Description

Smooth, Effortless, Relaxed, Tuneful, and Deceivingly Simple: Dire Straits Communique Teems With Technical Perfectionism, Southern-Styled Grooves, and Low-Key Blues

Reference-Level Detail, Depth, Soundstaging, Balance, and Presence: Communique Has Never Sounded Better Than on Mobile Fidelitys Hybrid SACD

Mark Knopflers Mesmerizing Textures, Intricate Lines, and Crisp Tones Pair With Engaging Storytelling and Tight Rhythms: Every Song an Example of Understated Virtuosity

The performances on Dire Straits Communique are so smooth and effortless, they were originally criticized for replicating the blueprints of the bands breakout debut. Time, however, has a way of changing perspectives and exposing the truth. More than 35 years after its original release in June 1979, Communique rightfully takes its place as the groups most underrated record a nine-track set spiked with engaging storytelling, relaxed vibes, and deceiving simplicity.

Mastered from the original master tapes, Mobile Fidelitys numbered, limited-edition hybrid SACD of Communique elevates Dire Straits sophomore album to an even higher plane. Recorded in the Bahamas by Muscle Shoals veterans Barry Beckett and Jerry Wexler, the songs benefit from a laidback approach that makes guitarist/vocalist Mark Knopfler and companys stellar playing seem even more fluent particularly when experienced on this collectors version.

Knopflers mesmerizing guitar textures and composed vocals appear as if theyre right in front of you, holding court amidst expansive soundstages and deep-black backgrounds. Details, imaging, and presence are on a level associated with the finest audiophile recordings. Youll be hard-pressed to find another SACD with cleaner, pinpoint-accurate tones. Mobile Fidelitys SACD also brings into transparent view Knopflers seemingly perfect intricate lines as well as the simpatico accompaniment from his band mates. Whole, lively, and balanced, the bass and drums arrive with a solidity rarely heard on albums of this era. Communique has truly never sounded better.

Of course, the audiophile sonics mean little if the artistic content is lacking. Needless to say, Dire Straits technical perfectionism and creative elan prevail throughout. Knopflers penchant for sketching cynical characters is further developed on moody tracks like Where Do You Think Youre Going and News, while Wexlers presence at the boards ensures the band keeps the rhythms extra tight. The quartets low-key blues and swampy, Southern-styled grooves turn every song into an exercise in understated virtuosity.

Refusing to give into excess, magnetic tunes such as Lady Writer and Angel of Mercy split a fine line between insinuating and insisting. The group shows off a combination of control, virtuosity, and tunefulness that harkens back to a rock n rolls classic period while also pointing the way ahead. Need indisputable evidence of Dire Straits compositional strengths? Cue up the closing Follow Me Home on this pressing and get lost amidst the peacefulness of the gentle surf and chirping crickets that frame the song. Heavenly.