From Mix Tape's record collection: Dire Straits- Brothers in Arms

The collection of songs sold big numbers at the time based on the popular song, “Money For Nothing.” That song was number one in America for a few weeks. It had a cameo by Sting, who had just officially left the Police. The lyrics get clunky. A guy complains about pop stars, then there's refrigerators and televisions and who's moving? The song was saved by the video which clarified the point of view. It sounds awkward today. 

The second big single was Walk of Life. It was less of a statement in sales, but one of their big songs. I think they use it at sporting events and video clip shows. The song is bouncy and it just about a troubadour in the subways. No political or timely statement, just a good song about a guy. 

Had it been that all we remember about album was those two songs, it would rank as a great 80s album. 

Spend time with the rest of the songs. The rest get just as interesting.

We start this album with So Far Away -a light rock jam. Then we go to the hits, but then we listen to a different album. Each song varies the genre and topic.

“Your Latest Trick” has a smooth jazz sax over a bluesy guitar jam. The next songs, are mellow jams that are easy to listen to at night while doing homework or writing blogs. These are long songs that you can spend time just sitting in the zone of the song. 

“One World” brings back the funk and fun. 

It ends with the quiet title song. 

I once heard this was a ‘must own CD’ not album or cassette. It should be heard on a quality stereo for all the nuance.  

Notice how I don’t mention “rock” after the first few songs, yet this is always ranked as a great rock album. It stretches the definition and shows what Mark Knoffler and this band could play. 

The album is available in most music sites. 

I don’t mention it it in Mix Tape’s collection of music, but an album this big should be in his stash. To read about Mix Tape and his love of music, check out the book, Mix Tapes and Stuff. The book is available at http://www.amazon.com/Mix-Tapes-Stuff-JJ-Lair-ebook/dp/B00KFTKCKE/