Down To The Waterline/Water Of Love/Setting Me Up/Six Blade Knife/Southbound Again/Sultans Of Swing/In The Gallery/Wild West End/Lions
Eponymous debut album from one of the best British rock bands to emerge during the late 1970s. Dire Straits would enjoy considerable commercial success during the next decade. Features the classic US and UK top ten single Sultans Of Swing. (US:2 UK:5)
“Dire Straits were pub rockers to the core and had the added benefit of being proper musicians as well. All they had to do was bide their time and wait for the right moment to strike. Then, when punk had pretty much cleared the decks of bands that took pride in how well they could play their instruments, Dire Straits unleashed Sultans Of Swing, a catchy pop-rock tune with real guitar solos, restrained musical backing and not a shouty chorus to be heard.”
“Sultans Of Swing is the big fish here, and a member of the elite group of singles that have lost none of their impact despite years of over-exposure. The smoky, greasy atmosphere in that song is present throughout the album which, for the most part, lives up to the quality of its most famous alumnus.”
“One of Dire Straits most impressive feats is that they were able to release a debut album this good during the age of punk. Sultans Of Swing will always be the song remembered off this album, but Wild West End is the real gem here.”
“The debut album of Dire Straits uses only guitars, bass guitar and drums. Mark Knopfler's guitar solos already have that characteristic style, with staccato notes, bluesy little bends and accents. Their sound is subtle and refined. The top song remains Sultans Of Swing, about an amateur band that keeps playing Dixieland jazz, even when totally out of fashion.”
“Dire Straits really were a sip of fresh air in a stale rock atmosphere. I am not a big fan of this kind of pub music, but the awesome Sultans Of Swing is an outstanding track and easily the pinnacle of whole release. The rest are not so impressive, although it's all enjoyable and relaxing. At any rate, this is better than primitive punk rock with its no music, no voice approach.”
“Sultans Of Swing is one of the best songs of all time - guitar, vocals and horns - they are blowing their sound. Let's get back to those days of real music. Few rock bands have ever had debut albums as accomplished and polished as this.”
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