Dude, the live extended jam is the bomb, where their live performance showcases everyone's skills. I recommend highly that you revisit the song. I'm sure someone in the comments can direct you to the right video. Cheers!😁
Yeah, you definitely need to react Alchemy Live performance of this song. You get to hear the fantastic guitar solo that this version fades out on. Also, it is just a masterclass on how to turn a successful studio track into a live performance that makes fans so very glad they came out to hear you live. Very true to the studio version in the best ways, but expanding on it and giving the audience more of everything they came to hear.
Most people are going to tell you that you need to do a reaction to the Alchemy Live version of this song. You will be blown away, it's a great live performance and way more hopping than this version.
@@redzwestisbest I really only thought the song was just ok or good at best, but the Alchemy Live version is pretty damn awesome. A lot more energy, and the little add-in lyrics make all the difference in the world to me.
I've been a music head my entire life. There are a couple of guitarists that were cool with being understated, Clapton and Knopfler of Dire Straits. Either one of those guys could have melted crowds and brains but the way they played was so something. They almost look like they're playing slow, almost to prove a point that they were so good they could make it look like riding a bike.
It's a unique song --- it's a rock song that's ABOUT jazz. But Mark Knopfler's guitar is what makes it really special. There's nobody who sounds like him. Enjoy!
Yeap. One of the best guitarists of all time. And you can tell if you listen to his solo stuff from the past 20 years. His guitar style is just amazing.
Agreed, Mark's guitar in this is very special. Those melodic fills strewn throughout the song are fantastic and his outro solo on Sultans is probably among my top 5 "solos" I enjoy. I primarily like "old school" metal, with my 3 favorite bands being Black Sabbath, Iron Maiden and Judas Priest. I also play guitar, so I key on that element in most songs. That said, if I were to name my top 10 guitarists of all time, I'd include David Gilmour and Mark Knopfler; they both had an amazing ability to elevate any song with their playing. Their use of bending, phrasing and especially with Marks unique finger-pluck chording, their guitar is like another voice in the song. Both very skilled and I must recognize their high skill, despite landing outside my "usual" tastes.
@@jeffreyboyer3714 That's a great tribute. I'm not a guitarist (I'm a drummer) but I can appreciate what Knopfler and Gilmour have in common -- their technical skill and phrasing deliver the emotion called for by the song. You deeply "feel" their playing. My tastes run more toward classic rock, roots rock, punk and blues but the best players transcend genre -- they make you stand up take notice because of that gift.
@@citizenghosttown Classic rock and blues eh? Well, truthfully, old heavy metal may be what I say is my favorite, but I listen to everything and probably really have to admit hundreds of actual favorites if I'm pressed; I am also very keen on blues, old punk, classic rock, jazz, classical and maybe even throw in some disco if I'm honest (I mean who can deny some of those great bass lines?). Given what you've said, I might suggest one for you...check out Dunlop Sessions: Eric Gales here on YT. See what you think.
Dire Straits - Sultans Of Swing (Alchemy Live) is the best live performance ever! His guitar solos are awesome and the drummer absolutely kills it on the Alchemy live. You won't regret listening to it and it may give you that magical moment!
No no! This is the radio version of the song (yes, it played on the radio constantly!) and they cut off the end. Even if you don’t do it for the channel, you owe it to yourself to watch them play this song at the alchemy live concert. The musicianship alone is mind blowing.
No, this is NOT the radio version. Let me re-phrase that. Every time I have ever heard it on the radio, and it has been a lot, it would always include his historic solo near the end of the song. I imagine this version was thrown together and posted by some dufus non-music loving exec.
He hits EVERY note on the guitar and some that don't even exist, Mark could whistle through one of his songs but as long as he's got a guitar in his hand he has his voice ❤ Alchemy Live is an ABSOLUTE MUST .
Love his syncopated cadences “Harry doesn’t mind.” He has fun with his delivery. It’s as creative as his guitar “conversation“ with his fingerpicking style.
I agree that you should watch the Alchemy live version and Telegraph Road from the same concert. Both are amazing performances, and you will not be disappointed.
Dire Strait is a great band!! Mark Knopfler is one of the best guitarist ever. The guitar solo in this one is crazy. The Alchemy live version of this song is fantastic.
The lyrics were inspired by a performance of a Dixieland jazz band playing in the corner of an almost empty pub in Deptford, South London. At the end of their performance, the lead singer announced their name, the Sultans of Swing; Knopfler found the contrast between the group's dowdy appearance and surroundings and their grandiose name amusin
He's also name checking a couple of guitarists who he really liked Harry Vanda & George Young of the Easybeats - they went on to become writer producers and notably produced the first 5 or 6 AC/Dc albums. George Young's younger brothers are Malcolm and Angus from AC/DC. Guitarists love Friday on Your Mind by the Easybeats because it sounds simple but George Young is actually doing insanely difficult chords just because he can and because it's fun for him to do it.
As others have suggested their performance of "Sultans of Swing" at Alchemy Live was on a much different level to this. It is so different that it is worth a seperate reaction. As someone from a military family, you might enjoy their song "Brothers in Arms."
