Disco de Dire Straits: “Making Movies”

This is not only my favorite Dire Straits recording, it is one of my favorite rock CD's of all time. Never has Mark Knopfler's guitar work been more passionate. Never have his lyrics been more poetic. Never have his vocals been more emotive. "Tunnel of Love" has an unforgettable melody, dreamlike lyrics, and a haunting guitar that add up to one of the greatest songs ever. "Romeo and Juliet" tells a heartbreaking story, told perfectly thanks to Knopfler's dead-on vocals. Not a weak song to be found in this masterpiece.

I was lucky enough to be living in England just outside London in a little town called West Ruislip just down the cobbled streets from the "T" station near the famous "Orchards" pub when Dire Straits released their "Love Over Gold" album in 1982, and the young English couple living in the flat upstairs played it over and over, introducing me both to their good taste in music and the terrific group called "Dire Straits" in the process. Of course, as I think back upon it, I was familiar with their hit "Sultans Of Swing", but never really paid much attention until hearing this terrific album and Mark Knopfler's unbelievably stirring, crisp and innovative guitar solos. Soon I was down at the music shoppe buying their other albums, including "Making Movies". By that time I was familiar with their unique and unforgettable sound and also their very introspective lyrics. I came to love this album as much as "Love Over Gold", and several of the cuts are my favorites.

Starting with the first cut, "Tunnel Of Love", an epic guitar rendition owing much to a Springsteen-like treatment of the material, Knopfler's distinctive twanging guitar sound echoed in my flat to all hours of the morning, along with "Romeo And Juliet", "Solid Rock", and a very hot and steamy "Expresso Love", and from such nice English boys! In the short two years I lived in Britain, Knopfler became a kind of institutionalized artistic force everywhere one looked, writing soundtrack music for (among other films) "Local Hero" and "Cal", performing both alone and with Dire Straits, and collaborating with other artists, as well. The music here is very and innovative progressive rock, and the electric guitar work literally sings by itself. When I listen to the album now, it is a source of continuing amazement to me that Knopfler could make the sounds that emanated out of that instrument so uniquely animated as it is. The whole band is terrific, and it is sad that they made so few albums before internal frictions broke them apart. Enjoy this and their other wonderful albums. Here in "Making Movies" they make an indelible stamp on modern rock that I am sure you will find entertaining and entrancing. Enjoy!

I would be one of the last to endorse throwback music based on pure nostalgia, but I find myself reaching for this CD when I least expect to and find I am unexpectedly surprised.

The strength of this work is really based on two songs..."Romeo and Juliet," and "Skateaway." Neither of which were bonafide top 40 hits to my knowledge. I have listened to "Romeo and Juliet" for my fourth time tonight and it is a song that is not to be tired of. "and all I do is miss your and the way we used to be / all I do is keep the beat and bad company / all I do is kiss you through the bars of a rhyme / Julie I'd do the stars with you any time." The song strikes the right balance of mood...blues, country, jazz, and poetry. It's an all-time wonderful tune, to be sure.

And then there is the fun of "Skateaway." Skateaway was the closest to a hit catching MTV early day play time. The song is less mood-inducing than "Romeo and Juliet," and more poppy, but not in a bad way. It rolls along with the fun lyrics, "she tortures taxi drivers just for fun / she like to read their lips / says toro toro taxi see ya tomorrow my son / I swear she let a big truck grease her hips."

This was before the overplayed Dire Straits days of "Money for Nothing," and the only Dire Straits CD that holds my interest. Mark Knopfler's guitar playing is impressive and catchy and holds a candle up to its influence...Nashville Blues. He has played with the likes of Chet Atkins. Not bad for a Brit when Brits usually pay homage to blues and not Nashville. The rest of the album is pretty solid with "Expresso Love," and "Hand in Hand," being standouts on their own rights. I disagree with other reviewers that the last song "Les Boys," doesn't belong or is offensive. To me, it gives some added interest, a little color, and lightness, played in vaudeville style. A fun balance to the soul roller coaster of "Making Movies."

I have owned this album for many many years and never get sick of it. I can listen to the last 3 minutes of "Tunnel of Love" over and over again, all day long. "Romeo and Juliet" never fails to move me to tears. I only wish there were a comparable musical journey out there, as I just can't get enough! It is easy to give credit to Mark Knofpler's extreme talent, however, this album is a milestone of perfection for the entire group. Nothing can touch this ("Love Over Gold" comes close though!).

I have all 7 studio cds from Dire Straits and I believe that Making Movies is their best. Sure, their Dire Straits cd and Brothers in Arms are great discs. Making Movies is the only one that contains "Romeo and Juliet", "Skateaway" and "Les Boys" though. It's a tight 7 song playlist that works. 1982's Love Over Gold attempted the same results but fell short. I've always been pleased with Making Movies and I think it's Dire Straits' classic secret. Most people will go for the debut or Brothers in Arms, but Making Movies is as solid as either of those. All three are musts for any rock fan though.