Communique by Dire Straits

Communique by Dire Straits

My first guitar album review.

If someone told you that the guitar is all distortion, loud noise and shredding then you will have to show them this album, “Communique” by Dire Straits. Made in 1979, this was the second album from the band and from the Mark I line-up. “Communique” exudes soothing electric guitar licks and solos that hasve stood the test of time. Though not as popular as ther self-titled debut, “Communique” remains a huge guitar favorite. Chances are that you will not stop the CD once it begins playing and before you know it you are going to start listening to it again.

Though recorded in the pre-CD/DVD era I wonder if this beautiful sound can be duplicated even with modern technology or even if it were how many are going to prefer this sound.

Here’s a review of the songs

1. Once upon a time in the West – A beauty that starts the album. This song is included on most of Dire Straits’ hits compilation and live albums though in the live versions it can be heavily modified. Smooth guitar licks and Dylanesque vocals dominate the song.

2. News – More sweet guitar licks this time sounding heavy with melancholy notes and lyrics. Play it loud and it still sounds sweet.

3. Where do you think you’re going – Continuing in the tradition of the previous song this one concludes a three-song intro to the album.

4. Communique – Title song and the only one that I thought was a little too long and one with hardly any solo though Mark never lets go off his guitar and can be heard plucking it all the time.

5. Lady Writer – After “Sultans of Swing” from their debut album the most played song on this side of the world was this one because it bears strong resemblance to the way Sultans was delivered inlcuding some same lead guitar notes from the former hit. Faster than all the other songs on the album with lovely lead solos you cannot help miss this one. When Mark hits the high notes it sounds sublimal.

6. Angel of Mercy – Another song that I let pass by though it has some impressive licks.

7. Portobello Belle – Who can forget the lines “Portobello Belle, on the high streets, Her breasts on the off-beat….”. Lovely song about a beautiful girl. At one point in the song “Yes and the Barrow boys are hawking…” it sounds as though an organ is also playing in the background. Piano is certainly used towards the end.

8. Single Handed Sailor – When you think the album is almost going to finish comes this killer. Lovely lead guitar solos and bass.

9. Follow me home – If a cassette recording on my Sansui CP7 in the late 80′s and early 90′s sounded so good you can imagine how the bass would sound on todays’ systems. Lovely slow ending to an album that you just want to listen to again.

The personnel on the album:
Mark Knopfler – Lead vocals, Lead and Rhythm guitars
David Knopfler – Rhythm guitar and backing vocals
John Illsley – Bass and backing vocals
Pick Withers – Drums

More Dire Straits albums reviews will be on guitar-appreciation. Watch out for the reviews.