Dire Straits – Brothers In Arms (Album Review)

Released in 1985, Dire Straits’ Brothers In Arms was not only a defining moment in the band’s career, but it was a landmark release. With its blend of poignant songwriting, intricate guitar work, and state-of-the-art production, the album resonates as a timeless masterpiece with an equally compelling piece of cover art that blends perfectly with the music.

While the fanfare surrounding this record is absolutely justified, it’s an album that has long divided music lovers and audiophiles for there are so many different versions (masterings) that one needs to question if it is the sonic quality, or the music itself, that should be at the forefront when listening to Brothers In Arms.

Here at Subjective Sounds, you’ll get both perspectives, but I do lean towards the music rather than sonic prowess alone. Let’s start with the formats, and then discuss the music, shall we?

With over 500 versions of Brothers In Arms listed on Discogs, one would rightfully find selecting a definitive edition to be tricky, if not impossible. While I obviously can’t review every release, I’ll give you my thoughts based on the versions I’ve been fortunate to have listened to.

The releases include:

• The Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab 2015 release (MFSL 2-441)

• The 20th Anniversary Vertigo (9871498) Hybrid SACD edition

• The Apple Music 16-bit/44.1kHz ALAC lossless stream

What’s most interesting, however, is that the Hybrid SACD contains not only the CD version of the album but also the HDCD, SACD Stereo 2.0 mix, and the SACD 5.1 Surround Sound Mix. That single disc has so many different versions on it that it really showcases just how well the Hybrid SACD format could be utilised for a mass market release; a release that could appeal to all music lovers, rather than just audiophiles.

While multiple options are (usually) a good thing, sometimes there can be too much of a good thing and in this instance, less is more. Yes, dear reader, I drove myself to the point of insanity, listening to every version and the truth is that I couldn’t pick a winner for each exhibited their own uniqueness and none were what I would consider to be flawed. Certainly, I had my preferences, but I could never quite lock one in; until now.

So, which version did I prefer and why?

I chose to go with the lossless Apple Music stream. Blasphemy, I hear you say. The problem was I was listening for faults and minute elements rather than simply enjoying the music. Plus, when all else fails, sometimes good enough is…good enough.

Nevertheless, I’ll give a brief rundown on my experiences with the two physical versions, for those of you who may, or may not, wish to go through the torturous process of deciding which version you’d subjectively feel is better. And, yes, if you’ve put more money into your turntable setup than your SACD et al gear, that will be the one to go for, and vice versa.

Let’s start with the Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab (MOFI) edition; for it is magnificent. While I don’t condone MOFI’s deceit regarding the master tape sources they used, along with using a digital intermediary, the sonic reproduction, of this release, speaks for itself as you will be enveloped in the soundstage from the very first note to the last. Every musical element is positioned exactly where it should be and regardless of the volume you choose to play the album at, it’s going to sound incredible. While it isn’t necessarily affordable, although what is these days, if you’re after a record that will make your turntable sing, this is one you should certainly consider. You do have to deal with flipping the record over after two songs, however; a by-product of the album being pressed at 45rpm. Of course, original releases truncate some of the album’s greatest songs in order to have had it fit comfortably on a regular 33.3rpm release, so there will always be a tradeoff when it comes to vinyl editions.

As with all MOFI releases, the outer sleeve is thick, so much so that one would need to be determined to damage it before the sleeve would fall apart. It’s a lovely reproduction, even if the gatefold inner artwork is a little on the blander side.

Shifting our attention to the Hybrid SACD, the following summarises my thoughts on this all-inclusive release:

• 20th Anniversary CD is clean, perhaps a little too clean. By that, I mean that the bass response, while present, lacks a sense of emotive energy that is present in all other versions. It’s dynamic, yet a cohesion of musical elements is missing, thereby resulting in a lack of body and tonal warmth. Of course, many will point to the origins of the recording, being that it was one of the first albums to be recorded digitally, but it isn’t that; it simply lacks presence.

