If you enjoyed this, please consider checking out my reaction to another very moving song by one of the world’s biggest superstars next 🤠 ua-cam.com/video/utsgeS203n0/v-deo.html And if you're interested, here is the reaction to the cover version I mentioned: ua-cam.com/video/Y3oS6WPL5vU/v-deo.html
The song is sung from the point of view of a mortally injured soldier he’s saying goodbye and lamenting the idiocy of war as he lays dying. It’s brilliant both lyrically and musically like all of dire straits.
We saw Dire Straits in Seattle when they were touring for this album. We were 20 year veterans of many concerts, and Mr. Knopfler and company put on the longest and best show we ever attended. Two long sets with an intermission, and a long encore, all superbly performed. My wife and I were both soldiers, and this song really spoke to us.
@@susiemilligan7220 I saw Clapton in Montreal at The Forum in I think 89 and his guitarist was Knopfler. They even banged out some Cream tunes. Un freaking real.
@@jjmail1971 Mark joined Eric for the latter's 25th anniversary tour along with Alan Clark, the keyboard player in Dire Straits, in 1988. They played together quite often around this time. Eric stood in for Jack Sonni when Dire Straits headlined the Nelson Mandela 70th Birthday Tribute Concert at Wembley Stadium that year, as Jack's wife had just given birth to twins. Then in 1990 Eric's band, including Phil Palmer who later joined Dire Straits for their final On Every Street tour, stayed on stage to play with Dire Straits at Knebworth. Maybe the concert you saw was part of the 25th anniversary tour or yet another gig where these two guitar legends teamed up but either way what an experience to have had!
@@jjc5407 You're probably right. In my old age I forget some of the details. It seems like Sting was there too, but I'm not sure. Funny thing to not be sure about, but 🤷♀️. And no, I wasn't under the influence. 😄
Dire Straits : all my youth 😉 I was (and still am) very fond of their songs. Did't know that one was about the Falklands' war so I've learnt a lot today, as usual with your reaction. Thank you 🙏🏻🇫🇷
No cover can come close to Marks emotional voice and guitar in this song, so I'm glad you chose to hear this first. This album, by the same name, sold more than 30 million copies and was the first CD to see over 1 million copies.
My husband served with the Scots Guards during the Falklands War. He spent 3 weeks on the QE2 getting there, he was shot in the head the day of the ceasefire. He was 21 at the time and for 42 years he had suffered from PTSD and epilepsy.
😢 Bless you and your husband's service for peace. ❤ (He probably helped "Tearing down the wall", because people were so TIRED of WAR and the COLD WAR in particular; back then.
A Brother in Arms, indeed. US Vet here. Give him a hug from all of us, and tell him he’s not alone. War may sometimes be necessary…but it’s always a tragedy at the human level, no matter who’s right, who’s wrong, or who writes the history.
A raw, moving, & emotional softly sung song. I became derailed during your excellent analysis by the realization that I was in my mid-forties during the Falkland’s War (my son was in college). Now, I’m lost in memories of living too long, seeing too much waste, and being impotent to change it. This performance has brought sorrow and world weary grief.
Mark Knopfler has a unique guitar sound and style. He is one of the very best guitarists imhop. Thanks for taking on this evocative song. Yearning, sadness.
@joyrobinson4585 - Back when they were releasing their albums, he was unique due to playing with his fingers instead of a pick. There are still very few who have the emotional reach on a guitar that he achieved.
From the beginning of this song, the first notes of the guitar are so distinctive to Dire Straits. They are so unique I would recognize it anywhere. It is very beautiful in it’s way but also so sad. ❤R/A🎼
I'm glad you made this video before you did the cover. This is my first time seeing the video so I can reference it when watching the cover. Thank you, enjoyed the r/a.
Hello Sir . 🤜🤛 .. the last time I commented to you it was about your tears falling. It is interesting what gets to each of us. I have been listening to this song since I was a teenager. The lyrics get to me , but even more Mark's guitar playing really gets to me .... and my tears well up in my eyes every time I listen to it. It didn't hit you like that , but you noticed the purpose of the chords , the silences and the imperfections. All things in this song make it exceptional for me. I am very glad that you reacted to Dire Straits. I am very, very glad that Mark Knopfler has played in your ears. Be well Sir Hairless 🍂🍂🍂🍂🌄🍂🍂🍂🍂
The videos for "Take on Me" and "Brothers in Arms" were both produced by Simon Fields. This song is the most used song at funerals for military personnel in the UK. (The most used song in General in Monty Python's "Always Look on the Bright Side of Life"
It's probably their most famous song, yes, so I was quite surprised to see you do a reaction to it. So many good memories came back. This was the very first concert I attended, and now it was the first time I saw the video
I thought Sultans of Swing was their most famous! Maybe that's just where I'm from 🎵Amazing they were your first concert edit: just checked the Spotify plays and Sultans of Swing has nearly 1.3 billion, Brothers in Arms 322 million
Private investigations is their most known song, the best is Telegraph Road from the Alchemy tour, it is a 14 minute story of the start of a small town getting bigger and bigger with lots of instrumental play as well.
"Someday you'll return to your valleys and your farms." reminds me of the end of the film Gladiator, as Maximus returns to his home and family in the afterlife.
Oh Gosh, you didn't know this masterpiece, sooo fantastic you took your time to react to this original! Thank you! For me this song is so emotional, I grew up in this time of cold war (in the devided Germany you felt that the most) and many other wars as you mentioned, and I know every single detail, every note of the song, the guitar, every crack of his voice, every word by heart.... I love this song, one of the best of all time I would say, and it still brings me to tears. All the subtle details with the guitar and his singing is something I would love to interpret together with you! 😉 Thank you once again! ❤
Ditto.... MTV was playing 24/7 in my Mom's house. ( Only during the weekends, of course. School during weekdays, so MTV wasn't allowed. ☺️) And I remember Pink Floyd's concert in Berlin.... AAAA-MAZING!! "Tear Down The Wall " !! Gosh... How time FLIES!
