Sultan of Swing

In the late seventies (1977) a band was on the verge of dying an untimely and sad death. Naming themselves "Dire straits"; - true to the name for Mark Knopfler and company had gone through hell before success.

By the sheer hand of luck, Mark brought out the first album titled "Dire Straits" in 1977. The album had no publicity, low-key recording and contrary to his expectations, the album was a hit and was topping the charts in 1978. This gave birth to the real Dire Straits.

The Dire Straits have wonderful music, woven with the deep gruffy voice of Knopfler. The music is a mixture of Rock 'n' Roll a bit of blues and a pinch of country .... not the least shoddy or angry. They were considered mavericks, for the music they produced was in contrast to the punkish music of the late seventies and early eighties.... thus they survived.

Their success was a blow to the bands of the London pub circuit for they considered Dire Straits uniquely ill equipped to survive.

"Sultans of Swing - The very best of Dire Straits" is as the name says - a collection of their very best.
   
The album opens with "Sultans of Swing" - a song with amazing 'Fender' guitaring. This is followed by the peppy "Lady writer" and the sober "Romeo and Juliet". This is followed by "Tunnel of love", "Private Investigations" and the amazing Rock 'n' Roll Song "Twisting by the pool" - makes you want to jive!

After which is "Love over gold" followed by a song with amazing base guitaring - "So far away".

Up next is the all so famous "money for nothing" followed by a poignant song titled "Brothers in Arms"

The all time favourite "Walk fo life" follows, after which is the western styled song - "Calling Elvis". Next is that the song that tells you that " if you wanna run cool, you gotta run on heavy, "Heavy fuel", " followed by another sober song tilted "Every Street".

The last two are live tracks - "your latest Trick" and the soft instrumental titled "Local Hero" - a masterpiece of guitaring.

The album is brilliant; and it can be rated of 9 on 10. The tapes are at Rs. 125 and the compact Disc at Rs. 400.

NOT LIKING THIS ALBUM MUST MEAN A DISLIKE FOR ROCK 'N' ROLL !!!