Communiqué [Remaster]

Performer: Dire Straits
Engineer: Jack Nuber; Jack Nuber
Producer: Jerry Wexler; Barry Beckett
Distributor: WEA (Distributor)

Notes: Dire Straits: Mark Knopfler, David Knopfler (vocals, guitar); John Illsley (vocals, bass); Pick Withers (drums). Recorded at Compass Studios, Nassau, Bahamas in December 1978. Personnel: Mark Knopfler (vocals, guitar); David Knopfler, John Illsley (vocals); Boby Bear (keyboards); Pick Withers (drums). Audio Mixer: Gregg Hamm. Audio Remasterer: Bob Ludwig. Recording information: Compass Point Studios, Nassau, Bahamas (12/1978). Illustrator: Geoff Halpin. Rushed out less than nine months after the surprise success of Dire Straits' self-titled debut album, the group's sophomore effort, Communiqu�, continues in the same vein. Mark Knopfler and co. had established a sound (derived largely from J.J. Cale) of laid-back shuffles and intricate, bluesy guitar playing, and Communiqu� provides more examples of it. "Lady Writer" (a lesser singles chart entry on both sides of the Atlantic) nearly duplicated the sound of "Sultans of Swing," even if . Communiqu� sold immediately to Dire Straits' established audience, but no more, and it did not fare as well critically as its predecessor or its follow-up. ~ William Ruhlmann Rushed out less than nine months after the surprise success of Dire Straits' self-titled debut album, the group's sophomore effort, Communiqu�, seemed little more than a carbon copy of its predecessor with less compelling material. Mark Knopfler and co. had established a sound (derived largely from J.J. Cale) of laid-back shuffles and intricate, bluesy guitar playing, and Communiqu� provided more examples of it. But there was no track as focused as "Sultans of Swing," even if "Lady Writer" (a lesser singles chart entry on both sides of the Atlantic) nearly duplicated its sound. As a result, Communiqu� sold immediately to Dire Straits' established audience, but no more, and it did not fare as well critically as its predecessor or its follow-up. ~ William Ruhlmann

The U.K.'s Dire Straits became one of the world's most popular rock bands the old-fashioned way, through songwriting and musicianship. When "Sultans of Swing" broke through on both sides of the Atlantic in 1979, the sound suggested Bob Dylan backed by J.J. Cale. It sure didn't sound like anything else on the radio. Mark Knopfler's gruff singing and exquisite guitar playing were critical to the group's sound. The next two records cemented Dire Straits' reputation and bolstered its popularity. 1985's BROTHERS IN ARMS became one of the biggest sellers of the decade. After the band dissolved, Knopfler (who had already done some well regarded soundtrack work) embarked on a solo career, opting for a more low-key approach.

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