Susanna Hietala & Jouni Kannisto of Club for Five made the fantastic a capella arrangement that Home Free used💓 I actually bought the sheet music for the Club for five version. ua-cam.com/video/Gerr99h0nS8/v-deo.htmlsi=2yCFeuAPMX0hN45Y My father-in-law is ex military, in his eighties, recently diagnosed with Alzheimer's.
I really enjoyed this. I thought I wouldn’t. I watch a lot of reaction videos to this song, some of them by classical musicians analysing. I never get to the end of them. But I did with this and I appreciated very much your style of analysis. Thank you. I just might watch a few more of your videos.
I heard Home Free's cover first, and have been transfixed with it. It's one of my favorites. The first time I heard Dire Straits, I was shocked and it's every bit as fascinating and emotional. I haven't picked a favorite between them, because I think of them very differently. With Home Free it's all about the voices, while the instrumental is so incredibly important in this one. I'm looking forward to hearing which cover you'll be covering. I often find myself holding my breath due to emotions when I listen to this, and it brings memories of my father and other veterans. It always help me to hear why the music works and helps me process my emotions. Thanks.
I wasn't aware of the Home Free version, so I loaded it up to see and hear what it was like. Clearly the bass singer is the key in this version I thought here, but I just didn't feel the emotion in their version that I felt With Mark Knopfler's guitar which I though was the key to this song. The style of the two version is clearly very different as one is instrumental and the other choral. But the choral version just felt to me that it was missing the guitar of the Dire Straits version which was the singer rather tan Mark himself.
Grew up with Dire Straits, because my Dad was/is a big fan and until today (I'm 41 now 🫣) they're on my daily playlist 🫶🏻 But Brothers in Arms gets me EVERY SINGLE TIME 😢😢😢 Thanks for the reaction 🫶🏻
The subtlety of this song and approach musically adds so much depth and power to the message. It's simplicity is its strength. We are left with the somber reality of death with the lyrics bringing home the anguish of loss. It is personal, yet universal.....and a bit hopeless.
Apparently Mark used to set his amp gain high when recording. This meant that when played delicately, the guitar still cuts through, even with compression. Marks control and taming of the sound is incredible. Those tasteful volume swells, makes the guitar sing.
A grown-up lullaby Whispers of dire loss A weeping guitar Draws a 'strait' line The futility of war? A broken heart. 💔 (the guitar is definitely the hero in this tragically beautiful video. A stringed-brother-in-arm. I can't stop watching. so impressed. Bravo Dire Straits. 🌹)
This track meant a lot to me at the time as I knew people fighting in the Falklands War. Its message is still so very relevant today. This also reminded me of the feel in the venue when I heard them play this live in the late 80s. Thank you.
Your style of R&A makes me very excited for the cover version R&A especially if it's the Home Free version! And I enjoyed how you accepted Knopfler's style as a choice, and not a criticism - many self-styled critics make that mistake. As usual, adore your harmonic/textual analysis & commentary. Thank you for all the visible & invisible time you dedicate to these videos
I had the pleasure of seeing Mark Knopfler in Las Vegas a few years ago (OMG, it was 15 years already! Time flies.). Apart from the music being phenomenal, it was a pleasure to watch the players--they truly enjoyed what they were doing and that they were doing it together. We were in the second row, so watching their faces was easy to do. Those guys were having fun. A thoroughly enjoyable experience made better by being in the company of good friends.
Mark is a brilliant story teller, but he has said he always prefer playing music to singing. To me his emotions came through his guitar, always. I listen to Dire Straits every day, never tire of hearing them. I wonder how you would dissect their song. Telegraph Road which is a master piece of music and tempos changing constantly.
I’m joining the team of people feeling slightly embarrassed for not knowing this song until now... Thank you very much for introducing me to this emotional classic together with your great explanations on the musical elements of this beautiful composition (btw it’s a wonderful idea to explore the original version in a reaction/analysis video)! I only knew Dire Straits for their amazing performance of ‘Sultans of Swing’ (Alchemy Live), which I have saved on one of my YT playlists with remarkable rock live performances. I love learning about relevant classics and I guess it’s time for me to discover more from this important British band: muito obrigada, Sir!🙏
I have a feeling there'll be many more songs on my channel in the future that are famous that I don't know, so I'll always out-embarrass you 😅 Yes Sultans of Swing was the main song for me knowing Dire Straits too!
Such an iconic song from an iconic album. I understand it’s beloved by many guitarists who were influenced by Mark Knopfler and Dire Straits. Including HomeFree’s Adam Chance, who said it was his favorite song in middle school.
@@rainbowroom2010 I’m so glad you said that. It is a sad song. I believe he lost someone he knew in the Falklands. He performs this in the Mandela concert have you seen that? At the end he tries to speak but doesn’t as he is so emotional. Eric Clapham plays in this too.
You have to know that, Mark Knopfler is one of 5 greatest rock guitarists of all time. His finger plucking tehnique is amazing. Him and David Gilmoure from Pink Floyd are masters of making the guitar cry. I don't really like this version too much, because the ending is cut short a bit. I think it's edited for radio play. The full version has a beautiful guitar/organ combo ending.
I sometimes forget you're such a baby 👶 that you wouldn't remember their early days. 🙂 Mark Knopfler isn't much of a singer (imo). He uses his voice to sing the words, but he really talks with his guitar. For me, Dire Straits songs never get old.
As a next Dire Straits reaction, "Telegraph road" would certainly be in the list! Though the Song in it self is about 15 min. long, it never gets boring. I think the live version video is clipped, so I'd suggest you check out the Album version (from the Album "Love over Gold"). BTW. Love your reactions and explanations.
The singer I've recommended a couple of times, JP Leppäluoto (yes, I know, sorry for mentioning him again; I just really wish more people knew him and his voice😅) has actually covered this song as well with one of the groups he performs with, Northern Kings. I love his rendition of it.
