Dire Straits – Communiqué

One of a kind LP that i loved to spin after long tiring days .

Fantastic examples of an album that creates a distinct, dreamy atmosphere and this Germany pressing sounds fantastic.

Usually, the second album of a group is a difficult one. Left overs from the first recordings have to be reconsidered hastily, for a rush release, especially if the debut was a success. At a first approach this record falls in this category, but after careful and repeated auditions, the persistent listener will be greatly rewarded. The tracks are superb, both music and lyrics, and the only downside is that this record didn't generate any great singles, such as "Sultans of swing", except from "Lady writer" that was actually released as a single in 1978, with, relatively, little success. The record contains songs that, more or less, deal with the same issues that their previous record did. What is great about them is that Mark Knopfler, has expanded his music vocabulary and with a different producer the results would probably be more evident. For example ,"Once upon a time in the west" is a great start and an instant classic as it is, but six years later at the live "Alchemy" record, it was transformed with great effect in a ten minute opus, with keyboards and lengthy guitar solos. Of course other songs, such as "Where do you think you're going?" with the bitter lyrics and fabulous guitar built up at the end, "Single handed sailor" with the magnificent guitar phrase, and the underrated "Follow me home", would not be complimented with a similar treatment and they are perfect examples of Mark Knopfler's song writing. The legendary producer Jerry Wexler, did a great job, by not overproducing the songs, giving to the whole recording a sense of intimacy, that suits the songs like a glove.
Overshadowed by their debut, released just nine months before it, and by their follow up "Making movies", two years later, the album deserved better. The casual listener, seeking out hits, most likely will be disappointed. But since the four songs from this album, that resurface at their compilations and live recordings, are by no means indicative of the album and it's mood, Dire straits fans should get this record.