... So I anxiously awaited the release of his second solo album, Sailing to Philadelphia. I actually pre-ordered it from Amazon, so that I would receive it on the day of release. After his prior album, Golden Heart, which is one of my favourites and which I had to buy twice, since my children ... Read review
among other achievements augured in the CD age, Mark Knopfler's artistic concerns have remained steadfast. This, his second solo album, comes four years after his...
among other achievements augured in the CD age, Mark Knopfler's artistic concerns have remained steadfast. This, his second solo album, comes four years after his...
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A review by Lgair on Sailing to Philadelphia - Mark Knopfler October 12th, 2001
Author's product rating:
Originality
Lacking inspiration
Lyrics
Mediocre
Quality and consistency of tracks
Mixed
How does it compare to the artist's other releases
Weak
Value for Money
Advantages:
A lovely duet with James Taylor
Disadvantages:
Flat and repetitive
Recommend to potential buyers:
no
Full review
I have always been a fan of Mark Knopfler, both in his days of Dire Straits and as a solo artist. So I anxiously awaited the release of his second solo album, Sailing to Philadelphia. I actually pre-ordered it from Amazon, so that I would receive it on the day of release. After his prior album, Golden Heart, which is one of my favourites and which I had to buy twice, since my children permanently borrowed it, I was sure this would be among my favourites. Wrong!
Don't get me wrong, it's fine, but it is nothing exciting. It sounds like Mark Knopfler, like always. He has that very distinguishable voice and guitar sound. But it is flat and monotonous, not even the musicians excite me.
There are a couple of redeeming tracks. The first being the beautiful title track, Sailing to Philadelphia. On this, Knopfler duets with James Taylor, who by the way, still sounds as good as he did 20 some years ago. It is a lovely and soothing track about Jeremiah Dixon, a Geordie surveyor and Charlie Mason, a west country stargazer. Together they make their way to Philadelphia to draw the Mason- Dixon Line. This track is a favourite of several BBC Radio DJs. It is a very nice track.
The other track that I enjoy is also a duet. This time with Van Morrison. Again, the two voices compliment each other well. This song is entitled The Last Laugh. It is about someone who manages to redefine himself whenever he is down. "They had you crying, but you came up smiling. They had you crawling, but you came up flying. And the last laugh, baby is yours. And don't you love the sound, of the last laugh going down?" A song of hope in one's greatest despair.
Mark Knopfler is joined by Richard Bennett on guitar and other strings, Jim Cox on piano and Hammond Organ, Guy Fletcher on keyboards and backing vocals. Glenn Worf on bass and Chad Cromwell on drums. There are various guest session musicians on all of the tracks, with the most notable being Paul Franklin on pedal steel.
There are 14 tracks on this album. All having dealings with either America or Britain. Smart marketing for his fans on both sides of the ocean. I wish they would have been as smart when appraising the quality of the songs. Maybe next time. I will buy his next album if there is one. I haven't given up on Mark Knopfler yet.
More Reviews
Effortless ... Review ofSailing to Philadelphia - Mark Knopflerby
heneghan
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 ...
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Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful
Advantages: Nice relaxing feel to the album. Disadvantages: Not all will appreciate this style of music
...SailingtoPhiladelphia is MarkKnopflers second solo Album attempt, from the man who brought you Dire Straits. His first solo album Golden Heart in 1996 and now his second solo album is here for our hearing pleasure. SailingtoPhiladelphia is a great album, but is far different from the Dire Straits albums and the first solo album Golden Heart.
The first track is "What it is". Personally I love this track which shows you how Mark has matured over the years to show how the guitar should be played with complete emotion and devotion. I would say this is easy listening, as you'd probably listen to it in the car driving home when your all cosy in your car, and its windy and raining outside. I won't cover all the tracks, just a few as I think it would take forever.
An increasing array of instruments are in the album, like the irish...
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Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful
...Dire Straits are for me the best musical group of the world.
Their music is a sweet pop and often also country.
Their best song is, for me, certainly “Sultans of swing”: pure and sweet music;when I I listen to it I think to stay in a dream…fantastic!
Between their songs I remember “Romeo and Juliet”, “Brothers in arms” and “Communiquè”.
The band was:
MarkKnopfler (Vocals, lead and rhythm guitars), David Knopfler (Rhythm guitar and vocals), John Illsley (bass and vocals) and Pick Withers (drums).
Today there is only MarkKnopfler as singer: very good is the album “SailingToPhiladelphia” and “Wag the dog”, the sound track of a film with Robert Redford.
Dire Straits, for my opinion, are the pop – rock band most famous up to 1984-1985.
How long...
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Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful
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