Disco de Dire Straits: “Communique”

'Communique' was unfairly criticised after the critical acclaim that the first one received. The first one is good but this one is also. It is the most underrated Dire Straits' album. A significant one for the band not just because it was the last one to feature the original lineup including David Knopfler; the group's personnel changed frequently thereafter.

All nine songs, whilst not among the very best or most famous of their work are very appealing and there are no duds here. Knopfler's story-telling provides an interesting scenario throughout. The recording location is powerful as well. Its a more laid-back sound and introduces keyboards which their first album did not have. 'Once Upon A Time in the West' features a reggae beat which the band rarely used.

Perhaps if they had a major hit single or radio faviourite from this one it would have performed better. 'Lady Writer' is most likely to have been released as a single. 'Single Handed Sailor' is another strong track from the album. It then gives way to the crashing of the waves which open the closing 'Follow Me Home' which is flawless.

All in all a solid effort from the group before they made it big, released at a time when punk and disco dominated the headlines. Almost 25 years later and this album - as is their debut album - is still a sound for all time.

This album takes a step forward from the Sultans of Swing album. Their previous effort, but this one is closer to the heart and the soul of its creator: M.Knoffler. From "Once upon a time in the West" to the more mellow:"News" and "Where you think you're going". This gay really delivers us a great combination of poetry and virtuosity on the guitar; besides, considering the kind of musical junk that we had most of the time back on 1979, its amazing that he came out we something like this, although I've got to tell you: He even did better on his master piece album:"Love over gold". Anyway, "Comunique" is a really nice star.

I originally bought this just because "Once Upon a Time in the West" has always been one of my favorite songs. It is different from a lot of other things they've done, but to me, this is one of their very best albums. I love the stories MK tells. These songs are very capivating. I prefer the songs where you really get to hear the guitar. "Single-Handed Sailor" made me the repeat button on. I call it a must have for any one who thinks they love Dire Straits.

This whole album rocks. I think it contains some of Knopfler's best songwriting, specifically songs such as "News," Portobello Belle," and "Where Do You Think You're Going?," the latter of which is my favorite song on the album. Real dark and mysterious sounding--the lyrics are too great. Only Knopfler could write a lyric like "if you ain't with me girl, you're gonna be without me." There's some very solid material on this album and it should be a part of any fan's collection. And now that it's remastered, it's better than ever!

This was my first Dire Straits purchase back in 1979. I literally wore out the grooves on it. No release of their's or Marks has taken me like this one did. In fact I rate it as one of my favorites of all time. Every song is exceptional.

I was at the time anti-pop and Sultans of Swing had attracted me to the band because of Mark Knopflers soaring guitar riffs. "Communique" had just been released and "Lady Writer" was getting some airplay (it was released as a single). I was not immediately sold on the album. I liked it, but was buying records at a rather fast pace in those days. Communique grew on me quickly, though.

This record is an excellent example of what album making USED to be all about. It has a great flow to it. The songs seem to be made to follow one another. Add in that marks songwriting was the best of anyone at the time and the overall talent of the group and we have one excellent album.

Make no mistake Mark Knopfler was recognized by a great many musicians at the time. Jerry Garcia, Bob Dylan and Eric Clapton all revealed Dire Straits to be a favorite new band. They were so much so, that Dylan and Clapton covered his songs.