On Every Street [Remastered] - Dire Straits

...I'm not all that keen on this, their last album written and performed as a group.

I bought it in the blind faith that I would find this as hugely enjoyable as the others, but I think I should have listened harder to the voice that was saying "This is a bit crap for them" when they released "Calling Elvis."

"On Every Street" is pleasant enough as a track, but the background strumming could ...
...their other records. The hook itself is quite catchy, but the song carries as much impact as a wet tissue.

"When it comes to you" joins the ranks of their songs that nearly crossed the barrier into country music. If you like country, well, you'll probably quite like this. Me? Can't stand the stuff. This sounds like The Travelling Wilburys should have sung it.

"Fade to black" A rare decent bluesy ... more

Okay, I'm not all that keen on this, their last album written and performed as a group.

I bought it in the blind faith that I would find this as hugely enjoyable as the others, but I think I should have listened harder to the voice that was saying "This is a bit crap for them" when they released "Calling Elvis."

"On Every Street" is pleasant enough as a track, but the background strumming could belong to any of at least a baker's dozen of their other records. The hook itself is quite catchy, but the song carries as much impact as a wet tissue.

"When it comes to you" joins the ranks of their songs that nearly crossed the barrier into country music. If you like country, well, you'll probably quite like this. Me? Can't stand the stuff. This sounds like The Travelling Wilburys should have sung it.

"Fade to black" A rare decent bluesy little number, which although you know it's Knoplfer because of that Sound he gets the guitars to sing for him, would do well being played by the likes of Clapton or Gary Moore.

Hey a bit of fast rhythm for "The Bug"! Sadly this is line dancing territory. Grab those cowboy boots, tasselled jacket, natty hat and yeeehaw your way through it. Have fun..

We're back to the Dire Straits sound again with "You And Your Friend." Thankfully this is the sort of track that I really like from them. Laid back. Drawling mumbles for lyrics.

"Heavy Fuel" is a bit of a rocker, but they still don't seem able to step just outside the boundary of Dire Straits niceness. I know that this is what makes them popular because I've been to gigs and seen the vast age range that attend, and if your Nan is happy to go to the NEC with you to see a band it might be a very bonding experience, but it will underline the fact that they're now considered tame.

"Iron Hand" has similarities (in my oh so humble opinion) to tracks from Brothers In Arms, and the lyrics although about a different war, echoes the same sentiments. Nice, but it has been done before.

"Ticket To Heaven". Yes. Well. At a push you could do a slow cha-cha to it if you're not inclined to line dance.

"My Parties". Huh? What's this? A bit of jazz-showtime introduction? Hmmm. Actually it's not that bad, and I do really like the lyrics. And the Sax.

"Planet of New Orleans" More niceness, pleasant tunes and superb guitar playing. Have I said that before somewhere??

"How Long?" I could ask the same question Mark (Question Mark - geddit??). It felt a lot longer than the other albums. And what's with all of the country slant?

Such a disappointment to have finally found a chink in the armour. They are capable of breaking my heart with most of their songs or have me making a complete tart of myself by singing loudly (and badly) at the drop of a hat.

Gone with not so much of a bang, not so much of a whimper, more of a ...

..twang
 

...less