2007-10-24
Leaving aside the sonic bombast and tongue in check songs that marked his work with Dire Straits, Mark Knopfler has crafted a disc of quiet charm and reflection. With the exception of the sinister sounding, quasi-rocking, "Punish the Monkey" the songs on this disc move by at an unhurried pace allowing you to focus on the lyrics about everything from the dreaded 6th grade dance, "Secondary Waltz", to an introspective ode about finding a mate, "True Love Will Never Fade", to a wistful look at getting old, "Heart Full of Hole" and a bittersweet lament about giving up dreams, "Let it all go". Throughout, Knopfler’s elegant guitar work fits alongside all manner of woodwinds, percussion and strings to create the sort of rich sonic pallet that has led to his many successful movie soundtracks. Like J.J. Cale, Knopfler can hit pretty hard even while keeping things spare and quiet. SmittyGUSTER
Ganging up on the Sun
THE ICICLES
Arrivals & Departures
IAN HUNTER AND THE RANT BAND
WHEN I'M PRESIDENT
THE HONEYDOGS
What Comes After
ECHO HELSTROM
The Veil
BEN HARPER AND THE RELENTLESS SEVEN
Live From the Montreal International Jazz Festival
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