Not to mention almost invariably reacting to his own vocal ("he knows all the chords", "he doesn't want to make it cry or sing"; each followed by the appropriate lick).
Agree Agree Agree!!! Everything about the Alchemy version is awesome, of course, but that DRUMMER!! OMG!!😮 (It was not their regular drummer, but a fill-in, because the regular drummer was recovering from an injury and had to sit out part of the tour (or so I've heard).
You people here pushing the live version just don't get it. You have to hear the original studio track first then the live one. The demo of this is also worth a listen.
I agree. I fell in love with the clean crispness of the studio version and I think it is best to watch it before the live version. But the live version is something else.
Something so inevitable about his guitar playing, it's perfect and nothing can change it, no tornado or tsunami.... It's guitar security..... Perfection, or as close as we can get in this "system of things"!
@@jaycorby I agree! Even in the lyrics they say, "The Sultans, they play Creole." And they also say the "band is playing Dixie, double four time." I think it's a hodge podge but I def feel that southern flavor!
The Alchemy Live version is the only one to review. A longer & heavier version with Terry Williams on drums after Pick Withers went to play with Bob Dylan. Features Marks amazing guitar solo.
This is my "getting ready for work song" in the mornings. It's the exact length I need to brush my teeth, slick back what's left of my hair, throw on some clothes, and head out with a funky bounce in my step, lol.
When this came out, we were all like 🤩 at the guitar virtuosity combined with Bob Dylan-sounding vocals…it was a stunner. They owe their career to this song.
I've been driving in my car with this song playing and I've gotten to my destination before the song ended. I've had to stay in the car until the song ended because I just couldn't cut that solo outro short. Great reaction.
The "Guitar George" and "Harry" who are mentioned in the Dire Straits hit song "Sultans of Swing" are George Young and Harry Vanda from the band The Easy Beats George is Angus Youngs from AC/DC older brother who taught him how to play the guitar. Peace out.
This song is legendary and iconic. Mark Knopfler’s guitar work is amazing. You’re right, the guitar chords have a layered sound that have a relaxing tone. What a classic. Thank you for sharing.
Mark's guitar is one of the most unique iconic sounding in the business. Speaking of wild west, "Upon a Time in the West" by them is a killer. ohhh that twang.
Estas son las joyas de los años 70, exactoi se lanzó en 20 octubre de 1978 esta versión de Dire Straits llegó al # 4 a mediados de 1979 en Billboard; es un TEMA MAESTRO EXTRAORDINARIO, por su vocal, ritmo y guitarra en el solo uno de los mejores de todos los tiempo, década 70 siempre la mejor!!!
I like that you noticed all the licks and fills between the verse lines are all different. That is what makes it my favorite song of all time. It really is like the vocals and guitar are having a conversation, it’s beautiful. Mark Knopfler is a criminally underrated guitarist. Not just technically good, but real feeling goes into the whole song
No, he is NOT. Any expert worth their salt rates him damn near the top of their list. Mark is criminally UNDERAPPRECIATED by the masses whose list of best or worst is as worthless as a $3 bill...
1978 - Dire Strait’s first album with Mark Knopfler’s unique guitar playing and Van Halen’s first album with Eddie VH’s new and unique guitar style were both huge and welcome breathes of air. Quite the year in rock!
@sherylstone8804 Hi there-just saw your comment and saw Chet Atkins!! It’s been a long while since I heard his name!! My dad and 2 brothers loved Chet. 🎵✌️
This song, along with "My Sharona" by the Knack, dominated the summer of '79, because all other radio tunes were either disco-funk or syrupy sweet ballads. There was nothing quite like it in popular music at the time.
ya gotta realize that mark knopfler doesn't use a pick. all that guitar sound is just his fingers. he is one of, if the not, the best guitarists of the past 40 or 50 years. he's up there with clapton and prince.
