of that audience. I really like this album and would recommend it to any one who likes Dire Straits.

Extended live songs the way they should always be..........2007-04-07

Remember Cream, Hendrix, The Who? All these bands could play any song at any time for 10 minutes... Remember when live music was really live music? Music that did not always sound just like the record? Well, here you go. Mark Knopfler is a true genius. This live document is a real band effort. He lets all show their skills. Although when it comes right down to it, MK plays lots of great strat out of phase leads to keep you happy. Give it a listen. It might just make you a better guitar player.

great live document.......2007-02-25

This album was the first live album I ever bought. I clearly remember walking to a mall near my home when I was a kid, buying this album and listening to it on the walk back home. I had bought all of their albums by that point and was unsure about this one.

This is a great live album. The songs played here are different than the studio versions with alot of variations added. A simple 5 minute song can be played and expanded upon for 10 minutes here. That's the reason why i love this. Many live albums have songs played note for note, might have a quick ending tagged on and are filled with incessant, overloud cheering. This album has none of those.

The songs here are performed with so much energy that you can't help but be affected by it. The sound is mostly good here, but there are stage buzzes on a few tracks. It becomes noticeable during some of the quiet passages here.

'Romeo And Juliet' is performed wonderfully with a great intro before the song actually kick in. 'Love Over Gold' was a b-side that should have remained on the original album. 'Sultans Of Swing here is performed beautifully and has a nice variation on the main guitar riff.

'Two Young Lovers' is a nice little beach type tune from their 'Twisting By The Pool' EP, which frustratingly is still not available on CD. 'Tunnel Of Love' has a great Rodgers/Hammerstein intro that makes a great instrumental opening. 'Telegraph Road' is a worthy performance with a great solo at the end. 'Solid Rock' has a great keyboard opening before the song really picks up to kick some butt and the album ends with a great version of Going Home which Mark Knopfler had recorded only a few months before for a movie called Local Hero. That soundtrack is also amazing and I recommend picking it up.

So this is a great live album. Another performance from this night (Portobello Belle) was released on the Money For Nothing best of CD in 1988. Its also quite obvious they played 'Industrial Disease' on the same night. I can hear it in the fade of 'Once Upon A Time..." Why these two performances aren't available on an expanded edition of this is frustrating. Even a complete DVD of this entire performance might never see release. And that's a shame really.

4 stars for this. The sound buzzes are a bit intrusive, or i would give this five. Buy this album.

this is the best live album ever. period........2006-08-18

Knopfler's smooth textures mix with sheer rock make every song a winner.

Simply put, the best live album I know........2006-06-24

Just compare the live version of "Sultans of Swing" to the original (from the first Dire Straits album), and you'll get my meaning.

Average customer rating:

BORING and SLEEP
Highway Music
The Best Dire Straits CD
HEAVY FUEL ROX.
good album

On Every Street
Dire Straits
Manufacturer: Warner Bros / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Pop | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

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General | Classic Rock | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Love over Gold
Communiqué
Making Movies
Dire Straits
Brothers in Arms

ASIN: B00004Y6NV
Release Date: 2000-09-19

Tracks:

Calling Elvis
On Every Street
When It Comes To You
Fade To Black
The Bug
You And Your Friend
Heavy Fuel
Iron Hand
Ticket To Heaven
My Parties
Planet Of New Orleans
How Long

Amazon.com

On Every Street is an amazing album, if only for its apparent refusal to exploit the success of its predecessor. Sure, radio programmers could hear echoes of "Money for Nothing" in "Heavy Fuel," or traces of "Walk of Life" in "The Bug," but Mark Knopfler wouldn't have waited six years to follow up the band's megaplatinum Brothers in Arms if that was all he had in mind. Instead, he took time out to play with the Notting Hillbillies and Chet Atkins (while most British guitar heroes idolize American blues, Knopfler obviously has a thing for Nashville). On Every Street finds those influences complementing the late-night melancholy that's always been Dire Straits' specialty. Instead of Sting singing "I Want My MTV," fans got Hillbillies pedal steel player Paul Franklin adding to the high-lonesome sound of the quite infectious title track and the epic "Planet of New Orleans," along with meditations on the mistreatment of striking miners in the cinematic "Iron Fist," and some of Knopfler's most haunting guitar work throughout. The result can be seen as a dignified--and, at times, even inspiring--farewell album. --Bill Forman

Customer Reviews:

BORING and SLEEP.......2007-04-07

Goddamn..just listened to the whole tape and I couldnt eat my dinner because i felt very tired and bored. I went to dinner at Domino's Pizza after listening to this crappy tape in my car and then thought that Dire Straits is over and wanted to give all of their albums(except Love Over Gold) to dad. This group makes music that makes you want to sleep or cry and this album is such s$@t as their overrated 1985 album. This album is just slow and boring and is only recommended for losers and alcoholics. I was a Dire Straits fan for the last 5 years and as I realized today as in 5 years you will get sick of this!! If you're considering purchasing this or BIA you better seek professional help. Save your money for a CD that is actully rocking. Like Metallica's Ride The Lightning or Pink Floyd's Wish You Were Here is better than this!

Highway Music.......2007-04-07

This is the only album that I own that after hearing one track on the radio in my car, i headed to the nearest recod store to buy it. have in vinal and cd

enough said

The Best Dire Straits CD.......2007-04-01

This is the best CD by Dire Straits. For some stupid reasons, a lot of people do not like this album. I think it is some of Dire Straits' best work and is much better than Brothers In Arms and the self titled debut. It has Calling Elvis which Mark Knopfler does some of his best guitar work, Heavy Fuel which is my favorite song on the CD, it sounds like arena hard rock and the lyrics make me laugh about drugs, it's certainly the best Dire Straits song after Money For Nothing. Then there's the Bug a song about my favorite sport of all time baseball which is one of the best songs on the album. The title track is pretty with a nice ending. It also has some country rockers like When It Comes to You which is great and My Parties is another song that makes me laugh and is a great song for any birthday party. Planet of New Orleans is another excellent song with one of Mark Knopfler's best guitaring. Fade To Black is a good blues song but way too slow and boring (Metallica does a better version of Fade To Black on their Ride The Lightning album). But there are a couple really bad songs on this album, Ticket to Heaven is just a power ballad that makes me cry and not a big fan of Iron Hand either. But overall this is a great album and I would recommend it. I don't have just the Remastered CD of this album, I also own the Cassette, the hard to find LP, and the poster, all made in the USA. The cover art of this album is great! If I would have bought this in 1991 well they had all that stuff Cassette, LP, CD, and poster which I was only a month old baby when this came out. For most rock fans, own this along with Dire Straits' other stuff and albums by Metallica, Pink Floyd, The Clash, Guns N' Roses, Kansas, Foreigner, and Foghat.
Adios Amigos.

Sincerely the kid who wrote this review
-For Whom The Bell Tolls

HEAVY FUEL ROX........2007-03-26

HI, I'M FOR WHOM THE BELL TOLLS AND I LOVE THIS ALBUM! I EVEN HAVE THE HARD TO FIND WB LP OF 1991. HEAVY FUEL CAN ROCK YOU OUT!! BUY THIS ALBUM.

good album.......2007-03-01

This is Dire Straits' best album but not the best album ever. Calling Elvis and Heavy Fuel are great songs. 1991 had several great albums. I bought several copies of this album but only needed about 2. This CD is better than the overrated Brothers In Arms. But Ticket to Heaven sucks!
This CD is recommended!

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