You have probably heard some songs of the band Dire Straits. Since the formation of the band, in 1977, they have had a lot of popular songs which have sounded once and again all over the world.
Formed initially by former journalist and teacher Mark Knopfler (lead vocals and lead guitar), his younger brother David Knopfler (rhythm guitar and backing vocals), John Illsley (bass guitar and backing vocals), and Pick Withers (drums and percussion), this British band´s career spread for over 15 years, having split up in 1988 temporarily and in 1995 definitely (after having joined again four years before).
The band´s sound evolved from the influence of punk rock in their early years to the prominence of the "rootsy" rock of their last albums. In fact, many of Dire Straits´ compositions are melancholic. Among their best-selling albums, we can mention Dire Straits (1978); Communiqué (1979); Making Movies (1980) or Brothers in Arms (1985).
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| The cover of the album Brothers in Arms |
Dire Straits have sold over 120 million albums worldwide and have won many music awards during their career, including four Grammy Awards. In 1995, Mark Knopfler began his career as a solo artist, having released seven albums since then, including Golden Heart, Get Lucky or Privateering.
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| Mark Knopfler began his career as a solo artist in 1995 |
As we always do, we show you some of their most popular songs. Hope you enjoy them. And you know, you can ask us for your favourite songs, if they haven´t been included.
Now!! This is it! Now we're speaking the same language? This is REAL music!When Dire Straits appeared for the firs time, punk rock was in, but they don't really come from it. On the contrary, they were a rarity at the time, drinking from basic root rock or the influential JJ Cale's laid-back style. Great post, Manuel! You're a fantastic blogger!
ReplyDeleteHello, Carlos. You get it. Manuel includes Dire Straits in his blog. If you are interested, the weight of my actual cat is eigth kg. and his legs have cutting nails... but it is no black!.
ReplyDeleteÓscar, is that a cat or...a tiger?
ReplyDeleteHi! I have to say that Mark Knopfler is one of the best guitar players at the moment. He has a nice technique and speed playing the guitar, most of the guitar solos are improvised.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you, Diego. Mark Knopfler is really great. Are there any other guitar players you like? It would be fantastic that you tell us the names of your favourite ones.
ReplyDeleteOh! My cat!!! Read it: Oh, my God!
ReplyDeleteHi again, I'll tell you some nice guitar players, the things I love when I listen to a guitar player are: their technique, speed, accurate, and ofc the feeling. My favourite guitar players are: Yngwie Malmsteen (he is like a Baroque guitar player and his sweep picking is awesome), Steve Vai (pure virtuosity, you should listen "For the Love of God"), Jason Becker (I don't know how many guitar players can play Stravinski but I can assure you... Not so many), Joe Satriani (He has a great song called "Surfing With The Allien", You will know why the people call him "The Allien"... hahaha), John Petrucci (His guitar solos are so amazing!!)and well I'm sure that I'm forgetting lots of them, but I don't want to spend all the night writing names, time to rest. See you.
ReplyDeleteDiego, I have to recognise that you have left me speechless. It´s amazing how many things you know about guitar players! If you had time, you could even publish a post about them in this blog. I bet it would be very interesting. Thank you so much for sharing it with us!
ReplyDeleteI´ll try to listen to them soon. Rest well!
Manuel, you must admit, MY students are incredible, sorry I mean, OUR students!!!!
ReplyDelete