Nov 8, 2020Liked by CJ Kaplan, Ken Warshaw, Mitch Blum
CJ's Pitch>The Album
Knopfler's voice is chamomile tea. He's an amazing guitarist, but his vocal combined with a 4:30pm sunset ratchets up seasonal affective dissorder 10x. Maybe should have waited until June to pitch this album. :) BTW - Not a huge Bruce fan, but listened to the Boss all week. Thanks for creating this page!
Nov 8, 2020Liked by Mitch Blum, CJ Kaplan, Ken Warshaw
I always liked DS. But for the wrong reasons: 'Money For Nothing'; 'Walk of Life' etc. When the pandemic hit and I couldn't go to swim at the 'Y' every morning, I bought a stationary bike and began watching You Tube concerts. A few days in, I watches a Dire Straits concert with Clapton guesting. He was just filling on for the regular rhythm guitarist, and that's all he did. Because Knopfler was so good, EC was clearly awe struck and content to fill in. Since then, I've watched numerous Knopfler concerts, up to 2019, watching him age (bald, coke bottle glasses etc.) but his playing just get better and better and his material age like wine. His band are all seasoned session players, each as accomplished as the next. I would rate him as one of the very best guitarists of all time. Thanks CJ et al for this site. XOX
Thanks Jamie! I don't you would've ever expected that the band who did this album would someday release "Brothers in Arms." And while I never got into that album, this one always stuck with me. Maybe it was just the right music at the right time. Glad you like the site. We're having a lot of fun doing it.
This album is a gem. Plain and simple. From first song to last there is not a bad moment. How many debut albums can you say that about? Of course Mark Knopfler’s jaw dropping guitar work stands out, but don’t sleep on the other band members especially the drumming of Pick Withers. His nifty and sleek drumming is the driving force behind this album. It is tough to pick a favorite song on Dire Straits because they are all great, but The Gallery is a perfect song musically and lyrically that never gets boring. I remember when this album was released in 1978. There was talk of Dire Straits being the next Beatles and, although they never came close to being that, listening to this debut you can understand the buzz. This is best enjoyed on a turntable with a good pair of speakers. As said before it’s a gem.
Thanks Don. I'm glad someone out there appreciates it as much as I do. It's such a comfortable, easy listen and I never get tired of it. Hope we can find some other gems for you as we go.
(In my best movie theater coming attractions voiceover)
Imagine a time...
When Mark Knopfler didn’t wear matching wristbands and headbands...
And the rest of Dire Straits didn’t dress like gypsies off the set of Miami Vice...
Imagine Dire Straits...before the 80’s got a hold of them...
Dire Straits self-titled debut is by far their most honest effort. It was 1978 and they had been together barely a year. This record is where you find the raw energy and focus of a 4-piece band that was meant to be together. There aren’t too many frills here. Don’t let "Sultans of Swing" fool you, this album is more about their laid-back cool than their up-tempo side. Future Straits records were either drawn out meanderings (“Tunnel of Love”, “Romeo and Juliet”) or nauseating attempts at pop writing (“Walk of Life” – yuck!). Okay, the title track off of Making Movies is an exception, but Dire Straits ironically, and unfortunately, wound up getting their MTV. I don’t know if the chicks came for free (they weren’t the most handsome Brits) but those who fell in love with them for their pub rock appeal certainly paid the price.
As busy and upfront as Mark Knopfler’s playing can be, he somehow never becomes overbearing or repetitious on Dire Straits. He offers a lesson in restraint both musically and lyrically. It’s the quieter songs, along with Pick Wither’s masterful drumming, that make this debut a classic.
Mark Knopfler walks you through the “Wild West End” eloquently with his gritty, yet friendly vocal delivery. You’re transported there through brilliantly subtle storytelling. When describing a go-go dancing girl, Knopfler reveals...”The close ups can get rough”...and Wither’s ensuing crescendo drum fill places a fitting exclamation on that reality.
Wither’s jazz touch and command of dynamics shine throughout, most notably on the tom-heavy “Water of Love” and the slithery “In the Gallery”. No wonder Pick followed Mark’s brother David and left the band a few years in. Apparently, he feared he was becoming “a rock drummer”. Perhaps he feared he might be forced to play cringe-worthy pop songs like “Twisting by the Pool” for the rest of his career?
This record is best reserved for colder, cloudy days. Visit that pub in your mind and allow this version of Dire Straits to serve you up a pint. Sip slowly, keep warm by the fire and let the day play out. If you’re looking to get drunk and rowdy, don’t bother. If you're there for good reason, you’ll become a regular.