I was in the Falklands, in the flagship, HMS HERMES. War is man's natural condition. We have been at it since we came down from the trees. It's horrible, destructive, bloody, but the intense sense of brotherhood amongst warriors is one of, if not the strongest bonds of which humans are capable. I think this track gets this across superbly; sorrow at the horror, but joy in the bond.
Love the analysis (more analysis than reaction). My #1 favorite DS or maybe anybody's song. @7:24, everything is intentional - the lyrics, the music, the voice, the storytelling, the engineering, the mixing... This is a brilliant marriage of Marks lyrics, singing, & guitar playing with the most subtle and appropriate keyboards from Alan Clark and as always brilliant but sort of hidden bass playing from John Illsey. @12:02 yeah the same guys made these videos, same tech, same video directors, etc. Same guys made the Money for nothing video too.
Funny thing you mention the bagpipe sounding synth that comes in…Mark’s Uncle Freddie died in WWII, a Piper in the Scottish battalion. Mark wrote a truly beautiful tribute song for the uncle he never knew called Piper To The End.
As a classical musician you might like to check out some of the tracks from the 9 film scores that Mark Knopfler's composed and performed including Local Hero, The Princess Bride, Last Exit To Brooklyn and most recently Altamira with renowned percussionist Evelyn Glennie.
Although the songs in the studio recording are great, for this band you own it to yourself to react to the live version where Mark Knopfler the lead singer and guitarist, stretches the guitar solo and does some fantastic improvisations.
Ooohhhh... Is it time for it? Really? The cover of this one. :) I love love love this song, and I have since I got the album in 1985? 1986? I was working in a Bang & Olufsen store, and they used this album to show the range and power of the B&O systems. This album had all the big famous classics, that you most likely know, like Money for Nothing, Walk of Life, and then this one, obviously. I love Mark's ability to make the guitar sing, and weep in his songs...
This is such a brilliant song on many levels. You should check out a live version of it from Dire Straits now, you will hear how they develop it, Mark's guitar playing is even more emotional, make sure its the version from the On The Night concert.
I enjoyed your in-depth analysis of the music and a bit of its construction, yet not losing the poignancy of the message. Bravo. Another anti-war song with a different approach is 'Zombie'. The Cranberries tune is every bit as powerful, but their approach is much more angry and pointed. The video is one of the best in providing images to the emotions. You should definitely review it.
Mark Knopfler is such a talented guitarist. For more of an upbeat example of Dire Straits’ work, please check out their live version of Sultans of Swing. I’ll look up the location, I don’t know it offhand. And I want to watch it now. Loved your reaction and analysis, as always! Peace … It’s the Alchemy Live video.
I remember wondering at the time why two nations were fighting over such small seemingly insignificant islands at the bottom of the world. But this is a really great song. And it really does make you think. Knoffler is such a great artist. I'm sure you're going to react to, or at least listen to the two main acapella versions of this song. Both Home Free and Club for Five do a fabulous job with this song. Both versions use Club for Five's arrangement and I think they are both in the same key. It would be really cool to hear you analyze them comparatively. Club for Five has two female vocalists and, as you know, Home Free is all male.
19:03 I wonder if the instrument (the one at the beginning) is a ‘bandoneon’ which is a type of concertina that’s often used for melodies as well as accompaniment in the Argentinian tango tradition. If the later part is played on a European style accordion, both instruments may represent the similarities rather than differences between the people involved in the war. I believe the Sun over the ocean may have a similar symbolic meaning. Both countries overlook the Atlantic and while the Brits have the ocean to their west, the Argentinians overlook it while looking east.
I suspect the bagpipes sound is deliberate. Mark also has a song called Piper To the End you might listen to. I believe he wrote it about an uncle who was a regimental piper and was killed in WWII.
I really enjoyed your thorough review of this song. Could you do the same with the official video of Telegraph Road, please. Live At The Hammersmith Odeon, London, UK / July 1983. Thank You!
As I play a bit and enjoy fooling about making tunes, I find the analysis very interesting. As regards it being 'raw' and 'unpolished' I would suggest that if you refined and polished it then the song just really wouldn't work very well. I would say the guitar is very much part of the song, rock music often exploits the ability of the instrument, which perhaps like no other can express emotion in yes, a very raw sense. All the way through the exchanges between voice and guitar are the journey of the song, culminating in the finale with the guitar having the final word. Simple? Yes and no, the subtleties of the performances as well as the clever use of suspensions and other musical devices are not in any way trivial, which I would say is why this piece achieves almost a unique effect on most listeners as regards to the evoking the emotions of the horrors or war.
One last comment. Another band with a vast catalog of strong musical imagery and lyrics is Genesis. To pick one song is difficult, because their subject matter is deep and so varied with their emotional approach so different for every story. They are impressionistic, like Pink Floyd but using a different approach. Occasionally simple, their music is usually quite complex, layered, and textured. Plus, their growth is so huge, spanning decades. The early music is progressive, but as they enter the '80s becomes more 'accessible', shorter. To complicate their development, they have two different lead singers. Early with Peter Gabriel and later (after 1975, Phil Collins). With both eras there is a distinct 'sound' that is Genesis, but with a different focus. A fascinating band.
Sorry to be so long-winded. You may be fully aware of Genesis, but if not, I believe you will also find them fascinating on several levels. Maybe start with 'Firth of Fifth'? Then 'Dance on a Volcano' or 'Blood on the Rooftops'?
There is no song better than "Telegraph road".) You turn it on, close your eyes and cry. There is also "Romeo and Juliet". I didn't like it for a long time, and then one day I turned it on - and again there was great sadness from the cheerful music and the manner of "singing" a sad story, then I turned on a live performance - and there was an incredibly sad version of this song with a saxophone.) In short, these Dire Straits are cool guys.)
