Whether he is singing or playing guitar, there is just no mistaking Mark Knopfler for anyone else. Great band, great song. "Telegraph Road" is a fine choice for your next Dire Straits song.
"Telegraph Road" is otherworldly in the storytelling genre. I really hold "Romeo and Juliet" up high in his/the bands discography of which I have at least 20 of those songs in my main playlist of about 750 songs.
Telegraph Road is an epic. Another of my favorites is Skateaway. With them there are too many great ones to chose from. Felt lucky to have seen them live back in the late 80s.
@@MrQqqaaa I understand where you’re coming from but for me at least, from the 2 minute mark and on it’s a straight banger and 12 minutes of brilliance. But I wouldn’t be opposed to them checking out some shorter bangers first like “Romeo and Juliet” or “Six blade knife”.
I know folks are clamouring for Telegraph Road, but I'll pitch for Romeo and Juliet, which is a beautiful take on star-crossed lovers, and one of my faves from Brothers at Arms, which is Your Latest Trick (sax solo!) Lots of good stuff from these guys, have fun!
This song is an homage to some of Mark Knopfler's favorite places growing up in Newcastle. The Spanish City is an amusement park, Cullercoats and Whitley Bay are waterfront area close to there. A lot of references in the song are actually very specific, for example Ghost Train was a ride at the Spanish City fairgrounds back in the day.
I went to school in Tynemouth, was there when this song came out. Spent many hours in the Spanish City and Cullercoats and Whitley Bay, walked away many times along there.
@@badtothebone9426 I Iived in Whitley Bay from 1969-1970. There was something magical about the Spanish City. No need to go on any rides, just absorbed the sights and sounds .
So many allusions in this song that are lost on younger listeners (through no fault of your own)...such as the opening tune, which is an excerpt from the overture to the Broadway/Hollywood musical "Carousel," played in the style of an old carousel organ. The entire song is filled with references to the sights and sounds of seaside amusement parks and the attractions found there.
Yes! And one of those attractions was the girl he was lamenting (maybe) allowing her to "walk away" on that summer day. And now he's reminiscing about that time in his life. At the end the instrumental, I think, is kinda of represents his melancholy feeling as he remembers and then it builds back up, into the present.
@@allanjuhl9574 - Agreed. From the point where they bring the song down, he’s reminiscing. The guitar work is a little more intense than the initial solo, as if his memories are stronger than how it really was, if that makes any sense.
@@Vibemaker68 The Spanish city building is still there in Whitley Bay and has been renovated in the last few years. Not too far away from me in the North East of England.
I Don't know about that, when they announced that they were coming to Australia they sold out Sydney dates of 14 days within a week and had to put on another 4 shows to cover demand. They could not do anymore than that as they were due to go to Melb and Brisbane following the Sydney shows.
@@gbsailing9436 Well, you can tell how underrated and underappreciated they are by reading through the comments of various reaction channels where hardly a request is made for any of their songs other than within the reaction video of a Dire Straits song.
@@rxlxviii Ok let me state it this way...underrated by the audience of "this day and age", maybe! Certainly not underrated by the audience of my era. I'm assuming (and we all know the folly of assumptions), that A&A typically have a predominantly younger audience, although it must be said that there are many older subscribers on here that are able to advise them on their choices because of their older age and experience. An example of this youthful bias affecting their channel was A&A's first choice of song when reacting to Supertramp. Was it "Logical Song" or "goodbye Stranger", either way it was a huge bum steer as a starter for such a group like Supertramp. My point here is that much of their audience is younger and more influential in their decisions. So you probably are correct when considering "that" audience and not the older more widely experienced audience that also frequents this channel. ✌
@@gbsailing9436 Yeah, most of the younger generation only knows songs that are used commercially or heard in tv shows or movies. And most of their parents really don't know the good songs....only the ones that got a lot of radio play. When I was a teen in the 80s, hardly any of my friends knew any classic rock songs. They all listened to that new wave and teeny bopping music.
Whilst I think your vote for R&J is rock solid - such a iconic song - so good in fact, many, MANY bands have covered it (which has given me such pleasure to listen to them all), but I think A&A should steer themselves towards, "Skateaway", another song which I love to put on when I'm driving long distances.
@@gbsailing9436 Maybe, if A&A have heard R&J by a different artist already it wont have the same impact, but as you admit it is a solid choice. Skateaway is a great track though, I'd be happy with any they choose just putting my choice forward. Each to their own mate :)
I loved it when a songwriter trusted their audience enough to settle in for a long song with a long story and know they'd still be there listening at the end. I miss this kind of intricate and mature song writing.
Mark Knopfler’s guitar sound is so recognizable and their production does often create that sound of “space” that Alex referred to. It’s very cool. Knopfler writes about what he knows…he finds inspiration from growing up in Newcastle-on-Tyne, a city on the far northeast coast of England, where the River Tyne meets the sea. In the summer, there was a beach called Rockaway, where they had roller coasters, Ferris wheel,…all kinds of rides, you could ride ponies, they had live music…and of course a Tunnel of Love. The Spanish City was a huge, ornate place where they had bands, dances etc. So this song is full of references to Marks childhood and a place where he spent many happy times. Brian Johnson, in his series On The Road, has an episode with Knopfler, and they meet in front of the Spanish City. They are both Newcastle’s lads.
