Agree. My ultimate hero is McCartney, but Knopfler is a close second. Great, but underrated storyteller, obvious gun guitarist, and a voice that perfectly suits what he’s trying to say. Rate him and Paul above Dylan overall. Gilmore also up there.
@@Bluemusic66 Neil Finn (from Crowded House) and Billy Joel are right up there too. It's sad that modern stuff is written by teams of writers who need to tick the boxes for the almighty algorithm and any soul is lost.
“The piano and the guitar just dance together” what a brilliantly insightful comment. It’s often said that Mark makes his guitar sing and he just duets with it but you nailed the piano contribution on this one!.
“I’m gonna run every red light on memory Lane. I’ve seen desperation explode into pain. And I don’t wanna see that again.“ Incredible brilliant lyrics. This song is a masterpiece.🤘🏻🔥🔥
This is one of my all-time-favs, listened to it 40 years ago already and it's still sooooo good! 🥰 Not just the words, their whole music is so story-telling, so dynamic, so diverse! Other bands would produce a whole album out of what Mark puts in only ONE song! 💥 I never get tired to listen to that masterpiece🎸
This performance of Telegraph Road is an absolute masterpiece. It's an incredible song, but this live version is out of this world. I'm glad you enjoyed it as much as I do. I first heard Telegraph Road in about 1985. My dad decided to wake me up to it one Saturday morning, blasting it on vinyl. That was the day I fell in love with Mark Knopfler's style, and with Dire Straits. Thanks for a great reaction to an amazing song. Keep up the great work, and I hope you continue on your Dire Straits journey ♥
That's what happens when the best there is do a show. Its hard to believe this was filmed in 1983. I was at this gig, we didn't think they'd play Telegraph Road, as you say, its such a production. It was so complicated we didn't think they would do it, but they smashed it. There were times when we stood open mouthed. Alan Clark on the keys is a genius, amazing. To me its his song. Hal Lindes going through his rhythm guitar. John Illsley just danced through the whole show and played the bass! And Terry Williams played like that for the whole thing. All pulled together by Mark's talent. This was the last song before the encore (Solid Rock) and they'd been playing flat out for over two hours at the end of a long tour. It was a privilege to be there
Just watched a reaction to comfortably numb...... Great song, yet I think Gilmour is out on his own with that song...... Yet here the whole band is in the groove...... For me this smashes it out the park, and yes that's subjective. Sorry Dave. And how lucky to be at this show. I wasn't as I was 8 yrs old 😂. But I thank my Dad for introducing me to Mr Knopfler, absolute genius.
This is not yesteryear.......this is tomorrow and forever music. Mark Knopfler is a genius musician and writer. People think "Oh....what's this about?" It's about tones that will live in infamy. I turned 70 in October......but my heart is 18 and free. I'm not old.....I'm forever young because of music like this.
I'm enjoying your reactions, especially Dire Straits and Pink Floyd! You are so so good at this and I look forward to all of your reactions....keep up the good work Stacey!👍👍👍
I think Douglas Adams said it best when he wrote “Mark Knopfler has an extraordinary ability to make a Schecter Custom Stratocaster hoot and sing like angels on a Saturday night, exhausted from being good all week and needing a stiff drink.”
Back story to the song .... The Telegraph Road is a major north-south 70 mile thoroughfare in Michigan. Mark Knopfler was inspired to write this song while riding in the front of the tour bus, which made the journey down Telegraph Road. At the time, Knopfler was reading the novel The Growth Of the Soil by the Nobel Prize winning Norwegian author Knut Hamsun and he was inspired to put the 2 together and write a song about the beginning of the development along Telegraph Road and the changes over the ensuing decades. @Songfacts
@@grahamedney2432 Which is played in St James's on match days, weird thinking that what is Newcastle now was because the Romans in the 1st century, but was called Pons Aelius back then meaning Hadrians Bridge (the original bridge was where the swing bridge is now apparently).
I did know about it being played at Newcastles football ground, but the history on the Romans i will check out, its good learning new things, the wild theme is definitely being played at my funeral, absolutely love it, like most Dire straits fans, we love Telegragh rd, cheers Graham@@jeremysmith54565
Great reaction as usual! I find that element of joy in many Dire Straits songs. Whenever I feel a bit out of sorts I like to put on my headphones and let Mark take over. It usually works. BTW you're the first reactor I've seen mention his red shoes. I really want a pair of those!
Dire Straits is the band of my life, this Telegraph Road is a master piece, so epic the lyrics are awesome, so beautiful, like you Easy to fall in love ( both)
Congratulations on recieving your You Tube plaque for 100,000 subscribers. Its your genuine emotion that people love. The Alchamy tour filmed at Hammersmith Odeon was Dire Straits equivelant of Pink Floyds Pulse tour. Every song had that energy missing from the recorded version. Personally i'm surprised that "Private Investigations" has not been mentioned. The tempo switches and energy are fantastic. For a complete change of mood play Why Worry , Im not sure if it was written specifically for The Everly brothers but they certainly recorded it. Mark also produced an Album for Bob Dylan and his influence and sounds is obvious. Its incredible that music I was listening to 50+yrs ago is being so appreciated today. Keep reviewing !
