Local Hero - Mark Knopfler

Advantages: Beautiful and atmospheric
Disadvantages: Too short and not for everybody

...with the pipe. Strings also help with the background and are especially noticeable when the singer gives us some great lyrics in English. This is a slow track and, therefore, makes for a relaxing listen. - 8/10 15 - Mark Knopfler - Irish Boy - Mark Knopfler, known for his work on the Local Hero soundtrack, as well as his excellent guitar skills that gave Dire Straits huge success, doesn't fail to please here. The is the obvious Knopfler sound to this track, especially the work on the percussion and guitars. For once though, the guitars aren't actually the main focus of the track. The pipes and bagpipes have this duty on this short but sweet track. Brilliant. - 9/10 16 - Clannad - Dealram Go Deo - This has a slightly modern sound to the initial intro, before the singing starts. The lyrics are Celtic and are supplied by a female lead... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Oh, practically everything
Disadvantages: Live performances may not be to everyone's taste

...I remember listening to Dire Straits as a child when my dad would put his music on. Being young and foolish I would scoff at his musical tastes, snorting with derision and never dreamed that a decade later, he and I would end up with practically the same CD collection! So, I knew Dire Straits by name growing up, but it wasn’t until University that I started listening to them seriously, and being blown away thinking “Damn! My dad has GREAT musical taste!” For the uninitiated, Dire Straits was formed in 1977 by Mark Mark Knopfler (guitar and vocals), his brother David Knopfler (guitar), John Illsley (bass), and Pick Withers (drums). Their first album was released in 1978, followed in 1979 by the hugely successful album communiqué. The band’s lineup changed frequently, but Mark Knopfler remained the front man until the band... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful

Advantages: Oh, practically everything
Disadvantages: Live performances may not be to everyone's taste

...I remember listening to Dire Straits as a child when my dad would put his music on. Being young and foolish I would scoff at his musical tastes, snorting with derision and never dreamed that a decade later, he and I would end up with practically the same CD collection! So, I knew Dire Straits by name growing up, but it wasn’t until University that I started listening to them seriously, and being blown away thinking “Damn! My dad has GREAT musical taste!” For the uninitiated, Dire Straits was formed in 1977 by Mark Mark Knopfler (guitar and vocals), his brother David Knopfler (guitar), John Illsley (bass), and Pick Withers (drums). Their first album was released in 1978, followed in 1979 by the hugely successful album communiqué. The band’s lineup changed frequently, but Mark Knopfler remained the front man until the band... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful

Advantages:
Disadvantages:

...Mark Knopfler's new album - "Sailing to Philadelphia" is his second solo album, the first was called "Golden Heart". Both seem to have been released with minimal publicity. This album's got a country and blues feel with, of course, Knopflers unmistakable guitar. It also features duets with Van Morrison - "The Last Laugh" and James Taylor on the title track. There's nothing new or exciting in this album, but most people wouldn't expect that from Knopfler. Still, its a professional, accomplished album. If you still like Dire Straits - especially the Love Over Gold type stuff, you'll like this album.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: See op.
Disadvantages: See op.

...on this song, singing backing vocals and specifically the line “I want my MTV”. He made this up himself (he’s a clever chap!) so his record company insisted he be given a writing credit, despite the fact that he wasn’t bothered! Hence, the writing credit is always given to Mark Knopfler and Sting!  Your Latest Trick with its haunting saxophone solo, which is one of their few songs which doesn’t feature a particularly prominent use of the guitar.  The uplifting instrumental theme from the film Local Hero, which if my memory serves me correctly was used in a commercial for Maxwell House coffee some years ago! Low points for me would be Walk of Life, which has a kind of organ backing, which I have to say always reminds me of the test match cricket music, and Twisting By The Pool, which for some reason I always think is a cover... Read review

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