Opening Act. Review on Dire Straits - Dire Straits

First impression is always the best impression and Dire Straits impressed with their first offering.

The band was formed by a Newcastle-born Mark Knopfler, who desperately needed some cash as they were in dire straits. The result was a demo-tape, a recording and a smash first album.

Dire Straits came into the scene at a time when heavy metal and punk rock took over from acid. They came up with their own blend of music called club rock riding on a remarkable guitar-play by Mark. He played unconventionally by using his thumb and middle finger to 'pinch and pull' the guitar's strings rather than flick them with a plectrum, thereby creating a crisp new sound never heard before.

Mixing guitars, club rock lyrics and tempo, Mark came up with one of the best opening acts ever by a first timer band: Sultans of Swing! This song is all guitar, guitar and guitar. An anthem in its generation and even today, the 80ers swear by this song as one of THE top rock numbers. Down to the Waterline sees some efficient mixing work to create the same magic. Setting Me Up is a thorough rock and roller that entertains you with its tangy guitars and the shuffle-beat drumming, popularized by Dire Straits. Lions, Six-Blade Knife and Wild West End all deserve a listen.

The guitar is the backbone of this album offered support by piano and organ, just like all DS albums. Mark displays a style different from the other guitar gods. There is a strong semblence to Bob Dylan's way of singing...Mark idolized Bob and even produced a record for Dylan. Mark does not 'twang'his guitar but pays all along the stem of the instrument, touching all notes in his staccato-like play. It would seem odd, but I feel that a fan of Carnatic mandolin maestro U. Srinivas would warm up to this album provided, he or she is comfortable with western rock.

Dire Straits later came up with another monster, a bigger one, Money For Nothing and there was Communique and Making Movies. Barring Money for Nothing, nothing beats Sultans Of Swing and this album as a favourite. Sachin Tendulkar, Nandan Nilekani, Vishy Anand...there is a long list of the 'Swing fans in India. So get into the Swing.