Someone is angling for a guest column. Thanks David! That is a true fan's assessment of a band's seminal album. As I mentioned in my original pitch, I was not a fan of their more popular work or, truthfully, anything much after this album. But, there is something about this collection of songs that just clicks. It's like you can feel the cool Newcastle fog on your skin when you're listening to Six Blade Knife or Down To The Waterline. You're right, though, this is an album for sipping a pint of bitter by the fire or, even better, a mature Highland single malt. Now that's an afternoon well spent.
Ha I might take you up on a guest column. You did a fantastic job on your pitch with props to the deeper tracks and "Down to the Waterline". I feel so many people are missing out on this record so kudos for getting it out there. I had to add my two cents so thanks for the platform. I see Don Lane is coming around...I'd like to check in with him in a couple months.
By the way, editors note on "title track on Making Movies"...I meant "Skateaway" but I always identify with the line in the chorus. Love that tune.
Are you guys insane?!? If we are focusing on one album, that’s short selling the many decades of of work that they put together and that Knopfler continues today. This isn’t just the best guitarist of all time. Which arguably he’s tied with Clapton, Hendrix, Prince (yes) and EVH. But the lyrics. The way parts of London come alive. The voice is so good - it’s everybit the Bruce Springsteen “The River” type voice without the screaming and annoying Bruce.
Let’s also talk about variety. Money for Nothing. Walk of Life. Maybe cheesy (the latter) but diverse. Brothers in Arms is a better overall album but I disagree with CJ: Sultans of Swing is tied for the GOAT song for me along with Free Fallin. Crank it up in the car. It’s so powerful and energizing.
I’m not a student of music but passed the love of classic rock to Luca. He’s now a big time guitarist. And to his credit had Jimmy Paige, Hendrix and Knopfler as his holy grail trio. And I will take parental credit.
Don. Mitch. Ken: Listening to the sounds of Dire Straits is the finest music can produce. Vocals. Lyrics. Sing-alongability. Guitar. Mainly guitar. But that...no one has ever done better
Knopfler is a great guitarist and Dire Straits has an amazing catalog. You're talking to someone who owns "Neck and Neck" on cassette and loves several of his solo albums. That said, CJ's pitch was for the debut album, and the debut album has a lot of filler.
Also, I like Hendrix better as a songwriter than a guitar player!
Thanks for the comment Shergul. Our goal though is to pitch a particular album, not analyze a particular artist’s body of work. I don’t think any of us would disagree with you that MK is a fantastic guitarist (BTW, cheesy or not I love “Walk of Life”), it’s just that this particular album didn’t do it for us.
CJ's Pitch>The Album
Knopfler's voice is chamomile tea. He's an amazing guitarist, but his vocal combined with a 4:30pm sunset ratchets up seasonal affective dissorder 10x. Maybe should have waited until June to pitch this album. :) BTW - Not a huge Bruce fan, but listened to the Boss all week. Thanks for creating this page!
Timing is everything, Jason. Thanks for the comment! Glad you like the page.
I always liked DS. But for the wrong reasons: 'Money For Nothing'; 'Walk of Life' etc. When the pandemic hit and I couldn't go to swim at the 'Y' every morning, I bought a stationary bike and began watching You Tube concerts. A few days in, I watches a Dire Straits concert with Clapton guesting. He was just filling on for the regular rhythm guitarist, and that's all he did. Because Knopfler was so good, EC was clearly awe struck and content to fill in. Since then, I've watched numerous Knopfler concerts, up to 2019, watching him age (bald, coke bottle glasses etc.) but his playing just get better and better and his material age like wine. His band are all seasoned session players, each as accomplished as the next. I would rate him as one of the very best guitarists of all time. Thanks CJ et al for this site. XOX
Thanks Jamie! I don't you would've ever expected that the band who did this album would someday release "Brothers in Arms." And while I never got into that album, this one always stuck with me. Maybe it was just the right music at the right time. Glad you like the site. We're having a lot of fun doing it.
This album is a gem. Plain and simple. From first song to last there is not a bad moment. How many debut albums can you say that about? Of course Mark Knopfler’s jaw dropping guitar work stands out, but don’t sleep on the other band members especially the drumming of Pick Withers. His nifty and sleek drumming is the driving force behind this album. It is tough to pick a favorite song on Dire Straits because they are all great, but The Gallery is a perfect song musically and lyrically that never gets boring. I remember when this album was released in 1978. There was talk of Dire Straits being the next Beatles and, although they never came close to being that, listening to this debut you can understand the buzz. This is best enjoyed on a turntable with a good pair of speakers. As said before it’s a gem.
Thanks Don. I'm glad someone out there appreciates it as much as I do. It's such a comfortable, easy listen and I never get tired of it. Hope we can find some other gems for you as we go.
(In my best movie theater coming attractions voiceover)
Imagine a time...
When Mark Knopfler didn’t wear matching wristbands and headbands...