It is an accordion, though a synth can replicate accordion sounds pretty well. And there is no one who can "cover" Mark Knopfler's guitar playing adequately. You should watch a live performance of the song such as this one with a string quartet added: ua-cam.com/video/Z3_HTGdLXL4/v-deo.html ( Mark Knopfler - Brothers In Arms (A Night In London | Official Live Video) )
Christmas is approaching… I hope you don’t find this intrusive, it’s meant as a friendly reminder that you have said that you would react to Pentatonix’s version of “Coventry carol” in 2024. (In the comment section of your reaction to “God rest ye merry gentlemen”, December 2023.)
Nice reaction to this ‘official’ recording, but for a much more emotional and atmospheric experience of this wonderful piece of music, written by the magical master of guitar and songwriting, Mark Knopfler, I highly recommend you now react to one of these LIVE performances of Brothers in Arms. It is widely recognized that DS & MK Live are always better than any ‘official’ recorded videos. I don’t think you will be disappointed: Dire Straits - Brothers in Arms Live (on the Night, 1993)HD ua-cam.com/video/q2rx3IAEISA/v-deo.htmlsi=io9yqeuipXKSxzZG Dire Straits - Brothers in Arms - LIVE Wembley 1988 - Audio HQ Remasterize! ua-cam.com/video/dZXlQp0aKPU/v-deo.htmlsi=G6vFrTua4gY1sV5f
Is it the Home Free version you've got a request to do? If not, I would strongly recommend it, it's my favourite version of the song. It is hauntingly beautiful. I like the original well enough, but it's a bit too much instrumental driven than vocally for my tastes (it's a bit too quiet for me, might be the mixing, though). Thanks for the reaction and analysis.
Ps... I've already commented on this Video, but wish to remind you of a GREAT HALLOWEEN SONG, by Nightwish; that I'm hoping you'll react to, before October is over. LOVE YOUR REACTIONS ❤
What a song, both soft in its melody and sad in its lyrics. Thank you for your reaction. Maybe you don't know this song by George Michael about war, which I find beautiful but so sad. George Michael's voice is captivating and the piano piercing. This song always makes me cry. ua-cam.com/video/yksM7Ym2yTU/v-deo.html Quelle chanson, à la fois douce par sa mélodie et triste par ses paroles. Merci pour votre réaction. Peut-être ne connaissez-vous pas cette chanson de George Michael sur la guerre, que je trouve magnifique mais si triste. La voix de George Michael est prenante et le piano perçant. Cette chanson me fait systématiquement pleurer.
I loved your video - easiest subscribe of my life. Only I wished you would have delved more into the political meaning of it, considering that you already knew that it was explicitly written by Mark about the Falkland war. Maybe check out "Virgin Rock" about a deep dive into these matters.
Unfortunately, this song is universal. War as a pointless exercise is a waste of mankind and resources that profits a only a few. The musical clashes are very appropriate to make the conflict felt, emotional. With this band, the musical effects are all intentional. Having the story so intimate, hymn-like, and personal brings the message into our hearts and makes the irony sadly bitter.
Excellent reaction. The sound intensifies considerably in the live concert from 1993 called 'On The Night' where the keltic melody takes on a symphonic dimension - might be worth seeing for a pro like yourself: ua-cam.com/video/q2rx3IAEISA/v-deo.html
Pardon a personal question, but I was wondering if you were a Christian. You make frequent references in your videos to Biblical principles, and it made me curious. Again, sorry if this is too personal, just my curiosity getting the better of me.
If you're referring to the tritone and 'diabolus in musica', that's just a historic term that was used and is not used because of my religious beliefs at all ☺
![Dire Straits - Brothers In Arms [LIVE] (REACTION) with my wife](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/chFcBcsj9qA/mqdefault.jpg)
If you enjoyed this, please consider checking out my reaction to another very moving song by one of the world’s biggest superstars next 🤠 ua-cam.com/video/utsgeS203n0/v-deo.html
And if you're interested, here is the reaction to the cover version I mentioned: ua-cam.com/video/Y3oS6WPL5vU/v-deo.html
@@SirHairless I will indeed. Thank you.
The song is sung from the point of view of a mortally injured soldier he’s saying goodbye and lamenting the idiocy of war as he lays dying. It’s brilliant both lyrically and musically like all of dire straits.
We saw Dire Straits in Seattle when they were touring for this album. We were 20 year veterans of many concerts, and Mr. Knopfler and company put on the longest and best show we ever attended. Two long sets with an intermission, and a long encore, all superbly performed.
My wife and I were both soldiers, and this song really spoke to us.
I saw Mark Knopfler as a walk-on at an Eric Clapton concert at the Tacoma Dome in 1988. He stole the show. At an Eric Clapton concert.
Sounds amazing There's nothing quite like a really good live performance
@@susiemilligan7220 I saw Clapton in Montreal at The Forum in I think 89 and his guitarist was Knopfler. They even banged out some Cream tunes. Un freaking real.
@@jjmail1971 Mark joined Eric for the latter's 25th anniversary tour along with Alan Clark, the keyboard player in Dire Straits, in 1988. They played together quite often around this time. Eric stood in for Jack Sonni when Dire Straits headlined the Nelson Mandela 70th Birthday Tribute Concert at Wembley Stadium that year, as Jack's wife had just given birth to twins. Then in 1990 Eric's band, including Phil Palmer who later joined Dire Straits for their final On Every Street tour, stayed on stage to play with Dire Straits at Knebworth. Maybe the concert you saw was part of the 25th anniversary tour or yet another gig where these two guitar legends teamed up but either way what an experience to have had!
@@jjc5407 You're probably right. In my old age I forget some of the details. It seems like Sting was there too, but I'm not sure. Funny thing to not be sure about, but 🤷♀️. And no, I wasn't under the influence. 😄
I have seen veterans hearing this for the first time getting teary eyed. It hits you where you live if you have lived through war.
Mark isn't singing this song, he's just the narrator. It's his guitar who does the singing.
Many of Dire Straits songs don't need many words . Mark's guitar tells the story .
@@JimWeeter true, but his lyrics always bhit the mark.
