[gr8sho92]

Here's what I can contribute to this thread.

I first heard Dire Straits in Schenectady while a freshman in college. At this point in time, progressive rock Act I was complete, disco was at its peak, new wave had taken hold, and punk was still very strong. What I recall from that time is the so called experts made a big fuss over simpler rock music like Rockpile and Nick Lowe as examples. A really dizzying time.

I bought Dire Straits debut album in 1979 just before Communique was released, primarily on the strength of Sultans of Swing, but that whole album to me is incredible and I like all tracks fairly the same. From that point on I was hooked on this band and is one of the staples of my personal collection. Making Movies was mentioned earlier. I remember this album being criticized because it was too different. Telegraph Road? fuggedabouddit.

For trivia, listen to Ian Anderson sing on Crest of a Knave. You will find him doing an excellent impersonation of Mark Knoepfler.

Dire Straits music was progressive in a sense of moving music forward and being fresh and different in the day, and I believe it will easily withstand the test of time. Is it material to be included in the AM library is another matter for Jim to decide. Either way was is fine with me.

Cheers,
Carl P.