How lucky are you to hear one of the best songs of all time, and one of the best live performances, for the first time. I've probably watched and listened to this 1000s of times and can never get bored of it.
It’s worth noting that Mark was searching from the beginning for perfection. You can hear the massive difference between their early songs (especially if you watch an old live performance) and these songs you’ve heard from the Alchemy concert. That drive killed the relationship between Mark and his younger brother David (who actually started the band with bass play John Illsley, and they recruited Mark and drummer Pick Withers). David left after recording his parts for the 3rd album and Mark got them re-recorded so nothing of David exists beyond the first two albums). Then Pick left after the fourth album and it appears to be through struggling with Mark’s personality in their own way recording process. What that means for you on this journey is that if you watch the performances post Alchemy, they don’t have quite the same vibe any more. Their 5th album was the mega stardom vehicle. Brothers In Arms was a juggernaut for a number of reasons, and their sales and concert tours broke various records and propelled them to the point that one music magazine declared them to be the biggest rock band of the 80s. But it was only Mark and John who remained of the original lineup, and Alan Clark who joined them on keyboards from the 3rd album onwards. The rest of the band were new recruits, session players who brought a more sophisticated sound and textures but it’s somehow soulless. The success was welcome but the fame was not, and you’ll find Mark the most haunted looking at those later shows. There’s little life left in him. It’s like he got what he wished for, but he should’ve been more careful. Not saying you shouldn’t check out those later performances, but since you love certain elements of these performances you’ve seen it’s worth noting that they’re sadly absent from later gigs.
Mark always surrounds himself with great musicians. You should check out his solo work, that band has been together and growing since 1996, far longer than any Dire Straits lineup was together. This is one of the best songs ever written, imho, written with Detroit in mind but a synopsis of American towns in general from a Geordie. Keep up the good reactions, peace.
Hi Stacey! I am 73 years old and loved the music you often review when it was new. I also saw many of these bands live and still have over 200 original LPs from the 60s and 70s. There are so many underappreciated bands and music that I'd love to introduce to you that I know you would enjoy tremendously. May I suggest a band called Wishbone Ash. They were known for having two lead guitarists, often playing the same notes in unison. Their Argus album has a song called "Throw Down the Sword" which features nice vocals, a lovely melody and some beautiful guitar work. I really appreciate your efforts to help keep rock n' roll alive. I'm sure the younger generations would enjoy it if given a chance. Thanks for what you are doing. It's very important!
I love this song!!! 😍 Whenever I listen to it, no matter whether my energy level is high or low this song takes it up a notch or two. I love the joy I feel also seeing, the band and the crowd having so much fun
I remember eagerly waiting for the album (Love Over Gold) which I then waited outside the record shop for in Leicester. It was September 1972 and I was 17. I bought it and raced home on my bike to put it on the record player before my parents got home. I was mesmorised by this track (the first on the album). It is still my favourite track of all time, I am 59 now and have listened to this more times than I can remember. Loved your reaction Stacey!
I first heard this back in the 80s as a soundtrack to surfing footage at Bells Beach. I was sold instantly. I knew it was Dire Straits but couldn't understand why i didn't know it as they were all over the radio at the time. When i introduce people to Dire Straits, this is the song i play them.
I'm thrilled that you did this one. I especially love that fancy run he did on the piano. I've seen 1 or 2 pianists use that technique and i'm not sure exactly how they do it because it's done so rapidly.
They are just nuts. I've been into these guys since i was 16/17 years old. That's 39 - 40 years ago.!!! Gotta say it never gets old of boring. Great reaction Stacy. 👍🔥🇬🇧🏴🇬🇧✌️😁❤️
Goosebumbs! One of my favourites of the Dire Straits! When I was a little boy, this song from the album 'Love Over Gold' was often played at home on record... 👍
Great reaction to the song of my life. Great music, superb story telling, very emotional, pure talent, music at it's best. Try "Tunnel of love" from the same concert, an emotional journey into Marks youth in Newcastle. Take care, greetings from Switzerland Linus
Even though Mark was clearly the center, Dire Straits was a great band at every position. I think this is one of his songs where you can it see leading to the future movie scores he would do.
It seems strange to me how many people out there are experiencing Dire Straits for the first time, I grew up with this band and never tire of hearing these performances, that's just showing my age. I love seeing your facial expressions when hearing these for the first time. ♡
I think that "Telegraph Road" is an example of how Dire Straits at times approach prog rock territory with some long, well-crafted and very dynamic songs. Great stuff off the excellent album "Love Over Gold". Thanks for checking out this band - it's always great to hear your thoughts!