Dire Straits : all my youth 😉 I was (and still am) very fond of their songs. Did't know that one was about the Falklands' war so I've learnt a lot today, as usual with your reaction. Thank you 🙏🏻🇫🇷
No cover can come close to Marks emotional voice and guitar in this song, so I'm glad you chose to hear this first.
This album, by the same name, sold more than 30 million copies and was the first CD to see over 1 million copies.
@@StevenQ74 I like Home Free, and the cover did interesting stuff, but I agree, tiny one does it better than Mark Knopfler/Dire Straits.
My husband served with the Scots Guards during the Falklands War. He spent 3 weeks on the QE2 getting there, he was shot in the head the day of the ceasefire. He was 21 at the time and for 42 years he had suffered from PTSD and epilepsy.
😢
Bless you and your husband's service for peace. ❤
(He probably helped "Tearing down the wall", because people were so TIRED of WAR and the COLD WAR in particular; back then.
Thank you for sharing 🙏
❤
A Brother in Arms, indeed. US Vet here. Give him a hug from all of us, and tell him he’s not alone.
War may sometimes be necessary…but it’s always a tragedy at the human level, no matter who’s right, who’s wrong, or who writes the history.
@@aljole683 Beautifully written. Thank you.
Words I was reaching for: a lament and a plea. No one knows war like the brothers in arms.
Brilliant analysis as always. Thank you so much. 👍👍👍
A raw, moving, & emotional softly sung song. I became derailed during your excellent analysis by the realization that I was in my mid-forties during the Falkland’s War (my son was in college). Now, I’m lost in memories of living too long, seeing too much waste, and being impotent to change it. This performance has brought sorrow and world weary grief.
❤
Indeed... My eyes are full of tears. I am 68 years old and nothing has change. A lot of 😔 sorrow...
Mark Knopfler has a unique guitar sound and style. He is one of the very best guitarists imhop. Thanks for taking on this evocative song. Yearning, sadness.
🎸
@joyrobinson4585 - Back when they were releasing their albums, he was unique due to playing with his fingers instead of a pick. There are still very few who have the emotional reach on a guitar that he achieved.
From the beginning of this song, the first notes of the guitar are so distinctive to Dire Straits. They are so unique I would recognize it anywhere.
It is very beautiful in it’s way but also so sad.
❤R/A🎼
Beautiful, isn't it? Thank you for doing this one.
I'm glad you made this video before you did the cover. This is my first time seeing the video so I can reference it when watching the cover. Thank you, enjoyed the r/a.
Hello Sir . 🤜🤛 .. the last time I commented to you it was about your tears falling. It is interesting what gets to each of us. I have been listening to this song since I was a teenager. The lyrics get to me , but even more Mark's guitar playing really gets to me .... and my tears well up in my eyes every time I listen to it. It didn't hit you like that , but you noticed the purpose of the chords , the silences and the imperfections. All things in this song make it exceptional for me. I am very glad that you reacted to Dire Straits. I am very, very glad that Mark Knopfler has played in your ears. Be well Sir Hairless 🍂🍂🍂🍂🌄🍂🍂🍂🍂
The same here... Maybe is a generation gasp...
The videos for "Take on Me" and "Brothers in Arms" were both produced by Simon Fields.
This song is the most used song at funerals for military personnel in the UK. (The most used song in General in Monty Python's "Always Look on the Bright Side of Life"
It's probably their most famous song, yes, so I was quite surprised to see you do a reaction to it. So many good memories came back. This was the very first concert I attended, and now it was the first time I saw the video
I thought Sultans of Swing was their most famous! Maybe that's just where I'm from 🎵Amazing they were your first concert
edit: just checked the Spotify plays and Sultans of Swing has nearly 1.3 billion, Brothers in Arms 322 million
It is the one that will last for centuries
Private investigations is their most known song, the best is Telegraph Road from the Alchemy tour, it is a 14 minute story of the start of a small town getting bigger and bigger with lots of instrumental play as well.
"Someday you'll return to your valleys and your farms." reminds me of the end of the film Gladiator, as Maximus returns to his home and family in the afterlife.
Oh Gosh, you didn't know this masterpiece, sooo fantastic you took your time to react to this original! Thank you! For me this song is so emotional, I grew up in this time of cold war (in the devided Germany you felt that the most) and many other wars as you mentioned, and I know every single detail, every note of the song, the guitar, every crack of his voice, every word by heart.... I love this song, one of the best of all time I would say, and it still brings me to tears. All the subtle details with the guitar and his singing is something I would love to interpret together with you! 😉 Thank you once again! ❤
Ditto....
MTV was playing 24/7 in my Mom's house.
( Only during the weekends, of course.
School during weekdays, so MTV wasn't allowed. ☺️)
And I remember Pink Floyd's concert in Berlin....
AAAA-MAZING!!
"Tear Down The Wall " !!
Gosh... How time FLIES!
@@emmanx011 👍😘
Your next home free should be their cover of “brothers in arms” its a masterpiece
Definitely look at Home Free's interpretation.
Hopefully! @@itzel1735
Absolutely, next has to be Home Free's cover💓
Susanna Hietala & Jouni Kannisto of Club for Five made the fantastic a capella arrangement that Home Free used💓 I actually bought the sheet music for the Club for five version. ua-cam.com/video/Gerr99h0nS8/v-deo.htmlsi=2yCFeuAPMX0hN45Y
My father-in-law is ex military, in his eighties, recently diagnosed with Alzheimer's.
I really enjoyed this. I thought I wouldn’t. I watch a lot of reaction videos to this song, some of them by classical musicians analysing. I never get to the end of them. But I did with this and I appreciated very much your style of analysis. Thank you. I just might watch a few more of your videos.
Thank you, I appreciate it 🙌🏽
I heard Home Free's cover first, and have been transfixed with it. It's one of my favorites. The first time I heard Dire Straits, I was shocked and it's every bit as fascinating and emotional. I haven't picked a favorite between them, because I think of them very differently. With Home Free it's all about the voices, while the instrumental is so incredibly important in this one. I'm looking forward to hearing which cover you'll be covering. I often find myself holding my breath due to emotions when I listen to this, and it brings memories of my father and other veterans. It always help me to hear why the music works and helps me process my emotions. Thanks.
Listen to the live version from "On the night"
@@darkiee69 or the Nelson Mandela 70th Birthday Tribute Concert at Wembley Stadium where Mark gave a particularly emotional performance.
I wasn't aware of the Home Free version, so I loaded it up to see and hear what it was like. Clearly the bass singer is the key in this version I thought here, but I just didn't feel the emotion in their version that I felt With Mark Knopfler's guitar which I though was the key to this song. The style of the two version is clearly very different as one is instrumental and the other choral. But the choral version just felt to me that it was missing the guitar of the Dire Straits version which was the singer rather tan Mark himself.
I never followed Dire Straits, but I followed Mark Knopfler's individual career afterwards, very closely. He is a stunning storyteller/lyricist.
Grew up with Dire Straits, because my Dad was/is a big fan and until today (I'm 41 now 🫣) they're on my daily playlist 🫶🏻
But Brothers in Arms gets me EVERY SINGLE TIME 😢😢😢
Thanks for the reaction 🫶🏻
TEARS! Not at first, but as the music progressed, my saddness did
as well. 😢❤
The subtlety of this song and approach musically adds so much depth and power to the message. It's simplicity is its strength. We are left with the somber reality of death with the lyrics bringing home the anguish of loss. It is personal, yet universal.....and a bit hopeless.
Apparently Mark used to set his amp gain high when recording. This meant that when played delicately, the guitar still cuts through, even with compression. Marks control and taming of the sound is incredible. Those tasteful volume swells, makes the guitar sing.
Such a moving song, by a great band. Thank you.
A grown-up lullaby
Whispers of dire loss
A weeping guitar
Draws a 'strait' line
The futility of war?
A broken heart. 💔
(the guitar is definitely the
hero in this tragically beautiful video.
A stringed-brother-in-arm.
I can't stop watching. so impressed.
Bravo Dire Straits. 🌹)
This track meant a lot to me at the time as I knew people fighting in the Falklands War. Its message is still so very relevant today. This also reminded me of the feel in the venue when I heard them play this live in the late 80s. Thank you.
Your style of R&A makes me very excited for the cover version R&A especially if it's the Home Free version! And I enjoyed how you accepted Knopfler's style as a choice, and not a criticism - many self-styled critics make that mistake.
As usual, adore your harmonic/textual analysis & commentary. Thank you for all the visible & invisible time you dedicate to these videos
(to the Home Free part)
Thank you ❤
I had the pleasure of seeing Mark Knopfler in Las Vegas a few years ago (OMG, it was 15 years already! Time flies.). Apart from the music being phenomenal, it was a pleasure to watch the players--they truly enjoyed what they were doing and that they were doing it together. We were in the second row, so watching their faces was easy to do. Those guys were having fun. A thoroughly enjoyable experience made better by being in the company of good friends.
Great reaction, SH!
Mark is a brilliant story teller, but he has said he always prefer playing music to singing. To me his emotions came through his guitar, always. I listen to Dire Straits every day, never tire of hearing them.
I wonder how you would dissect their song. Telegraph Road which is a master piece of music and tempos changing constantly.
I’m joining the team of people feeling slightly embarrassed for not knowing this song until now... Thank you very much for introducing me to this emotional classic together with your great explanations on the musical elements of this beautiful composition (btw it’s a wonderful idea to explore the original version in a reaction/analysis video)! I only knew Dire Straits for their amazing performance of ‘Sultans of Swing’ (Alchemy Live), which I have saved on one of my YT playlists with remarkable rock live performances. I love learning about relevant classics and I guess it’s time for me to discover more from this important British band: muito obrigada, Sir!🙏
I have a feeling there'll be many more songs on my channel in the future that are famous that I don't know, so I'll always out-embarrass you 😅 Yes Sultans of Swing was the main song for me knowing Dire Straits too!
Steve Barron directed this and the Take On Me videos. Excellent reaction.
Ah, well there we go 🎬Thank you for confirming
"Telegraph Road" is stunning.
Just want to say I love love love your reactions mate. Thankssss
This is the song that reminds me of The Falklands War, as it was inspired by that conflict and is apparently popular for military funerals.
Such an iconic song from an iconic album. I understand it’s beloved by many guitarists who were influenced by Mark Knopfler and Dire Straits.
Including HomeFree’s Adam Chance, who said it was his favorite song in middle school.
‘Quite a nice song’…sheesh…it’s an absolute masterpiece!!!
@@rainbowroom2010 I’m so glad you said that. It is a sad song. I believe he lost someone he knew in the Falklands. He performs this in the Mandela concert have you seen that? At the end he tries to speak but doesn’t as he is so emotional. Eric Clapham plays in this too.
@@christinehoughton8591- yes I’ve seen it…very emotional
You have to know that, Mark Knopfler is one of 5 greatest rock guitarists of all time. His finger plucking tehnique is amazing. Him and David Gilmoure from Pink Floyd are masters of making the guitar cry.
I don't really like this version too much, because the ending is cut short a bit. I think it's edited for radio play.
The full version has a beautiful guitar/organ combo ending.
I called this song, a haunting it follows. You endangered SPIRIT I really feel it through and through thank you.
That was supposed to say it a haunting feeling that follows you Do you feel it in your spirit?
I sometimes forget you're such a baby 👶 that you wouldn't remember their early days. 🙂 Mark Knopfler isn't much of a singer (imo). He uses his voice to sing the words, but he really talks with his guitar. For me, Dire Straits songs never get old.
As a next Dire Straits reaction, "Telegraph road" would certainly be in the list! Though the Song in it self is about 15 min. long, it never gets boring. I think the live version video is clipped, so I'd suggest you check out the Album version (from the Album "Love over Gold").
BTW. Love your reactions and explanations.
Yes, Telegraph Road is epic
Such a distinctive sound, and such a profound message. I've never really gotten into Dire Straits. I think that has to change.
