Dire Straits- Sultans of Swing (Best of)

This Best Of compilation was released in 1998, seven years after the release of their final studio album.

With beautifully poetic lyrics, excellent guitar work and a mix of rock/roots/jazz, Dire Straits pushes a lot of buttons for me. Of course, there's the famous hits of Romeo and Juliet, Sultans of Swing and Money for Nothing. But their talent goes a lot further than that, such as Lady Writer, Tunnel of Love (my favourite Dire Straits song), Brothers in Arms and Heavy Fuel.

Some of the songs are a bit heavy-handed with the 1980s cheese (guitar reverb, synth sounds and inappropriate sax), which is why Money for Nothing isn't my cup of tea. But many others are simple, honest and emotive, such as the haunting Brothers in Arms.  

Twisting by the Pool is a bit twee (especially the drum breaks in the verses) but it adds some variety the album.

The decision to put Walk of Life straight after Brothers in Arms is an odd one. I realise it's a compilation, so track order isn't too important, but this jump is a far too steep shift in mood.

The recording quality of this re-mastered compilation is fantastic, which is incredible considering how old some of the recordings are. In particular, the bass guitar has great character, the guitars are silky smooth and the cymbals are wonderfully crisp.

Favourite songs

Sultans of Swing, Lady Writer, Romeo and Juliet, Tunnel of Love, Twisting by the Pool, Brothers in Arms, Walk of Life, Calling Elvis.

Would I buy it again?

Yes. It's a great summary of a great band.