Is not a mold for it. Artist who di their due from the 70's really knew how to craft a song. Telegraph Road is a rust town anthem, an observation of the plight of common people... He painted the picture well. I'd have to say I can't pick a favorite Dire Straits song... but either Romeo and Juliette or tunnel Of Love would be running for top.
Hi from the UK Stacey, glad you've found our Geordie boys! Love your reactions and if you want to go deeper down this hole, check out Romeo and Juliet or Love Over Gold
Telegraph Road is as close to a classical symphony as any other rock song ever written. It's a journey and the instruments tell the story, Pure genius.
Mark is a genius on the guitar, but his musical career did not stop there, it evolved even as a solo artist, making him a legendary musician and even the best for me. Greetings from the south of Spain, beautiful flower.
Love it!! Probably my favourite song from Dire Straits... also, one of the few times when I prefer the studio version... give it a go! 😊 Next stop... Private Investigations...
I saw them perform in Hobart, Tasmania, Australia way back now, some time in the late 80's I think. They started the concert with "Money for Nothing", a totally incredible band and the go-to band for us 17 year olds who listened to all their albums while travelling out to the bush to go kayaking on the weekends in winter time. We listened to them and to Alan Parson's Project or Jethro Tull. Mark wrote some film music as well and it is also very good, the sound track to the film "Local Hero" and Rob Reiner's "The Princes Bride" come to mind. He was always so soulful and could make a guitar express any emotion.
So many only talk about Mark's guitar, and as great as it is and as much as i love him, i love Alan Clark's playing just as much. No one else can play these piano parts like Alan. Mark has had great keyboard/piano players on this solo band, but especially for Telegraph Road, Tunnel Of Love, Private Investigations and Romeo And Juliet, no one can replace Alan for the piano parts. His phrasing and timing is so unique that it's an integral part of the Straits sound as much as Mark's guitar and voice for me. I can't tell you how many hours i spent trying to get all parts of this song right on the piano in the early 90's, especially that descending run at 08:18, and over 30 years later i still can't do it like Alan does...
The whole “Alchemy” concert was awesome and this song was a masterpiece. Alan on piano was awesome, Terry on drums was out of this world, John on bass was always dancing, Hal on guitar was a ray of sunshine and Mark is the greatest anyway - nothing more needs to be said. Be sure to check out Live Wembley “Tunnel of Love”, so great (and if you don't have to, don't block it so hard, it's such a great video) Thanks for your reactions
1:28 this has been one of my favourite songs for decades, it's so wonderful to see such enthusiasm so many years later...love your light touch approach 😊
The original band was just 4 guys. Brothers Mark and David Knopfler, and friends John Illsley and Pick Withers, formed Dire Straits in London in 1977. Their first album Dire Straits is well worth a listen. Have a listen to the Original Sultans of Swing from that album. Sets them up beautifully. Glad you have discovered them. Great reaction.
Great reaction! Your next Dire Straits dive has to be Tunnel of Love live from Wembley 1985. Mark wrote this about something that happened to him when he was a teenager. He would go to an amusement park, the Spanish City. One night he met a young woman, and they agreed to not exchange names and just hang out. He fell for her, but at the end of the evening, he let her walk away, and he could never find her again. The guitar solo at the end of the song is legendary and will break your heart, I guarantee.
No, thank youuu😁 DireStraits is an experience to be felt every time ✨🎸 Mark wanted the hole band to shine and be precise and unique every time like a Jazz band and you can feel it🔥🔥 love your reactions
This whole concert set the standard and this song along with Sultans Of Swing sung live just raised the bar for the complete performance on stage. I will forever be thankful that I was raised listening to Dire Straits.
One of our generations greatest singer-songwriters, a modern day minstrel. The lyrics & music swept along with Mark's smooth, brandy & gravel voice. TERRY killin' the skins again. ALAN smashing the black n whites
Thank you Stacey for your joyful heartfelt & fun reaction to one of the great tunes from a very unique group to come along . Obviously Mark is the centerpiece, but has a great complimentary band to carry the sound. As you said "..just wonderful..just pure magic.." . Thanks again!
Petty sure when I was at this concert (though not this night), you hadn't even been thought of and yet here you are, enjoying it as much as I did. Beautiful reaction from a very beautiful lady.
Awesome performance from one of the best song from Dire Straits. Keep on digging into Alchemy (live 83). The level of musicianship was so much higher in those years.
Mark alway had a lovely habit of turning round to face the band, enjoying playing with a group of really talented musicians. He did it back in the early Dire Straits days and right through to his final tour in 2019, then he remembers the audience and turns around again. No excess guitar gurning, sometimes he seems almost stationary but this intricate songwriting still just pours out. Having seen DS twice and Mark's solo tours multiple times his decision to stop touring now is understandable but his live shows will be very much missed, he was great from start to finish and always surrounded by supremely talented musicians.
It takes LOVE OVER GOLD and mind over matter to do what you do that you must, for the things you can hold can fall and be shattered or run through you fingers like dust. ❤
It's a frickin' masterpiece, you are praising the instruments rightfully, but don't forget the *lyrics* too. THAT is poetry. If you did not catch it, I recommend you to look it up.