One of my favorite songs of all time!
The song remained intimate, as it was intended to. The guitar wept, as it was meant to. "Half as much, twice as often."
The singer I've recommended a couple of times, JP Leppäluoto (yes, I know, sorry for mentioning him again; I just really wish more people knew him and his voice😅) has actually covered this song as well with one of the groups he performs with, Northern Kings. I love his rendition of it.
Home Free did an amazing cover of this song.
My favorite for years, huge fan of dire straits ❤
'these mist covered mountains' more or less scotland highlands almost bagpipes. he was born in scotland but lived in england most of his life
OMG I was in love with this song as a teenager... Along with PRIVATE INVESTIGATION
I was in the Falklands, in the flagship, HMS HERMES. War is man's natural condition. We have been at it since we came down from the trees. It's horrible, destructive, bloody, but the intense sense of brotherhood amongst warriors is one of, if not the strongest bonds of which humans are capable. I think this track gets this across superbly; sorrow at the horror, but joy in the bond.
-We can see a classic scene with this song, on the TV show "Miami Vice" in the 1980's, (in last scene of the episode: 'Out Where the Buses Don't Run')
Love the analysis (more analysis than reaction). My #1 favorite DS or maybe anybody's song. @7:24, everything is intentional - the lyrics, the music, the voice, the storytelling, the engineering, the mixing... This is a brilliant marriage of Marks lyrics, singing, & guitar playing with the most subtle and appropriate keyboards from Alan Clark and as always brilliant but sort of hidden bass playing from John Illsey. @12:02 yeah the same guys made these videos, same tech, same video directors, etc. Same guys made the Money for nothing video too.
Funny thing you mention the bagpipe sounding synth that comes in…Mark’s Uncle Freddie died in WWII, a Piper in the Scottish battalion. Mark wrote a truly beautiful tribute song for the uncle he never knew called Piper To The End.
I saw them live in 1992 when they gave a concert in Lisbon😍👍
As a classical musician you might like to check out some of the tracks from the 9 film scores that Mark Knopfler's composed and performed including Local Hero, The Princess Bride, Last Exit To Brooklyn and most recently Altamira with renowned percussionist Evelyn Glennie.
Beautiful song, haunting visuals; sad, it still applies. Have a lovely weekend.
Although the songs in the studio recording are great, for this band you own it to yourself to react to the live version where Mark Knopfler the lead singer and guitarist, stretches the guitar solo and does some fantastic improvisations.
Ooohhhh... Is it time for it? Really? The cover of this one. :)
I love love love this song, and I have since I got the album in 1985? 1986? I was working in a Bang & Olufsen store, and they used this album to show the range and power of the B&O systems. This album had all the big famous classics, that you most likely know, like Money for Nothing, Walk of Life, and then this one, obviously. I love Mark's ability to make the guitar sing, and weep in his songs...
This songs secret sauce is down to the suspension and resolution all the way through. Your analysis is spot on. Great job
hi please react Stand Up - Gabriel Henrique,
Coral Black To Black he sings very well he
is phenomenal
This is such a brilliant song on many levels. You should check out a live version of it from Dire Straits now, you will hear how they develop it, Mark's guitar playing is even more emotional, make sure its the version from the On The Night concert.
J'ai beaucoup aimé revoir ces images. Une analyse toujours aussi intéressante
Pencil drawing animation is an example of rotoscoping - illustration over live action footage.
I enjoyed your in-depth analysis of the music and a bit of its construction, yet not losing the poignancy of the message. Bravo. Another anti-war song with a different approach is 'Zombie'. The Cranberries tune is every bit as powerful, but their approach is much more angry and pointed. The video is one of the best in providing images to the emotions. You should definitely review it.
You should hear the Band of the Royal Marines performing this
It's a legendary song, an anthem against war.💖
Mark Knopfler is such a talented guitarist. For more of an upbeat example of Dire Straits’ work, please check out their live version of Sultans of Swing. I’ll look up the location, I don’t know it offhand. And I want to watch it now. Loved your reaction and analysis, as always! Peace … It’s the Alchemy Live video.
I remember wondering at the time why two nations were fighting over such small seemingly insignificant islands at the bottom of the world. But this is a really great song. And it really does make you think. Knoffler is such a great artist. I'm sure you're going to react to, or at least listen to the two main acapella versions of this song. Both Home Free and Club for Five do a fabulous job with this song. Both versions use Club for Five's arrangement and I think they are both in the same key. It would be really cool to hear you analyze them comparatively. Club for Five has two female vocalists and, as you know, Home Free is all male.
By the way, I don't know how many years have passed, but this song is still on my ringtone, and I still don't get tired of it!!) That says a lot!!)
that 'bagpipe' sound also reminds me of an old-fashioned reed organ.
19:03 I wonder if the instrument (the one at the beginning) is a ‘bandoneon’ which is a type of concertina that’s often used for melodies as well as accompaniment in the Argentinian tango tradition. If the later part is played on a European style accordion, both instruments may represent the similarities rather than differences between the people involved in the war. I believe the Sun over the ocean may have a similar symbolic meaning. Both countries overlook the Atlantic and while the Brits have the ocean to their west, the Argentinians overlook it while looking east.
Be sure to listen to their live performances, they are always so... atmospheric)
I suspect the bagpipes sound is deliberate. Mark also has a song called Piper To the End you might listen to. I believe he wrote it about an uncle who was a regimental piper and was killed in WWII.
There is another very good song of his too,
could you react please Gabriel Henrique
- Something Beautiful this guy has a voice
out of this world
I really enjoyed your thorough review of this song.
Could you do the same with the official video of
Telegraph Road, please. Live At The Hammersmith
Odeon, London, UK / July 1983. Thank You!
