Communiqué – DIRE STRAITS***

Once Upon A Time In The West/News/Where Do You Think You're Going/Communiqué/Ladywriter/Angel Of Mercy/Portobello Belle/Single-handed Sailor/Follow Me Home

Communiqué was the downbeat follow up album from the British blue-rock band Dire Straits led by guitarist Mark Knopfler. They would move on to greater heights in the coming decade. (US:11 UK:5)

“The band feature melancholy, almost sterile melodies as their trademark here. Needless to say that all compositions are led by Mark Knopfler's distinctive guitar works. This is nothing but perfect music to relax to. Vocal duties are chiefly background.”

“Not one of Dire Straits best appreciated recordings. the individual tracks don't make too much of an impression on their own, but taken as a whole, it transcends it's limitations and transforms into a really nice, effortless, relaxed rainy afternoon LP that just totally hits the spot as a cool, low key chill out.”

“Both guitars run with similar intensity throughout the album and the group rarely raises pulses. However, a combination of great melodies, intricate guitar lines and rhythms, and Mark’s wispy vocals, add a unique aura to the group's music that breaths life into their tracks.”

“Communiqué is one of those albums that can simply be described as more of the same. This is the Dire Straits recreating the bluesy rock sound that was all over their debut. For the most part they were quite successful as the songs are mostly enjoyable, although the quality varies.”

“If you want to see what all the fuss about Mark's guitar playing is you owe to yourself to get this record. The solos are guitar licks are simply otherworldly. Never has his guitar sounded better. His approach on this album is so subtle and smart and completely inoffensive. This is all about musicianship rather than headbands and stadium rock.”

“An album with sleepy guitar passages was destined to bore a few listeners. However, it's those same passages that set the foundation for others who like this groove. Certainly Mark Knopfler has a touch for his Stratocaster and although nothing really grabs you, there admittedly isn't anything objectionable here. Subtle laid-back material that requires the right mood for maximum listening pleasure.”