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Any Dire Straits Fans In Here? |
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CosmicMessenger 
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 Topic: Any Dire Straits Fans In Here?Posted: April 05 2022 at 17:05 |
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I'm probably shouting my age out here, but I'm a fan with a question for other Dire Straits fans. Based on what you've listened to, what are the best and worst CD or SACD releases of the band's original studio albums from '78 to '91? We own 5 out of 6 of the original albums created in this time period, so I'll comment on each of those releases both good and bad. Dire Straits ('78) | Vertigo SBM Remaster | 1996 CD release | 800 051-2 | Made In Canada This is a pretty sweet sounding release with very respectable dynamic range (from 11 to 13) and good fidelity. This also happens to be my favorite DS album, with about three of my all-time Knopfler faves on it: Southbound Again, In the Gallery and, of course, Down to the Waterline (in no particular order). Communique' ('79) | Vertigo "Red Swirl" | 1984 CD release | 800 052-2 | Made in France by PDO In short, if you like this album, try to find this release. It sounds every bit as good as most SACDs I've listened to and its dynamic range numbers bear this out (from 12 to 14). It has incredible fidelity and is, quite simply, a testament to high-quality recording techniques. Making Movies ('80) | Vertigo SBM Remaster | 1996 CD release | 800 050-2 | Made In Canada Unfotunately, this is the worst-sounding DS album we own and its dynamic range numbers really tell the tale (9 to 12 with an average of 10). Quite frankly, it sounds like the master mold was nearly worn out when it was pressed, which is a real shame because it has a few really classic DS songs on it. Love Over Gold ('82) | Warner Bros Remaster | 1996 CD release | 9 47772-2 | Made in USA Although the dynamic range numbers are pretty varied here (from 9 to 14 with an average of 11), this release only has one really great sounding recording on it, Private Investigations (Track 2). As Telegraph Road is a real testament to finger-picked guitar, I'm sorry to write that this release doesn't come close to doing it justice. Brothers In Arms ('85) | Vertigo | 2005 "20th Anniversary" Hybrid SACD release | 9871498 | Made in the EU As we don't presently have a way to actually test the dynamic range of this SACD, I can't attest to the DR numbers. I can say, however, that it has pretty sweet fidelity for the most part. I'm not crazy about the way that MK's unbelievably great finger-picking was mixed for the song that makes "strictly rhythm" an art form, the wonderful, Why Worry (with its classic instrumental ending). It does have it highlights, however, especially if you're a fan of DS' ultra-pop songs like Money for Nothing and Walk of Life. On Every Street ('91) | Vertigo We don't presently own this album in any format, which is one of the reasons that I wanted to ask the General Music Discussions board for their thoughts on the CD and SACD recordings of the great original Dire Straits albums. Many thanks to any and all Dire Straits fans who take the time to add to this discussion.  Edited by CosmicMessenger - April 05 2022 at 17:12 |
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Heart of the Matter
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Posted: April 05 2022 at 17:46 |
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I like all of them, but I like best the first two albums, with both Knopflers in place (any edition, LP if possible). You're not alone in that age...
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CosmicMessenger
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Posted: April 05 2022 at 20:07 |
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Hi HOTM ~
Yep, those first two albums were indeed pretty special. I didn't know that Mark's brother left the band after Communique, so I'm learning something new every day. Take good care of yourself down there, CM
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nick_h_nz
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Posted: April 06 2022 at 00:30 |
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I love me a bit of Dire Straits, and I think their music probably has a lot to offer many prog fans.
The first DS album I owned (on cassette) was Brothers in Arms, simply because of when it was released. I was 10, and the bright colours of the cover art appealed, and I loved the video for Money for Nothing. But while it does have some fantastic tunes on it, it’s well down the list now if I were to decide upon my favourite DS releases. That’s quite unusual for me, because usually the first album I hear from a band remains, if not my all-time favourite, one of my most favourite releases from the band. But even the “worst” DS album, whatever someone decides it to be, is a pretty damn fine record. |
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CosmicMessenger
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Posted: April 06 2022 at 00:35 |
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Clearly, all of their albums are first rate...but, like a lot of bands of their stature, there are an awful lot of releases of their work: and not all do the art justice. I like all of their albums, but I like to find the best sounding releases I can afford. Cheers for the post, mate.