And the rest of Dire Straits didn’t dress like gypsies off the set of Miami Vice...
Imagine Dire Straits...before the 80’s got a hold of them...
Dire Straits self-titled debut is by far their most honest effort. It was 1978 and they had been together barely a year. This record is where you find the raw energy and focus of a 4-piece band that was meant to be together. There aren’t too many frills here. Don’t let "Sultans of Swing" fool you, this album is more about their laid-back cool than their up-tempo side. Future Straits records were either drawn out meanderings (“Tunnel of Love”, “Romeo and Juliet”) or nauseating attempts at pop writing (“Walk of Life” – yuck!). Okay, the title track off of Making Movies is an exception, but Dire Straits ironically, and unfortunately, wound up getting their MTV. I don’t know if the chicks came for free (they weren’t the most handsome Brits) but those who fell in love with them for their pub rock appeal certainly paid the price.
As busy and upfront as Mark Knopfler’s playing can be, he somehow never becomes overbearing or repetitious on Dire Straits. He offers a lesson in restraint both musically and lyrically. It’s the quieter songs, along with Pick Wither’s masterful drumming, that make this debut a classic.
Mark Knopfler walks you through the “Wild West End” eloquently with his gritty, yet friendly vocal delivery. You’re transported there through brilliantly subtle storytelling. When describing a go-go dancing girl, Knopfler reveals...”The close ups can get rough”...and Wither’s ensuing crescendo drum fill places a fitting exclamation on that reality.
Wither’s jazz touch and command of dynamics shine throughout, most notably on the tom-heavy “Water of Love” and the slithery “In the Gallery”. No wonder Pick followed Mark’s brother David and left the band a few years in. Apparently, he feared he was becoming “a rock drummer”. Perhaps he feared he might be forced to play cringe-worthy pop songs like “Twisting by the Pool” for the rest of his career?
This record is best reserved for colder, cloudy days. Visit that pub in your mind and allow this version of Dire Straits to serve you up a pint. Sip slowly, keep warm by the fire and let the day play out. If you’re looking to get drunk and rowdy, don’t bother. If you're there for good reason, you’ll become a regular.
Someone is angling for a guest column. Thanks David! That is a true fan's assessment of a band's seminal album. As I mentioned in my original pitch, I was not a fan of their more popular work or, truthfully, anything much after this album. But, there is something about this collection of songs that just clicks. It's like you can feel the cool Newcastle fog on your skin when you're listening to Six Blade Knife or Down To The Waterline. You're right, though, this is an album for sipping a pint of bitter by the fire or, even better, a mature Highland single malt. Now that's an afternoon well spent.
Ha I might take you up on a guest column. You did a fantastic job on your pitch with props to the deeper tracks and "Down to the Waterline". I feel so many people are missing out on this record so kudos for getting it out there. I had to add my two cents so thanks for the platform. I see Don Lane is coming around...I'd like to check in with him in a couple months.
By the way, editors note on "title track on Making Movies"...I meant "Skateaway" but I always identify with the line in the chorus. Love that tune.
Are you guys insane?!? If we are focusing on one album, that’s short selling the many decades of of work that they put together and that Knopfler continues today. This isn’t just the best guitarist of all time. Which arguably he’s tied with Clapton, Hendrix, Prince (yes) and EVH. But the lyrics. The way parts of London come alive. The voice is so good - it’s everybit the Bruce Springsteen “The River” type voice without the screaming and annoying Bruce.
Let’s also talk about variety. Money for Nothing. Walk of Life. Maybe cheesy (the latter) but diverse. Brothers in Arms is a better overall album but I disagree with CJ: Sultans of Swing is tied for the GOAT song for me along with Free Fallin. Crank it up in the car. It’s so powerful and energizing.
I’m not a student of music but passed the love of classic rock to Luca. He’s now a big time guitarist. And to his credit had Jimmy Paige, Hendrix and Knopfler as his holy grail trio. And I will take parental credit.
Don. Mitch. Ken: Listening to the sounds of Dire Straits is the finest music can produce. Vocals. Lyrics. Sing-alongability. Guitar. Mainly guitar. But that...no one has ever done better
Knopfler is a great guitarist and Dire Straits has an amazing catalog. You're talking to someone who owns "Neck and Neck" on cassette and loves several of his solo albums. That said, CJ's pitch was for the debut album, and the debut album has a lot of filler.
Also, I like Hendrix better as a songwriter than a guitar player!
Thanks for the comment Shergul. Our goal though is to pitch a particular album, not analyze a particular artist’s body of work. I don’t think any of us would disagree with you that MK is a fantastic guitarist (BTW, cheesy or not I love “Walk of Life”), it’s just that this particular album didn’t do it for us.