• 20th Anniversary HDCD sounds fantastic, especially compared to the CD version found on the Hybrid SACD; but it’s getting increasingly difficult to obtain players that can decode the HDCD layer. Nevertheless, the entire soundstage, bass elements, and treble range of the HDCD sparkles without being fatiguing and while it’s, arguably, not as smooth as the SACD Stereo Mix, it sounds right.

• 20th Anniversary SACD Stereo Mix is smoother than the HDCD version but arguably lacks detail as the treble range is rolled off considerably. While smoothness can also translate to warmth, the SACD Stereo Mix fails to impress me as much as the vinyl counterpart does as turning the volume up showcases its limitations in comparison to the aforementioned vinyl release. At higher volumes, it simply becomes less pleasurable to listen to. It’s my opinion that the 20th Anniversary SACD Stereo Mix is mastered a little too hot.

• 20th Anniversary SACD 5.1 Surround Sound Mix is a different beast entirely and if you’ve been listening to the stereo mix of Brothers In Arms for decades, the surround mix can take a little getting used to. While I appreciate the spectacle of it, with discrete sounds moving about my listening space, I still found myself preferring the stereo mix. It’s important to note, however, that I’m not a surround sound enthusiast, so I would recommend that you check out Mike’s Life In Surround YouTube channel and QuadraphonicQuad where the general consensus is highly positive.

If you’ve got this far I applaud your dedication as the testing and comparing, then writing and/or reading about it, can be about as interesting as watching grass grow. Nevertheless, as it pertains to the lossless Apple Music stream, derived from the 1996 CD remaster, I find myself at ease with its flexibility and convenience. Yes, I went there. Convenience is a must and if you have to flip a record too often, or find yourself constantly trying to decide which of the many versions on the SACD to listen to, then just like me you’ll find a breath of fresh air as it relates to the streamed edition. While it is not as resonant as the vinyl counterpart, nor as feature-rich as the Hybrid SACD, it is the simplicity that I appreciate.

As I mentioned earlier, sometimes less is more and, truthfully, I don’t feel as if I’m missing out on much, compared to the physical releases. The Apple Music stream is thoroughly enjoyable, and not at all fatiguing, ensuring that the core musical experience is maintained. Look, it won’t be for everyone, but as I subscribe to John Darko’s music-first audiophile mantra, it’s more than enough and listening to it, anywhere and everywhere, gives me immense joy without the constant nagging that comes along with comparing multiple editions.   

Hence, with all that in mind, let’s take a look at the music that makes up this legendary release.

So Far Away opens the album with a clean and steady rhythm that is largely unassuming but equally compelling. Setting the tone for the music to come, So Far Away is not only an enduring classic but its relaxed groove will appeal to just about any music lover as it sounds deceptively simple, yet its melodic sophistication ensures that it’s timeless.

Money For Nothing is, without a doubt, the most iconic track from the album with one of the most recognisable guitar riffs in rock history. This is pop-rock at its finest and despite being released in the mid-80s, no element pigeonholes it to that era. Much could be said about this landmark tune, including the often criticised controversial lyrics, but it’s in the listening that will determine one’s interest in Money For Nothing. So, take a listen and rock out for Dire Straits doesn’t get much better than this.

Walk Of Life lifts the tone of the album with its upbeat organ tuning and the song’s infectious rhythm. Providing a lighter, more playful counterpoint to much of the album’s introspective tone, Walk Of Life is a joyous track that has long been a fan favourite and a staple in Dire Straits’ live performances.

Your Latest Trick immediately sets itself apart from Walk Of Life, yet it doesn’t sound out-of-place in the album’s linear structure. Your Latest Trick is very much jazz meets soft rock, with lush instrumental arrangements and an intricate interplay between all musical elements. While it may not have set the charts on fire, when released as the final single from the album, it’s amongst Dire Straits’ greatest recordings and harkens back to their earlier releases, just with a tad more production and layered musicality.

