Mark Knopfler - Privateering

I've also listened to some of this on Spotify. One of only a few new releases where I've though 'must get that'.

Bill

Hi,

Has anyone heard the double LP format???

Regards,  Chris N

I have purchased it and am working my way through it.  I love MK, but he does suffer a bit from the 'it all sounds the same' syndrome.  Thus, I work my way through this new work in small pieces.

Your remarks on Spotify 320kbps vs cd mirror my general thoughts on high bitrate mp3's vs lossless -- something clearly is lost when moving to a lossy format.

I'm absolutely with Bart on the 'all-sounds-the-same syndrome'. But it actually becomes better in the second half of the album.

I think it's a wonderful album. I bought the first Dire Streets album all those years ago, but didn't like the next one, and then they got huge and I thought myself too cool for such commercial music. I then managed  to ignore MKs solo career until I saw the documentary on BBC4 a few weeks ago. I listened first on Spotify and now I'm listening to the vinyl. Supe

It says a lot about the changing music scene this is obscure and Dire Straights were massive.

Keith

One thought is how impressive it sounds listened to properly through the hifi. In car via Spotify and an iPhone doesn't really compare. Another is that MK's songs often need 4 or 5 listens before they get under your skin. Anyone who's given the album one casual listen is not going to have 'got it'.

Being a long time Mark Knopfler fan going back to 1979 when `Sultans of Swing' first hit the airwaves, I was very happy to receive this double album opus. In my opinion Knopfler reached a peak with his last album `Get Lucky' and I wasn't sure this album could hold up to that one. While it may not surpass his last album it certainly reaches the same level of excellence in artistry, creativity and pure musical genius. It is a joy to listen to his music especially when you compare it to the garbage on the radio these days. It is so sad that many people the world over will never experience music such as this because it just has not been made available to them.

Knopfler's music and lyrics are very complex and demands multiple listenings before you can digest it all. I just love the fusion of celtic, country & rock. The lyrics tell you a story or describe an experience and make you think. Some of his songs are from another time and place. But not so remote that you can't relate to them on a human level. His use of the guitar is very original as he allows the instrument to `talk' or evoke emotion - from happiness & joy to sadness & grief. Some songs actually might motivate you to kick up your feet and dance. He uses this instrument unlike any other guitarist - past or present. I can't praise this man enough. He seems to be getting better with age. Every time a new release comes around I don't hesitate to buy it with no regrets ever. I feel he has really hit his stride since `Kill to Get Crimson', `Get Lucky' and now `Privateering". I also loved the album `All the Road Running' with Emmylou Harris. It contains some outstanding songs. "I Dug Up A Diamond' will bring tears to your eyes. I only hope there will be many more albums from Mark Knopfler in the future!!! They are all masterpieces.

I will end by saying if you appreciate fine music this album will not disappoint you. There are some really beautiful songs ( Redbud Tree; Go Love; Kingdom of Gold) with clever lyrics (Corned Beef City) that will enlighten you along with catchy & innovative guitar riffs throughout. Of all the 20 songs there isn't one you could call weak or filler. The title song "Privateering" is just amazing. For me the absolute stand out track on this album is "Yon Two Crows" which has very celtic overtones. I listen to this over and over and over and it just blows my mind. The melody created by the fiddle is simply beautiful and amazing. Great stuff!
Keep in mind that this man has been making great music for almost 35 years and is very underrated IMHO. That's because he doesn't use gimmicks or court the spotlight but is a brilliant musician and gifted songwriter. Hopefully one day he will gain the recognition he truly deserves

I enjoyed this yesterday on the [very heavy] double vinyl. A nice clean and clear audio experience.

Yesterday I described it to friends on FB as an album of nice rainy Sunday afternoon acoustic R'n'B.  Nothing exceptional, but very enjoyable without having to try too hard.  And that is not damning with feint praise.

My ears did prick up, however, at two tracks (conveniently 1 per LP) which to me sounded very similar to the track Brothers in Arms.  But that may be me. I'm forever hearing tracks inside other tracks.

Worth a buy?  I think so.  For me, 3.5/5 stars, which somehow sounds a bit mean. So how about 7/10.

James

Am looking forward to a US release, the import is too expensive. One of the top guitar players of all time.

You can get it from amazon's canadian web site (amazon.ca) .

Now available as a Studio Master from the Linn web site

Yes, I'll probably have to blow another twenty quid to get it!

Not available for U.S. customers.  Now I know how you guys feel re: HD Tracks!

Many thanks for this Rattlesnaic!

Downloaded earlier from Linn's site and playing it now.  Very clear and enjoyable, and now on second replay through. Highly recommended, and a great showpiece for High Res music.

Some very powerful tracks that really get raise the goose bumps raised (e.g. Miss you blues).  Some great guitar work that comes over very well on my system.

Thanks again for the heads-up.

George.