The thing to realize that it's the same dude that's playing the guitar that's doing that staccato storyteller singing. Mark Knopfler is a legendary talent and no one has been able to copy that signature picking style and do it with the subtlety and character that he does. Phenomenal artist 🔥
@@gandhialwaysleavesanonion679 It certainly requires some development of callouses on the end of the fingers, so if you did it without having those callouses, you'd probably get blisters until you'd calloused up - but it's not especially painful.
@@gandhialwaysleavesanonion679 I'm a fingerstyle player, and (for a right handed player) the right (plucking/strumming) hand doesn't get nearly the calluses the left (chording) hand does. Another truly great fingerstyle player is Lindsey Buckingham from Fleetwood Mac. If you have never seen it check out his "Big Love": ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-bVsxvoUX9Rw.html
Oh man, Dire Straits were great, and Mark Knopfler is one of the all-time great guitarists out there, and a fantastic storyteller. This song is a great example - Mark was walking in south London one evening when he heard a pretty mediocre dixie band playing in a pub, so he stepped in to hear them and came away with this song. Great choice as always, thanks for making my morning! Peace and love from Canada!
The video was amazing. I remember seeing that the rollergirl actress in the video passed away in the last 10 years, a minor news blurb when it happened.
Nice job guys, Mark Knopfler's guitar style and tone had a huge impact on the way people approached guitar playing to this day. This came out at the same time as Van Halen's first album, extreme opposites of style.
Mark Knopfler, the guitar player and singer for Dire Straits, is very unique in that he plays basically exclusively with his fingers and no pick whatsoever. It's the key to his very controlled, staccato, and almost Spanish guitar sound. His vocals are almost always very "talky" in sort of a hushed husky tone but he can get very emotional (on songs like "Brothers in Arms" or "Romeo & Juliet"). Definitely a band that you guys will LOVE based solely on your appreciation for good production, clever songwriting, and unique guitar.
I love the fact that it was essentially a documentary. He was on is way home through southeast London (Greenwich-ish) and ducked into a pub to get out of the rain. Ordered a pint, and was chilling, listening to an amateur Dixieland jazz orchestra that seemed out of its element in mid 1970s London, and when they introduced themselves as the Sultans of Swing, Mark Knopfler knew there was a song in there.
Mark Knopfler is the writer, singer and lead guitarist. He is one of the best guitarist in the last 40 years. A very expressive tone and sound without being overly done. You reacted to the studio version of this song, which is very good, but the "Alchemy Live" version is one of the best life performances you'll ever see - check it out even if you don't want to do a "re-do" reaction. Knopfler's catalog of songs is extensive, some with Dire Straits, some solo and many collaborations with some of the biggest artists of the last several decades. Just great guitar work.
If you haven't already, check out the live version of this song on the Alchemy Live recording. More of the vocals, much more of the guitars, and the amazing drummer. One of my favorites.
It made sense when I learned that Mark was a journalism major who worked as a newspaper reporter for a short time. I notice how some of his lyrics reflect that style of a reporter on the beat telling you about what he sees. Like the name of their album- “Alchemy”, he turned some common metal into gold, writing about an unremarkable band playing on an off-night.
Terrific band. “Telegraph Road” is their epic, a sweeping 12 minute epic. The live set “Alchemy” is a wall to wall display of incredible musicianship. Knopfler went on to a very successful career writing and preforming soundtracks for films. “The Princess Bride” is probably the best known.
Used to close every show with Local Hero.. one of my faves... from the movie. Rafferty had a song too that I loved... on that movie track. Least, I think that's who it is... @@martincurran-gray2287
Great reaction. Dire Straits had such a fresh and crisp sound. And the guitar work! Mark Knopfler is one of those rare guitarists -- you know it's him the second he plays he note. I recommend "Tunnel of Love" or "Telegraph Road".
When this came out, I thought it was Dylan doing another one of his Hurricane stories. Mark Knopfler’s solo 5:15 AM is one of his greatest stories. The man’s lyrics are vivid.
Yeah, I remember being on the bus with the kids heading for school listening it play on a radio, all of us wondering if its Bob Dylan due to the voice. At the same time recognizing that the music in its approach is too pop-ish than Dyan's stuff. And the intonations weren't Dylanesque either. Yet at first listen, you couldn't help thinking it could be Dylan. Similar thing occurred with Kim Carnes and Rod Stewart when hearing Betty Davies Eyes the first time. So yeah, it was that thing where you know it probably isn't Dylan but you can't be sure until the end of the song when the guy on the radio confirms its this new band.
Really!? Heard it when first released in states, never thought it sounded like Dylan at all. No one else sitting around me at the time thought it sounded like Dylan either
I always say to listen to the studio version first. And after you’ve been blown away, watch the live version and be further amazed at how it seems so effortless for him. And he’s SINGING, all at the same time, like it’s the most natural thing in the world to do. Truly remarkable.
If you can believe it, this came out during the Disco craze. This song was instantly given a "What the.." look when it came out. I instantly loved it and have had it on my play list ever since. This song also encouraged me to learn to play the guitar. A great song by Mark Knopfler and Dire Straits.