Why Worry? is tender, meditative, and despite clocking in at eight minutes, I never tire of it and could listen to this song on repeat indefinitely. The soothing melody, combined with Knopfler’s gentle guitar work and delicate arrangement, makes this beautiful song a hidden gem.

Ride Across The River paints a vivid sonic landscape, one built on a foundation of Latin-inspired percussion and atmospheric synthesisers. The song is so immersive that it creates a cinematic listening experience and, despite being an album-only tune, is a core reason why Brothers In Arms is so respected.

The Man's Too Strong has a stark acoustic arrangement before delving into a more dramatic dynamic that will draw you in instantly. As it pertains to the various editions of this album, it’s songs such as this that can either make or break the record as the crescendo tends to be ear-piercing and shrill. In fairness, the Apple Music stream doesn’t deliver the low-end boldness that is heard on the vinyl release, but at the very least it doesn’t grind my senses.

One World injects a funky upbeat groove into the album. Its lively tempo and rhythmic interplay make it a refreshing change of pace; one that will find you toe-tapping and head-bopping along to this incredible tune.

Brothers In Arms is a hauntingly beautiful ballad that features one of Knopfler’s most emotive guitar performances and serves as a poignant closer to one of the greatest albums ever recorded.

Ultimately, Brothers In Arms is more than just a collection of songs, it’s an artistic statement that has stood the test of time; one that has sold more than 30 million copies worldwide. With its seamless blend of rock, jazz, and blues influences, there’s little doubt as to why this landmark release was not only so well received, but is amongst the greatest albums released in 1985.

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Dire Straits – Love Over Gold (Album Review)

While some may question if five songs can be considered an album, there is no doubt that Love Over Gold, Dire Straits’ fourth studio album from 1982, is a quintessential album experience. While each of the five songs stand out on their own, when you listen actively, to the intended album structure, you’ll encounter a rich and rewarding experience that will have you coming back to this incredible release. 

Exploring longer and more intricate compositions than ever before, Love Over Gold was arguably less commercial in its intent than their previous releases. While that could be seen as a missed opportunity, the artistic depth and musical sophistication of the album ensures that it’s timeless and remains an essential element in Dire Straits’ back catalogue. With complex arrangements, extended instrumental passages, and a greater emphasis on atmospheric elements, Love Over Gold is every bit a Dire Straits record but more importantly, it is an experience that has to be heard firsthand in order to be fully appreciated. While the music scene in 1982 was the launching pad for some of the greatest 80s releases, it’s fair to say that Love Over Gold was somewhat lost in the crowd for it truly is one of the greatest albums ever recorded; particularly within the progressive and art rock genres. Yes, it charted and sold respectfully, but it never quite reached the heights that an album of this calibre should have. 

Nevertheless, when looking at masterpiece releases, it isn’t uncommon to note that the artist had a guiding hand from an experienced producer to achieve the very best possible outcome. While that had previously been the case with Dire Straits’ earlier releases, Mark Knopfler showcased his vision by not only writing all the songs but also acting as the sole producer for Love Over Gold. Quite frankly, the man is a musical marvel and while I don’t find his post-Straits output to be as compelling, albums with the spit and polish of Love Over Gold usually only come once in a career. Yet, Dire Straits’ catalogue is remarkably impressive from their self-titled debut in 1978 to their final studio release in 1991. 

Speaking of the impeccable production quality, the lossless Apple Music stream is derived from the core 1996 CD remaster and while I’ve heard some declare these remastered editions to be somewhat lifeless, I thoroughly enjoy them. Granted, when it comes to this album I haven’t compared this mastering to any other, but perhaps that is a good thing. At some stage, even the most ardent of fans need to just rock out and thoroughly enjoy the version of the album that they have access to rather than continually trying to seek out a better copy. Yes, the stream could be a little smoother, in places, but I wouldn’t call it shrill; not by any stretch of the imagination. It just needs a little more fluidity to take it a few percent closer to absolute perfection. 