I was a senior in high school when this came out and as a musician I knew several pretty good local guitarists. Without exception, every one of them upon hearing this was like, "Who the hell is this guy?" In the States this really did just come out of nowhere, kind of like hearing SRV on David Bowie's album a few years later.
I love how much effort Nick puts into the reactions with metaphors and such and Ryan sits there nonplussed lol. Finally it gets too much for Nick and he says: "Ryan, do you know anything?" 🤣 Unfortunately, they never topped this song, but Donald Fagen and Walter Becker were impressed enough to invite Mark to play on Steely Dan's 1980 album Gaucho!
This made quite an impact on guitar world back then as it appeared amidst the British Punk scene which was not much about playing but saying, until later.
I was a rocker in 1978 when this came out - and so where my friends and bandmates. This wasnt rock music but we all loved it and we all still do! Timelessly great!!! Just plain g r e a t.
One of the reasons Mark Knopfler’s lead guitar licks have such a ‘chill’ tone is because he plays exclusively with his fingers, which means two big things: there’s no sharp, trebly pick attack; secondly, he’s often picking two or more notes simultaneously, which ‘cushions’ the sound of the root note with other notes from the chord.
This song was everything that represented the uniqueness of FM radio at the time when it came out in 1978..............you'd never hear it played on a AM station.
I've only watched these guys recently and I like 'em. They have all the ingredients to make a reaction post much more interesting than just playing and reacting to a classic track which most people already know. They have musical knowledge, knowledge of instruments, the ability to discuss a track in an intelligent way and most of all, they have good natured humour. Anybody can post a song and react, no problem with that, but these guys provide something extra. Best wishes from Scotland, UK.
Aka Bob Dylan's backing band. When he heard them he immediately wanted them to play on his new album Slow Train Coming. You can hear their influence clearly...
This sounds like we have 1978/79 and cruising down the road in a convertible on a hot summer day in Texas. What fun we had blasting this song on the car radio. Good old days. I still can feel the sun on my skin and the smell of =You know what - 😉 Hello from an old lady in Germany 🙋♀️🇩🇪
Nostalgia maybe? I love this song, and Nick I love how you described the back and forth conversation of the guitar. You're right. It's an appreciation of the roots of music. Well said.
Shocked and disappointed they had no awareness of this song. I remember when it was released; it was played non-stop on the radio (does anyone remember radio?), and it sounded like no song song heard before (or since). It’s not my favorite song, but it is monumental. The association with Buckingham’s guitar work is interesting, as bit guitarists play finger style.
Here's a challenge for you three guys. Pick up JJ Cale's "Naturally" album then play this first Dire Straits' album right beside it and see if you don't suddenly have the light bulb go on in your heads and all three of you say "Oh! Now I see where they got their musical blues ideas from!" They have freely admitted that JJ Cale was one of the biggest influences in their sound. Beautiful blues!
The lyrics are great too. He’s writing about a jazz combo he saw in an empty club. He’s very jazz influenced. Look into Django Reinhardt as a huge jazz guitar influencer.
Mark’s touch, tone and note selection is immaculate… this may have been one of the best recordings every captured. It pulls you into some timeless atmosphere where emotion body and thoughts float seamlessly in pure clear awareness. He is right about Lindsey they are both finger pickers. ❤
It’s a story of music from past that is pure magic, almost like time travel, I was 16 in the 1970s, with friends when I heard this amazing song and I was forever struck, and today when I hear it makes me so happy ❤❤❤
Mark Knopfler actualy played on 3 Dylan albums and he produced the album "Infedels". The unique sound Mark hets out of that guitar that reminds you of Lindsey Buckingham is because Mark fingerpicks. Other great songs you will love are "Tunnel of love", "Telegraph Road", "Private Investigations", "Brothers in arms" and "Calling Elvis".
This song was such a relief when it first came out in early '79. Disco was at its peak, and it manage to hit the top 10 anyway. The outro is the best part and is why you will listen throughout. Sultans of Swing was a hit but would get overwhelmed by their biggest hit "Money for Nothing". Opening song "Down to the Waterline" is one of the all time album openers.