I remember when this song came out around ‘79. At first I thought it was Bob Dylan with a new band, but it was a new British group Dire Straits led by Mark Knopfler who was working as an English teacher at the time. This song was everywhere and they reached great heights in the age of MTV including doing the song with Sting “Money for Nothing” which was somewhat critical of MTV. Knopfler did eventually work with Dylan playing guitar on his first “Christian” record “Slow Train Coming.” All the tunes on this album are wonderful. The guitar is especially nice on “Precious Angel.”
@jlmain5777. "Slow Train Coming" is a masterpiece! Dylan integrated historical Christianity into his personal perspective, and as a contemporary Gospel album, it worked. "Precious Angel" and "You Gotta Serve Somebody" are both enhanced with Mark Knopler and his guitar work. I'd be pleased to have my favorite reactors have a listen! G
One of my favourite songs ever. But lisenting to it this time I realised that pretty much every time MK sang his lines, he followed with a completely unique riff. Apart from the chorus' obviously, but an amazing mix of guitar pieces.
Hard to believe this is your first pass at Dire Straits. Such a great band and one that went through quite an evolution. Similar to The Dan (Knopfler actually played on "Time out of Mind" on Gaucho). You could get lost in any one of their records, for me, especially "Love Over Gold" - but my single favorite track that I would love you guys to check out is "Planet of New Orleans" from the album "On Every Street". It's a masterpiece.
Great to see you reacting to DIre Straits - the live 'Alchemy' version of this track is pure gold and you'll see just how great they were as a live band, and the extended solos by Mark Knopfler are a thing of joy!
I hear so much Chet Atkins, Joe Pass, and B.B. King in Marks playing. He was such an outlier guitarist in those days, so unique. He has incredible dexterity, creativity, and musical intent when he plays. I adore the man.
This song reminds of playing open-mic... just regular guys and someone eventually will get up there and blow your mind how good they are... it's rare but happens.
This was the 1st commercial song for them to hit the airwaves and what a splash it was. As a high schooler I remember everyone talking about this song just as they did for the likes of Van Halen, Boston etc.
this is the very first song i ever heard from these guys and man i was hooked. funny i was actually in england when it was released raf lakengeath 80-82 USAF..in wacky nato!!!
I worked at Fender Musical Instruments 1971 - 77. It was the greatest place to work if you loved Rock N Roll. Each department had seriously good players testing the guitars and amps and the Rhodes electric pianos. The best way to test is to crank it up full and see how it does, so....The place rocked with each tester had their own style, some did Santana and Hendrix, and others did Stones riffs and Clapton. I met Leo Fender several times. He was very proud of the great guitarist that played his famous invention and contribution to music.Harold Rhodes felt the same about his electric pianos place in music history.
My American Pro Tele made it from Corona to the Canadian Maritimes with perfect intonation, and dripping with legacy. Always wanted an "ashtray" Tele and pre-CBS Rhodes.
Yo that's awesome! I work in a comedy club and as a massive fan of comedy I feel like I can relate. The people drawn to that place are just funny people and we crank it up too lol. I know you enjoyed those days
Whenever I try out a Strat, it has to have the guitar sound in this song or I won't buy it. Imo it's the true clean Strat tone. I want my LP's, Tele's and Strat's to have their distinct sounds.
A great guitarist, songwriter and singer with a unique style. More Dire Straits for you to enjoy: "Skateaway" (official video version is good), "Tunnel of Love", "Solid Rock", "Romeo and Juliet", "Brothers in Arms".....
I saw them live in 1979 when this song came out, Knopfler's guitar playing is phenomenal and how he achieves such sharp and clean notes while finger picking is beyond me!
This is inspired by an occasion when Mark and others wandered into a London Pub and encountered a lackluster band in front of a small crowd that un- ironically called themselves the Sultans of Swing.
Guitarist Mark Knopfler is a guitar genius. His solo work What It Is, Telegraph Road, Sailing to Philadelphia are master stories with impeccable guitar.
Iconic song..! Check out "So Far Away From Me", ''Walk Of Life'' and for something a bit different "Skate Away". Mark Knopfler doesn't get the credit some other guitar players get... he's amazing..!
Revisit this live at Alchemy…. Fyi, the “guitar George” and Harry who’s got a daytime job are George Young and Harry Vanda from Australia. Their band The Easybeats is worth a listen. George is the older brother of Malcolm and Angus Young from AC/DC, had a hand in producing AC/DC as well.
@@zwieseler It’s a feel good song about dropping into a pub and catching an amateur band tearing it up Friday night after work - they’re not real good but good enough to elicit some affection for what they’re doing but then really top it off with the absolute incongruity of ending their set with - We are the Sultans, the Sultans of Swing! Ahah! Those names were likely chosen because they were commonplace att. V&Y had a professional career of 40 yrs. Easybeats were great, but only lasted the 4 or 5 years Stevie could manage MH, otherwise who knows.
@@kathyconway5327 I think Mark Knopfler is of a vintage who knew The Easybeats. They were pretty big in the UK. George and Harry would see the funny side, I'm sure.