My favourite Dire Straits song. It means a lot to me as I was born and brought up near the north east coast of England and spent many a happy summer's day by the sea "from Cullercoats to Whitley Bay" and in the Spanish City fairground and amusement park. No nice young lady ever gave me a locket, though :(
Love Dire Straits & had their records. They are a great British rock band from the 70's-90's. Mark Knopfler is one of the best guitarists around. They have had so many hits including "Sultans Of Swing", "Romeo & Juliet", "Private Investigations", "Twisting By The Pool", "Money For Nothing", "Walk Of Life", "Telegraph Road", "So Far Away", "Brothers In Arms" etc. They don't have a bad song.
That’s Roy Bittan (Springsteen’s E Street Band) on organ and piano here. The opening instrumental organ part is a part of the “Carousel Waltz” from the 1945 Rodgers & Hammerstein musical “Carousel”.
The masterpiece is Telegraph Road. It’s essential listening, and whilst the live version is great, it needs the studio version from Love Over Gold to truly appreciate it. Absolute must listen: Telegraph Road off the studio album Love Over Gold. It’s Mark Knopfler’s magnum opus.
Man, the 'dart throwing rather than darts hitting' analysis from Alex is why we come to watch. Both of you consistently throw off these nail-on-head observations with ease.
Most of the Making Movies album is brilliant, and Tunnel of Love is a great song, definitely an S guys but can understand you A+. By far Dire Straits' best album. Well done guys. Really enjoy that you listen to the entire song and don't stop it every 60 seconds to comment like other reactors. Love the respect you pay to the music. Romeo & Juliet and Telegraph Road both great songs as well, won't go wrong listening to them. Keep up the great work.
@@stirbjoernwesterhever6223 You are wrong of course but at least I know you put some thought into your choice, too many simply say Brothers In Arms. :-)
@@stirbjoernwesterhever6223 It definitely contains one of the greatest masterpieces of guitar work, "Private investigations"...fantastic song and depressing to boot.
I bought this album the week it came out and fell in love with it immediately. It so intimate and personal....truly Mark Knopfler is a gifted story teller and a brilliant guitarist. The song Romeo and Juliet was my favourite off this short album. Over 40 yrs ago now and I still remember the magic that leapt off the vinyl the first time I heard it. Thanks guys, for transporting me back to 1980, even if for only a few minutes.
Mark is one of the most underrated guitarists and songwriter ever. The guy is an absolute genius. Telegraph Road whether studio or Alchemy live is an absolute must. Great reaction guys.
Love it. The way Mark Knofler can express emotions in his lyricism, singing and playing is unique and brilliant. I agree with Alex that you get a real intimacy from this and many of his songs. There's a fragility and vulnerability to the way he sings and plays. Hand in Hand and Romeo and Juliet are two other good examples of that.
You can't forget the song "Brothers In Arms" from the album of the same name. It will give you chills. Another of my favorites is "Wild West End" off the first album. Both are excellent!
They reacted to "Brothers in Arms" a long time ago - I think not long after they reacted to the studio version of "Sultans of Swing." They didn't really get it, and thought the emotion in the song was forced. I can't blame them. As someone who teaches a course in "Literature and Film of War" (that a lot of veterans have signed up for over the years), college students are naturally unaware of the effects of war and the feelings those who have experienced it deal with. Oddly, they didn't really get "Sultans of Swing" either, and even thought Knopfler's guitar-work was "sloppy" - which would be horrifying it if weren't so funny. However, they came around on "Sultans of Swing" when they watched the "Alchemy" concert video. I like Andy & Alex more than any other reactors, and their own musical skills give them more insight than most out there (I'm excluding people like Rick Beato and Fil from Wings of Pegasus, who are professionals). But occasionally they have blindspots. Fortunately, they usually get better with more exposure.
This is a prototypical example of the 'epic' Dire Straits song. I was strongly reminded of Springsteen both in the lyrical density and in the structure of the song and in many of the changes. From this album I'd also go with 'Skateaway' or 'Romeo and Juliet'.
Album was produced by Jimmy Iovine (engineered the Born to Run album), with Prof. Roy Bittan on keyboards. So, yeah, you hear Springsteen echoes all over the album. Romeo and Juliet definitely evokes Jungleland.
This song is flat out genius. "Making Movies" is the best Dire Straits album overall. Name a contemporary artist who could write such a sweeping melodic masterpiece with depth like this today......there aren't any. When he signs abotu Cullercoats and Whitley Bay...those are places he grew up or knew in his youth and it shows. This is the album where Knopfler put it all together. Never gets old.
I was lucky back in 1983 to see Stevie Ray Vaughan open up for Dire Straits in 1983 in Toronto. Someone posted the entire audio for the concert on UA-cam - Stevie Ray Vaughan and Mark Knopfler on the same night - 2 of my favorite guitarists of all time
The beginning of the song is The Carousel Waltz from the musical Carousel. Mark had to get permission from the Richard Rogers Estate to use it. Interestingly, Mark's varied musical tastes continue to form his solo work.
You're right, this song has the mood and storytelling of Springsteen songs, the cool rock attitude of Petty and the vocal phrasing of Dylan, plus killer guitar work, the icing on the cake
Mark Knopfler’s guitar playing is definitely unique. You always know when it’s him playing. You definitely need to hit Telegraph Road. It’s their masterpiece. It’s 14 minutes long, but it leaves you wanting more! Romeo and Juliet and Skateaway from this album are also good choices.
One of my favorite Dire Straits songs. The guitar work is top-knotch throughout. Two souls passing through a carnival, connecting on a tunnel of love ride, one wanting more, but the other gives a keepsake and then walks away, never to be found again.
Telegraph Road is shut your eyes and get ‘lost in the sauce’ kind of song. Just brilliant. private Investigation is in the similar veins as well. Definitely worth listening. Romeo and Juliet is just simply beautiful with another lost in the sauce ending. Oh there’s too many.