Ryan hit the nail on the head concerning the outro. It is iconic. It was an unwritten rule for jocks not to talk over it like they did with almost everything thing else.
The studio version of this is one of the best songs for cruising. What I love about their video is how much fun they're having.😁😎 It's nice that you enjoyed it so much.🤗
1)Marty Robbins, e.g. Devil Woman 2) Debussy, The gaps between notes are as important as the notes themselves (Also Mark Hollis). 3) The nuance of the guitar playing. Never forces anything but drifts in & out of notes, rather like a Frank Sinatra type singer. Absolute mastery & confidence.
The consensus in the comments section is that you three must react to the Alchemy Live version of this classic piece. I heartily concur. It takes up about 11 minutes of pure guitar magic, drumming excellence and keyboard skill that will have you going back to look at it over and over again. Mark Knopfler's fingers literally dance upon the strings effortlessly as he makes his stick almost speak during one of the best solos in rock concert history.
Yes, Mark was a fan of Bob Dylan, you can hear it in his vocal phrasing. Also, Mark was a huge fan of Chet Atkins, and you can hear it in his guitar work.
As far as the relaxing guitar sounds you are talking about, it comes down to a few things. Number one is the tone. Clean, gentle tone automatically sets that calming mood! That im addition to Mark’s fínese is a recipe for success. The second thing is a little more technical. The chords being used in that section are suspended chords that resolve back to their natural sound. By changing at least one note in a chord you suspend it causing tension and dissonance in the sound of the chord. By resolving you return back to the natural sound creating this sort of sigh of relief moment. Suspended chords are EVERYWHERE in music and are an essential tool to create atmosphere.
Quite possibly the single greatest DEBUT single a band had ever put out! This was the first thing anyone heard from this band.... Its fucking RIDICULOUS! 💯😎 Its making starter guitar players think about a future in Insurance Sales to this day! 🤣
Alchemy Live, as mentioned, is incredible and is a rare case of exceeding the studio version by a considerable amount. "Telegraph Road" from Alchemy Live is one of the most awesome live performances - a MUST EXPERIENCE. Album "Love Over Gold" is a masterpiece.
I didn’t much like this as a little girl…but HOLY SHIT, when I heard it decades later, it hit me like nobody’s business…nothing like it! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 My other favourite is “So Far Away” ❤
A few people are asking for the Alchemy live version. It's great, but as far as the guitar work is concerned, I'd give the studio version the nod. It has a delicacy and dynamics that are cleanly rendered in a way that isn't likely to be possible in front of a highly charged audience. To each his own.
I think I agree with you about the delicacy and precision of the studio version. It is what most of us fell in love with. But the live version is simply one of the best live performances ever. Itsraw energy and that mind blowing drummer give a different vibe. They are just two different things and I think you have to listen to both.
Thanks for your comment, but, Nah , the studio version was for the record co to sell the record, it was cut short and edited because at that time no single could go over 4 mins max
This is music for the calm mind, which is becoming rarer and rarer, modern music is designed for the chaotic mind which is why fewer people who are younger can’t get it although there still some who can👀🤷♀️👀🤷♀️
The line about "Guitar George" and "Harry" refers to Aussies George Young and Harry Vanda who were the mainstays of The Easybeats and together wrote a string of hits for other Australian artists through the 70s and into the 80s George Young's younger brothers Angus and Malcom founded AC/DC and, Vanda and Young produced their first albums
Knopfler is just a great storyteller and guitarist, to boot. He's still going strong with his solo stuff. One can't explain Knopfler to others, they have to experience for themselves. He's on the same level as Chet Atkins as far as guitar virtuosity goes.
there is this special elastic groove, not just the lead guitar. the whole rhythm section is so hypnotic and smooth, just like it was said here. back then in 1979 it sounded unique, and it still does. dire straits were never better than on the first album, which is immaculate as a whole. the band then turned into a mark knopfler thing, and he is always tasteful and good, of course, but the first album (and parts of the second) is really great.
