It’s really pretty amazing when you stop to think about the progression of Mark Knopfler as a musician. If you listen to early Dire Straits (which I love) and compare it to Knopfler’s latest solo outing, Get Lucky, there simply isn’t a comparison. Knopfler has evolved into a top-notch troubadour who is supremely able to balance a myriad of styles without ever losing focus or credibility.
Knopfler’s solo albums have always had a strikingly intimate sound but never more so than on Get Lucky. While others work hard to emulate artists like Bob Dylan and Van Morrison, it’s obvious at this point that Knopfler breathes the same air as his likely heroes. The best example of this is the downtrodden sound of “Before Gas And TV” with it’s Celtic flavor and deeply spiritual sound. The same deep rooted connection to his music is evident in the album opener “Border Reiver,” and inspired sounding track that caused me to look at Knopfler in an entirely new way. The same goes for “Piper at the End,” my personal favorite track on this album.
While you have these deep seeded songs of the working man, you also have much more of a dynamic on this album than on others of his albums. The movie scoring side of his career co-exists peacefully on this album with the other songs like “Hard Shoulder” and “Monteleone.” Even the title track would be welcome addition to a dramatic movie soundtrack, although it does have a certain Folk charm to it as well.
When all is said and done, this is arguably Knopfler’s most dynamic work. That’s not to so it’s the most energetic per se, but he showcases so many different sides of himself here, and he does it so incredibly well, that it’s hard not to be completely mesmerized by it all.
To truly experience these songs though, you should check them out live. One of Knopfler’s most endearing qualities is his ability to connect with his audience on a level most artists only hope to. Mark Knopfler and his band are touring the U.S. beginning this April and I highly recommend finding a show near you. For a full list of dates check out http://www.markknopfler.com/tour/ You won’t regret the pilgrimage to see one of the truly legendary artists of the last 50 years.
Reviewed by Mark Fisher
