Dire Straits
Dire Straits LP

1978’s Dire Straits is, quite simply, one of the finest debuts in music history. Built on a strong foundation of blues rock, intermixed with folk, country, and jazz influences, the album has near-endless replay value due to its excellent songwriting and fantastic instrumentation, both qualities which would define the band throughout their consistently-great career. Mark Knopfler is a brilliant guitarist, rarely flashy but reliably able to produce emotion in his playing perhaps only rivaled by Pink Floyd’s David Gilmour, while his guttural vocals add their own distinctive charm. Meanwhile, the rest of the band is also talented and sound.

This album has many marvelous qualities, but foremost among them must be its cohesive laid-back but melancholy nature. This results in a product which can be excellent in a wide variety of settings. Certainly, Dire Straits ranks among the greatest relaxation albums of all time, being quite easy to jam out to while also not demanding overt attention. At the same time, the potency of the lyrics and the frequently bittersweet or wistful subject matter makes this album also an excellent companion for more moody situations as well.

Produs Nou / Anul aparitiei: 1978 / Reissue

Tracklist:

A1 Down To The Waterline

A2 Water Of Love

A3 Setting Me Up

A4 Six Blade Knife

A5 Southbound Again

B1 Sultans Of Swing

B2 In The Gallery

B3 Wild West End

B4 Lions