Pantheon - Podcasts for Music Lovers Ugly American Werewolf in London: Dire Straits - Making Movies
Mark Knopfler is a celebrated guitar player and songwriter. And while his voice may not win awards for being pretty, his world-weary story songs fit his oakey-mellow vocals perfectly. Sultans of Swing of Dire Straits eponymous debut in 1978 catapulted Mark and the band to stardom with gold and platinum sales around the world. Though their 1979 follow up also sold well it didn't sell nearly as well as the first. So the band made a couple of changes.
David Knopfler, Mark's brother and DS rhythm guitarist, left the band for other pursuits. And instead of recording in The Bahamas, Mark, John Illsley (bass) and Pick Withers (drums) relocated to New York with legendary producer Jimmy Iovine. Jimmy's connection to Bruce Springsteen led to E Street Band pianist Roy Bittan joining the sessions and really giving texture, rhythm and soul to Knopfler's songs.
Though the timeless Romeo and Juliet wasn't a hit in the US, it has become a classic in pop culture for romantic scenes. Expresso Love gives Mark a chance to rip a fun solo while sharing the spotlight with Bittan on Tunnel of Love, Solid Rock and classic rock radio staple Skateaway. Though these songs are great on Making Movies, they really shined on the 1984 live album, Alchemy - one we have reviewed and one of The Wolf's very favorites.
If you're a Brothers in Arms or Greatest Hits only fan, we think you'll like this one as the piano, the guitar and Mark's lyrics set landscapes and tell the stories of a man trying to make it in the fast-paced world of rock n roll!
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