Mark Knopfler
The Ragpicker's Dream

THE REVIEW

I decided to review this album for two reasons. The first is that Knopfler is absolutely one of my favorite artists, the second arose after reading the latest review of "Shangri-La" on this site, which claimed that "The Ragpicker's Dream" would be a lackluster album... a thought I do not share at all... quite the contrary.
The RPD did the opposite of what "Sailing To Philadelphia" had done, that is, it grew over time with each listen.

"Way Aye Man" is a decidedly driving piece (in addition to having beautiful lyrics), vibrant, where Our one's Les Paul takes the lead (not for nothing, it would practically always open the Shangri La tour at the top of the setlist!). "Devil Baby" is very sweet... a song that, if we want, is “romantic,” simple, and delicate.
"Hill Farmer’s Blues" another great piece that starts slow and builds at the end with a continuous intertwining of electric and acoustic sounds as only our maestro can do.
"Quality Shoe" seems like a piece written for the reborn Notting like "Daddy’s Gone To Knoxville," both decidedly pleasant and very enjoyable.
Beautiful, however, is "Marbletown," where Mark gives a lesson in his well-known and superlative fingerpicking, he is the Maestro, and honestly, we had no doubts about it....
But let's get to the two "hidden" gems of the album. I call them hidden because, at first listen, they slip by, pleasantly yes, but they slip by... while in reality, they are the epitome of the new Knopfler that creates delicate melodies of enchanting beauty; the title track, in fact, is of moving beauty, try listening to it on one of those cold days preceding the Christmas holidays and then tell me...
It closes with "Old Pigweed," another soft gem but of adamantine beauty. Among the best ballads ever written by Knopfler solo... listen again... and again and again to believe.

I admit that I had mistakenly somewhat shelved it, especially at the beginning. Indeed, out of 12 songs, 8 remain well imprinted sweetly in one's memory. If we want, perhaps it is Knopfler's most melancholic album but certainly not the least beautiful for that reason!
P.S.: The cover and the entire booklet, in general, fully testify to the atmosphere that will be breathed when listening to this beautiful album.