As I play a bit and enjoy fooling about making tunes, I find the analysis very interesting. As regards it being 'raw' and 'unpolished' I would suggest that if you refined and polished it then the song just really wouldn't work very well. I would say the guitar is very much part of the song, rock music often exploits the ability of the instrument, which perhaps like no other can express emotion in yes, a very raw sense. All the way through the exchanges between voice and guitar are the journey of the song, culminating in the finale with the guitar having the final word. Simple? Yes and no, the subtleties of the performances as well as the clever use of suspensions and other musical devices are not in any way trivial, which I would say is why this piece achieves almost a unique effect on most listeners as regards to the evoking the emotions of the horrors or war.
HM ROYAL MARINES BAND does justice to this ,in a different way . They are composed of active combat veterans ,many decorated to .
Wonderful!
One last comment. Another band with a vast catalog of strong musical imagery and lyrics is Genesis. To pick one song is difficult, because their subject matter is deep and so varied with their emotional approach so different for every story. They are impressionistic, like Pink Floyd but using a different approach. Occasionally simple, their music is usually quite complex, layered, and textured. Plus, their growth is so huge, spanning decades. The early music is progressive, but as they enter the '80s becomes more 'accessible', shorter. To complicate their development, they have two different lead singers. Early with Peter Gabriel and later (after 1975, Phil Collins). With both eras there is a distinct 'sound' that is Genesis, but with a different focus. A fascinating band.
Sorry to be so long-winded. You may be fully aware of Genesis, but if not, I believe you will also find them fascinating on several levels. Maybe start with 'Firth of Fifth'? Then 'Dance on a Volcano' or 'Blood on the Rooftops'?
Thank you. I know one or two songs by Genesis, but definitely nearly all of their catalogue is yet for me to explore!
The covers respectively by Metallica and Joan Baez are worth a listen, since they bring out very different elements.
There is no song better than "Telegraph road".) You turn it on, close your eyes and cry. There is also "Romeo and Juliet". I didn't like it for a long time, and then one day I turned it on - and again there was great sadness from the cheerful music and the manner of "singing" a sad story, then I turned on a live performance - and there was an incredibly sad version of this song with a saxophone.) In short, these Dire Straits are cool guys.)
It is an accordion, though a synth can replicate accordion sounds pretty well. And there is no one who can "cover" Mark Knopfler's guitar playing adequately. You should watch a live performance of the song such as this one with a string quartet added:
ua-cam.com/video/Z3_HTGdLXL4/v-deo.html ( Mark Knopfler - Brothers In Arms (A Night In London | Official Live Video) )
I always cry when I hear this song. I kind of wonder if Mr, Knowles does as well, as he sings it. It sounds like he does…and that’s ok.
Christmas is approaching…
I hope you don’t find this intrusive, it’s meant as a friendly reminder that you have said that you would react to Pentatonix’s version of “Coventry carol” in 2024. (In the comment section of your reaction to “God rest ye merry gentlemen”, December 2023.)
🌹🌹
Nice reaction to this ‘official’ recording, but for a much more emotional and atmospheric experience of this wonderful piece of music, written by the magical master of guitar and songwriting, Mark Knopfler, I highly recommend you now react to one of these LIVE performances of Brothers in Arms. It is widely recognized that DS & MK Live are always better than any ‘official’ recorded videos. I don’t think you will be disappointed:
Dire Straits - Brothers in Arms Live (on the Night, 1993)HD
ua-cam.com/video/q2rx3IAEISA/v-deo.htmlsi=io9yqeuipXKSxzZG
Dire Straits - Brothers in Arms - LIVE Wembley 1988 - Audio HQ Remasterize! ua-cam.com/video/dZXlQp0aKPU/v-deo.htmlsi=G6vFrTua4gY1sV5f
Is it the Home Free version you've got a request to do? If not, I would strongly recommend it, it's my favourite version of the song. It is hauntingly beautiful. I like the original well enough, but it's a bit too much instrumental driven than vocally for my tastes (it's a bit too quiet for me, might be the mixing, though).
Thanks for the reaction and analysis.
At the time of writing this comment, check back in a few hours and your recommendation might have been satisfied
Ps... I've already commented on this Video, but wish to remind you of a GREAT HALLOWEEN SONG, by Nightwish; that I'm hoping you'll react to, before October is over.
LOVE YOUR REACTIONS ❤
What a song, both soft in its melody and sad in its lyrics. Thank you for your reaction. Maybe you don't know this song by George Michael about war, which I find beautiful but so sad. George Michael's voice is captivating and the piano piercing. This song always makes me cry. ua-cam.com/video/yksM7Ym2yTU/v-deo.html
Quelle chanson, à la fois douce par sa mélodie et triste par ses paroles. Merci pour votre réaction. Peut-être ne connaissez-vous pas cette chanson de George Michael sur la guerre, que je trouve magnifique mais si triste. La voix de George Michael est prenante et le piano perçant. Cette chanson me fait systématiquement pleurer.
I loved your video - easiest subscribe of my life. Only I wished you would have delved more into the political meaning of it, considering that you already knew that it was explicitly written by Mark about the Falkland war. Maybe check out "Virgin Rock" about a deep dive into these matters.
Unfortunately, this song is universal. War as a pointless exercise is a waste of mankind and resources that profits a only a few. The musical clashes are very appropriate to make the conflict felt, emotional. With this band, the musical effects are all intentional. Having the story so intimate, hymn-like, and personal brings the message into our hearts and makes the irony sadly bitter.
Excellent reaction. The sound intensifies considerably in the live concert from 1993 called 'On The Night' where the keltic melody takes on a symphonic dimension - might be worth seeing for a pro like yourself: ua-cam.com/video/q2rx3IAEISA/v-deo.html
Pardon a personal question, but I was wondering if you were a Christian. You make frequent references in your videos to Biblical principles, and it made me curious. Again, sorry if this is too personal, just my curiosity getting the better of me.
If you're referring to the tritone and 'diabolus in musica', that's just a historic term that was used and is not used because of my religious beliefs at all ☺
@@SirHairless Oh no, I was referring to some of your other videos. Sorry if it was an intrusive question.
@@libertyrocks3701 No worries! I don't intentionally make biblical references 😅