Dire Straits - Sultans of Swing: The Very Best of Dire Straits

This compilation repeats seven tracks from 1988's Money For Nothing anthology. Given that Mark Knopfler and crew have recorded one new album during the decade between best-of collections, how different could Sultans of Swing be? For one thing, CD dominance has made for longer compilations, and this one is fleshed out by singles, three tracks from 1991's On Every Street, and Knopfler's solo "Local Hero" theme, performed live. More importantly, the second track here is the band's terrific second single, "Lady Writer," previously only available on the otherwise dismal Communiqué LP. Five tracks from Dire Straits' huge Brothers in Arms LP appear here, but only two tracks surface from Making Movies, the group's pinnacle achievement. Ultimately, if you own Making Movies and this compilation, you own the essential Dire Straits. --Bill Holdship Amazon.com

Sultans of Swing: The Very Best of Dire Straits

Sultans of Swing: The Very Best of Dire Straits is a good compilation of a great rock band. Mark Knopfler is a great guitarist, lyricist and a gruff but alright vocalist. Robert Sandall has written a well-written and informative short synopsis/bio about the band. The cover is ok but a bit boring. The photographs are all very nice and well done especially the one shot of Knopfler as it captures his intensity as he plays his guitar. I definitely recommend this album. 4 stars indeed! September 24, 2008

Dissapointing Selection

Like a previous reviewer I am a huge DS/MK fan, have been since the early 80's. Out of the 3 dire straits/mark knopfler compilations this is probably the best one. However, quite a few early tracks have been missed out on all of these compilations. Wild West End & Down To The Waterline from the first album and Where Do You Think You're Going and News from the 2nd just to name 2. Industrial Disease from the Love Over Gold Album.
I hope one day they can get it right and release a best of remastered with these tracks included, perhaps leave a few of the latter ones off and throw in some B-Sides/Unreleased tracks on a bonus CD. And oh yes as someone else said, the original full length versions also please. September 9, 2008

A must for every Dire Strait Fan

A couple of years ago, my car got stolen and all my cassettes were gone, including all my Dire Straits cassettes. Instead of replacing all of my collection, this is next best thing. The selection of Dire Strait's greatest hit could not be better, except for a couple of songs. This is a must for any die hard Dire Strait fan. I am going to purchase Alchemy Live next.

Regards,

Marino September 4, 2008

MONEY FOR NOTHING

MONEY FOR NOTHING = NEUTERED!!! It's about half of its original length and drastically edited. The awesome build-up at the beginning is gone. Get the original 'Brothers In Arms' album if you want 'Money For Nothing'. The CD as a whole is good though. I had to give it 3 stars though because the most famous track was stepped on. July 23, 2008

good, but buy the first album instead for a better introduction

This is a good collection of the bands biggest hits, but I simply LOVE the mellow, moody atmosphere and guitar playing on the very first Dire Straits album. I recommend you buy THAT album before this one. You'll thank me, I guarantee it!! Talk about an album you'll want to play on a hot summer night! I truly believe if you like the song "Sultans of Swing" you will love the rest of the songs on the debut. The rest of the album maintains the same kind of vibe. The high quality of the songwriting mixed with a great rhythm section is another highlight. Just... awesome! Skip this Very Best Of collection.
April 21, 2008

More reviews at Amazon.com ...