For anyone from the North East of England growing up in the 80s the nostalgia is outrageous the lyrics paint a picture we relate to especially if you worked on a fairground
Knopfler is one of the most brilliant players to ever live, as for what next, "telegraph road", "private investigations", "Brothers in Arms".... or "the man's too strong"
@@Dragoninja it just got WAAAAY overplayed for me. i mean it's an in credibly well written song... but ... i also tend to lean towards songs with darker themes
This has been my favourite song on and off since I was 12. Sometimes I have a fling with other songs but I always fall back to this. I wish the solo in the end would go on forever :)
This is the one Making Movies album song that actually made it to a major motion picture shortly after it was released. The 1982 film An Officer And A Gentleman used the quiet instrumental ending of "Tunnel of Love" for a poignant breakup scene between Richard Gere and Debra Winger.
The version of this song on Alchemy really takes it to another level. Mark Knopfler on guitar takes every song on that album to S tier. One hidden gem of theirs I haven't seen suggested before is The Man's Too Strong from their album Brothers in Arms, although Telegraph Road is a great track, not to be missed as well..
This is easily my favorite DS song, it’s an S all day everyday. Though I understand why it gets an A+ on its initial listen. You have to do a deep dive into the lyrics to really appreciate it, and musically there’s not much that compares to it. Great video guys, but give this song a few more listens and you may appreciate it more
In "Sultans of Swing" the verse: "Yeah, check out Guitar George He knows all the chords Mind, he's strictly rhythm He doesn't want to make it cry or sing." Mark Knopfler KNOWS how to make it cry & sing. Such a great artist & great band.
“Guitar George” is a reference to George Young, older brother of Malcolm and Angus Young of AC/DC. George and Harry Vanda (“and Harry doesn’t mind, he’s got a daytime job, he’s doing alright”) performed together as Young & Vanda. George was also a founding member of the Australian band The Easybeats.
Small factoid: Mark Knophler wanted Vince Gill to join the band and go on a world tour with them. He had just signed his solo contract in Nashville. The rest is history. What a power group that would have been.
“Making Movies” is full of classics. Romeo and Juliet, Skateaway, Expresso Love, Hand in Hand, and Solid Rock. Followed up by “Love Over Gold” and five more classics.
Oh so right on the intimacy. As a 70 year old British-woman who had the utter joy of seeing them live y friend I were crying though many tunes. We also danced, clapped ( very important at a DS gig) sang and screamed. Marvellous
This is a great song. You guys gotta do "Telegraph Road." It is an historical epic masterpiece. Some of the best rock music and storytelling in the history of the rock era. Your mind will be blown.
Many other great Dire Straits songs have been mentioned, but I just listened to 'Once Upon a Time In the West' for the first time in many years, and the groove, and Knopfler's guitar work, is just incredible. Yeah, you can say that about quite a few of their songs, but still.
John Anderson, a country artist, also covered a Dire Straits song,"When It Comes To You" in the mid 1990s, and Mark Knopfler came in and recreated the guitar part for the song, and I believe added some backing vocals.
Knopfler's storytelling is amazing - mostly slice of life type of things, that just grasp you and tend to stay with you a bit. I love Telegraph Road besides the amazing musical content because it paints such a big picture of a story...
It is impossible for me to choose a favourite Dire Straits song. Every one is my favourite as I listen to it. But if I was forced to choose one this would be a contender. I used to go to the Spanish City when I was young in the 70s. This brings back memories so strong I can almost smell it.
The Spanish City is an amusement park near Newcastle in north-east England where Knopfler grew up. In the last few years they have inscribed the lyrics from this song into the paving outside it.
I've been a big fan of Dire Straits and Mark Knopfler since the 70s . Mark's solo work is also pretty special , one of the greatest guitar players . He has worked with many other artists but I have a soft spot for his work with Emmylou Harris on the " All The Roadrunning " album and the live versions from their tour of the US in 2006 . The Los Angeles part of the tour is on UA-cam .
You hit the nail on the head by saying this was nostalgic. The song is a love letter to Mark Knopfler's childhood home and haunts, set in the backdrop of a carnival...hence the carnival music intro and reference to the Spanish City, which as I understand it was a Newcastle (England) area amusement attraction that Mark frequented in his youth. To get a sense of Knopfler's solo work, try on "Sailing to Philadelphia", "Junkie Doll" or one of my fave's, "Speedway at Nazareth".
I've discovered Dire Straits late in the 80s and it really set a new standard in guitar playing genre. I'm proud to hear my grandchildren saying thanks I've exposed them early to this kind of music lol
Brilliant track. MM their best LP, IMO. Skateaway, Expresso Love...so many great ones. Brings me back to my college years. Mark Knopfler still putting out great poetic and reflective music. Really glad that you guys appreciated this. ✌
Good choice...the piano and organ on this track are played by Roy Bittan of the E Street Band, whom of course you've heard before on "Jungleland", "Thunder Road", etc.
So many people only react to their "most popular" songs. That means the songs are designed to be played on the radio. Most of these are not their best songs. This is one of their better songs. Knopfler's tone is always amazing. Thanks, guys.
Great choice guys, that is one of my favorite albums. Next songs: Telegraph Road off the Love Over Gold album, then come back to this album for Romeo and Juliet and Skateaway (Roller Girl).
Love Dire Straits! Thanks for getting back to them. Consider "Lady Writer" or "Industrial Disease" next. I think you would really appreciate the humorous political commentary of "Industrial Disease."
