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| Dire Straits - Brothers in Arms Band: Dire Straits 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 Still the Best from Dire Straits. 18 years after its original release in 1985, Dire Straits' "Brothers in Arms" still stands as the band's best album. Mark Knopfler and Co. had made excellent albums prior to this one, but "Brothers in Arms" was when the Pieces of the puzzle fell into seamless perfection. Knopfler displays his greatest songwriting here which has yet to be surpassed. His guitar work and Dylan-esque vocals as well as the musicianship between The Band members and studios guests is inexpendable.<BR>The hits "So Far Away", "Walk Of Life" and of course "Money For Nothing" are now timeless classics which still recieve heavy airplay. In addition to these hits, the jazz-oriented "Your Latest Trick", the epic "Why Worry" and the atmospheric title track are also worthy of being called classics.<BR>This album still sounds as fresh and timeless as it did in 1985. It was also one of the first albums to be made specifically for the Compact Disc format (some of the album's longer tracks were edited on the vinyl LP). With its solid songwriting, musicianship and lyrics, it's still no wonder that "Brothers In Arms" captures the very best from Mark Knopfler and Dire Straits. It's practically a Greatest Hits album all on its own. Still highly recommended after all these years.<BR>I should add that the newly remastered CD gives this album a huge sonic boost and displays it in its best sound quality ever. Classic, well-produced CD I was introduced to Dire Straits as a teenager when the legendary hit "Money For Nothing" hit the airwaves. After hearing that as well as the undeniably catchy and also classic "Walk Of Life", I knew I had to get this album. Those songs along with the low-key but also catchy leadoff track and third single "So Far Away" got this album off to a great start. But at the time (silly youth that I was), I was disappointed with the rest of the album, as I didn't find the non-hits nearly as catchy or memorable. I guess I was hoping for more tunes as heavy as "Money For Nothing", while there is nothing else like that on the album. Over time, however, I have grown to Truly appreciate this album. That has increased even further with a recent purchase of this album on CD--replacing the cassette I had for years. Besides the aformentioned big hits, songs like the jazzy "Your Latest Trick", the mellow but pretty "Why Worry", the rhythmic and somewhat mystical "Ride Across The River", and the catchy and slightly uptempo "One World" all sound fantastic. Turn this CD up pretty loud and listen to the crispness of the production--you Truly can't beat it. To this day I consider this a very fine classic rock set from the mid-'80s. Still an essential listen. I actually rate this more along the lines of 4 1/2 stars. Mark Knopfler 1 - 0 Vinyl One of the strangest twists of fate in music history is the reason as to why this album is remembered. More often than not associated to its lighter moments - an opinion influenced by hit singles "Money For Nothing" and "Walk Of Life". However, this album is much like its cover's border trim: blue. Bordering on sombre, it's an album filled with cynicism ("Money For Nothing") and loneliness ("So Far Away"). In 1985 Dire Straits were at the height of their powers as this album shows. They had been oft-criticised in the past for their loyalty to their Roots but their gutsy determination ensured they didn't give in. That determination remained with this recording yet high-tech studio wizardry was thrown into the mix and the outcome was one of the finest production jobs to date. <BR>They also took full advantage of CDs longer time limits and produced longer, fuller songs (the full version of "Money For Nothing" clocks in at over eight minutes). Mark Knopfler really hit his peak during this time too. His guitar work was amazing as were his lyrics and vocals - you can really feel the heartache when he sings "Brother In Arms". Overall, this is a great album that has become synonymous with an entire generation. Many bands can claim to be the sound of the times, but not of a generation. With the release of this remarkable LP it was Mark Knopfler 1, Vinyl 0. Buy Dire Straits Brothers In Arms at Amazon.com Buy posters at Allposters.comJamster - the latest ringtones for your phone! |