Love your reactions because you've discovered 3 of my favourite bands. Pink Floyd, Queen and Dire Straits. You should react to Freddie Mercury and Montserrat Caballe with "Barcelona" it'll blow your mind, trust me. Much love from England 🏴
THE SULTANS OF SWING from their 1978 self-titled debut album is what made them world famous, but one underrated gem is from their Communique' album, ONCE UPON A TIME IN THE WEST, and I'll also suggest SINGLE-HANDED SAILOR from that same album (1979).
Romeo and Juliet, Tunnel of Love, Lady Writer, Private Investigations, Expresso Love, Once Upon A Time In The West, Walk of Life... You have a lot more to enjoy girl. All bangers, this band is EPIC!
Dire Straits Keyboard player, Alan Clark went on to play with Bob Dylan, Tina Turner, George Harrison, Phil Collins, and many others. He is one of the most underrated musicians in the history of rock.
One of their finest performances! For more, check out their performance of "Private Investigations" but from their concert in Nimes in 1992. They added a sax and it's beautiful! And yes, I totally agree with you - this song balanced guitar and piano so well and I love how they gave each those moments of space & pauses - great music does not have to be a constant wall of noise from start to finish. Damn I wish I got to see these guys live - I was just a couple years too young, smh
Another one of Mark's story songs, plus the amazing out solo. Love that line "And the birds up on the wires and the telegraph poles they can always fly away from this rain and this cold."
This song, whether live or on the studio album, is simply sublime. As always an epic story told with Marks amazing guitar. You should also try Private Investigations from the same album.
It sounds like the beginning, the rise and fall of life in America's Steel Belt. Times were good from WW2 through the 1950s, when the mills were going 24/7.
When you’re feeling like something smooth like warm brandy, I highly recommend “Fade to black” . It will make you feel like you’re in a smoky bar with the lights down low. 😊
I also love Mark Knofler voice. Probably, on technical terms is far away from being a very talented voice, but it is so warm, relaxing, relatable, pefect for telling a story like Mark does in his songs, I really love to hear him. .....and my recomendation, "Once upon a time in the west" Alchemy live version.
Mark is the storyteller and his guitar is the singer. Simply brilliant. Absolute masterpiece.
💯
Agreed 💯👍
Agree.
My ultimate hero is McCartney, but Knopfler is a close second. Great, but underrated storyteller, obvious gun guitarist, and a voice that perfectly suits what he’s trying to say. Rate him and Paul above Dylan overall. Gilmore also up there.
@@Bluemusic66 Neil Finn (from Crowded House) and Billy Joel are right up there too. It's sad that modern stuff is written by teams of writers who need to tick the boxes for the almighty algorithm and any soul is lost.
@@TheNotedHero there’s still great stuff out there. Just got to dig a bit deeper. Talent hasn’t diminished. Just more content to wade through.
“The piano and the guitar just dance together” what a brilliantly insightful comment. It’s often said that Mark makes his guitar sing and he just duets with it but you nailed the piano contribution on this one!.
"Romeo and Juliet" is another of their classics.
yes, with his inseparable “Dobro” guitar
Private investigation
And “Tunnel of Love” at Wembley
The version “On the Night”with the sax is my favourite Romeo and Juliet
@@samuelsmith6804That version sets the bar for all rock ballads. it's so moving
“I’m gonna run every red light on memory Lane. I’ve seen desperation explode into pain. And I don’t wanna see that again.“ Incredible brilliant lyrics. This song is a masterpiece.🤘🏻🔥🔥
Explode into flame
This is one of my all-time-favs, listened to it 40 years ago already and it's still sooooo good! 🥰 Not just the words, their whole music is so story-telling, so dynamic, so diverse! Other bands would produce a whole album out of what Mark puts in only ONE song! 💥
I never get tired to listen to that masterpiece🎸
This performance of Telegraph Road is an absolute masterpiece. It's an incredible song, but this live version is out of this world. I'm glad you enjoyed it as much as I do. I first heard Telegraph Road in about 1985. My dad decided to wake me up to it one Saturday morning, blasting it on vinyl. That was the day I fell in love with Mark Knopfler's style, and with Dire Straits. Thanks for a great reaction to an amazing song. Keep up the great work, and I hope you continue on your Dire Straits journey ♥
That's what happens when the best there is do a show.
Its hard to believe this was filmed in 1983.
I was at this gig, we didn't think they'd play Telegraph Road, as you say, its such a production.
It was so complicated we didn't think they would do it, but they smashed it.
There were times when we stood open mouthed.
Alan Clark on the keys is a genius, amazing. To me its his song.
Hal Lindes going through his rhythm guitar.
John Illsley just danced through the whole show and played the bass!
And Terry Williams played like that for the whole thing.
All pulled together by Mark's talent.
This was the last song before the encore (Solid Rock) and they'd been playing flat out for over two hours at the end of a long tour.
It was a privilege to be there
Lucky, lucky you!!!😊
Just watched a reaction to comfortably numb...... Great song, yet I think Gilmour is out on his own with that song...... Yet here the whole band is in the groove...... For me this smashes it out the park, and yes that's subjective. Sorry Dave. And how lucky to be at this show. I wasn't as I was 8 yrs old 😂. But I thank my Dad for introducing me to Mr Knopfler, absolute genius.
This is not yesteryear.......this is tomorrow and forever music. Mark Knopfler is a genius musician and writer. People think "Oh....what's this about?" It's about tones that will live in infamy. I turned 70 in October......but my heart is 18 and free. I'm not old.....I'm forever young because of music like this.
This, is simply a masterpiece.
Yup. One of the best songs all round. To me, Knopfler and McCartney are the best all rounders ever.
'Romeo and Juliet' and 'Private Investigations' live are also masterpieces.
I'm enjoying your reactions, especially Dire Straits and Pink Floyd! You are so so good at this and I look forward to all of your reactions....keep up the good work Stacey!👍👍👍
I think Douglas Adams said it best when he wrote “Mark Knopfler has an extraordinary ability to make a Schecter Custom Stratocaster hoot and sing like angels on a Saturday night, exhausted from being good all week and needing a stiff drink.”
Back story to the song ....
The Telegraph Road is a major north-south 70 mile thoroughfare in Michigan. Mark Knopfler was inspired to write this song while riding in the front of the tour bus, which made the journey down Telegraph Road. At the time, Knopfler was reading the novel The Growth Of the Soil by the Nobel Prize winning Norwegian author Knut Hamsun and he was inspired to put the 2 together and write a song about the beginning of the development along Telegraph Road and the changes over the ensuing decades.
@Songfacts
It's odd she didn't have a word to say about the story he's telling in the song.
Alan Clarke on piano is a great pianist and a perfect match for Dire Straits. He and Mark blend so well.
It is, without any doubt one of the most brilliant pieces of songwriting/storytelling of the last 40 years. Its a great track, a timeless classic.
I think it's one of the most brilliant pieces of songwriting/storytelling of all times. For me - a top 10 song of all time.
That was the encore to the 1983 concert at the Hammersmith Odeon in London. What a song to finish off the performance 🎭 epic
Apart from coming back on and finishing the concert with going home, always such a nice way to finish their concerts
@@grahamedney2432 Which is played in St James's on match days, weird thinking that what is Newcastle now was because the Romans in the 1st century, but was called Pons Aelius back then meaning Hadrians Bridge (the original bridge was where the swing bridge is now apparently).
I did know about it being played at Newcastles football ground, but the history on the Romans i will check out, its good learning new things, the wild theme is definitely being played at my funeral, absolutely love it, like most Dire straits fans, we love Telegragh rd, cheers Graham@@jeremysmith54565
Loved seeing your enjoyment of this. I’d suggest “Private Investigations” from the same concert, as a good next step with Dire Straits.
The "On the night" version is even better
@@StevenQ74 Not in my opinion but many might agree with you.
@@StevenQ74 totalmente de acuerdo. El nivel de perfección sonora de "On the night" esta un escalón mas arriba
I wonder if her cat will make an appearance and break a milk bottle on cue😮
Oh hell...we love your channel here in Sweden. Dire straits one of the best bands ever. Thank you Stacey! Cheers from a finn in Sweden.
Yes, Stacey, one of the finest songs in the Dire Straits catalog, Great attitude! Thanks for sharing.
Great reaction as usual! I find that element of joy in many Dire Straits songs. Whenever I feel a bit out of sorts I like to put on my headphones and let Mark take over. It usually works. BTW you're the first reactor I've seen mention his red shoes. I really want a pair of those!
Thank you for diving into more Dire Straits. Tunnel of Love live Wembley 85 is a must.😊
I saw this and clicked it open in a sec. I have been Dire Straits fan since 1980. Just love this so much!
Dire Straits is the band of my life, this Telegraph Road is a master piece, so epic the lyrics are awesome, so beautiful, like you
Easy to fall in love ( both)
Congratulations on recieving your You Tube plaque for 100,000 subscribers. Its your genuine emotion that people love. The Alchamy tour filmed at Hammersmith Odeon was Dire Straits equivelant of Pink Floyds Pulse tour. Every song had that energy missing from the recorded version. Personally i'm surprised that "Private Investigations" has not been mentioned. The tempo switches and energy are fantastic. For a complete change of mood play Why Worry , Im not sure if it was written specifically for The Everly brothers but they certainly recorded it. Mark also produced an Album for Bob Dylan and his influence and sounds is obvious. Its incredible that music I was listening to 50+yrs ago is being so appreciated today. Keep reviewing !
How lucky are you to hear one of the best songs of all time, and one of the best live performances, for the first time. I've probably watched and listened to this 1000s of times and can never get bored of it.
It’s worth noting that Mark was searching from the beginning for perfection. You can hear the massive difference between their early songs (especially if you watch an old live performance) and these songs you’ve heard from the Alchemy concert.
That drive killed the relationship between Mark and his younger brother David (who actually started the band with bass play John Illsley, and they recruited Mark and drummer Pick Withers). David left after recording his parts for the 3rd album and Mark got them re-recorded so nothing of David exists beyond the first two albums).
Then Pick left after the fourth album and it appears to be through struggling with Mark’s personality in their own way recording process.
What that means for you on this journey is that if you watch the performances post Alchemy, they don’t have quite the same vibe any more.
Their 5th album was the mega stardom vehicle. Brothers In Arms was a juggernaut for a number of reasons, and their sales and concert tours broke various records and propelled them to the point that one music magazine declared them to be the biggest rock band of the 80s.
But it was only Mark and John who remained of the original lineup, and Alan Clark who joined them on keyboards from the 3rd album onwards. The rest of the band were new recruits, session players who brought a more sophisticated sound and textures but it’s somehow soulless.
The success was welcome but the fame was not, and you’ll find Mark the most haunted looking at those later shows. There’s little life left in him. It’s like he got what he wished for, but he should’ve been more careful.
Not saying you shouldn’t check out those later performances, but since you love certain elements of these performances you’ve seen it’s worth noting that they’re sadly absent from later gigs.
Mark always surrounds himself with great musicians. You should check out his solo work, that band has been together and growing since 1996, far longer than any Dire Straits lineup was together. This is one of the best songs ever written, imho, written with Detroit in mind but a synopsis of American towns in general from a Geordie. Keep up the good reactions, peace.
His collaboration with Emmylou Harris is worth a listen.
@@NiallWardrop More than one. So impressed with the way her voice is used like an instrument in a few of the arrangements, especially Donkey Town.
At their prime here. You're on a roll Stacey!! Dire Srraits Alchemy - Once Upon A Time In The West.
Hi Stacey!
I am 73 years old and loved the music you often review when it was new. I also saw many of these bands live and still have over 200 original LPs from the 60s and 70s. There are so many underappreciated bands and music that I'd love to introduce to you that I know you would enjoy tremendously. May I suggest a band called Wishbone Ash. They were known for having two lead guitarists, often playing the same notes in unison. Their Argus album has a song called "Throw Down the Sword" which features nice vocals, a lovely melody and some beautiful guitar work. I really appreciate your efforts to help keep rock n' roll alive. I'm sure the younger generations would enjoy it if given a chance.
Thanks for what you are doing. It's very important!
Listen to the studio version for yourself. Gorgeous thunder rumbling in the background and the lyrics are so clear. Mark is such a poet.
Definitely. The idiots in the crowd who are whistling, clapping and shouting in the quiet parts ruin it.
I love this song!!! 😍 Whenever I listen to it, no matter whether my energy level is high or low this song takes it up a notch or two. I love the joy I feel also seeing, the band and the crowd having so much fun
MASTERPIECE !!!!!!! Magical Mark Knopfler and the amazing Dire Straits.
41 years ago they did this in one take! Can you imagine?
A magnificent live performance of one of the great songs of the entire decade. It's an absolute musical and story telling masterpiece.
I remember eagerly waiting for the album (Love Over Gold) which I then waited outside the record shop for in Leicester. It was September 1972 and I was 17. I bought it and raced home on my bike to put it on the record player before my parents got home. I was mesmorised by this track (the first on the album). It is still my favourite track of all time, I am 59 now and have listened to this more times than I can remember. Loved your reaction Stacey!
I first heard this back in the 80s as a soundtrack to surfing footage at Bells Beach. I was sold instantly. I knew it was Dire Straits but couldn't understand why i didn't know it as they were all over the radio at the time. When i introduce people to Dire Straits, this is the song i play them.
I'm thrilled that you did this one. I especially love that fancy run he did on the piano. I've seen 1 or 2 pianists use that technique and i'm not sure exactly how they do it because it's done so rapidly.
They are just nuts. I've been into these guys since i was 16/17 years old. That's 39 - 40 years ago.!!! Gotta say it never gets old of boring.
Great reaction Stacy. 👍🔥🇬🇧🏴🇬🇧✌️😁❤️
Goosebumbs! One of my favourites of the Dire Straits! When I was a little boy, this song from the album 'Love Over Gold' was often played at home on record... 👍
Great reaction to the song of my life. Great music, superb story telling, very emotional, pure talent, music at it's best.
Try "Tunnel of love" from the same concert, an emotional journey into Marks youth in Newcastle.
Take care, greetings from Switzerland
Linus
Even though Mark was clearly the center, Dire Straits was a great band at every position. I think this is one of his songs where you can it see leading to the future movie scores he would do.
It seems strange to me how many people out there are experiencing Dire Straits for the first time, I grew up with this band and never tire of hearing these performances, that's just showing my age.
