Astrological Straits - Zach Hill

Advantages: Another great CD from George Strait
Disadvantages: Not enough tracks

...This is yet another great album from George Strait. The CD has ten tracks which after playing a couple of times you will find yourself singing along to. The opening track - 'She'll leave you with a smile' is a good lead in which is followed by the thought provoking 'Run'. The title track 'The Road Less Traveled', again, a powerful song with wonderful lyrics and melodies and sung equally so. George Strait manages to skillfully incorporate a wide range of musical styles from the more traditional country through to a more rock, pop, R&B and honky tonk influence without losing its overall country feel. George Strait is one of country's top selling artists and this album will leave you in no doubt as to why. Combining old and new country beautifully, 'The Road Less Traveled' contains something for everyone. This is a good introduction... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: Mark Knopfler's glorious guitar
Disadvantages: Not one of their best

...Dire Straits. They're something of a fading phenomenon, now, having most certainly had their time as one of Europe's most popular bands, but the fact remains that they were popular for a very good reason - ie, the fact that they were original, enthusiastic and mesmerisingly good. This comes across particularly well on the Straits' first studio album, on which Knopfler's instantly recognisable guitar playing acts as a counterbalance for his often equally elaborate lyrics. Communique fails to touch the standards of this first album, save with one or two tracks, notably the entrancing 'Lady Writer' and that radio anthem of the eighties, 'Portobello Belle'. It *is* Dire Straits, of course; and so there are Knopfler's languid vocals and his rippling guitar, but the guitar does not feature so prominently here as it has in the past... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Some very good studio work, Knopfler's live guitar playing outstanding
Disadvantages: Most of the live tracks ruin the flow of the album

...On the whole, Sultans of Swing is quite a good album, marred by a few live tracks. When this album was put together, nobody suggested that live and studio recorded tracks wouldn't go well together, and as a result the album flits rather ungracefully from one song to another. Add to this the (very annoying) second CD in the special edition, and you'll wonder why you spent your money on this set. The second CD features Mark Knopfler (minus Dire Straits) at the Albert Hall, playing some old Dire Straits numbers. The standard of Knopfler's playing is, as usual, outstanding, but the lyrics and the way in which they are uncomfortably shoehorned around the live tracks will leave many Dire Straits fans looking for the eject button. That said, there are some good songs on here, including the (obligatory) Money for Nothing, but do yourself... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful