Dire Straits
Money For Nothing

THE REVIEW

Any group that decided to title their greatest hits with what the Dire Straits chose for this album would surely have been branded with stupidity or incoherence to the nth degree. The Dire Straits, going against any rules, as well as common customs and conventions, released a compilation after a multi-million seller like "Brothers In Arms", giving it the title of the most popular track it contained, also reflected on the cover. Beyond the opportunity or not of the commercial choice that was made, right now the purchase of a greatest hits (considering the crazy prices to pay for a disc) remains one of the means with which to intelligently approach unfamiliar artists. This compilation almost chronologically traces the history of this band formed by a former high school teacher, Mark Knopfler, his brother David, then student in sociology/store clerk John Illsley, and the only professional musician named Pick Withers (formerly with the Primitives of Mal).

Pressing the play button, we go on to savor "Sultans Of Swing" (the first great success that took five whole months to make its way into the U.K. chart) and "Down To The Waterline", through which one notes that the sound does not conform at all to the punk trend of the moment, immediately pointing out what the bases and main influences of the quartet are: blues, country, and clear melodies.
Of "Portobello Belle", we are presented with a previously unreleased live version that recalls the Celtic atmosphere at the heart of the soundtracks written by the leader up to that moment ("Cal" and "Local Hero"). "Where Do You Think You're Going" (as the previous track from "Communiqué") seems to be born from a "friends jamming" session, without any sacrifice to sound quality. So far, we find ourselves in front of a "not famous" quartet, characterized by an anonymous singer with a voice similar to Dylan's, who had the audacity to fill with very personal solos songs that absorbed the teachings of J.J. Cale in the best possible way. In fact, the style of the group is essential, or rather, I would say sparse, with solid traditional rock blues foundations where the scene is certainly dominated by the back-and-forth dialogue between the voice and the guitar of the rising star (musically speaking....) Mark Knopfler.
In the second half of 1980, Dire Straits lost David Knopfler and reappeared to the general public with "Making Movies" from which we listen to: 1) what was the opening song "Tunnel Of Love" (at the time an eight-minute-plus single divided into two parts), long and articulated and perhaps also a forerunner of the musical rides to come; 2) "Romeo And Juliet" certainly simpler and characterized by a more elementary musical background, which reaches its "zenith" with the barehanded caressing of the magical "red Stratocaster" at the end. "Private Investigation" is the proof that besides Dobro and Fender (of various colors) there is also room for acoustic guitar and a rarefied atmosphere; "Telegraph Road" in live version (but inappropriately shortened) unfolds instrumental passages and a structure brilliantly designed to highlight the leader's guitar talent.

Meanwhile, Dire Straits recruited Californian guitarist Hal Lindes and Englishman Alan Clark on keyboards, while former Rockpile Terry Williams (called to replace Mr. Pick Withers) debuted with the group in the so "rockabilly" "Twisting By The Pool" present on this CD.
"Brothers In Arms" (an album that many need no introduction to) is the work in which Mark Knopfler strongly reaffirms his leadership - as if there had been any need for it - availing himself of a host of renowned collaborators (Tony Levin, Sting, and Eric Clapton to name a few) who have assisted him in "rendering eternal" the effervescent "Walk Of Life", the poignant title track, and the track that (perhaps) more than any other represents the new identity of the band and which deservingly titles this compilation.

For those who still have doubts about the convenience of purchasing it, I dare to suggest it, given the ease of availability on the used shelf or as a "special price", while for the usual detractors I hope they find the time to dwell on the following quote from a more famous compatriot of Mark Knopfler: The man that hath no music in himself, nor is not moved with concord of sweet sounds, is fit for treasons, stratagems, and spoils. The motions of his spirit are dull as night, and his affections dark as Erebus. Let no such man be trusted. Mark the music... (perhaps he was speaking of just this one).