I love the Alchemy version... This live is amazing, the sound is incredible... If you can, "Telegraph Road" is so beautiful in this live 😉 Thanks for your reactions, always great 👍❤
"When The Time Bell Rings" Up to about 20 years ago all pubs in England (UK?) had fixed opening hours. Just before "closing time" the pub would ring a bell to alert people to order their last drinks. The other expression "The Towels On" was when closing time came the barman/maid would place a towel over the beer pumps to show that no more drinks would be served - especially if the police popped into the pub.
Mark Knofphler, another one of my favorite guitarists. I have never felt that he gets recognition he deserves. I am 71 years old so I remember all these guys that you are discovering now, when they were played on FM radio. The 60's,70's and 80's were filled with incredible music!
Mark's finger style/compressed guitar sound sound helps set him apart. I always liked his and Jerry Garcia's clean tones the best. Lots to choose from from the Dire Straits back catalog or from his solo/collaboration work. I'll recommend "Speedway at Nazareth".
Mark Knopfler is one of the very few guitarists who finger pick. And he is definitely a master of the instrument and technique. He sang and played all the lead fills, both solos and even kept up with the rhythm between fills. I’m telling you guys, if you ever watch him play this song there’s never a single second when he’s not engaged. This arrangement is an unusual example of call and response where the call is his voice and the response is his guitar. You don’t see a lot of that style and I can’t think of another example where the call and response is the same person and this complex. Probably the next one you’ll want to hear from him is Money For Nothing. Much love ❤️
"He's got a daytime job. He's doing alright". I was still working the swing-shift when I first heard those lyrics 🤨-😄😄. This is another one of those songs that made people sit up and take notice. Very distinctive style of guitar playing.
The best “tip of the iceberg” to get started with. Dire Straits put out only six studio albums (a few live ones) before they split. As Mark Knopfler said, “it got too big.” On his own, he’s composed nine movie soundtracks (including “The Princess Bride”) and nine solo albums, working on #10 now. And a few collaborations, including Emmy Lou Harris and Chet Atkins, one of Mark’s own guitar heroes. Listen on, it keeps getting better!
There are numerous great tunes by Dire Straits and Mark Knopfler. You will not run out of songs from them. My favorite is "Romeo and Juliet" - the LIVE version.
Mark Knopfler, lead guitar and lead vocals. As I understand it he originally was just supposed to be the lead guitarist but they needed somebody to step up and do the vocals too so that's what he did. I think you noticed how, besides that basic riff, he never repeats the same sound twice in this song. Many of us consider him to be one of the greatest guitarists in the world. Slower vibe than most the other greats you'll hear, but amazingly good.
Knopfler is still around making great music. He is a master at storytelling and, of course, guitar playing. His playing is up there with Chet Atkins and Tommy Emmanuel. In watching interviews, he seems to be a down-to-earth kind of guy and very approachable.
You really need to see their version of "Sultans of Swing" live from Alchemy!... it's a great live performance. And Terry Williams on drums just kills it. In fact, even though everyone sounds great. I wish they focused on Terry during that performance, a little more than what they already do. But other than that it's an all around jam session. YOU WON'T BE DISAPPOINTED!
Dire Straits with the genius Mark Knopfler was one of the greatest bands in the world. Period. As others have said here, they never made a bad song. Please dig into their whole catalogue, you will not be disappointed. Thank you! ♥
This came out when I was in high school and the first time I heard it on the radio I was hooked. I had never heard of this band before but the next day I ran out and bought the 45 RPM single and played the hell out of it, started to learn some of those licks as well as I could since I had just gotten my first electric guitar. It was on the radio all the time. Love it to this day. The live version is indeed fantastic as everyone is commenting but still, I'm so glad you heard this studio version which is what we all heard on the radio and on the records, it's just such a masterpiece on so many levels.
Thankyou for this. My dad's favourite band of all time (he passed away now) this was a beautiful reminder for me of us throwing back a few & dancing to this song full ball in his lounge room. So thankyou xo
My fave DS song is DOWN TO THE WATERLINE. Also, Mark and Emmylou Harris put out a fantastic album called ALL THE ROADRUNNING. It is a strange collaboration...much like Robert Plant and Allison Krause...but both absolutely work!
For those who don’t know, British pubs used to close fairly early, like at 10 or 11, and they literally rang a “time bell” about ten minutes before closing. By that time, it was beyond last call it, it was drink up and get out. At the hour, they turned on the lights and pretty much physically kicked people out.
I have a very specific and visceral memory of when I first heard this song. I was seven years old, and I stared at the radio in disbelief for the whole song. I then proclaimed "that's the sound I want to make". My dad came home that very night with the album, and we as a family listened to the whole thing twice in a row. Also, bonus fun fact: Mark Knopfler is playing the guitar fills on Steely Dan's "Time Out Of Mind".
A big radio hit that took most of rock fans by surprise with that Dylan like vocals and storytelling to go along with the magnificent lead guitar playing in a unique way!
One of the biggest bands in the world in the 80s though this was their first single from 78. Song is about when they were playing around the pubs and clubs in South London
