Description

Dire Straits Self-Titled 1978 Debut Distinguished by Jazz-Inflected Mix of Folk, Blues, Country, and Rock: Guitarist Mark Knopfler Displays Uncanny Precision, Intricacy, and Texture

Mastered from the Original Master Tapes for Optimal Sound: Transparent Mobile Fidelity Hybrid SACD Engages With Natural Tones, Superb Balances, Reference Imaging, Sterling Clarity

Breakout Dire Straits Album Includes Sultans of Swing and Down to the Waterline: Bands Shuffles, Boogies, and Ballads Spark With Crispness, Soulfulness, Coolness

Dire Straits arresting self-titled debut arrived in the midst of punks reign but couldnt have been further removed from the eras slash-and-burn style. Recorded in West London in February 1978, the bands tasteful, jazz-inflected set embraces folk, blues, and pub rock while also tracing a direct line back to the beat-oriented sound of early rock n roll. Country and roots accents further distinguish the British quartets stripped-down music from any 1970s peers, as does the transparent production, which has remained revered among audiophiles the world over and which has never been better in digital than on this meticulous hybrid SACD.

Mastered from the original master tapes, Mobile Fidelitys numbered, limited-edition SACD version of Dire Straits features natural tonalities, superb balances, you-are-there imaging, deep-black backgrounds, and pristine clarity. Even if youve heard this album hundreds of times before, youve never experienced it with such lifelike sonics and premium richness. This collectors set immerses you within the smoky, laidback atmospherics of every song. This is how all discs should sound.

Crucial to every arrangement, Mark Knopflers winding guitar lines emerge with supreme transparency and multi-hued textural detail. His intricate playing comes across as if its being transmitted via his 60s-era Fender Vibrolux amplifier placed right before you. The cleanliness, dimensions, and live feel are that good. Rhythms skate and swirl; percussive effects resonate with crispness and attack; the leading edges of notes naturally decay.

Dire Straits strong, well-edited batch of original material further enhances the overall enjoyment and makes the record one whose pleasures go far beyond the organic sonics. Just as Knopflers narratives pour forth with poetic and surrealist texts, the musical settings an intoxicating combination of easygoing shuffles, back-hall boogies, and pop-honed ballads mirror the old-fashioned soulfulness inherent in the classic recordings of the late 50s and early 60s. The lyrics are equally captivating.

Drawing from his time as a youth in Newcastle, Leeds, and London, Knopfler invests tunes with an autobiographical slant and emotional connectivity that become obvious the moment he opens his mouth to sing. Down to the Waterline, Wild West End, and Lions all feature colloquial touches that add to their reach. By extension, In the Gallery functions as a tribute to Leeds sculptor Harry Phillips (father of future Knoplfer collaborator, Steve Phillips) while the records breakout smash, Sultans of Swing, pays homage to struggling bar bands.