The difference between Mark Knopfler and Dire Straits, is that Mark Knopfler sings. And it is getting worse! In the latest album, ’’the ragpickers dream’’, he in fact, even croons! It’s a big change and not a welcome one. Gone are the endless guitar solos. The subtle licks remain, though, thank god.
Sailing to Philadelhia, is the second Mark Knopfler solo album. It was released sometime in Fall 2000, and followed up the Goldenheart debut of Mark Knopfler after Dire Straits split up (?).
I didnt much like Goldenheart, because I felt that it was too ’’irish’’ and ’’celtic’’ sounding. As a Dire Straits fan, there is nothin better than the laid back style, and the sound of the strat. Interestingly, I dont think Knopfler is using the Strat too much these days, and in fact, uses the ’’calling elvis’’ guitar sound.
Having said that, let me say that Sailing to Philadelphia is BRILLIANT. It is the best Mark Knopfler album, and sold about 3 million copies worldwide I think. I saw the tour live, and it was quite good, though I was overawed to see Knopfler strumming in front of me, to notice whether the songs sounded good or not.
The best thing about this album is that it scores heavily on vocals because of the presense of James Taylor, Van Morisson and others, and also because Knopflers voice sounds better than before. (which is not saying much, but anyway).
Very interesting choice of subjects for songs. The album starts off with a Dire Straits like song called ’’what it is’’, which is reminiscent of Sultans of swing, complete with strat guitar solo. Great chord progression in this one.
The title track is allright, some good vocals by James Taylor, but moves a little slowly. Whos your baby now is a simple song with a simple chord structure, nothing much, but listenable. Nothing like complex dire straits plucking.
Baloney again is good stuff, its about a travelling black band, and their experiences.
The fifth song, ’’the last laugh’’ has van morisons great voice, and sounds good.
El Macho and prairie wedding are good songs, atmospheric. Prairie wedding is about postal brides, the concept of not meeting your wife before marrying her. ’’do you think you can love me mary? you think we got a chance of a life? do you think you can love me mary? now you gotta be my wife’’
nice guitar solo in this one, slow though.
Wanderlust is very atmospheric, a little spooky.. (’’whos that calling? aint nobody there.. ’’) and lovely subtle guitar touches (brushes? ).
Then comes Speedway at Nazareth, an amazing song, its about car racing! Lovely guitar solo at the end, reminiscent of Straits, though not with the Stratocaster. Great lyrics to this one, though you have to read them up.
Then my personal favourite, though you will not like this song immediately upon listening to it - Junkie Doll deals with addictions (to people, to drugs), and has WONDERFUL lyrics, though just 2 paras. Its the concept of less is more.
lyrics like
’’you spiked my arm,
but you missed the vein,
now its all gone,
but the scars remain’’
and
’’you took me high
as Ive ever been,
now its all gone,
and im clean’’
Great stuff this.
Silvertown blues is very good stuff.. I think its about the mining industry, from what I make of the https://lyrics. The last song, the sands of Nevada, is about gambing, and losses. (the house always wins? )
So thats details about the album. Its not dire straits, do not expect the same sound (in fact, I thought Dire Straits died when Money for Nothing came out, they became too popsy and less progressive). But its the strongest Mark Knopfler album, and though it gets a little sentimental at times, unlike straits, its got good vocals.
All in all, I am sure any Dire Straits fan will identify with the guitaring and the riffs.