Dire Straits - Dire Straits

 (Numbered Limited Edition)


Label:

Mobile Fidelity

Genre:

Pop/Rock

Product No.:
AMOB 466
UPC: 821797246613
Availability:
Back Ordered
Category:

45 RPM Vinyl Record


No. of Discs: 2
Note: 180 Gram

45 RPM


180-gram 45 RPM double LP set pressed at RTI!

Dire Straits' arresting self-titled debut embraces folk, blues and pub rock + early rock 'n' roll

1/4" / 15 ips analog master to DSD 256 to analog console to lathe

Mofi reissue sports natural tones, superb balances, reference imaging and sterling clarity

Dire Straits' arresting self-titled debut arrived in the midst of punk's reign but couldn't have been further removed from the era's slash-and-burn style. Recorded in West London in February 1978, the band's tasteful, jazz-inflected set embraces folk, blues, and pub rock while also tracing a direct line back to the beat-oriented sound of early rock n' roll. Country and roots accents further distinguish the British quartet's stripped-down music from any 1970s peers, as does the transparent production, which has remained revered among audiophiles the world over — and which has never been better than on this meticulous analog pressing.

Mastered from the original master tapes and pressed at RTI, Mobile Fidelity's 180-gram 45 RPM 2LP version of Dire Straits features natural tonalities, superb balances, you-are-there imaging, deep-black backgrounds, and pristine clarity. Even if you've heard this album hundreds of times before, you've never experienced it with such lifelike sonics and premium richness. This numbered-edition collector's set immerses you within the smoky, laidback atmospherics of every song. This is how all vinyl should sound.

Crucial to every arrangement, Mark Knopfler's winding guitar lines emerge with supreme transparency and multi-hued textural detail. His intricate playing comes across as if it's being transmitted via his 60s-era Fender Vibrolux amplifier placed right before you. The cleanliness, dimensions, and live feel are that good. His bandmates, too, benefit from the extra groove space afforded by this 45 RPM edition. Rhythms skate and swirl; percussive effects resonate with crispness and attack; the leading edges of notes naturally decay.

Dire Straits' strong, well-edited batch of original material further enhances the overall enjoyment and makes the record one whose pleasures go far beyond the organic sonics. Just as Knopfler's narratives pour forth with poetic and surrealist texts, the musical settings — an intoxicating combination of easygoing shuffles, back-hall boogies, and pop-honed ballads — mirror the old-fashioned soulfulness inherent in the classic recordings of the late '50s and early '60s. The lyrics are equally captivating.

Drawing from his time as a youth in Newcastle, Leeds, and London, Knopfler invests tunes with an autobiographical slant and emotional connectivity that become obvious the moment he opens his mouth to sing. "Down to the Waterline," "Wild West End," and "Lions" all feature colloquial touches that add to their reach. By extension, "In the Gallery" functions as a tribute to Leeds sculptor Harry Phillips (father of future Knoplfer collaborator, Steve Phillips) while the record's breakout smash, "Sultans of Swing," pays homage to struggling bar bands.

Through it all, Dire Straits performs with a subtle cool and clever poise that no band ever matched. Just how good is the chemistry? Bob Dylan heard the quartet and invited Knopfler and drummer Pick Withers to play on "Slow Train Coming." But even Dylan himself didn't hear Dire Straits sound this magnetic back in its original heyday. Now, everyone can.

 



1. Down to the Waterline
2. Water of Love
3. Setting Me Up
4. Six Blade Knife
5. Southbound Again
6. Sultans of Swing
7. In the Gallery
8. Wild West End
9. Lions

Customer Reviews (4.50 Stars) 6 person(s) rated this product.

Too much bass

posted on 08/02/2021
3 Stars
Reviewer: DCBRN
This record has the bass increased to the point of distraction. It must be the record, because I play lots of records on my system, and my system has no tone controls. Those other records aren’t bass-heavy. The bottom end on this record is substantially out of proportion with the rest of its sound spectrum. I agree with another reviewer that the resolution and cleanliness of this album is outstanding. Unfortunately, someone needed more cowbell, or bass. These records are works of art. These records cost a lot. I was hoping for class. What I received was something less.


This Is How All Records Should Sound

posted on 08/31/2020
5 Stars
This is one of the best sounding records. If you are a Dire Straits fan then you have to own this one. 'Sultans of Swings" is an all time favorite of mine and I have been listening to it since...well forever and yet on the this special pressing it sounds new to my ears with new details emerging throughout. Excellent!!


Can't believe my ears

posted on 06/22/2020
5 Stars
Reviewer: Jasper
This is better than I thought possible. Simply mind-blowing. I often hesitate to buy 45rpm versions due to the need to cue up four sides instead of two, but this (along with the other titles in the series) sounds so good it outweighs the hassle. The pressing is dead quiet and absolutely lives up to the hype. This is nearly UHQR/UD1S level good.

Shipped quickly and well protected in the packaging. AS is a top notch outfit.


Exceptional!!

posted on 05/12/2020
5 Stars
Reviewer: Brian


Absolutely fantastic

posted on 04/08/2020
5 Stars
Best issue, period.


Best version so far but...

posted on 01/11/2020
4 Stars
Reviewer: Mike
Amazing version of this fave album of mine. The resolution, dynamics and added air is outstanding BUT why does MoFi keep on lifting the bass up (sometimes the top freq as well)? It is so out of context with the rest of freq spectrum. Why messing with the EQ likes this? I have this effect on several other MoFi pressings. As an example my Back in Black pressing is more enjoyable and with correct EQ though without the resolution and dynamics of the MoFi, but that is the version I stick to. Maybe people without full range systems will have different experience. Nowadays MoFi is hit and miss from so-so to outstanding...


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