Another song on this album is my all time favorite called" Wild West End" .Its a day of Mark walking around London's west end and him remarking on what he sees and feels. Brilliant song !
After each sung line you get a mini guitar solo, and each mini solo is different than the one that came before it. Genius.
Not to mention almost invariably reacting to his own vocal ("he knows all the chords", "he doesn't want to make it cry or sing"; each followed by the appropriate lick).
Hope, you do the Alchemy Live version. One of the best live performances of all time!
Yes yes yes!!!!
Agree Agree Agree!!! Everything about the Alchemy version is awesome, of course, but that DRUMMER!! OMG!!😮 (It was not their regular drummer, but a fill-in, because the regular drummer was recovering from an injury and had to sit out part of the tour (or so I've heard).
Need to be able to put 100 thumbs up... I love the studio version, but Alchemy Live is completely out of this world by comparison...
Yup, it’s different class
Terry Williams, yep! He drummed his heart out at this show.
'He doesn't want to make it cry or sing'
Then proceeds to make it cry and sing in the guitar fill that immediately follows...
Lads ,lads , lads. Knowing how much you love live music the Alchemy Live version is an absolute must.
You got that right one of the best live version ever
He plays that guitar with his fingers...no plectrum!
You people here pushing the live version just don't get it. You have to hear the original studio track first then the live one. The demo of this is also worth a listen.
I agree. I fell in love with the clean crispness of the studio version and I think it is best to watch it before the live version. But the live version is something else.
The studio version is the best. I can't stand it when people keep pushing the live version. The live version is not the same. It's different
Mark Knopfler never played the same guitar lick twice on this song. Brilliant.
Something so inevitable about his guitar playing, it's perfect and nothing can change it, no tornado or tsunami.... It's guitar security..... Perfection, or as close as we can get in this "system of things"!
Please do the Alchemy Live version. Mark Knopfler and his guitar picking will give you chills!!!!!
Thanks for bringing the live version to my attention. Checked it out. Mind-boggling live version!
czcams.com/video/8Pa9x9fZBtY/video.html
Except he doesn't use a pick
@@jackempson3044 No need to be picky..
Absolutely
The main chord progression is called an Andalusian Cadence. It's a kind of Spanish/Moroccan thing. Middle Eastern flavor, hence Sultans.
It also reminds me of Cajun music from down on the Louisiana coast, unless I'm way off base with that.
@@jaycorby I agree! Even in the lyrics they say, "The Sultans, they play Creole." And they also say the "band is playing Dixie, double four time." I think it's a hodge podge but I def feel that southern flavor!
Thankyou!
I hear a western flavor myself
I wish I was hearing this for the first time. Its amazing.
The Alchemy Live version is the only one to review. A longer & heavier version with Terry Williams on drums after Pick Withers went to play with Bob Dylan. Features Marks amazing guitar solo.
This has been one of my all time favs since it hit the airwaves ❤
Likewise
As a drummer I always listen for that time bell to ring.
This is my "getting ready for work song" in the mornings. It's the exact length I need to brush my teeth, slick back what's left of my hair, throw on some clothes, and head out with a funky bounce in my step, lol.
I'm adding my voice to the encouragement for you guys to do Alchemy Live version. It will blow your minds. 🔥🔥
The entire Alchemy Live album puts every fantastic studio song on it out into God level...
YES! This one! Absolutely!
The solo on that version gives me goosebumps
Your two mates were digging their own hole.Knophler is in the top 5 guitarists ever.Eric Clapton has played backing for him ffs.
sultans on the album is better imo..the live version is too fast and the laidback rhythm is partially lost
I drive too many sunrises after leaving a club, pub and show house listening to this song. Good old days, not even that old, end of the 2000's.