I am 66 and this song brings back loads of memories for me, especially as a kid. We lived in Newcastle and did not have a lot of money. So our holidays consisted of trips to the coast both Tynemouth Long Sands, Cullercoats, and Whitley Bay. We always walked from Tynemouth to Whitley Bay to spend a couple of hours at the Spanish City. My last visit was in 1975 with some of my Army buddies, we were all around 18 or 19. We were all a little drunk and the girls were fun. It was just before we shipped out to my first tour of Northern Ireland. Sadly not everyone came back.
Everything Mark Knopfler does is golden. Dire Straits, solo, with Emmy Lou Harris or otherwise. I agree with many of your othet commenters, Telegraph Road is fire!
Dude… this is one beautiful piece of music and I got chills watching you guys groove to it. That piano work at the end is short but memorable. Glad you enjoyed it. One of my all time favs. A+++
Telegraph Road is an S-Tier journey, a story-telling driving song of historically epic proportions. Please listen to the studio version first! Or do a Love Over Gold full album reaction. You WILL instantly become a Dire Straits fan.
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Romeo and Juliet, from this album, is an incredibly intimate, emotional ballad. It's a dark and tragic love song, a Mark Knopfler classic.
This is the right answer.
It's a good starting story as well. Some guy named Bill wrote it back in the day.
Love that one as well.
I consider that to be their greatest song, even above “Sultans of Swing”
Romeo and Juliet to me is their Magnus Opum.
Don't shy away from Romeo and Juliet. One of the most beautiful love and loss songs every written
This is the way.
True that Road trip
Whether he is singing or playing guitar, there is just no mistaking Mark Knopfler for anyone else. Great band, great song. "Telegraph Road" is a fine choice for your next Dire Straits song.
Mark Knopfler is a fantastic guitarist and performer. 🎸🎼🤘
Agreed, telegraph road is in his top three.
"Telegraph Road" is otherworldly in the storytelling genre. I really hold "Romeo and Juliet" up high in his/the bands discography of which I have at least 20 of those songs in my main playlist of about 750 songs.
Yes indeed!
Agreed, Telegraph road. The Alchemy live version is spectacular.
This album, _Making Movies_ , is full of great music: "Skateaway," "Romeo and Juliet," and "Espresso Love" are so damn sweet.
Yes, I'd forgotten about Tunnel, which I haven't heard in years but I remember all three of those and recommend they do those next.
This is the way.
Don't sleep on "Hand in Hand." Gorgeous love song. Making Movies is my favorite Straights album. Don't @ me Brothers in Arms stans.
I absolutely love Romeo & Juliet, it’s a gorgeous song and not unlike the story telling of Tunnel of Love.
My fave skateaway
Finally more Dire Straits! This is such a banger. For me, “telegraph road” should be next, 14-minute epic track.
but start 9 minutes in...seriously!
Telegraph Road is an epic. Another of my favorites is Skateaway. With them there are too many great ones to chose from. Felt lucky to have seen them live back in the late 80s.
Alchemy version of Telegraph Road please. There are other good ones that they've done, but that one stands out.
@@MrQqqaaa I understand where you’re coming from but for me at least, from the 2 minute mark and on it’s a straight banger and 12 minutes of brilliance. But I wouldn’t be opposed to them checking out some shorter bangers first like “Romeo and Juliet” or “Six blade knife”.
@@JayCross The whole of Alchemy is pretty mindblowing
That guitar solo at the end. Oh My god. Is amazing. Mark knopfler is truly one of the greatest guitarists ever
THE best guitar solo ever.
It truly is one of the greatest solos ever. Without making the solo itself the main event. It's just so emotional.
@@simondalzell9673 yes!!! No doubt!
Definitely
An orgasm
I know folks are clamouring for Telegraph Road, but I'll pitch for Romeo and Juliet, which is a beautiful take on star-crossed lovers, and one of my faves from Brothers at Arms, which is Your Latest Trick (sax solo!) Lots of good stuff from these guys, have fun!
Yes, clamoring for TR but agree. Romeo an Juliet is also a must. Mu other choice is Skateaway
Totally!!! Romeo and Juliet is in my top 3 Dire Straits songs, a must hit for a slightly different side of their sound.
Ride Across the River is another favorite
It's all good.. honestly while I would suggest Telegraph Road myself you can't really go wrong with any of these suggestions.
I agree with Romeo &Juliet, but you can't talk sax solos and not bring up Baker Street by Gerry Rafferty! 🎷
This song is an homage to some of Mark Knopfler's favorite places growing up in Newcastle. The Spanish City is an amusement park, Cullercoats and Whitley Bay are waterfront area close to there. A lot of references in the song are actually very specific, for example Ghost Train was a ride at the Spanish City fairgrounds back in the day.
I was coming in to explain the "Spanish City" reference, but you beat me to it. Saw him explaining it in the special features on a DVD years ago.
@@albertsmith9315 , you both beat me to it. :-)
Yes I remember a visit to Spanish City being the highlight of trip to Whitley Bay when I was a kid.
I went to school in Tynemouth, was there when this song came out. Spent many hours in the Spanish City and Cullercoats and Whitley Bay, walked away many times along there.
@@badtothebone9426 I Iived in Whitley Bay from 1969-1970. There was something magical about the Spanish City. No need to go on any rides, just absorbed the sights and sounds .
So many allusions in this song that are lost on younger listeners (through no fault of your own)...such as the opening tune, which is an excerpt from the overture to the Broadway/Hollywood musical "Carousel," played in the style of an old carousel organ. The entire song is filled with references to the sights and sounds of seaside amusement parks and the attractions found there.
