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THE REVIEW
If there was ever a time when Dire Straits had to submit to the laws of the market, it was indeed during the release of Communiqué. Yes, Mark Knopfler himself stated in an interview that the group's second album had been ready for quite some time, but its release was delayed due to the slow climb of "Dire Straits" up the charts.
After this brief historical note, let's get to the music! The opening of the work is left to "Once Upon A Time In The West", a track that confirms the leader's preference for those engaging western atmospheres that were already hinted at in the first (master)piece: a song that for the next two tours would be (appropriately) chosen to open the concerts. "News" is a soft narration of daily events, where a great group cohesion manifests itself, which will find its best confirmation in what I consider should be considered one of the group's (underrated) masterpieces, "Where Do You Think You're Going": one of those beautiful country western rides, where the simplicity and brilliance of the guitar solos highlight one of the climactic moments of Knopfler's career.
Dire Straits, of course, aside from having compositions characterized by that rhythm the blood-related duo David/Mark ingrained in the ears of loyal supporters, boast beautiful slow-songs of which "Communiqué" is a well-supplied basket, as "Portobello Belle" (a great soft semi-virtual walk through the London neighborhood), "Angel Of Mercy" (a pleasant dedication to his guardian angel) which debuted in live performances during the group's presentation, and a drowsy "Follow Me Home" give a decent contribution to making the album enjoyable.
The title track, on the other hand, moves halfway between a well-made rock song and a rhythm almost of agony that reaches its peak in an interminable and concluding solo which will delight the most uncompromising fans of Knopfler and company. Not to mention "Lady Writer" (incidentally, like "Sultans Of Swing," it opened the b-side of the now-defunct vinyl) would be unfair, running the risk of keeping hidden the track which, together with the mentioned "Where Do...." and "Once Upon...." represent (in my opinion) the triptych for which I would recommend purchasing the cd to any enthusiast of the early Dire Straits sounds. In a few words, "L.W." (dedicated to an enticing writer who appears on TV) is a track that moves over a seductive chord progression and a well-sustained rhythm that peeks into an unpredictable and slowed-down chorus: dizzying like the final solo and the video you can enjoy on the DVD "Sultans Of Swing The Very Best Of."
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Summary by Bot
This review highlights Dire Straits' second album, Communiqué, praising its blend of western atmospheres, excellent guitar solos, and band cohesion. Key tracks like 'Once Upon A Time In The West', 'Where Do You Think You're Going', and 'Lady Writer' stand out as essential listens. The album is presented as an underrated classic and a must-have for fans of early Dire Straits.
Other reviews
By Rudy Basilico
An album fresh, I think more listenable than its older sibling, with a Mark Knopfler less pop and more Dylan.
While anyone approaching Dire Straits will be charmed by the big hits, over the years ears will start to prefer the rougher and more essential Knopfler.
By AJM
"News, in the second position, already creates a delicate atmosphere that was unknown in the first album; Knopfler’s fingers touch the strings gently and the voice sometimes seems afraid to let itself be heard too much."
"Mark Knopfler winks at JJ Cale for the technique and Bob Dylan for the lyrics and creates a style that remains unique for now."
By Ocean
"Communiqué" is the polished copy of the previous one.
Professor Knopfler gives us not only magnificent music but also great lyrics.
By Knopfler76
"Even Pick Withers’ drumming is magical, clear, precise, a caress in the night."
"The guitar first saturates the colors, then expands their texture into a kaleidoscope of sensations that prick our skin, opening up its pores, never to close them again."
By Knopfler76
Is there anything more enticing than this album, on a winter evening, when 'News' starts?
The guitar first saturates the colors, then expands their texture into a kaleidoscope of sensations that prick our skin, revealing the pores, to never close them again.