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Matti
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Posted: April 06 2022 at 02:27 |
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They were my first "favourite band"! I was about 14, Love Over Gold and the live-double Alchemy were owned by my big brother.
Soon I absorbed the earlier albums too (became very fond of Communique), and the new one Brothers in Arms. Didn't like it entirely, for example the ear-worm called 'Walk of Life' is a real pain in the  . On Every Street never really impressed me; at the time I was already into Genesis, Yes, Camel, Pink Floyd and a lot of other classic prog up to my ears! I still L o v e Over Gold, especially 'Telegraph Road'.
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Sean Trane
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Posted: April 06 2022 at 02:44 |
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Really love the debut,
 despite a couple of weaker tracks (the album seems to run out of steam halfway into the flipside), but there is soooooo much stellar stuff on that. Communiqué is a weak follow-up, IMHO. Outside the t/t and West, I still can't remember how the songs go. For some reasons, I never got unto Making Movies ... Something (production maybe?) I don't like much on it (despite that the longer tracks should appeal to me) and the artwork doesn't help Love Over Gold is simply stunning - even the weaker track on it would be the highlight on both Communiqué and MM Dislike the Twisting By The Pool EP , though. Alchemy was a good live albums, though I preferred the movie - though the 80's Brothers In Arms is a mixed bag. Sick & tired of the A-side with all the hits (only Money For nothing I enjoyed at release time - hated the rest), but the flipside is awesome TBH, I never gave a proper chance at On Every Street as whatever I heard on the radio was not enticing me to investigate in depth . Ditto for the live album that came afterwards. Haven't paid attention to Knopfller's solo career , I must say. |
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let's just stay above the moral melee
prefer the sink to the gutter keep our sand-castle virtues content to be a doer as well as a thinker, prefer lifting our pen rather than un-sheath our sword |
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HolyMoly
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Posted: April 06 2022 at 05:58 |
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I heard their debut album a lot in the house because my dad had it. Good album!
Down to the Waterline is one of my favorite songs by them. Strangely, I never had nor heard Communique until a few years ago - but it’s a low-key and groovy album. Live Alchemy and Brothers in Arms represented my next swell of interest - it’s funny to remember how “Full Digital Recording” (DDD on the CD cover) was such a selling point to get excited about back then (see also: The Nightfly by Donald Fagen). That album was HUGE - I think almost everyone I knew had a copy. I eventually filled out my collection with the aforementioned Communique, Making Movies, Love Over Gold (many of those tunes on those latter two were on the live album so I knew them well), and eventually On Every Street. Today, my favorite is probably Love Over Gold, with Private Investigations being my favorite overall song. |
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My other avatar is a Porsche
It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle if it is lightly greased. -Kehlog Albran |
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SteveG
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Posted: April 06 2022 at 06:07 |
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I loved DS back in the day but moved on to Knopfler's solo albums, with Shangri La and Get Lucky being my favorites. More mature songwriting for a more mature listener?
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Steve Wyzard
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Posted: April 06 2022 at 13:13 |
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The first two albums will always be special: there was absolutely nothing else like them in the marketplace when they were released.
Starting with Making Movies and the departure of David Knopfler, a Randy Newman-esque cynicism started to creep into the lyrics, and they became a different band. There was a lot of good material still to come (including their masterpiece, Love Over Gold) but even the up-tempo and pop numbers had a dispassionate detachment about them. On Every Street has some really good music on it, but also some really awful stuff as well. I'd like to mention also that Mark Knopfler's soundtrack for Local Hero is a "Dire Straits + special guests" album in all but name.