You nailed it with the comparison to Buckingham. Neither of them use a pick. It's all fingerstyle.
Great job going with the actual studio track! The “official video” completely omits the kickass outro guitar by Mark Knopfler 🔥
Them Guitar solo's are Gee - Clarified Butter.
When this came out, we were all like 🤩 at the guitar virtuosity combined with Bob Dylan-sounding vocals…it was a stunner. They owe their career to this song.
I've been driving in my car with this song playing and I've gotten to my destination before the song ended. I've had to stay in the car until the song ended because I just couldn't cut that solo outro short. Great reaction.
Hilarious!
This is, I just might get a ticket music. LOL
Always worth staying til the end..
...that moment when you realise you're listening to something special
The "Guitar George" and "Harry" who are mentioned in the Dire Straits hit song "Sultans of Swing" are George Young and Harry Vanda from the band The Easy Beats George is Angus Youngs from AC/DC older brother who taught him how to play the guitar. Peace out.
This one checks in as a white chocolate macadamia nut . The cookie jar giveth… Inescapable in 1978 and undeniable today.
This song is legendary and iconic. Mark Knopfler’s guitar work is amazing. You’re right, the guitar chords have a layered sound that have a relaxing tone. What a classic. Thank you for sharing.
Pick Williams’ drumming is outstanding on this track.
I knew that this song was special when I heard it at age 15. You just got to let it marinate.
I love the way it gradually brought a smile to their faces!
Mark's guitar is one of the most unique iconic sounding in the business. Speaking of wild west, "Upon a Time in the West" by them is a killer. ohhh that twang.
Estas son las joyas de los años 70, exactoi se lanzó en 20 octubre de 1978 esta versión de Dire Straits llegó al # 4 a mediados de 1979 en Billboard; es un TEMA MAESTRO EXTRAORDINARIO, por su vocal, ritmo y guitarra en el solo uno de los mejores de todos los tiempo, década 70 siempre la mejor!!!
Good catch on the similarity to Lindsay Buckingham. Both of them play similar fingerstyle guitar. It's the only way to get that sound.
I like that you noticed all the licks and fills between the verse lines are all different. That is what makes it my favorite song of all time. It really is like the vocals and guitar are having a conversation, it’s beautiful. Mark Knopfler is a criminally underrated guitarist. Not just technically good, but real feeling goes into the whole song
No, he is NOT. Any expert worth their salt rates him damn near the top of their list. Mark is criminally UNDERAPPRECIATED by the masses whose list of best or worst is as worthless as a $3 bill...
This will, forever, be the song playing in the background of middle school gym class.
I call that dialog between man and guitar, "call and response". M.K. does it so very well!
This song was a monster back in the day
1978 - Dire Strait’s first album with Mark Knopfler’s unique guitar playing and Van Halen’s first album with Eddie VH’s new and unique guitar style were both huge and welcome breathes of air. Quite the year in rock!
Breaths not breathes
was just thinking about that.
og strat into fender twin reverb versus frankenstrat into cranked marshall.
what a year for the guitar 🎸 🙌
This is known as fingerpicking style and Mark has it mastered. He spent time with Chet Atkins to help perfect it. Great song! Great review! Thanks
@sherylstone8804 Hi there-just saw your comment and saw Chet Atkins!! It’s been a long while since I heard his name!! My dad and 2 brothers loved Chet.
🎵✌️
Guys, huge rabbit hole right here! They don't just have great songs, they have one outstanding album after another.
❤❤❤❤❤❤
You must do the Live version Alchemy at the Hammersmith Odeon in London otherwise you will have missed the absolute talent that is Mark Knopfler !!!
Yeah, his solo is boss. :)
Most definitely do the live version
This song, along with "My Sharona" by the Knack, dominated the summer of '79, because all other radio tunes were either disco-funk or syrupy sweet ballads. There was nothing quite like it in popular music at the time.