Yes! And one of those attractions was the girl he was lamenting (maybe) allowing her to "walk away" on that summer day. And now he's reminiscing about that time in his life. At the end the instrumental, I think, is kinda of represents his melancholy feeling as he remembers and then it builds back up, into the present.
I guess Rogers and Hammerstein got some royalties for the song opener!
The Spanish City was in Whitley Bay, where he spend his childhood holidays.
@@allanjuhl9574 - Agreed. From the point where they bring the song down, he’s reminiscing. The guitar work is a little more intense than the initial solo, as if his memories are stronger than how it really was, if that makes any sense.
@@Vibemaker68 The Spanish city building is still there in Whitley Bay and has been renovated in the last few years. Not too far away from me in the North East of England.
Mark is like a British Springsteen here, and the song plays like a mash-up of 4th of July Ashbury Park and Jungle Land. It's just freaking awesome.
Springsteen is a poor man's Mark Knopfler.
Roy Bittan (keyboards on this song) and Max Weinberg (E Street Band) play on this album…
That final solo is one of the great solos. Often looked over and underrated
I get goosebumps just thinking about it
My favourite. EVER. I'm 58.
It's a thing of beauty.
Hitting one of the greatest Dire Straights songs. Only one better for me is "Skateaway".
Agree, great song!
@Thomas Grych see you tomorrow my son...
@Thomas Grych See ya morrow my son!
Reminds me of watching MTV in college
One of the most underrated band in history.
Underappreciated not underrated.
I Don't know about that, when they announced that they were coming to Australia they sold out Sydney dates of 14 days within a week and had to put on another 4 shows to cover demand. They could not do anymore than that as they were due to go to Melb and Brisbane following the Sydney shows.
@@gbsailing9436 Well, you can tell how underrated and underappreciated they are by reading through the comments of various reaction channels where hardly a request is made for any of their songs other than within the reaction video of a Dire Straits song.
@@rxlxviii Ok let me state it this way...underrated by the audience of "this day and age", maybe! Certainly not underrated by the audience of my era. I'm assuming (and we all know the folly of assumptions), that A&A typically have a predominantly younger audience, although it must be said that there are many older subscribers on here that are able to advise them on their choices because of their older age and experience. An example of this youthful bias affecting their channel was A&A's first choice of song when reacting to Supertramp. Was it "Logical Song" or "goodbye Stranger", either way it was a huge bum steer as a starter for such a group like Supertramp. My point here is that much of their audience is younger and more influential in their decisions. So you probably are correct when considering "that" audience and not the older more widely experienced audience that also frequents this channel. ✌
@@gbsailing9436 Yeah, most of the younger generation only knows songs that are used commercially or heard in tv shows or movies. And most of their parents really don't know the good songs....only the ones that got a lot of radio play. When I was a teen in the 80s, hardly any of my friends knew any classic rock songs. They all listened to that new wave and teeny bopping music.
I could listen to Mark Knopfler play for hours. His style is so unique.
Toss a vote for Romeo and Juliet next lads. Glad you enjoyed this one seems like you appreciate Dire Straits more the more of them you hear :D
Whilst I think your vote for R&J is rock solid - such a iconic song - so good in fact, many, MANY bands have covered it (which has given me such pleasure to listen to them all), but I think A&A should steer themselves towards, "Skateaway", another song which I love to put on when I'm driving long distances.
@@gbsailing9436 Maybe, if A&A have heard R&J by a different artist already it wont have the same impact, but as you admit it is a solid choice. Skateaway is a great track though, I'd be happy with any they choose just putting my choice forward. Each to their own mate :)
I loved it when a songwriter trusted their audience enough to settle in for a long song with a long story and know they'd still be there listening at the end. I miss this kind of intricate and mature song writing.
Mark Knopfler’s guitar sound is so recognizable and their production does often create that sound of “space” that Alex referred to. It’s very cool. Knopfler writes about what he knows…he finds inspiration from growing up in Newcastle-on-Tyne, a city on the far northeast coast of England, where the River Tyne meets the sea. In the summer, there was a beach called Rockaway, where they had roller coasters, Ferris wheel,…all kinds of rides, you could ride ponies, they had live music…and of course a Tunnel of Love. The Spanish City was a huge, ornate place where they had bands, dances etc. So this song is full of references to Marks childhood and a place where he spent many happy times. Brian Johnson, in his series On The Road, has an episode with Knopfler, and they meet in front of the Spanish City. They are both Newcastle’s lads.
I knew someone would have made the same point but I was too excited to wade through 500 comments! Great comment.
@@neilford8580 Same.
Excellent!
My favourite Dire Straits song. It means a lot to me as I was born and brought up near the north east coast of England and spent many a happy summer's day by the sea "from Cullercoats to Whitley Bay" and in the Spanish City fairground and amusement park. No nice young lady ever gave me a locket, though :(
Great times in the Spanish City as a lad, loads of beautiful girls back in the late 70s and early 80s, when we were kids. This song is about my youth.
did you get a " keepsake and a kiss " ???
Mine also Steve. The guitar solo is my favourite ever. I'm 58.
Cool memories.
Same
I love Dire Straits so much. It always feels like you're there in person.
One of the best things that you guys do is play a song without stopping.
Love Dire Straits & had their records. They are a great British rock band from the 70's-90's. Mark Knopfler is one of the best guitarists around. They have had so many hits including "Sultans Of Swing", "Romeo & Juliet", "Private Investigations", "Twisting By The Pool", "Money For Nothing", "Walk Of Life", "Telegraph Road", "So Far Away", "Brothers In Arms" etc. They don't have a bad song.
"Les Boys" hasn't aged well.
The Indigo Girls do a fantastic cover of Romeo & Juliet. Love that song.
@@brianmiller1077 "Les Boys" was never a good song -- but it was meant to be a joke.
This whole album is a masterpiece
One of the most beautiful guitar solo’s I’ve ever heard to close out this track.
That’s Roy Bittan (Springsteen’s E Street Band) on organ and piano here.
The opening instrumental organ part is a part of the “Carousel Waltz” from the 1945 Rodgers & Hammerstein musical “Carousel”.
The masterpiece is Telegraph Road. It’s essential listening, and whilst the live version is great, it needs the studio version from Love Over Gold to truly appreciate it.
Absolute must listen: Telegraph Road off the studio album Love Over Gold. It’s Mark Knopfler’s magnum opus.
Man, the 'dart throwing rather than darts hitting' analysis from Alex is why we come to watch. Both of you consistently throw off these nail-on-head observations with ease.
The Alchemy Live version of this song (14 minutes!) blows the studio version out of the water. It's got one of the best guitar solos you'll ever hear.
Fully agree
“Girl, it looks so pretty to me, like it always did. Like the Spanish City to me, when we were kids”. Such beautiful lyrics.
Most of the Making Movies album is brilliant, and Tunnel of Love is a great song, definitely an S guys but can understand you A+. By far Dire Straits' best album. Well done guys. Really enjoy that you listen to the entire song and don't stop it every 60 seconds to comment like other reactors. Love the respect you pay to the music. Romeo & Juliet and Telegraph Road both great songs as well, won't go wrong listening to them. Keep up the great work.
Sorry, but everybody knows, that Love over gold is the best album ;-)
@@stirbjoernwesterhever6223 nah.
@@stirbjoernwesterhever6223 You are wrong of course but at least I know you put some thought into your choice, too many simply say Brothers In Arms. :-)
Making Movies is my favorite Dire Straits album.
@@stirbjoernwesterhever6223 It definitely contains one of the greatest masterpieces of guitar work, "Private investigations"...fantastic song and depressing to boot.
I bought this album the week it came out and fell in love with it immediately. It so intimate and personal....truly Mark Knopfler is a gifted story teller and a brilliant guitarist. The song Romeo and Juliet was my favourite off this short album. Over 40 yrs ago now and I still remember the magic that leapt off the vinyl the first time I heard it. Thanks guys, for transporting me back to 1980, even if for only a few minutes.
Mark is one of the most underrated guitarists and songwriter ever. The guy is an absolute genius. Telegraph Road whether studio or Alchemy live is an absolute must. Great reaction guys.
Love it. The way Mark Knofler can express emotions in his lyricism, singing and playing is unique and brilliant.
I agree with Alex that you get a real intimacy from this and many of his songs.
There's a fragility and vulnerability to the way he sings and plays. Hand in Hand and Romeo and Juliet are two other good examples of that.
GOOOOOOOD MORNING A&A FAMILY!
☮️❤️♾️
@UC_q3Xr7dqE9VP339Rl5Fp-g morning 😺 🥰
Hey, @John H! Happy Monday! 😁
@@allisonreed7682 Morning Allison 🥰
My favorite DS song ever. Great lyrics, but imo it is Knopflers guitar that is telling us the story here. Thanks for this!
You can't forget the song "Brothers In Arms" from the album of the same name. It will give you chills. Another of my favorites is "Wild West End" off the first album. Both are excellent!
Brothers in Arms is a great tribute to all veterans from all countries.
They reacted to "Brothers in Arms" a long time ago - I think not long after they reacted to the studio version of "Sultans of Swing." They didn't really get it, and thought the emotion in the song was forced. I can't blame them. As someone who teaches a course in "Literature and Film of War" (that a lot of veterans have signed up for over the years), college students are naturally unaware of the effects of war and the feelings those who have experienced it deal with. Oddly, they didn't really get "Sultans of Swing" either, and even thought Knopfler's guitar-work was "sloppy" - which would be horrifying it if weren't so funny. However, they came around on "Sultans of Swing" when they watched the "Alchemy" concert video.
I like Andy & Alex more than any other reactors, and their own musical skills give them more insight than most out there (I'm excluding people like Rick Beato and Fil from Wings of Pegasus, who are professionals). But occasionally they have blindspots. Fortunately, they usually get better with more exposure.
@@richardnanian6075 Thanks for the heads up!
This is a prototypical example of the 'epic' Dire Straits song. I was strongly reminded of Springsteen both in the lyrical density and in the structure of the song and in many of the changes. From this album I'd also go with 'Skateaway' or 'Romeo and Juliet'.
Album was produced by Jimmy Iovine (engineered the Born to Run album), with Prof. Roy Bittan on keyboards. So, yeah, you hear Springsteen echoes all over the album. Romeo and Juliet definitely evokes Jungleland.
@@allenswanson2423 Whaddaya know. My old ears don't deceive me!
This song is flat out genius. "Making Movies" is the best Dire Straits album overall. Name a contemporary artist who could write such a sweeping melodic masterpiece with depth like this today......there aren't any. When he signs abotu Cullercoats and Whitley Bay...those are places he grew up or knew in his youth and it shows. This is the album where Knopfler put it all together. Never gets old.
I was lucky back in 1983 to see Stevie Ray Vaughan open up for Dire Straits in 1983 in Toronto. Someone posted the entire audio for the concert on UA-cam - Stevie Ray Vaughan and Mark Knopfler on the same night - 2 of my favorite guitarists of all time
The beginning of the song is The Carousel Waltz from the musical Carousel. Mark had to get permission from the Richard Rogers Estate to use it. Interestingly, Mark's varied musical tastes continue to form his solo work.