This is the studio version of "Sultans of Swing" from their 1978 debut album. PLEASE check out the live version from their Alchemy live album/concert film, released in early '84. You'll be blown away. I promise you.
Yes, they played this song on the radio back in the day alot. Brings back lots of awesome memories cruising with my friends on the weekend. The Alchemy Live version will blow your mind. A must do!!!
You really should have checked out the performance that you have set as your thumb nail. The concert is Alchemy Live. It's just an extended version and you really get to see the band the way you need to experience them... It's the go to reaction and you'll have people come to see that version over the others available.
Oh, yeah, is was on the radio. And it has been non-stop for 46 years. An absolutely seminal piece of music and the introduction to the word of Mark Knopfler's genius.
This song was one that always made you feel good when it came on the radio. It's one of those that you could just chill out while cruising down the road. Just something to put on your play list when you want to feel mellow.
Today, all the music uses digital components that makes it all CRAP! Most of today's "artists" ( yes, I am being sarcastic) cannot carry a tune in a basket. A lot of them cannot play an instrument, either. Dire Straits has talent. Mark Knopfler could not only write music, he could sing and perform in front of huge audiences, while being put into the category of being one of the top 5 guitar pickers of all time. Categorize them in the pure raw talent genre of the 70s and 80s. That is a category that has surely been lost!
Mark Knopfler was ranked number 27 in Rolling Stone Magazine's list of the top 100 guitarists of all-time. "Money For Nothing" is their biggest hit and I'm sure you have had to of heard it at some time or other.
@@darrylhilbig6459 Well, just had a look at the best 250 guitarists and there Mark is at 96, with Jack White at 33 (WTF?) and Joni Mitchell at 9. How the hell do they compare guitarists? In the top 100 he is at 44. I still think you cannot compare his virtuosity with guitarists e.g. like Van Halen or Brian May.
This video cuts out 30 seconds too soon as my favorite part of his solo was just coming up. Yes, this was on the radio and still gets lots of play on rock stations. Mark Knopfler is a great story teller and a beast on guitar.
Was a teenage in the late 60's early 70's, the radio played everything from The Beatles to The Letterman to Johnny Cash to Bob Dylan. Nobody thought of genre. It was music and if we liked it we listened to it.
"Their first single, "Sultans of Swing", from their 1978 self-titled debut album, reached the top ten in the UK and US charts." I almost peed my pants from laughter when you asked if this was on the radio. A kick ass song that is still played on good rock stations.
Right, this is Dire Straits miming to the studio track. They cut the excellent solo off the end. Doesn’t do them justice. Get the live Alchemy performance up to see what they’re really capable of.
Telegraph Road was written while the band was traveling on US highway 24, which runs about 70 miles through Michigan along the border of Detroit. It is about the fall of the city and the blight that takes over, in this case, Detroit. However, the song could be adapted to any large city that has fallen into hard times.
This tune DOMINATED the airwaves when it was released. It was a welcome escape from disco that wasn't Van Halen or Pink Floyd. Their style defies pidgeon-holing
This is the radio version, which was everywhere. Check out live version, live at Alchemy....incredible vibe and so much better! Lots of fun and interplay amount group
Dude, look up Dire Straits Telegraph Road, especially the Alchemy live performance. One of the best live recordings ever. Mark Knopfler, the lead guitar / vocalist, was inspired to write the song while sitting at the front of a bus going down Telegraph Road, a real road that runs throught the heart of Detroit.
Mark Knopfler was a preeminent guitarist and, yes, this was big on the radio. You just listened to a shortened version. For a much expanded version that shows off his skills, along with the rest of the band, a view of the Alchemy Live version is a must.
@@Enochulator Okay, this was wrongly expressed. 🙄I still love it. ❤️I just haven't listened to it for a long time. But after this reaction video I listened to it and it's still an awesome song. And its message is timeless
Got a chime in with a live alchemy version they cut off the main solo at the end of the song. I think you’ll be really stoked to hear that highly recommend you play that version. Love your channel by the way congratulations on your coming addition to the family They’re so precious.Aloha
Hi. Great song....I highly recommend listening to extended live version of this song. The performance is insanely good. You'll agree once you hear it. 🙂
Sure I won't be the first , but the Alchemy Live version is different gravy. Bit more tempo , far more drumming and a guitar segment that is absolutely mind blowing. Trust me , you will get more requests for that than anything else....
This song played regularly played late 70's / early 80's on the pop/rock (versus heavy rock) radio stations. It's now considered "classic rock" by many. It's a rock song about a Jazz musician aka, the Sultan of Swing per the title. Yes, the song is basically a story over a set of riffs. (sorta like Ren's story telling) The guitar solo is iconic. However, when MTV came out and Dire Straits produced "Money for Nothing" there was quite the conflict among their fans as it that a totally different flavor of their music. Many 70's rock (might be called soft rock or folk rock sometimes) were story style songs (think Crosby Stills and Nash, Jim Croce, etc.)
I love this song… it’s interesting that they were several versions of this song… This one skips the end of that guitar solo which to me is one of the best guitar solos ever! It’s so good! I love watching you discover these really great bands from yesteryear.
