Dire Straits/Mark Knopfler Communique ( 180g vinyl LP )

Release date: 15-05-2014(Originally released in 1979)

2014 EU reissue 180g vinyl LP - On their 1979 sophomore release Communique, Dire Straits continue to refine their pub-rock aesthetic with an unpretentious set of melancholy rock tunes. Mark Knopfler's penchant for cynical characters is further developed on tracks like "Where Do You Think You're Going" and "News," while the presence of Jerry Wexler at the production helm ensures that the rest of the band keeps the rhythms extra tight.

Tracks:
A1     Once Upon A Time In The West
A2     News
A3     Where Do You Think You're Going?
A4     Communiqué

B1     Lady Writer
B2     Angel Of Merc
B3     Portobello Belle
B4     Single-handed Sailor
B5     Follow Me Home

Part of the reason for the band’s uniqueness owes to its clean, vibrant sound. Just as Knopfler’s narratives reflect poetic and surrealist texts, the group’s arrangements - an intoxicating combination of easygoing shuffles, bluesy boogies, and pop-honed ballads - mirror the old-fashioned soulfulness and spaciousness inherent in the classic recordings of the late 50s and early 60s. It’s no wonder why Dire Straits has long been a favorite of audiophiles the world over. When it comes to sonic purity, transparent soundstages, and rich tonalities, few, if any bands sound better.