Dire Straits

Having previously posted tracks from a few of Dire Straits' later albums I thought it about time I had some from their 1978 self-titled debut album.

Allmusic summed this up accordingly:

"Dire Straits' minimalist interpretation of pub rock had already crystallized by the time they released their eponymous debut. Driven by Mark Knopfler's spare, tasteful guitar lines and his husky warbling, the album is a set of bluesy rockers. And while the bar band mentality of pub-rock is at the core of Dire Straits -- even the group's breakthrough single, "Sultans of Swing," offered a lament for a neglected pub rock band -- their music is already beyond the simple boogies and shuffles of their forefathers, occasionally dipping into jazz and country. Knopfler also shows an inclination toward Dylanesque imagery, which enhances the smoky, low-key atmosphere of the album. While a few of the songs fall flat, the album is remarkably accomplished for a debut, and Dire Straits had difficulty surpassing it throughout their career."

Here is the moody opening track Down to The Waterline, the big hit from the album Sultans Of Swing, and my personal favourite In The Gallery. The issue is the 2014 "Back To Black" remaster.

Cartridge: Sumiko Starling MC

Phono amp: Graham Slee Accession MC

Turntable: CTC Classic 301 with SME M2-12R