An instantly recognisable guitar sound, courtesy of lead singer/gutarist Mark Knopfler. I won't be the first here to say watch the Alchemy Live version - it blows everything else out of the park. Dire Straits had a string of hits throughout the 80s, from the lovelorn Romeo and Juliet to the chilling Private Investigations. Well worth checking more of their songs. Don't worry too much about trying to pigeonhole the style. And congratulations - I hope everything goes well for the birth!
Personally, I have always thought this is the most perfect song ever written and performed. I feel like the tone and every. single. note. Is exactly right.
Dire Straits is one of my favorite all time bands. I agree with some other commenters that the "alchemy live" version is better and really showcases Mark Knopfler's amazing guitar skills. You can go into a deep rabbit hole with great Dire Straits music. I'm sure you would be familiar with "Money for Nothing."
It's Dire Straits, and you might want to do “Money For Nothing.” The video and the live. Yes, it was on the radio a lot. This came out in the late '70s. Check out “Walk of Life” too.
The official music video for both of those songs is best! Money for nothing has its lyrics pulled from an overheard conversation from two delivery men watching an MTV video ( actually happened). Walk of Life uses sports videos to show that you have to go through some tough times in your walk of life experiences. It starts out with bloopers and ends with wins. Warning! This tune is catchy and you will be humming it for days. You may even spontaneously break out with a "Woooo whooo" every so often!
I highly recommend You also check out this fabulous track being performed live by this phenomenal band at The Hammersmith Odeon, in late July, 1983, in London, UK. Dire Straits Sultans of Swing (Alchemy Live) is quite different from what You just reacted to. Having experienced it myself in real time, back in the day, I dare say You won't be disappointed!
One of the best Guitarists of all time. If you want to get blown away, listen to the 14 minute long "Telegraph Road." My first "band love". His guitar picking is amazing.
My favorite band of all time. Dire Straits has always defied being labeled. Just super solid musicians and song writers with an incredibly crisp and unique sound. Forever on my playlist.
Man this video uscks. Just like the radio edit, it cuts off the BEST PART of the song. His guitar solo at the end of the song. You have to listen to the Alchemy Live performance of the song. One of the best guitar solos of all time.
YOU HAVE TO SEE THE LIVE VERSION. THEY CUT THIS SHORT, THEY ARE ROCK FROM UK. CHECK OUT WALK OF LIFE, MONEY FOR NOTHING OR SO FAR AWAY FROM ME....PEACE!
This was a big hit back in the day. It is the short studio version so you missed some great notes. Take a listen to the live Alchemy version that is really something. Mark Knopfler has a unique way of playing guitar which give the music this special sound.
I agree, Alchemy performance is the best, amazing drums. If i remember correctly, Money for nothing was their first video to come out on MTV. Walk of life and so far away are good ones too.
Mark Knoflper is a finger style style guitarist that has an impeccable sense of melodies in his playing. Most rock guitarists use a pick for a harder sound. Jeff Beck is another finger style guitarist. Rock has many sub genres. Rock N' Roll (starting in the 1950s) was essentially dance music & love songs (songs about either girls or autos for instance), the 60s started leaving some of the dance elements behind for more concentrated musicianship (often extended jams) & lyrics that were more about social situations (Vietnam or drugs for instance ). Just as jazz was danceable in the 1940s with the Swing area to the Cool & then BeBop era where the command of your instrument was paramount. This led into the Fusion era which was influenced in part by rock. There were of course many different avenues often because the instruments went from analog (feedback was easy & often used) to digital (where feedback was now basically an electronic device & doesn't sound the same as raw power of analog) as the 70s (moogs, ARPs, & other electronic keyboards) hit the airwaves. Another change came as 45 singles (AM radio) & hits became album oriented rock (AOR radio). Pink Floyd for instance with "The Dark Side Of The Moon" album, where each track leads into the next to tell a story much like Classical composers wrote Symphonies in 3 & 4 parts to be listened to in its entirety. I was born in the early 1950's & have witnessed & enjoyed these changes.
PLEASE watch the Alchemy Live performance of this song! If you liked this one, that one will blow your mind! Mark is solidly in the top 10, probably top 5 guitarists of all time.
B. P. This version did not have the iconic Guitar Solo and it did not have the energy of better Recordings of this song. I remember when this song came out. I was in a bar band at the time and everyone was going nuts over this song and the Different Groove it had. Again the 70’s & 80’s had so many Genres of Music and everyone had Some Amazing Artists. Great Time for Music. I Grew up Threw a lot it. Graduating H S in 1978. What a time to be a Kid!!!!
It's a 1978 groove that put Mark Knopfler on the map as one of the best guitarists of his time. Swing music as a dance groove has been around for a long time, there was an actual Swing Movement by German children who revolted against authority. "Money for Nothing" (1985) was a HUGE hit that you might recognize. "Money for nothing, chicks for free."
You should listen to the Alchemy Live performance for sure. But I also recommend "Brothers In Arms." Do you remember a song with the line "I want my MTV"? The name of that song is "Money For Nothing" The band was there when music videos started playing on TV, early 80s I think.