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CosmicMessenger
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Posted: April 06 2022 at 13:42 |
First things first, it's great to read something from a Camel fan! Bardens-era Camel is like beauty: it's a joy forever! I'm also a big early-Genesis fan, but I won't even go there right now...because this small word processor isn't big enough for that. I didn't really mention it in the OP, but I'm not fan of the "ultra-pop" songs that were included on a couple of DS albums...mostly on Brothers In Arms...and I definitely agree with you about that "ear worm," which, henceforth, will remain nameless. The shame part about this album is that there is some real genius on it. As I understand it, it's based on the Falklands conflict and, as such, MK put some real heart into some of those songs. "Why Worry" and "The Man's Too Strong" are particular favorites of mine, from that album. I especially thought that the instrumental ending of "Why Worry" was incredible...in fact, it gives my goosebumps just thinking about it now, mate.  I'm sorry to read that some of us didn't really care for Communique.' Sure, it's not "loaded" like the first DS album, but it does have have some juicy stuff on it, nevertheless...and, being a B-side type fella, I'm really fond of "Where Do You Think You're Going?" in particular. I'm not a huge fan of On Every Street, either, but I really like the title track uh-lot! As I've studied the instrument since childhood, the '61 Strat he finger-picked for the magical ending of that song is pure joy for this ol 'vet.  As for Love Over Gold, I'm right there with you again, Matti. "Telegraph Road" is yet another of MK's finger-picked masterpieces for the ages. Cheers for the great post! Edited by CosmicMessenger - April 06 2022 at 14:55 |
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CosmicMessenger
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Posted: April 06 2022 at 15:15 |
Yep, the Dire Straits ('78) album is a treasure for all times. Although it wasn't quite at the same level, I also liked Communique ('79), and the two tracks you cited are great...but, as I mentioned in an earlier post, I really like the smoky sound of "Where Do You Think You're Going?" from that second DS album. I don't usually like many "singles" picked by FM programmers, but I still like "Skateaway" from the Making Movies ('80) album. I also like "Expresso Love," but I have to admit that you have a point about some of the rest of the songs released in 1980. One could almost say that the third album is where MK and Co. began to show a few chinks in the ol' armor. Once again, as stated, "Telegraph Road" from DS' fourth album, Love Over Gold ('82), is a treasure to behold. I don't really care for "Industrial Disease" these days, but I'm going to point a long index finger at the aforementioned FM programmers for that, mate. The reason that I'm looking for a release recommendation for On Every Street ('91) is because of the title track. For some reason, I find old-school Dire Straits in that tune, which makes it worth buying on its own. I am with you on your point about "Twisting By The Pool," though...another tune that got worn out quickly by the FM programmers. Cheers for the post!
Edited by CosmicMessenger - April 07 2022 at 11:44 |
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PhideauxFan
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Posted: April 07 2022 at 02:40 |
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Yes ! I've got the box set with all remastered CDs, Alchemy Live and a double CD best-of.
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Sean Trane
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Posted: April 07 2022 at 03:31 |
There is a side of DS that I don't really like and it's the fast/jive/jumpy BTW; I should really one day check out On The Night, because I just saw the track list and the length of some of those tracks can reveal interesting interplay or good solos. .
Edited by Sean Trane - April 07 2022 at 03:31 |
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let's just stay above the moral melee
prefer the sink to the gutter keep our sand-castle virtues content to be a doer as well as a thinker, prefer lifting our pen rather than un-sheath our sword |
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David_D
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Posted: April 07 2022 at 06:57 |
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I won't say that I'm a fan but I certainly like their debut album, and Love over Gold, quite as well.
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quality over quantity, and all kind of PopcoRn almost beyond
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Cristi
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Posted: April 07 2022 at 07:07 |
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^ debut and Love Over Gold are my favorite from them, too.
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CosmicMessenger
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Posted: April 07 2022 at 22:48 |
Nice, PhideauxFan. How do you like the recording quality of all of your Dire Straits albums?
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CosmicMessenger
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Posted: April 07 2022 at 23:09 |
I suppose one can't really blame MK and Co for trying to "stretch out," but they clearly tried their hand at going "ultra-pop"...and, although I didn't care for it, it certainly made them pretty big. In fact, they grew so much that MK complained, after their "reunion," that they were "too big" ... and the rest, as they say, is history. I'll have to check out "On The Night." Thanks for mentioning it here, mate. |
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Icarium
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Posted: April 08 2022 at 00:05 |
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The only reason to listen to On Every Street is to witness the wonderfull drumming from Jeff Porcaro, and this reccording will be one of hes last reccording of any big rock band session gig before he dies.
Edited by Icarium - April 08 2022 at 00:05 |
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CosmicMessenger
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Posted: April 08 2022 at 18:00 |
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Not much of a Dire Straits fan, aye, mate? Did you like Toto more?
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Matti wrote: