Memories or years gone by, so many iconic bass drops, double picked chords, smashed riffs, drum breaks, pianos crashes in one glorious tune let alone the "gargles with gravel" voice of Knopfler. Beautiful music played beautifully.
Having heard this hundreds of times, it’s only just struck me that the lyrics are a background to the music rather then the other way around. Utterly amazing, timeless and visionary. Love it.
So glad you are working through this album. Every song is a cinematic journey, as you point out -- with some humor thrown in at the end with "Industrial Disease."
I’ve been a fan of Dire Straits, and especially Mark Knopfler, since Sultans of Swing exploded onto the radio in ‘79. Everyone pushes their big production songs, but I really feel like a full DS experience needs to include their first classic album, “Dire Straits”. In my opinion it’s a masterpiece. I never get tired of hearing it, even 40 years later. It’s beautifully simple with just Mark’s lead guitar, David’s rhythm guitar, John’s bass, and Pick’s drums. Mark’s playing shines without fighting all the bigger production of the later albums ( especially his finger picking style). After the first album, “Making Movies” is the next to hear in it’s entirety. Then Mark’s solo work, like the “Local Hero” soundtrack, and his album with Chet Atkins, “Neck and Neck”, to start. Great stuff.
This song has the perfect feeling, instrumentation and atmosphere to match the song's story. It taught me a lot about how to appreciate things like this at a young age. Absolute perfection.
Though largely ignored, I thought it may have been their best. It reminds me of my mom. We wore this album out when it came out. There was so much great music we got to experienced together. She had wonderful taste in music, across all genres. I miss her. Good choice and reaction.
Love your intellectual approach to reviews of serious music. I hope you do the entire album. I remember the day way back when I brought it home from the record store. It was a happy day :-)
This song is definitely one of my favorite Dire Straits songs, definitely cinematic. The song really paints a picture. I enjoy listening to this entire album and I hope you continue on with the rest of the album. After the first two songs, 'Industrial Disease' is quite a change but just as good in its own way.
It’s probably not a coincidence that both Knopfler and the rhythm guitarist on this album, Hal Lindes, have gone on to acclaim in film and TV composing. This is a very cinematic track. And you must see the video of the Alchemy performance of Private Investigations. The folk responsible for the lighting and effects helped create a real piece of theatre on stage.
It's always interesting how Dire Straits puts the lead electric guitar in the background, thus making lots of empty space. I also like a part toward the end where the lead electric makes a cat wailing sound ( 6:48 ), similar to the synth cat in "The Waiting Room" by Genesis.
When this was a single, it came with an utterly hilarious B-side, well worth checking out. It's called "Badges, Posters, Stickers, T-Shirts," and it's about an eager and rather tedious fan rabbiting on to the band after a gig. A fast jazzy shuffle with some nice guitar work (natch) and Knopfler putting on a convincing Northern accent as the fan.
Interesting, I didn't know he was from there! Ok, that would explain how he could pull off a Northern accent (I grew up in Yorkshire and Manchester, so I was I tickled to hear him do that kind of accent which I'd never detected in his songs before, not that I was very knowledgable about their songs in general).
One of five masterpieces from their best album....a very theatrical song...Knopfler's vocal style fit the lyrics like a glove, the classical guitar gorgeous, Alan Clarke's piano sublime. Film noir is the perfect description...you can almost imagine this being played in a Bogart movie. Spectacular music.
Excellent, insightful review as ever. Knopfler expertly uses the instrumentation to build tension and create atmosphere. I'm always struck by the narration in the first half, describing the dark underbelly of life as a P.I and the contrast with that gorgeous finger-picked guitar. There may be some beauty in his world, but behind it, there's always treachery and treason. The middle section evokes the mood of a P.I. lurking in the shadows with the burst of electric guitar hinting at a discovery of some sordid secret, perhaps in dramatic fashion. I like the way too that they've dropped in some subtle sound affects like footsteps and a door or latch opening.
Telegraph Road and Private Investigations are my two favourite Dire Straits songs and they just so happen to be back to back. I love the mood of this song and Justin you're right, they show so much restraint with the arrangement and the track is all the better for it. I think it's genius.
One of the many artistic superlatives you can apply to Mark Knopfler is his ability to tell a story. He uses music married to lyrics, winding around themselves to create mood and storyline. It is a talent that he carries through all of his catalogue of work, whether Dire Straits, his collaborative works, the fim scores and his solo work now. Story teller, master musician, guitar wizard.
This has been my favorite Knofler song since it came out. I love the somber, almost brooding, Wagnerian mood, which I find most fitting because I do not think it is about a private detective at all. I think the title and lyrics are of a man in introspection of his own life, and he doesn’t much like what he is finding. He is privately investigating himself. Thanks for the review.
I'm a big fan of all the tracks on Love Over Gold, but this song has always stood out to me for reasons that I didn't really hear in the analysis or in the comments: The instrumental half of the song tells a story of a P.I. stalking a suspect, then a gun fight and chase, then stalk some more... SHOTGUN! More gun shots! And a final gun blast to finish it off. Then the fade out, for me, conjures a fade to black shot of the P.I. holding a gun out to the side with smoke rising off the barrel. I listened to this song many times and enjoyed the poem of the lyrics, the music, and the guitar playing, but it was the shotgun sound that made me start to listen to the song as if it's playing out a movie in sound. If you haven't followed the instrumental story in your head as you listen, you should give this song a fresh try and do that. It's a whole new song. A genius piece of composition, in my opinion.
Afternoon, Justin. Dave from The Smoke, who enjoys Watching The Detectives (on film and TV as well as the Elvis Costello song!). And I really, really enjoy listening to Private Investigations, my fave Dire Straits track, from their best album Love Over Gold. In your reaction, you've cracked the case, Justin. For me film noir means Raymond Chandler, and maybe the word for Mark Knopfler's PI is ennui: he's seen it all before and he's weary of it.
“Love Over Gold” was the very first CD I bought, after buying my hi-fi separates CD player back in 1985 - when CD players cost £300 (close to 2 weeks pay!) and each CD was £20! Still one of my favourite albums.
All their songs translate great live. More often than not way better than the studio versions... This song was my favorite from when I saw them.. the sound and lights and the smoke on the stage just set such a great feel for it.
It was the dame with the big baby blues that triple crossed him. She died in his arms. Just another sad tale of lust, treachery and murder from the black heart of the dark city. Pour me a double, Joe.
Like Pink Floyd did so well, there is a lot of space here in this music, and this gives every single details and each notes their importance. This sounded so weird from this band at that time but was so enjoyable. When music becomes sort of cinemascope movie
This is a phenomenal song. A first it seems so slow and simple, but underneath there's musical layers who can only be created through extremely high skills and years and years of practise. Pretty much what it takes to become the best private detective, I'd guess.
Great discussion, as usual. I'm a Dire Straits fan since ever, I have all the albums. You make a wonderfull analysis of the musics, one of the best I've seen arround here...congrats!
The live versions are also awesome, hearing how the performance evolves throughot the years. In my opinin, Wembley 1985 is the peak performance: already known and well rehearsed show, but it still retains the raw emotion of the original, multiplied.
Love the way you respect their artistry JP. Private Investigations is absolute class, the guitar playing just out of this world. When you get the chance please can you play a track called When I Go by Over The Rhine?
Only 2 tracks in and I am so looking forward to more. This one was all new to me... I went to a Brothers In Arms tour show and it was great. This as you say is shaping up to be an even more enjoyable journey.
This is such a brilliant album track, so restrained, so quiet, so powerful. What is truly incredible is that it was released as a single....and was a huge hit! Reached number 2 in the UK, despite its length and the fact it was completely undanceable 😁
Ooh my favorite Dire Straits song! Funny, I have that same smile on my face as I listen to the breathtaking guitar at the beginning. Incredible! ❤️❤️❤️❤️
Hey Justin ~ I enjoyed your reaction to this one. This is just another track that shows off the brilliance of Mark Knopfler and Dire Straits. His guitar playing is exquisite and the atmosphere is palpable. Those booming drums coming just to add to that atmosphere and not take away from it. Excellent piano work, and the production is totally on point. This entire album is one gem after another. As an aside, my favorite French film is a tragi/comedy/faux documentary called Man Bites Dog. If you haven't seen it yet, check it out. You'll love it.
Oh now you HAVE to finish the rest of the album!! A whole lot more keyboards, guitars, and brilliant song-writing/story-telling. My favourite DS album!
Hey Justin, I’m enjoying the walk through of this album. I have the album but never got into these tracks!! My first listen as well. I hope everyone is safe. Have a great day Justin.
Another brilliant track from Dire Straits... the very definition of cinematic. Absolutely correct on using restraint and apprehension to build up a track perfectly. next up: Industrial Disease! Great film recommendation: Blood Simple. Great film noir (modern version) by the Cohen Brothers... remarkable cast and cinematography. There's more than a few scenes that will blow you away.
I've only ever heard radio plays of this, I haven't got a recording of it in my collection. I've missed a lot of the detail. So the slow burn and the crashing chords are what I'm familiar with. Still sounds good though. Certainly worth Investigating!
Great song from a great album. The tense dark mood followed by a mellow guitar bringing some hope. But the lyrics immediately break that down. The the investigations starts and the results will brake the relationship.. You see the song as the live of a private investigator, I see someone hiring one.
You have just listened to a six-minute film noir. You can imagine Philip Marlowe prowling about, cigarette in hand. This sounds superb on vinyl. I hope you listen to Industrial Disease next. It's a light-hearted, cynical yet comical rocker. This is my favourite Straits album.
My favourite Dire Straits track. Very ASMR - shivers down the spine. And that walking beat of the bass and sudden stab of electric guitar in the instrumental at the end... magic. Do yourself a favour and watch some film noir... "The Maltese Falcon", "To Have and Have Not", "Rear Window", or a more modern re-boot of the genre like "LA Confidential". You won't regret it.
First listen for me too, very nice and creative. I love the Brothers In Arms album with similar haunting music from the title track, and the nicely melodic “Why Worry”.
A good review, as always. If you do see Maltese Falcon, THE Film-Noir Private Eye movie, keep in mind the value of money at the time, since it was taken for granted that the intended audience would. $50 a month was good pay for an ordinary guy, so when they start getting $100 bills as payment it means something it wouldn't now. Enjoy more of the Dire Straights, sounds by all means.
The great late Michael Nesmith called these type of songs "Movies of the Mind" as the songs have cinematic appeal that you picture in your mind as you listen. This reaction was kind of fun watching you try to anticipate what sounds were coming next.
I always took the instrumental crescendos and interplay as our hero finding clues and confrontations. The rest is just the tedium of the stakeout or the job in general. And the end’s “scarred for life, no compensation” refers to his client being killed, possibly in front of him (in one of the aforementioned crescendos?). Just a thought.
Really enjoy your takes on music I've loved since I was a kid. Another masterpiece from Love Over Gold. The classic guitar is just sublime, this is really the definition of a slow burn. Just amazing. 👍👍
Being in this field of work, the single was released the same year I started. It soon became my Anthem. The lyrics couldn't be more spot on. Great insightful review,
Hi Justin. FIRST time commenter. 58 year-old boomer here. Love this album. For film noir, I highly recommend Dark City. Seriously "noir" -- the entire film occurs in the shadows of night. I don't want to say anymore to spoil it for you. It's really a mix of film noir and science fiction. Lusciously beautiful cinematography.
*If you can, could you listen to Rain Dances by Camel* *It's the first album that has Richard Sinclair who I know you abdore* *And he fits perfectly with them*
As always, a thoughtful take on the theme as well as an appreciation of the music I don’t pay you (yet) so I won’t push for any of my faves to be reviewed I’m just hoping that a patreon somewhere is asking for Pirates by ELP 😁
Haha! I have recommended that song to Justin a few times in the past. I have faith that he'll eventually find time to squeeze it in. As you point out, his reactions are so thoughtful and artfully conveyed that I'd trust no other reaction channel to this particular song. Not to mention, that I feel quite confident he'd love it.
Justin, I think your Zoom unit must have a setting in it that is auto-levelling the volume. I have a more basic Zoom recorder for recording rehearsals and it can be set to a certain recording level (user defined) or auto. On songs like this and Telegraph Road, much of the impact of the dynamics of the songs are lost because the system is sucking out the louds and ramping up the softs. I know it’s probably less of a headache to have the system auto recording for you so you don’t get results that are clipping and distorted or too faint, but if you’re hearing what we’re hearing you’re not getting the best result. Also, I understand you might be needing or wanting to mute your mic during the songs, but given that you’re speaking to us at certain points could you maybe look at adding subtitles for those mid-song things that you’re deciding to talk about? Just some observations and suggestions.
I’ve always wondered about those comments, too. I have to give him props for wanting to keep the music ‘pure’ for his audience, but “ah ha!” moments are better when shared.
![Private investigations - Dire Straits 1985 Wembley, London LIVE pro-shot [AMAZING VERS] Reaction!](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/o-Un233MdZQ/mqdefault.jpg)
![Private investigations — Dire Straits 1985 Wembley, London LIVE pro-shot [AMAZING VERS] Reaction!](/img/tr.png)
![NISAMANEE - TADA (ท้าดา) [ OFFICIAL MV ]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/hcQHEPMmJpU/mqdefault.jpg)
This one is totally brimming with atmosphere! I love the big singular piano hits with the distorted guitar behind them near the end too.
Memories or years gone by, so many iconic bass drops, double picked chords, smashed riffs, drum breaks, pianos crashes in one glorious tune let alone the "gargles with gravel" voice of Knopfler. Beautiful music played beautifully.
Great reaction - this is a beautifully crafted song by Dire Straits.
Having heard this hundreds of times, it’s only just struck me that the lyrics are a background to the music rather then the other way around. Utterly amazing, timeless and visionary. Love it.
So glad you are working through this album. Every song is a cinematic journey, as you point out -- with some humor thrown in at the end with "Industrial Disease."
Love this album
Can’t wait ‘til “It Never Rains.” The guitar outro… yowza.
@@vinsgraphics you were just a rollercoaster memory
I’ve been a fan of Dire Straits, and especially Mark Knopfler, since Sultans of Swing exploded onto the radio in ‘79. Everyone pushes their big production songs, but I really feel like a full DS experience needs to include their first classic album, “Dire Straits”. In my opinion it’s a masterpiece. I never get tired of hearing it, even 40 years later. It’s beautifully simple with just Mark’s lead guitar, David’s rhythm guitar, John’s bass, and Pick’s drums. Mark’s playing shines without fighting all the bigger production of the later albums ( especially his finger picking style). After the first album, “Making Movies” is the next to hear in it’s entirety. Then Mark’s solo work, like the “Local Hero” soundtrack, and his album with Chet Atkins, “Neck and Neck”, to start. Great stuff.
Grew up with this album still love it today. John's bass guitar thump still gives me the chills.
This song has the perfect feeling, instrumentation and atmosphere to match the song's story. It taught me a lot about how to appreciate things like this at a young age. Absolute perfection.
Though largely ignored, I thought it may have been their best. It reminds me of my mom. We wore this album out when it came out. There was so much great music we got to experienced together. She had wonderful taste in music, across all genres. I miss her.
Good choice and reaction.
Love your intellectual approach to reviews of serious music. I hope you do the entire album. I remember the day way back when I brought it home from the record store. It was a happy day :-)
Ty David🙂
I was having a really bad day, but you seem so kind, happy and calm, it made me feel better, thank you
Ty Sam! Hope that your day has gotten better, and even if not; theres another chance tomorrow :)
I am so weak for Mark Knopfler and Dire Straits. Really fantastic songs they created
5:59 ..priceless reaction..got the same each time I ear that guitar slashing through my speakers
This song is definitely one of my favorite Dire Straits songs, definitely cinematic. The song really paints a picture. I enjoy listening to this entire album and I hope you continue on with the rest of the album. After the first two songs, 'Industrial Disease' is quite a change but just as good in its own way.
I love the Alchemy live version of this,absolutely stunning.
It’s probably not a coincidence that both Knopfler and the rhythm guitarist on this album, Hal Lindes, have gone on to acclaim in film and TV composing. This is a very cinematic track.
And you must see the video of the Alchemy performance of Private Investigations. The folk responsible for the lighting and effects helped create a real piece of theatre on stage.
It's always interesting how Dire Straits puts the lead electric guitar in the background, thus making lots of empty space. I also like a part toward the end where the lead electric makes a cat wailing sound ( 6:48 ), similar to the synth cat in "The Waiting Room" by Genesis.
When this was a single, it came with an utterly hilarious B-side, well worth checking out. It's called "Badges, Posters, Stickers, T-Shirts," and it's about an eager and rather tedious fan rabbiting on to the band after a gig. A fast jazzy shuffle with some nice guitar work (natch) and Knopfler putting on a convincing Northern accent as the fan.
I've got the 10" single... and that is an excellent track! I totally forgot about that one! Nice mention!
Yeah, 'Badges' is a brilliantly funny look at us fans and it has a great groove too. Definitely worth checking out.
Badges, Posters, Stickers, T-Shirts is also on the Twisting By The Pool EP. It's so different than any other DS tune too.
That accent sounds close to Lancashire, as far as the Newcastle based Knopfler is concerned that would be a southern accent!
Interesting, I didn't know he was from there! Ok, that would explain how he could pull off a Northern accent (I grew up in Yorkshire and Manchester, so I was I tickled to hear him do that kind of accent which I'd never detected in his songs before, not that I was very knowledgable about their songs in general).
One of five masterpieces from their best album....a very theatrical song...Knopfler's vocal style fit the lyrics like a glove, the classical guitar gorgeous, Alan Clarke's piano sublime. Film noir is the perfect description...you can almost imagine this being played in a Bogart movie. Spectacular music.
Yeah , this song, and even the studio version, gives more just about every time you listen to it,. My experience of 30 years of this song. :)
I don't recall this one. I really enjoyed it. Thanks for sharing your journey.
Excellent, insightful review as ever. Knopfler expertly uses the instrumentation to build tension and create atmosphere. I'm always struck by the narration in the first half, describing the dark underbelly of life as a P.I and the contrast with that gorgeous finger-picked guitar. There may be some beauty in his world, but behind it, there's always treachery and treason.
The middle section evokes the mood of a P.I. lurking in the shadows with the burst of electric guitar hinting at a discovery of some sordid secret, perhaps in dramatic fashion. I like the way too that they've dropped in some subtle sound affects like footsteps and a door or latch opening.
Perfect comment that absolutely captures the subtlety and mood of the song.
Telegraph Road and Private Investigations are my two favourite Dire Straits songs and they just so happen to be back to back. I love the mood of this song and Justin you're right, they show so much restraint with the arrangement and the track is all the better for it. I think it's genius.
Yet another terrific reaction video JP! Just brilliant my man!
I'm so happy you tried this beauty. Great job JP!
One of the many artistic superlatives you can apply to Mark Knopfler is his ability to tell a story. He uses music married to lyrics, winding around themselves to create mood and storyline. It is a talent that he carries through all of his catalogue of work, whether Dire Straits, his collaborative works, the fim scores and his solo work now. Story teller, master musician, guitar wizard.
thks for another insightful reaction....
BTW, have you done Friends Of Mr. Cairo (Jon & Vangelis).... a big slice of film noir !!
This has been my favorite Knofler song since it came out. I love the somber, almost brooding, Wagnerian mood, which I find most fitting because I do not think it is about a private detective at all. I think the title and lyrics are of a man in introspection of his own life, and he doesn’t much like what he is finding. He is privately investigating himself.
Thanks for the review.
I'm a big fan of all the tracks on Love Over Gold, but this song has always stood out to me for reasons that I didn't really hear in the analysis or in the comments: The instrumental half of the song tells a story of a P.I. stalking a suspect, then a gun fight and chase, then stalk some more... SHOTGUN! More gun shots! And a final gun blast to finish it off. Then the fade out, for me, conjures a fade to black shot of the P.I. holding a gun out to the side with smoke rising off the barrel.
I listened to this song many times and enjoyed the poem of the lyrics, the music, and the guitar playing, but it was the shotgun sound that made me start to listen to the song as if it's playing out a movie in sound. If you haven't followed the instrumental story in your head as you listen, you should give this song a fresh try and do that. It's a whole new song. A genius piece of composition, in my opinion.
Afternoon, Justin. Dave from The Smoke, who enjoys Watching The Detectives (on film and TV as well as the Elvis Costello song!). And I really, really enjoy listening to Private Investigations, my fave Dire Straits track, from their best album Love Over Gold. In your reaction, you've cracked the case, Justin. For me film noir means Raymond Chandler, and maybe the word for Mark Knopfler's PI is ennui: he's seen it all before and he's weary of it.
I see what you did there, Dave! Nice way to segue in another plug for 'Watching The Detectives'!
Yes! My favorite French word. Definite second to Elvis Costello's Watching the Detectives..."He can't be wounded cause he's got no heart..."
This song sounds great live. There's the Alchemy version, but my favourite is the 'On The Night' version, where they added a saxophone.
“Love Over Gold” was the very first CD I bought, after buying my hi-fi separates CD player back in 1985 - when CD players cost £300 (close to 2 weeks pay!) and each CD was £20! Still one of my favourite albums.
I remember buying the record then the CD in around 1986. I wish I'd kept the record now.
My first CD too.
This song sounds great on the stereo. Dire Straits production values are top notch. I love this song.
I loved this when it came out, I used to put it on the jukebox in the local pub every time I went in. Think I drove everyone mad!
Great review - this is a great track and so often forgotten.
Liking your visual reactions too, Justin. It shows how you appreciate the music.
One of my favorite albums of any act, along with their first album.
Watched them play this live, stunning!! The lighting was synchronised with the pulsing of the music. Brilliant!!😂😂🇬🇧
All their songs translate great live. More often than not way better than the studio versions... This song was my favorite from when I saw them.. the sound and lights and the smoke on the stage just set such a great feel for it.
That would be quite the experience!
It was the dame with the big baby blues that triple crossed him. She died in his arms. Just another sad tale of lust, treachery and murder from the black heart of the dark city. Pour me a double, Joe.
Great review, as always. The Maltese Falcon is exactly why you need to listen to The Friends of Mr Cairo by Jon & Vangelis. Trust me.
Yeah, please do this reaction. It's an artpiece. Unmatched (but long so prepare, yet you'd not regret a single second)
Like Pink Floyd did so well, there is a lot of space here in this music, and this gives every single details and each notes their importance. This sounded so weird from this band at that time but was so enjoyable. When music becomes sort of cinemascope movie
Your analysis was the most interesting and complete that I've heard. Subscribed.
this song never goes long enough for me .
Sublime and beautiful. Always was, always will be. Can you do a link to reactions you mention please? Saves me a second but all of us a lifetime! 😀
This is a phenomenal song. A first it seems so slow and simple, but underneath there's musical layers who can only be created through extremely high skills and years and years of practise. Pretty much what it takes to become the best private detective, I'd guess.
This is just so insanely fantastic. So experimental. Marimba, spoken word, Spanish kicks, acid guitar. Freaking Amazing!
Dire Straits are GENIUS... all the subtle nuances that fill pretty much every "corner" of this song... amazing!
Great discussion, as usual. I'm a Dire Straits fan since ever, I have all the albums. You make a wonderfull analysis of the musics, one of the best I've seen arround here...congrats!
Thank you so much Nuno!
This always makes me think of a very large enclosed space or dome, it seems to reach out to the furthest edges and come back.
The live versions are also awesome, hearing how the performance evolves throughot the years. In my opinin, Wembley 1985 is the peak performance: already known and well rehearsed show, but it still retains the raw emotion of the original, multiplied.
Love the way you respect their artistry JP. Private Investigations is absolute class, the guitar playing just out of this world. When you get the chance please can you play a track called When I Go by Over The Rhine?
I had the 10in extended version on vinyl, unfortunately I don't have it anymore, I think it was 8 or 9 minutes long which made it a great listen
great analysis, I subbed.. have a great day.
“a lesson in restraint” sums this song up perfectly
This is such a great track, masterfully created.
Thanks for this reaction, love this song & I still have all the original DS vinyl albums. Was lucky to see DS number of times 👍
Two master pieces, this song and telegraph road, I've lost count how many times I've heards this album and it never tires.
This album is head and shoulders above Brothers In Arms. Love Over Gold!!!
Only 2 tracks in and I am so looking forward to more. This one was all new to me... I went to a Brothers In Arms tour show and it was great. This as you say is shaping up to be an even more enjoyable journey.
An eloquent response to a true masterpiece. You put into words this brainstopper of a song that has been in my bones for decades.
Thanks so much Allan!
This is such a brilliant album track, so restrained, so quiet, so powerful.
What is truly incredible is that it was released as a single....and was a huge hit! Reached number 2 in the UK, despite its length and the fact it was completely undanceable 😁
You should listen to "Skate Away" by them. Such a great song with great lyrics.
Ooh my favorite Dire Straits song! Funny, I have that same smile on my face as I listen to the breathtaking guitar at the beginning. Incredible! ❤️❤️❤️❤️
Hey Justin ~ I enjoyed your reaction to this one. This is just another track that shows off the brilliance of Mark Knopfler and Dire Straits. His guitar playing is exquisite and the atmosphere is palpable. Those booming drums coming just to add to that atmosphere and not take away from it. Excellent piano work, and the production is totally on point. This entire album is one gem after another. As an aside, my favorite French film is a tragi/comedy/faux documentary called Man Bites Dog. If you haven't seen it yet, check it out. You'll love it.
Oh now you HAVE to finish the rest of the album!! A whole lot more keyboards, guitars, and brilliant song-writing/story-telling. My favourite DS album!
Hey Justin, I’m enjoying the walk through of this album. I have the album but never got into these tracks!! My first listen as well. I hope everyone is safe. Have a great day Justin.
Another brilliant track from Dire Straits... the very definition of cinematic. Absolutely correct on using restraint and apprehension to build up a track perfectly. next up: Industrial Disease!
Great film recommendation: Blood Simple. Great film noir (modern version) by the Cohen Brothers... remarkable cast and cinematography. There's more than a few scenes that will blow you away.
His film scores are pretty awesome as well.
This song is a masterclass in holding back and striking when appropriate.
Interesting moody choice love this song as a kid haven’t heard it in ages cannot wait to see your reaction love you
I've only ever heard radio plays of this, I haven't got a recording of it in my collection. I've missed a lot of the detail. So the slow burn and the crashing chords are what I'm familiar with. Still sounds good though. Certainly worth Investigating!
4K Downloader
Great song from a great album.
The tense dark mood followed by a mellow guitar bringing some hope. But the lyrics immediately break that down.
The the investigations starts and the results will brake the relationship..
You see the song as the live of a private investigator, I see someone hiring one.
This MY investigation, not a public inquiry. It is personal. It is his diary and upon reflection he doesn't like what he sees.
"Cinematic" that's the word. Could be the sound track to any of those old PI movies. Great critique.
Excellent reaction - great analysis.
Ty Mox!
Probably my most favorite Dire Straits number. Pure gem. Loved your reaction.
Ty Parthag!
Cinematic indeed. Telegraph Road has a ''How the West Was Won'' vibe; film noir perfectly describes this track.
More sheer brilliance from Mark and the gang. Superb.
This is a fantastic album. You will also enjoy Dire Straits' previous album, Making Movies.
You have just listened to a six-minute film noir. You can imagine Philip Marlowe prowling about, cigarette in hand. This sounds superb on vinyl. I hope you listen to Industrial Disease next. It's a light-hearted, cynical yet comical rocker. This is my favourite Straits album.
The two best film noirs to me are Double Indemnity and Touch of Evil
Monster track and even better live!
My favourite Dire Straits track. Very ASMR - shivers down the spine. And that walking beat of the bass and sudden stab of electric guitar in the instrumental at the end... magic. Do yourself a favour and watch some film noir... "The Maltese Falcon", "To Have and Have Not", "Rear Window", or a more modern re-boot of the genre like "LA Confidential". You won't regret it.
Also The Big Heat, The Big Sleep and, especially, Double Indemnity, possibly the greatest of all.
First listen for me too, very nice and creative. I love the Brothers In Arms album with similar haunting music from the title track, and the nicely melodic “Why Worry”.
Genius!!! Nothing else needs to be said🙏
A good review, as always.
If you do see Maltese Falcon, THE Film-Noir Private Eye movie, keep in mind the value of money at the time, since it was taken for granted that the intended audience would. $50 a month was good pay for an ordinary guy, so when they start getting $100 bills as payment it means something it wouldn't now. Enjoy more of the Dire Straights, sounds by all means.
That was very insightful and sharp of you to point out. Context made perfectly clear. Thank you!
The great late Michael Nesmith called these type of songs "Movies of the Mind" as the songs have cinematic appeal that you picture in your mind as you listen. This reaction was kind of fun watching you try to anticipate what sounds were coming next.
I always took the instrumental crescendos and interplay as our hero finding clues and confrontations. The rest is just the tedium of the stakeout or the job in general.
And the end’s “scarred for life, no compensation” refers to his client being killed, possibly in front of him (in one of the aforementioned crescendos?). Just a thought.
Ah so glad you got to Private Investigations, it's my favourite Dire Straight track, it is so atmospheric.
Really enjoy your takes on music I've loved since I was a kid. Another masterpiece from Love Over Gold. The classic guitar is just sublime, this is really the definition of a slow burn. Just amazing. 👍👍
Ty Goat! :D
Industrial Disease is a great humourous track, great lyrics and melody!
Being in this field of work, the single was released the same year I started. It soon became my Anthem. The lyrics couldn't be more spot on. Great insightful review,
For a set of LPs building up and accross, the group "sky", with instrumentals that tell stories, + presentations of great classics.
Hi Justin. FIRST time commenter. 58 year-old boomer here. Love this album. For film noir, I highly recommend Dark City. Seriously "noir" -- the entire film occurs in the shadows of night. I don't want to say anymore to spoil it for you. It's really a mix of film noir and science fiction. Lusciously beautiful cinematography.
Appreciate it Peter!
*If you can, could you listen to Rain Dances by Camel*
*It's the first album that has Richard Sinclair who I know you abdore*
*And he fits perfectly with them*
Opening track "First Light" is one of my absolute Camel favourites!
Surprised you didn’t mention the bass in this. The simple baseline creates a lot of suspense in this song.
As always, a thoughtful take on the theme as well as an appreciation of the music
I don’t pay you (yet) so I won’t push for any of my faves to be reviewed
I’m just hoping that a patreon somewhere is asking for Pirates by ELP 😁
I second that recommendation, I think it's their best piece, firing on all cylinders. Almost makes me want to become a pirate.
Haha! I have recommended that song to Justin a few times in the past. I have faith that he'll eventually find time to squeeze it in. As you point out, his reactions are so thoughtful and artfully conveyed that I'd trust no other reaction channel to this particular song. Not to mention, that I feel quite confident he'd love it.
I'll probably get to that one in the near future 🏴☠️
Another great version of this is Sydney live 1986
This album was recorded a while after Mark K had been in Spain. Picked up som vibes from spanish guitar music. :-)
Justin, I think your Zoom unit must have a setting in it that is auto-levelling the volume. I have a more basic Zoom recorder for recording rehearsals and it can be set to a certain recording level (user defined) or auto. On songs like this and Telegraph Road, much of the impact of the dynamics of the songs are lost because the system is sucking out the louds and ramping up the softs.
I know it’s probably less of a headache to have the system auto recording for you so you don’t get results that are clipping and distorted or too faint, but if you’re hearing what we’re hearing you’re not getting the best result.
Also, I understand you might be needing or wanting to mute your mic during the songs, but given that you’re speaking to us at certain points could you maybe look at adding subtitles for those mid-song things that you’re deciding to talk about?
Just some observations and suggestions.
I’ve always wondered about those comments, too. I have to give him props for wanting to keep the music ‘pure’ for his audience, but “ah ha!” moments are better when shared.
Absolute genius