Like a soundtrack to a movie, the music doesn't fully resolve to the listeners satisfaction, leaving us hanging, waiting, but never quite arriving. Beautiful writing, matching the subject matter. If you hear those 5 notes on the piano anywhere ever again, you're back at this song.
I am A big DS fan and i love this song. It is so experimental, theatrical, spoken word and Mark just showing off his versatility on gutar. Just sooo soo coool.
Sir, you should check out Dire Straits - On the Night, 1993. This is Mark Knofler's most mature work. Especially the songs Brothers In Arms, You and Your Friend, Local Hero - Wild Theme and Private Investigations...
Your excitement is contagious 😉. It's interesting that you say this performance and atmosphere were 'like a movie': After Dire Straits disbanded in 1995, Mark not only went on with a solo career (nine albums and counting), but he also composed and produced film scores for nine films between 1983 and 2016. He has also produced albums for Tina Turner, Bob Dylan, and Randy Newman.
It also has to be said that the rhythm guitarist in this lineup, Hal Lindes, was an admirer of the work of Ennio Morricone and after leaving Dire Straits has gone on to be an award-winning TV and film composer in his own right.
So much wonderful live music to take in from Dire Straits. Probably their best live concert was 'Live on the Night' with stand out tracks including 'Private Investigations', 'Romeo and Juliet' and my favourite 'Brothers in Arms'.
As you're a classical guitarist I recommend checking out some of the tracks from the 9 movie soundtracks Mark Knopfler has composed such as Wild Theme (from Local Hero), Once Upon a Time...Storybook Love (from The Princess Bride) and Altimira (from Altamira).
Wonderful review. There's an even crazier version from their last tour in 1992. Check it out. It's out of this world. Look up Private investigations live on the night 1993. You will not be disappointed. The iconic, virtuoso that is Mr Mark Knopfler. Plus the incredible band surrounding him.
Like seeing your face light up with the nylon string riff. For me it's that gdim am7 b7 to em that is the unique part. This is the tension and release and the beauty. The other thing Mark does is volume changes. This song goes from quiet to loud well too.
If you really like the fusion of acoustic/classical guitar with electric, and being yourself a classical guitarist, you ought to check out Sky and particularly their Toccata.
The first half with its chord progression on guitar has a strong classical feel to it. The second half, with its syncopated beat + the keyboard & guitar explosions build up so much tension it's almost unbearable. I think Mark Knopfler is as talented a performer as he is a composer. Thanks for the great reaction! 🙂
Damn, you didn't react to the version from their later concert in Nimes, France in 1992. They added a saxophone and it's amazing! You don't have to do a reaction video for it but do yourself a favour and check it out.
The man has such a beautiful touch. If you want a very very different "live" performance Pink Floyd "Echoes (Part 1)" live at Pompeii 1972 No Audience, No Lights, No Pyrotechnics just Gods playing to the Gods
The live version is worse than the studio version from the album. The live version does not have such dynamics and unique atmosphere, like Telegraph Road, studio version is better.