Nevertheless, I couldn’t be happier with the stream for every musical element is given room to breathe in an expansive soundstage that has plenty of headroom available to pump the volume while also adjusting the EQ without adding degradation to the album’s overall presentation. While I tend to enjoy Love Over Gold, when listened to with no added EQ, the aforementioned smoothness could be achieved with minor manual adjustments to the EQ settings. It’s just a shame that modern EQ options, particularly in the case of Apple Music, apply an all-or-nothing approach and unless you’re on a Mac, you’ll find there are no manual EQ settings available to adjust; a major oversight, certainly! That all said, join me as we explore the music that makes up this essential album from Dire Straits’ illustrious career.  

Telegraph Road is an epic 14-minute musical wonder that serves as the perfect opener for Love Over Gold as it sets the tone for that which we’re about to hear. If you haven’t already, you’ll want to turn the volume up for the initial moments, before the building of the song, are simply magical and the increased volume will only enhance the experience as the song unfolds gradually. It really is a musical journey that showcases Knopfler's storytelling capabilities and the band's ability to build tension and release it with masterful precision.  

Private Investigations is akin to a broody, noir-like tune with elements of classical and folk music that further highlights Knopfler’s virtuosity as a songwriter and musician. It’s a beautiful song that has a cinematic quality that will leave you in awe every time you listen to what can only be described as a masterpiece. Plus, that bass-driven rhythm is hypnotic.

Industrial Disease is a departure from the album's overall intensity, yet don’t let that aspect deter you for it flows seamlessly when listening via the album structure. Featuring witty lyrics and a more upbeat musical arrangement, Industrial Disease is classic Dire Straits as it’s a commentary on modern society backed by some addictively good rock and roll licks. 

Love Over Gold is a magnificent title track that can be best described as Jazz rock; albeit with a slightly bolder rock edge. While the entire album is an incredible audible journey, the mix of this particular song is stunning. The stereo imaging alone is so expansive you’d swear it was a surround mix, yet it is just stereo done right. 

It Never Rains with its more upbeat, rock-oriented sound, serves as the perfect closing bookend to an album that is not only one of the greatest ever recorded by Dire Straits but is amongst the greatest albums ever released. It Never Rains, however, is the weakest song on the album but given the quality of the music that preceded it, it is more than acceptable and is, arguably, more closely aligned with the overall style of Dire Straits’ prior releases. Either way, as an album-only tune, It Never Rains is thoroughly enjoyable.

Love Over Gold stands as a bold and ambitious statement in Dire Straits' discography. It's an album that rewards attentive listening, offering a rich tapestry of sound and thought-provoking lyrics. While it may not have been as well received, commercially, as some of their other works, its artistic depth and musical sophistication make it a timeless and essential part of the Dire Straits catalogue as well as the 80s music scene.

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Dire Straits – Dire Straits (Self-Titled Album Review)

Dire Straits, or more specifically Mark Knopfler, in the role of vocalist, lead guitarist, and writer, created a uniquely timeless sound that would resonate with music lovers the world over. Perhaps most surprising is just how polished this self-titled debut is. Granted it’s a little rough around the edges, but few artists have such an initial outing; one that can still be celebrated and appreciated decades later. 

Released in 1978, Dire Straits would catapult the British rock band to the top of the charts with memorable songs like Sultans Of Swing and Water Of Love. Of course, it wasn’t just the singles that would set this debut apart from the crowd, but the entire body of work that is as close to perfection as a debut possibly could be. Yes, Communiqué is a step up and while some declare it to be nothing more than a carbon copy of this debut, I find it to be less edgy with a smoother all-over presentation that sees the band evolve from this debut release. Still, Dire Straits, when not directly compared, is a masterpiece in its own right and is without a doubt one of Dire Straits’ greatest albums.

