Dire Straits - Communiqué (1979)
After the success of the first album and its hit, Sultans of Swing, Dire Straits did not waste time and entered the studio at the end of 1978 in the Bahamas, to record this second album, this Communiqué which concerns us here. This is the same quartet as the first album that officiates, namely Mark Knopfler on lead guitars and vocals, his brother David Knopfler on rhythm guitars, John Illsley on bass and Pick Withers on drums. The cover is as simple and minimalist as the first album. No visual artifice, it is not the most important. The most important is engraved on the record, no hit like Sultans of Swing, certainly, but nine titles of a limpid beauty, intelligent and well worked. Mark Knopfler writes all the tracks and we will now have to get used to the sound of his guitar and his magic touch.
A few western notes for the fabulous Once Upon A Time in the West, and then a pickup of Pick Withers' drums and John Illsley's heavy bass, the band's trademark. Many influences, including reggae and country in this song, which could also be a ballad, its pace is quite slow. The production is limpid, clear, silky and the guitar sound of Mark Knopfler is captivating. Splendid entry in matter. Poetry, subtlety, sweetness, it's News with clear and chatty guitars like a late autumn in New York or Quebec. The work of David Knopfler behind his brother is discreet but devilishly effective. We don't talk about it often but David is an effective guitarist, and he still is today in solo (he's still on tour).
Three chords that revolve around a cymbal, it's Where Do You Think You're Going ?, then other guitars light up, crescendo, slowly. Light atmosphere yet full of nostalgia and melancholy. "You'd better go with me, girl ..." The song accelerates, the drums flies to heaven, the guitars are electrified, the rhythm accompanies everything until fade out, came much too soon. Magnificent. Change of rhythm with Communiqué and its reggae country rhythm. Piano, clear guitars, numerous and bass, still huge. Not the best of the album, I agree, but absolutely full of life.
I prefer the unstoppable Lady Writer, stirring with guitars coming from everywhere and always an impressive rhythm (very good and delicate Pick Withers). Choirs falling from the sky. Angel of Mercy is a relative weakness of the album, despite many colors from the islands and a very catchy chorus. The acoustic Portobello Belle is also melancholy with its piano played mainly in the background. Organ sounds are heard behind the guitars. It's cool like a spring kiss. On the end, the piano is put forward.
The guitar rhythm of Single Handed Sailor is simply breathtaking in beauty and accuracy. It turns round, nothing exceeds, it borders on perfection. Pure Mark Knopfler in the text. Look at the horizon and the sea that scrolls and so serve a drink (with moderation), you will see the sun go down there, deep in your eyes.
Tthe sea, we hear it on Follow Me Home, with the drums, just before the arrival of guitars and the voice of Mark Knopfler. The rhythm guitar is square, it comes to your head and does not come out, we would even want it never stops. The guitar is alive, it speaks to us. Gorgeous. And the sea comes back to say goodbye.
A magnificent album from first to last note. Nine titles that have not aged and a production still relevant. Looks like it was done yesterday. Following this record, Bob Dylan himself, asked Mark Knopfler and Pick Withers to accompany him to record Slow Train Coming. This is to say if Dire Straits is a remarkable group, intelligent, subtle and ingenious. The band proved it with some efficiency afterwards.
Published on april 21, 2018
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2019/10/02 00:40:14
Dave on Interview Vincent Cavanagh
Interesting reading. I am not surprised Vincent is thinking about the emotions o...
2019/02/18 01:19:51
Crafton on The Bookends
Wonderful article and so well written, we thank you dearly!
2014/06/07 09:54:37
halka on Tearing Down The Walls (2014)
Awesome review of an awesome album. Thanks! :-)
Super article, s'il y avait un seul album a emporter sur une ile déserte cela pourrait être celui là, un petit chef d'oeuvre d'écriture porté par la virtuosité hallucinante de Mark Knopfler... juste génial. Suivra Making Movies à la pochette rouge, autre must du groupe qui s'offre pour l'occasion les services de Roy Bittan du E-Street Band au piano ! A+ :-)
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