It's BLUES!!!! Knopfler is amazing and often underrated. That's what good blues does, so relaxing.
He sang in the troubadour style. Like Johnny Cash, Gordon LIghtfoot, etc ...
ya gotta realize that mark knopfler doesn't use a pick. all that guitar sound is just his fingers. he is one of, if the not, the best guitarists of the past 40 or 50 years. he's up there with clapton and prince.
I was a senior in high school when this came out and as a musician I knew several pretty good local guitarists. Without exception, every one of them upon hearing this was like, "Who the hell is this guy?" In the States this really did just come out of nowhere, kind of like hearing SRV on David Bowie's album a few years later.
Romeo and Juliet by them, one of the best love songs ever written (I'd pick the live version personally)
I love how much effort Nick puts into the reactions with metaphors and such and Ryan sits there nonplussed lol. Finally it gets too much for Nick and he says: "Ryan, do you know anything?" 🤣 Unfortunately, they never topped this song, but Donald Fagen and Walter Becker were impressed enough to invite Mark to play on Steely Dan's 1980 album Gaucho!
But fortunately they came very close on many occasions to topping this song. Close enough imo. One of my favorite bands of all time.
Drummer deserves some props.
It is finger picking with a jazz riff...Iconic sound! Incredibly nuanced and understated...and then there is Alchemy! Incredible drums!
This made quite an impact on guitar world back then as it appeared amidst the British Punk scene which was not much about playing but saying, until later.
I'd love to see how the boys react to the studio version of Brothers in Arms. There is so much emotion in that guitar it makes my eyes leak.
I encourage you guys to follow that up. One of the greatest albums ever
I was a rocker in 1978 when this came out - and so where my friends and bandmates. This wasnt rock music but we all loved it and we all still do! Timelessly great!!! Just plain g r e a t.
One of the reasons Mark Knopfler’s lead guitar licks have such a ‘chill’ tone is because he plays exclusively with his fingers, which means two big things: there’s no sharp, trebly pick attack; secondly, he’s often picking two or more notes simultaneously, which ‘cushions’ the sound of the root note with other notes from the chord.
This song was everything that represented the uniqueness of FM radio at the time when it came out in 1978..............you'd never hear it played on a AM station.
I'm glad you did the studio version🙂
I've only watched these guys recently and I like 'em. They have all the ingredients to make a reaction post much more interesting than just playing and reacting to a classic track which most people already know. They have musical knowledge, knowledge of instruments, the ability to discuss a track in an intelligent way and most of all, they have good natured humour. Anybody can post a song and react, no problem with that, but these guys provide something extra. Best wishes from Scotland, UK.
I bought the album when it had come out in 1979 after I'd heard this song. I love it still until today.
My favorite artist of all time, Mark Knopfler. What a brilliant work of art.
I love the idea that if Bob Ross had a song!
Aka Bob Dylan's backing band. When he heard them he immediately wanted them to play on his new album Slow Train Coming. You can hear their influence clearly...
It was just Mark and Pick on Slow Train. The bass was played by the great session man Tim Drummond.
Great band with the 2 brothers from Glasgow Scotland. BTW Mark Knopfler played the guitar on Hey 19 by Steely Dan.
it was "Time Out Of Mind", c'mon already
This sounds like we have 1978/79 and cruising down the road in a convertible on a hot summer day in Texas.
What fun we had blasting this song on the car radio. Good old days. I still can feel the sun on my skin and the smell of =You know what - 😉
Hello from an old lady in Germany 🙋♀️🇩🇪
"Like Lindsey Buckingham"...good ear. Both use fingerstyle technique. That is the signature tone for the song.
You really need to listen to the Alchemy live version - particularly if you want to get lost in a phenomenal guitar solo.
Nostalgia maybe? I love this song, and Nick I love how you described the back and forth conversation of the guitar. You're right. It's an appreciation of the roots of music. Well said.