As it pertains to the sonic presentation of the recording, the lossless Apple Music stream is listed as remastered and therefore should be on par with the 1996 remastered CD edition; most likely the source of the stream. In any case, there’s no noticeable loss in fidelity as the stream sounds stunning with a complex, detailed, and atmospheric soundstage. 

When digital reproduction sounds this good, one must question just how much more sonic bliss can be attained from the original master recording. As with Dire Straits’ entire catalogue, it has been reissued ad nauseam and while I adore this debut release, I’ve yet to feel compelled to pick up one of the various vinyl editions. Yes, there will be those of you who question my dedication and love of Dire Straits following that admission, but when the music sounds right, it’s important that we listen to it, appreciate it, and stop looking for something that may or may not be quantifiably better. Seriously, the stream is so enjoyable that the only benefit of tracking down a vinyl copy is to attain the slightly warmer analogue sound that’s associated with the format.

Down To The Waterline captivates you from the very first note with some mystical guitar licks and some of the most beautiful atmospheric music you’re ever likely to hear. The mix is utterly brilliant with a level of immersion that will consume you as Down To The Waterline sets the tone for the entire album. 

Water Of Love is the perfect mixture of rock and folk-styled music. Imagine, if you will, a lazy sunny afternoon with a beverage and Dire Straits tickling the sonic senses. It’s a tranquil thought, isn’t it? 

Setting Me Up is one of the songs that doesn’t grab me on this debut release. The tempo is too fast, especially considering where it’s positioned in the album's sequencing. Additionally, the twang of the guitar, while suited to the song, causes a stylistic shift that detracts from the previous calmness of Water Of Love. 

Six Blade Knife would have been perfect following Water Of Love for its smoother, with a focus on humble rhythmic elements that will see you toe-tapping and head-bopping throughout. 

Southbound Again is incredibly groovy and sometimes, that is all that is needed. 

Sultans Of Swing is, without a doubt, a masterpiece. It’s akin to magic in a bottle and the musical interplay and guitar licks leave little wonder as to why it’s one of Straits’ most recognisable tunes. 

In The Gallery is where Knopfler’s vocal really shines as it is perfectly refined and toned for this style of song. Of course, In The Gallery also has some captivating guitar playing thereby making it one of the best songs on the album and one of Dire Straits’ most underrated songs. The mix is also of particular note here as it’s well-defined, three-dimensional, and enveloping thereby allowing every musical aspect to shine. 

Wild West End shifts the tone of the album and is one of the rawer-sounding songs on this self-titled debut. Yet, there’s something to appreciate here for it may sound like a demo but it’s this unassuming aspect that makes Wild West End a compelling listen. 

Lions is a solid performance that closes out Dire Straits nicely, but the introduction is a little too slow for my liking. Thankfully, once the song gets going, all is good but it remains an irritating aspect nonetheless. 

As far as overall enjoyment and flow are concerned, Dire Straits is up there with their greatest releases and is not only one of the best debut albums of all time but is one of the best albums from 1978. In my mind, it is only bested by their second album, Communiqué; thereby offering a double punch of magnificent rock music that still, to this day, offers a unique experience. Yes, dear reader, they don’t make music like this anymore; not even Mark Knopfler. 

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Dire Straits – Communiqué (Album Review)

While the self-titled Dire Straits debut is a must-own for any music collection, their second album, Communiqué, is less edgy with a smoother all-over presentation that sees the band evolve from their origins; even though Communiqué was released several months post their 1978 debut. Those dismissing Communiqué as a clone of their first album suggest so because it is fashionable. I’d argue that while they are complementary they are entirely different beasts and should be appreciated in that manner.  

Visually, Communiqué is stunning. The album artwork pops due to its simplicity and use of white space while also permitting a sense of curiosity. It’s, in my opinion, the greatest album artwork ever released on any Dire Straits release. 