I love seeing your facial expressions when hearing these for the first time. ♡
This epic performance by the legendary Dire Straits also makes the listener so happy that they wish it would continue forever. 🌺
I think that "Telegraph Road" is an example of how Dire Straits at times approach prog rock territory with some long, well-crafted and very dynamic songs. Great stuff off the excellent album "Love Over Gold". Thanks for checking out this band - it's always great to hear your thoughts!
Is not a mold for it. Artist who di their due from the 70's really knew how to craft a song. Telegraph Road is a rust town anthem, an observation of the plight of common people... He painted the picture well.
I'd have to say I can't pick a favorite Dire Straits song... but either Romeo and Juliette or tunnel Of Love would be running for top.
Hi from the UK Stacey, glad you've found our Geordie boys! Love your reactions and if you want to go deeper down this hole, check out Romeo and Juliet or Love Over Gold
Telegraph Road is as close to a classical symphony as any other rock song ever written. It's a journey and the instruments tell the story, Pure genius.
Mark is a genius on the guitar, but his musical career did not stop there, it evolved even as a solo artist, making him a legendary musician and even the best for me. Greetings from the south of Spain, beautiful flower.
Love it!! Probably my favourite song from Dire Straits... also, one of the few times when I prefer the studio version... give it a go! 😊
Next stop... Private Investigations...
I saw them perform in Hobart, Tasmania, Australia way back now, some time in the late 80's I think. They started the concert with "Money for Nothing", a totally incredible band and the go-to band for us 17 year olds who listened to all their albums while travelling out to the bush to go kayaking on the weekends in winter time. We listened to them and to Alan Parson's Project or Jethro Tull.
Mark wrote some film music as well and it is also very good, the sound track to the film "Local Hero" and Rob Reiner's "The Princes Bride" come to mind. He was always so soulful and could make a guitar express any emotion.
So many only talk about Mark's guitar, and as great as it is and as much as i love him, i love Alan Clark's playing just as much. No one else can play these piano parts like Alan. Mark has had great keyboard/piano players on this solo band, but especially for Telegraph Road, Tunnel Of Love, Private Investigations and Romeo And Juliet, no one can replace Alan for the piano parts. His phrasing and timing is so unique that it's an integral part of the Straits sound as much as Mark's guitar and voice for me.
I can't tell you how many hours i spent trying to get all parts of this song right on the piano in the early 90's, especially that descending run at 08:18, and over 30 years later i still can't do it like Alan does...
The whole “Alchemy” concert was awesome and this song was a masterpiece. Alan on piano was awesome, Terry on drums was out of this world, John on bass was always dancing, Hal on guitar was a ray of sunshine and Mark is the greatest anyway - nothing more needs to be said. Be sure to check out Live Wembley “Tunnel of Love”, so great (and if you don't have to, don't block it so hard, it's such a great video) Thanks for your reactions
1:28 this has been one of my favourite songs for decades, it's so wonderful to see such enthusiasm so many years later...love your light touch approach 😊
The original band was just 4 guys. Brothers Mark and David Knopfler, and friends John Illsley and Pick Withers, formed Dire Straits in London in 1977. Their first album Dire Straits is well worth a listen. Have a listen to the Original Sultans of Swing from that album. Sets them up beautifully. Glad you have discovered them. Great reaction.
I drive down telegraph almost everyday. Great song
Great reaction! Your next Dire Straits dive has to be Tunnel of Love live from Wembley 1985. Mark wrote this about something that happened to him when he was a teenager. He would go to an amusement park, the Spanish City. One night he met a young woman, and they agreed to not exchange names and just hang out. He fell for her, but at the end of the evening, he let her walk away, and he could never find her again. The guitar solo at the end of the song is legendary and will break your heart, I guarantee.
No, thank youuu😁 DireStraits is an experience to be felt every time ✨🎸 Mark wanted the hole band to shine and be precise and unique every time like a Jazz band and you can feel it🔥🔥 love your reactions
This whole concert set the standard and this song along with Sultans Of Swing sung live just raised the bar for the complete performance on stage. I will forever be thankful that I was raised listening to Dire Straits.
One of our generations greatest singer-songwriters, a modern day minstrel. The lyrics & music swept along with Mark's smooth, brandy & gravel voice.
TERRY killin' the skins again.
ALAN smashing the black n whites
Thank you Stacey for your joyful heartfelt & fun reaction to one of the great tunes from a very unique group to come along . Obviously Mark is the centerpiece, but has a great complimentary band to carry the sound. As you said "..just wonderful..just pure magic.." .
Thanks again!
No one will ever convince me that there is something more beautiful in music than this
Petty sure when I was at this concert (though not this night), you hadn't even been thought of and yet here you are, enjoying it as much as I did. Beautiful reaction from a very beautiful lady.
So that's what joy sounds like.
I like to call it 12 minutes of pure bliss....
First moment to last this song in all its versions is the epicest musical storytelling where music and voices and lyrics all are one.