Shocked and disappointed they had no awareness of this song. I remember when it was released; it was played non-stop on the radio (does anyone remember radio?), and it sounded like no song song heard before (or since). It’s not my favorite song, but it is monumental. The association with Buckingham’s guitar work is interesting, as bit guitarists play finger style.
Here's a challenge for you three guys. Pick up JJ Cale's "Naturally" album then play this first Dire Straits' album right beside it and see if you don't suddenly have the light bulb go on in your heads and all three of you say "Oh! Now I see where they got their musical blues ideas from!" They have freely admitted that JJ Cale was one of the biggest influences in their sound. Beautiful blues!
What I love about this song its like hes having a conversation with the guitar and then it replies back to him. Tells a beautiful story.
The lyrics are great too. He’s writing about a jazz combo he saw in an empty club. He’s very jazz influenced. Look into Django Reinhardt as a huge jazz guitar influencer.
Mark’s touch, tone and note selection is immaculate… this may have been one of the best recordings every captured.
It pulls you into some timeless atmosphere where emotion body and thoughts float seamlessly in pure clear awareness.
He is right about Lindsey they are both finger pickers. ❤
It’s a story of music from past that is pure magic, almost like time travel, I was 16 in the 1970s, with friends when I heard this amazing song and I was forever struck, and today when I hear it makes me so happy ❤❤❤
Mark Knopfler actualy played on 3 Dylan albums and he produced the album "Infedels". The unique sound Mark hets out of that guitar that reminds you of Lindsey Buckingham is because Mark fingerpicks. Other great songs you will love are "Tunnel of love", "Telegraph Road", "Private Investigations", "Brothers in arms" and "Calling Elvis".
This song was such a relief when it first came out in early '79. Disco was at its peak, and it manage to hit the top 10 anyway.
The outro is the best part and is why you will listen throughout.
Sultans of Swing was a hit but would get overwhelmed by their biggest hit "Money for Nothing".
Opening song "Down to the Waterline" is one of the all time album openers.
Ryan hit the nail on the head concerning the outro. It is iconic. It was an unwritten rule for jocks not to talk over it like they did with almost everything thing else.
The studio version of this is one of the best songs for cruising.
What I love about their video is how much fun they're having.😁😎
It's nice that you enjoyed it so much.🤗
1)Marty Robbins, e.g. Devil Woman
2) Debussy, The gaps between notes are as important as the notes themselves (Also Mark Hollis).
3) The nuance of the guitar playing. Never forces anything but drifts in & out of notes, rather like a Frank Sinatra type singer. Absolute mastery & confidence.
Part of the relaxing tone is because Mark is finger-picking rather than using a plectrum. This gives a softer, more relaxing tone.
I was like 7 when this came out but i do remember it and Money In For Nothing
I envy people hearing this for the first time.
Walk of Life is one of my absolute favorites from Dire Straits.
The consensus in the comments section is that you three must react to the Alchemy Live version of this classic piece. I heartily concur. It takes up about 11 minutes of pure guitar magic, drumming excellence and keyboard skill that will have you going back to look at it over and over again. Mark Knopfler's fingers literally dance upon the strings effortlessly as he makes his stick almost speak during one of the best solos in rock concert history.
Studio version, or the Live at Alchemy version? Alchemy is about 5 minutes longer and IMO is far better than the studio version.
100% agreed, however I think it’s important to listen to the studio version first because it makes the live version that much better lol
Yes, Mark was a fan of Bob Dylan, you can hear it in his vocal phrasing. Also, Mark was a huge fan of Chet Atkins, and you can hear it in his guitar work.
Chet and Mark released a duo album, “Neck and Neck.” Gorgeous work.
@@vinsgraphics Poor Boy Blues
He was also a huge fan of Hank Marvin, which might be why he's so clean and 'relaxing'.
First time I heard him (mid eighties) I thought he was Dylan.