Sonically, the lossless Apple Music stream remaster of Communiqué is simply stunning. The entire recording was done so well that I dare suggest there isn’t a sonically compromised version available. It’s dynamic with no audible compression and while different masterings and subsequent releases exist, the Apple Music stream is, in my mind at least, perfect! 

Once Upon A Time In The West opens with Mark Knopfler’s magnificent guitar work that sets the tone for the entire album, but it is the depth of the overall mix and Pick Withers’ drum track that lights up Once Upon A Time In The West with a laid back vibe and sonic wonder that will cause you to raise your head in pure admiration. A magnificent opening track. 

News flows perfectly from the opening song, reducing the tempo, but not diluting the magnificence. Aside from Knopfler’s guitar work, David’s (on Rhythm Guitar) as well, John Illsley’s bass tracking provides the perfect emphasis that holds the sum of its parts together. Withers, again, knocks it out of the park with some of the best drumming you’ll ever hear.  

Where Do You Think You’re Going? continues the laid-back style of Communiqué and it is with this delicate nature that you can begin to thoroughly appreciate Dire Straits’ musical prowess for it isn’t always about the boldest presentation but the fluidity and how music makes us feel. In this case, Where Do You Think You’re Going? reminds me of why I love music.

Communiqué has a slight tempo boost with a little more twang. It’s Dire Straits 101, but as much as I enjoy Communiqué in the linear album format, it’s one song from the album that I generally don’t seek out on its own. As the title song, however, it’s perfectly suited, but I think the one aspect that has always bothered me with Communiqué is Knopfler’s vocal is too forward in the mix. Some may like that approach, and it isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but Dire Straits is as much a musical outfit as it is a vocal storytelling one and subsequently I appreciate their output for the musicality far more than I do the literal intent. 

Lady Writer may well have a Sultans Of Swing feel to it, and there’s no doubt in my mind that Sultans Of Swing is superior to Lady Writer, but just as much of AC/DC’s catalogue sounds the same to everything they’ve ever recorded, I consider Lady Writer to share the same similarity; arguably a positive aspect for fans of Sultans Of Swing. Plus, that guitar work throughout the second half of the song is exquisite in its own right.

The music video is naturally dated, but it isn’t bad for a faux live recording as it’s been edited in such a way that you get a sense of the energy the band had at the time. The audio, however, is atrocious. Granted, the existing videotapes probably aren’t in the best condition, but it would be great to see the record label rework the audio before distributing the video. 

Angel Of Mercy is toe-tapping gold and could almost be considered a country tune with the drawl and twang present throughout. There’s also a little Caribbean influence to be heard and while Angel Of Mercy isn’t necessarily a standout, it’s a solid B-side.

Portobello Belle has a Bob Dylan feel to it, as several other songs on the album do, and it is little wonder that Dylan employed the services of Mark Knopfler and Pick Withers for his magnificent 1979 release, Slow Train Coming. That, dear reader, is a much better correlation to make regarding a carbon copy of music than suggesting Communiqué lacks originality when compared to Dire Straits’ debut. 

Single Handed Sailor has some gorgeous guitar licks throughout but that closing solo is undoubtedly the highlight; stunning!  

Follow Me Home has an incredibly immersive soundstage with atmospheric elements that transport you to another location. It’s without a doubt one of the most relaxing tunes that Dire Straits ever recorded and is the perfect way to close this exceptional album as it encourages you to play the record again or sit in quiet contemplation and marvel at the audible wonder that is Communiqué.

While there are many killer tunes to be heard on Communiqué, there is little doubt in my mind that this is Dire Straits’ most cohesive album and therefore I implore you to listen to it linearly; I promise you won’t regret it! Of course, it’s also one of those special releases that will appeal to every occasion and situation but don’t listen to the detractors. It’s better than their debut and I’d even go as far as suggesting that it is their very best album and one of the greatest albums released in 1979.. 

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