I really like Dire Straits! Whilst I have known about them for many more years, I have only really become a fan of theirs in the last 10, through the occassional listen. But since then, they have become one of my favourite Rock bands, and an easy selection if I want a break from the constant Heavy Metal.
Formed in London in 1977 by Mark Knopfler, David Knofler, Pick Withers, and John Illsley, the band has gone through a few line up changes over it’s history with only Mark Knopfler and John Illsley remaining through both active periods (1977 – 1988, and 1990 – 1995). Other notable band members have included Hal Lindes, Jack Sonni, Terry Williams, Alan Clark, and Guy Fletcher.
Dire Straits style and sounds draws influence from several genres, including: Country, Folk, Blues Rock, J. Cale, and Jazz. Through both their tenures, the band has released an epic collection of hit albums and hit singles, both in the UK, and the US. Although Amazingly, they never had a Number 1 Single in the UK charts (their highest being second, which they achieved on two occassions). Their most commercially successful album; Brothers in Arms: sold more than 30 million copies worldwide, was the album on CD to sell over a million copies, and is currently the eighth best selling album in the UK. To date, it’s estimated that they have sold somewhere between 100 million, and 120 million albums in total. It’s no surprise then that they were considered “The Biggest British Rock Band of the 80s” by Classic Rock magazine.
So, given their historic wealth of sounds, I thought it was time to share with you, my personal favourites from their incredible history. Now of course there were quite a few songs to choose from, and as is usually the case; too many for a Top 5. So, just to give those other songs I think are worthy of a mention, a mention, here are those other worthyable mentioned songs:
Tunnel of Love, Walk of Life, On Every Street, Telegraph Road, So Far Away, Your Latest Trick, Heavy Fuel, The Bug, and Money for Nothing.
And so, without further ado; here are My Top 5 Favourite Songs by Dire Straits; Enjoy!
5. Brothers in Arms – Brothers in Arms is a pretty sombre piece of music. But it’s not meant to be lively or upbeat, it’s meant to sound sad, and grey. That’s why Mark Knopfler is pretty much whispering the lyrics, he’s trying to sound emotional about something so low. The tune picks up a little as it continues, but this is only due to the inclusion of further instruments. It’s not trying to perk itself up, or become become upbeat, it’s just adding extra depth. As a result, the song plods along on a dark path, highlighting the situation, but not pretending everything is ok, because it’s not!
4. Private Investigations – Private Investigations is such an odd song, as it doesn’t follow a set riff oir tune, it changes. and at the same time it relies on barely nothing in order to compose the song. Other than a Guitar and a Piano, there’s barely any other instrument being heard throughout. Then it turns into the opening theme to The Thing, with a bit of a country vibe, before then two very brief, but gloriously worth it rockier parts, which pick up the song’s note, with some heavier piano notes, but then silently ending it there. It’s a weird one, but weirdly enjoyable!
3. Romeo and Juliet – A song which encapsulates the story of the William Shakespeare play of the same name, as well as both Somewhere from West Side Story, and My Boyfriend’s Back by Bob Feldman, Jerry Goldstein, and Richard Gottehrer. Romeo and Juliet is such a cool easy going song, with an easy release of rock energy around the chorus. It’s a song you just want to join in with, either or both by song or movement, and is a perfect example as to how Dire Straits were able to blend both Country, and Rock so seemingly!
2. Sultans of Swing – The first time I heard this song, I didn’t think much of it; but then I couldn’t help but listen to it over and over again for a whole week. It’s a catchy, and near addictive song, one that just grabs you, and keeps hold of you. It takes an almost American Country, near Wild West style song, and blends it with a fast, heavy rock sound. Then there’s that second verse! Those lyrics, where he introduces the band, and tells you their life stories…it’s just so cool. It’s weird, but cool to listen to, and then bang, announces who they are: They are The Sultans…The Sultans of Swing!
1. Calling Elvis – The music video to this song, is perhaps one of the weirdest music videos ever. It’s a song about someone trying to call Elvis, so why are characters from Thunderbirds on screen? The name of the song comes from an incident when Mark’s brother-in-law tried to get hold of him, and remarked that Mark was harder to get hold of than Elvis. Calling Elvis as a song is strangely relaxing, which sounds unbelievable with so many screeching guitar points. But it has this easy going, relaxing sound (which weirdly reminds me of the soundtrack to The Truman Show). But this relaxed pace really gets you in the music mood, and very quickly you find yourself, tapping your foot, and lightly nodding your head. More than any other song on this list, it’s the one that gets you in the zone, and you just want to stay there, for as long as possible!
Things I Like 
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