Wow.. you can definitely hear Bob Dylan. How did I not notice that?
As far as the relaxing guitar sounds you are talking about, it comes down to a few things. Number one is the tone. Clean, gentle tone automatically sets that calming mood! That im addition to Mark’s fínese is a recipe for success. The second thing is a little more technical. The chords being used in that section are suspended chords that resolve back to their natural sound. By changing at least one note in a chord you suspend it causing tension and dissonance in the sound of the chord. By resolving you return back to the natural sound creating this sort of sigh of relief moment. Suspended chords are EVERYWHERE in music and are an essential tool to create atmosphere.
Alchemy Live has 232 million views for a reason.💪
The SUPER 70S RIDE. AGAIN!😅
Quite possibly the single greatest DEBUT single a band had ever put out! This was the first thing anyone heard from this band....
Its fucking RIDICULOUS! 💯😎 Its making starter guitar players think about a future in Insurance Sales to this day! 🤣
Alchemy Live, as mentioned, is incredible and is a rare case of exceeding the studio version by a considerable amount.
"Telegraph Road" from Alchemy Live is one of the most awesome live performances - a MUST EXPERIENCE.
Album "Love Over Gold" is a masterpiece.
I didn’t much like this as a little girl…but HOLY SHIT, when I heard it decades later, it hit me like nobody’s business…nothing like it! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
My other favourite is “So Far Away” ❤
This is a rock and roll bluesy song with a perfect twist of jazzy sounds by the drummer. Awesome!
This classic track offers an important warning/advice for those choosing to pursue a music career,, Stealers Wheel "Star"
A few people are asking for the Alchemy live version. It's great, but as far as the guitar work is concerned, I'd give the studio version the nod. It has a delicacy and dynamics that are cleanly rendered in a way that isn't likely to be possible in front of a highly charged audience. To each his own.
I think I agree with you about the delicacy and precision of the studio version. It is what most of us fell in love with. But the live version is simply one of the best live performances ever. Itsraw energy and that mind blowing drummer give a different vibe. They are just two different things and I think you have to listen to both.
I’m with you on this! 👍
Thanks for your comment, but, Nah , the studio version was for the record co to sell the record, it was cut short and edited because at that time no single could go over 4 mins max
I was 15 when this came out. Total classic! I was devastated when it came out on CD and they cut the ending!!!! Sacrilege!!
This is music for the calm mind, which is becoming rarer and rarer, modern music is designed for the chaotic mind which is why fewer people who are younger can’t get it although there still some who can👀🤷♀️👀🤷♀️
The line about "Guitar George" and "Harry" refers to Aussies George Young and Harry Vanda who were the mainstays of The Easybeats and together wrote a string of hits for other Australian artists through the 70s and into the 80s
George Young's younger brothers Angus and Malcom founded AC/DC and, Vanda and Young produced their first albums
Knopfler is just a great storyteller and guitarist, to boot. He's still going strong with his solo stuff. One can't explain Knopfler to others, they have to experience for themselves. He's on the same level as Chet Atkins as far as guitar virtuosity goes.
Listen to this band live. You won't regret it.
Totally agree - best to put on an entire album, and just get lost in the tracks. Their music really is amazing.
Fortunately for y'all, there's a lot more Dire Straits to explore.
If you want to hear Dire Straits plus a steel guitar, "Walk of Life" would be a good bet.
One of the best bands and songs of all time.
there is this special elastic groove, not just the lead guitar. the whole rhythm section is so hypnotic and smooth, just like it was said here. back then in 1979 it sounded unique, and it still does. dire straits were never better than on the first album, which is immaculate as a whole. the band then turned into a mark knopfler thing, and he is always tasteful and good, of course, but the first album (and parts of the second) is really great.
Another song on this album is my all time favorite called" Wild West End" .Its a day of Mark walking around London's west end and him remarking on what he sees and feels. Brilliant song !
Mellow, mellow tune. That and Skateaway