I recognized that immediately! One of my favourite musicals
It really shows that Mark Knopfler majored in English (Univ of Leeds I think). And his guitar work...always exquisite.💕
You're right, this song has the mood and storytelling of Springsteen songs, the cool rock attitude of Petty and the vocal phrasing of Dylan, plus killer guitar work, the icing on the cake
Dire Straits absolute masterpiece is the L.P. ‘Love Over Gold’ from 1982. It deserves a full album reaction.
Mark Knopfler’s guitar playing is definitely unique. You always know when it’s him playing. You definitely need to hit Telegraph Road. It’s their masterpiece. It’s 14 minutes long, but it leaves you wanting more! Romeo and Juliet and Skateaway from this album are also good choices.
One of my favorite Dire Straits songs. The guitar work is top-knotch throughout. Two souls passing through a carnival, connecting on a tunnel of love ride, one wanting more, but the other gives a keepsake and then walks away, never to be found again.
Telegraph Road is shut your eyes and get ‘lost in the sauce’ kind of song. Just brilliant. private Investigation is in the similar veins as well. Definitely worth listening. Romeo and Juliet is just simply beautiful with another lost in the sauce ending. Oh there’s too many.
Wild West End ...most underrated Dire Straits song....so beautiful.
For anyone from the North East of England growing up in the 80s the nostalgia is outrageous the lyrics paint a picture we relate to especially if you worked on a fairground
Tears fall every time, over all the decades, simply utterly perfect!
One of the greatest compositions in rock history, imo.
this song live is one of the best ever
Knopfler is one of the most brilliant players to ever live, as for what next, "telegraph road", "private investigations", "Brothers in Arms".... or "the man's too strong"
It seems Nobody Lkes "Walk Of Life" from their Brothers In Arms Album.i
@@Dragoninja it just got WAAAAY overplayed for me. i mean it's an in credibly well written song... but ... i also tend to lean towards songs with darker themes
This has been my favourite song on and off since I was 12. Sometimes I have a fling with other songs but I always fall back to this. I wish the solo in the end would go on forever :)
Every one of their albums is stellar. My personal favs; Six Blade Knife, Lady Writer, Down to the Waterline and Why Worry
Yes! A lot of their second album is slower and low-key, but some really great (and probably overlooked) stuff.
This is the one Making Movies album song that actually made it to a major motion picture shortly after it was released. The 1982 film An Officer And A Gentleman used the quiet instrumental ending of "Tunnel of Love" for a poignant breakup scene between Richard Gere and Debra Winger.
The version of this song on Alchemy really takes it to another level. Mark Knopfler on guitar takes every song on that album to S tier. One hidden gem of theirs I haven't seen suggested before is The Man's Too Strong from their album Brothers in Arms, although Telegraph Road is a great track, not to be missed as well..
Yeah agreed, Mark really milks the quiet moments in Alchemy
You should also check out the version from Wembley.
This is easily my favorite DS song, it’s an S all day everyday. Though I understand why it gets an A+ on its initial listen. You have to do a deep dive into the lyrics to really appreciate it, and musically there’s not much that compares to it. Great video guys, but give this song a few more listens and you may appreciate it more
In "Sultans of Swing" the verse: "Yeah, check out Guitar George
He knows all the chords
Mind, he's strictly rhythm
He doesn't want to make it cry or sing." Mark Knopfler KNOWS how to make it cry & sing. Such a great artist & great band.
“Guitar George” is a reference to George Young, older brother of Malcolm and Angus Young of AC/DC. George and Harry Vanda (“and Harry doesn’t mind, he’s got a daytime job, he’s doing alright”) performed together as Young & Vanda. George was also a founding member of the Australian band The Easybeats.
Small factoid: Mark Knophler wanted Vince Gill to join the band and go on a world tour with them. He had just signed his solo contract in Nashville. The rest is history. What a power group that would have been.
“Making Movies” is full of classics. Romeo and Juliet, Skateaway, Expresso Love, Hand in Hand, and Solid Rock. Followed up by “Love Over Gold” and five more classics.
Oh so right on the intimacy. As a 70 year old British-woman who had the utter joy of seeing them live y friend I were crying though many tunes. We also danced, clapped ( very important at a DS gig) sang and screamed. Marvellous
This is a great song. You guys gotta do "Telegraph Road." It is an historical epic masterpiece. Some of the best rock music and storytelling in the history of the rock era. Your mind will be blown.
This is off their best album. I played this one to death.
In addition to the two you mentioned, “Skateaway” is one I’d love to see y’all react to.
Boy, old Dire Straits was just cool to listen to. Totally unique in the era. Like JJ Cale but brighter and sometimes darker. Thanks guys
Many other great Dire Straits songs have been mentioned, but I just listened to 'Once Upon a Time In the West' for the first time in many years, and the groove, and Knopfler's guitar work, is just incredible. Yeah, you can say that about quite a few of their songs, but still.
I Like everything Mark Knopfler (Dire Straits) has put out from early days to his solo endeavors.
One of my favorite songs of all time! Thank you guys. "Telegraph Road" live from Alchemy is a must!! Will blow your minds guaranteed!
Mark Knopfler is to the guitar what Monet is to paint. All that dappled light filtering into your soul. So, so beautiful. So beautiful.
I really like their song "Calling Elvis." It's just so different sounding than their usual stuff. Always a quirky hit for me.
Six years and a fall out by Mark in between records, but like all of them, a great album nonetheless
John Anderson, a country artist, also covered a Dire Straits song,"When It Comes To You" in the mid 1990s, and Mark Knopfler came in and recreated the guitar part for the song, and I believe added some backing vocals.
Knopfler's storytelling is amazing - mostly slice of life type of things, that just grasp you and tend to stay with you a bit.
I love Telegraph Road besides the amazing musical content because it paints such a big picture of a story...
I feel his story telling is even better in his solo work. His solo work is much more in the americana genre.
It is impossible for me to choose a favourite Dire Straits song. Every one is my favourite as I listen to it. But if I was forced to choose one this would be a contender. I used to go to the Spanish City when I was young in the 70s. This brings back memories so strong I can almost smell it.
Oh yay! Try Lady Writer, Wild West End or So Far Away next. 🤘
‘She said you are the perfect stranger’ - wonderful double meaning.
Dire Straits. Great Reaction. Great Band. 'Walk of Life' and 'Romeo & Juliet' are musts guys.
The Spanish City is an amusement park near Newcastle in north-east England where Knopfler grew up. In the last few years they have inscribed the lyrics from this song into the paving outside it.
I've been a big fan of Dire Straits and Mark Knopfler since the 70s . Mark's solo work is also pretty special , one of the greatest guitar players . He has worked with many other artists but I have a soft spot for his work with Emmylou Harris on the " All The Roadrunning " album and the live versions from their tour of the US in 2006 . The Los Angeles part of the tour is on UA-cam .
“Skate Away” has always been one of my favorite Dire Straights tunes.
You hit the nail on the head by saying this was nostalgic. The song is a love letter to Mark Knopfler's childhood home and haunts, set in the backdrop of a carnival...hence the carnival music intro and reference to the Spanish City, which as I understand it was a Newcastle (England) area amusement attraction that Mark frequented in his youth. To get a sense of Knopfler's solo work, try on "Sailing to Philadelphia", "Junkie Doll" or one of my fave's, "Speedway at Nazareth".
And another banger of Knopler's is "Imelda" (though you may need to read up on Imelda Marcos first).
I've discovered Dire Straits late in the 80s and it really set a new standard in guitar playing genre. I'm proud to hear my grandchildren saying thanks I've exposed them early to this kind of music lol
Brilliant track. MM their best LP, IMO. Skateaway, Expresso Love...so many great ones. Brings me back to my college years. Mark Knopfler still putting out great poetic and reflective music. Really glad that you guys appreciated this. ✌
Good choice...the piano and organ on this track are played by Roy Bittan of the E Street Band, whom of course you've heard before on "Jungleland", "Thunder Road", etc.
One of my top 50 songs of all time!!
So many people only react to their "most popular" songs. That means the songs are designed to be played on the radio. Most of these are not their best songs. This is one of their better songs. Knopfler's tone is always amazing. Thanks, guys.
Great choice guys, that is one of my favorite albums. Next songs: Telegraph Road off the Love Over Gold album, then come back to this album for Romeo and Juliet and Skateaway (Roller Girl).
regardless of the language you speak, this guy's guitar can talk to you! big love to all people :)
Love Dire Straits! Thanks for getting back to them. Consider "Lady Writer" or "Industrial Disease" next. I think you would really appreciate the humorous political commentary of "Industrial Disease."
"Two men say they're Jesus. One of them must be wrong."
I love all of Dire Straits music but Lady Writer is my favorite.
I am 66 and this song brings back loads of memories for me, especially as a kid. We lived in Newcastle and did not have a lot of money. So our holidays consisted of trips to the coast both Tynemouth Long Sands, Cullercoats, and Whitley Bay. We always walked from Tynemouth to Whitley Bay to spend a couple of hours at the Spanish City. My last visit was in 1975 with some of my Army buddies, we were all around 18 or 19. We were all a little drunk and the girls were fun. It was just before we shipped out to my first tour of Northern Ireland. Sadly not everyone came back.
Mark Knopfler could always understand how to deliver an emotional kick to his playing!
If you want a voice comparison try Chris Rea!
YES!!!! Texas is a good one.
Man, that ending solo. Touches your heart and soul every f*cking time
Definitely hit Telegraph Road. It really is their masterpiece.
YES!!!!! NOW U GUYS ARE REALLY GETTING WHAT THIS KIND OF MUSIC DOES WITH YOUR SOULS. PERFECT ASSESMENT ON THIS TUNE. ITS SO......INTIMANT.
That was a good start to my Monday. I can’t get enough of Dire Straits. I’m looking forward to the Telegraph Road review. It’s a masterpiece.
Everything Mark Knopfler does is golden. Dire Straits, solo, with Emmy Lou Harris or otherwise. I agree with many of your othet commenters, Telegraph Road is fire!
Dude… this is one beautiful piece of music and I got chills watching you guys groove to it. That piano work at the end is short but memorable. Glad you enjoyed it. One of my all time favs. A+++
My favourite song on my favourite Dire Straits Album.
Telegraph Road is an S-Tier journey, a story-telling driving song of historically epic proportions. Please listen to the studio version first!
Or do a Love Over Gold full album reaction. You WILL instantly become a Dire Straits fan.
Couldn't agree more!
Any album and you'll be a fan instantly
Romeo and Juliet and Done with Bonaparte is an awesome tune especially when he does it live ala! A night in London.
Thanks for hitting this guys, one of my all time favorites. Romeo and Juliet is right after this on the record and is another great one
my favourite song Ever. Best guitar solo ever.