Iove your reactions ; your face is so responsive to this classic performance. Cheers !
Storytelling at its finest👌🏼
Next “Private Investigation”.
Agreed, excellent storytelling. I was surprised she didn't make one comment about the story in her entire video. The lyrics aren't hard to understand.
The live "On the Night" version in France is a phenomenal version!
Awesome performance from one of the best song from Dire Straits. Keep on digging into Alchemy (live 83).
The level of musicianship was so much higher in those years.
Mark alway had a lovely habit of turning round to face the band, enjoying playing with a group of really talented musicians. He did it back in the early Dire Straits days and right through to his final tour in 2019, then he remembers the audience and turns around again. No excess guitar gurning, sometimes he seems almost stationary but this intricate songwriting still just pours out. Having seen DS twice and Mark's solo tours multiple times his decision to stop touring now is understandable but his live shows will be very much missed, he was great from start to finish and always surrounded by supremely talented musicians.
N0w that's what you call music one of the very best performances ever
This song goes from history lesson on industrialization to chaos to utter freedom. ❤
Un capolavoro di canzone, l'assolo finale è uno dei migliori di sempre!!!
It takes LOVE OVER GOLD and mind over matter to do what you do that you must, for the things you can hold can fall and be shattered or run through you fingers like dust. ❤
This song is right up there with Shine On You Crazy Diamond by Pink Floyd...both absolute masterpieces.
It's a frickin' masterpiece, you are praising the instruments rightfully, but don't forget the *lyrics* too. THAT is poetry. If you did not catch it, I recommend you to look it up.
Love Dire Straits! Grew up with their music.. thanks dad ❤ keep going girl rock music is really something else!
Love your reactions because you've discovered 3 of my favourite bands. Pink Floyd, Queen and Dire Straits. You should react to Freddie Mercury and Montserrat Caballe with "Barcelona" it'll blow your mind, trust me. Much love from England 🏴
Mark,s guitar play gives me goosebumps
THE SULTANS OF SWING from their 1978 self-titled debut album is what made them world famous, but one underrated gem is from their Communique' album, ONCE UPON A TIME IN THE WEST, and I'll also suggest SINGLE-HANDED SAILOR from that same album (1979).
Another masterpiece given to the world by the people of the UK ........ your welcome
We do have some talent don’t we!
Such a classic by this amazing band.
Telegraph is one of my favourite songs ever, it makes me think of happy times
So lucky to see them live. What a great show.
Bonjour Stacey❤❤❤ , my god i love this song ,She is magnificent !!! thanks thanks thanks ,i'm So happy !!long live Dire Straits 😍
Romeo and Juliet, Tunnel of Love, Lady Writer, Private Investigations, Expresso Love, Once Upon A Time In The West, Walk of Life... You have a lot more to enjoy girl. All bangers, this band is EPIC!
one of the great outros in rock history
The studio version of this song is simply the best
Tunnel of love live is a must
You’ve found one of the great musicians of our time! Need to play more. He has a large catalog and they are all excellent
Alan Clark on keys, John Illsey on bass, Terry Williams on drums.
And don’t forget Hal Lindes on rhythm guitar.
Dire Straits Keyboard player, Alan Clark went on to play with Bob Dylan, Tina Turner, George Harrison, Phil Collins, and many others. He is one of the most underrated musicians in the history of rock.
Well said, my father taught him! Not music but at secondary school, lovely man too. x
@Andyjzr That's fantastic Andy. Great to hear he's a nice guy too!
Simply a masterpiece.
My favorite Dire Straits song! Great reaction! Thank you.
One of their finest performances! For more, check out their performance of "Private Investigations" but from their concert in Nimes in 1992. They added a sax and it's beautiful! And yes, I totally agree with you - this song balanced guitar and piano so well and I love how they gave each those moments of space & pauses - great music does not have to be a constant wall of noise from start to finish. Damn I wish I got to see these guys live - I was just a couple years too young, smh
Another one of Mark's story songs, plus the amazing out solo. Love that line "And the birds up on the wires and the telegraph poles they can always fly away from this rain and this cold."
This song, whether live or on the studio album, is simply sublime. As always an epic story told with Marks amazing guitar. You should also try Private Investigations from the same album.
Thanks for you special and emotional reaction, dear Stacey.
It sounds like the beginning, the rise and fall of life in America's Steel Belt. Times were good from WW2 through the 1950s, when the mills were going 24/7.
Mark is the best guitarist in the wolrd since 1977 !
When you’re feeling like something smooth like warm brandy, I highly recommend “Fade to black” . It will make you feel like you’re in a smoky bar with the lights down low. 😊
I also love Mark Knofler voice. Probably, on technical terms is far away from being a very talented voice, but it is so warm, relaxing, relatable, pefect for telling a story like Mark does in his songs, I really love to hear him. .....and my recomendation, "Once upon a time in the west" Alchemy live version.
It's my hero and master of music in history of pop/rock music Mark Knopfler!
Same here mate