Dire Straits’ On Every Street
Vinyl
By Jon E. Haney
Seven years after the monster success of the album “Money For Nothing” – platinum and #1 in seven countries – Dire Straits released their sixth and final studio album in 1991. Fronted by guitarist and vocalist Mark Knopfler (now age 74), this may be as perfect a record as you will listen to from the era.
With his vocal stylings a cross between Tom Petty and Bruce Springsteen, this album is a superb blend of rock, blues and folk. It showcases the band's incredible musicianship and songwriting abilities.
Side One
From the haunting, bluesy guitar riffs on the opening track, “Calling Elvis,” Knopfler (who wrote the song) alludes to the King’s enduring fandom. “Did he leave the building? Or can he come to the phone?” croons Knopfler with no hint of sarcasm. With a heavy drum track, it jumpstarts the two-disc release.
The title track, “On Every Street,” is next. It’s contemplative and a little moody, with saxophone and pedal steel guitar accenting the melody. A guitar crescendo midway through the song moves everything into overdrive with bulky but slick guitar work.
Side Two
“Fade to Black” is the darkest tune on the entire album. There are more bluesy riffs and contemplative lyrics that Knopfler sings so well. Some Hammond (presumably) organ, too.
One of my favorites on the album is "You and Your Friend," a beautiful ballad showcasing Mark Knopfler's unmatched guitar skills and ability to write emotionally resonant lyrics.
The most danceable (maybe swing?) song is "The Bug," which has a definite rockabilly feel. Get a load of these lyrics:
Sometimes you're the windshield
Sometimes you're the bug
Sometimes it all comes together baby
Sometimes you're a fool in love
Sometimes you're the Louisville slugger baby
Sometimes you're the ball
Sometimes it all comes together baby
Sometimes you're going to lose it all
Another contemplative gem, “You and Your Friends,” is the third-longest track. I enjoyed the lead and pedal guitar on this track the most. It could be my favorite song on the entire album – more work to choose.
Side Three
“Heavy Fuel” is Knopfler’s take on substance use. While the beat is intriguing, the lyrics are too formulaic for my tastes. This song might have been filler material.
Sides three and four have a suspiciously country feel to them. Especially the “Iron Hand” ballad with another haunting melody. More pedal string guitar. More booming drums. You can imagine yourself out west on a deserted highway at sunset. That’s the mood it brings.
The sweeping “Ticket To Heaven” might be confused for a Gospel track, Jimmy Buffett-style. (According to a post on BuffettNews.com, Knopfler specifically wrote a song called “The Oldest Surfer On The Beach” just for Jimmy.)
Is Knopfler a believer? It seems he might be with lyrics like these:
I got my ticket to heaven
And everlasting life
I got a ride all the way to paradise
I got my ticket to heaven
And everlasting life
All the way to paradise
Side Four
"My Parties" is another standout track with an infectious beat and witty lyrics. It is jazzy and conversational in tone with lots of saxophone. There’s even a jab at global warming towards the end. Knopfler was ahead of his time. Play this tune at your next shindig.
There’s more enthusiastic guitar work, electric piano and synthesizer on the “Planet Of New Orleans,” which clocks in at almost eight minutes.
“How Long” closes this two-disc album. It’s another country-flavored song that fits perfectly with Knopfler’s vocals. Don’t be surprised to find yourself snapping your fingers to the beat.
Overall, "On Every Street" is a must-listen for any rock music fan of rock. It's a timeless album that still sounds fresh and relevant today. It's a testament to Dire Strait's legacy as one of the greatest bands in rock history. But don’t expect to catch the band in concert.
The final Dire Straits’ world tour was back in 1991-92 (supporting this release) and sold a whopping 7.1 million tickets. Mark Knopfler last toured solo in Europe about five years ago. The band was inducted into the Rock 'n Roll Hall of Fame in 2018.
Go out and buy this record! Currently $70 on Amazon.com but prices fluctuate. (I got my copy last year for $30,)
Instead, you can support your community record store Third Coast Vinyl in downtown Muskegon. But it will probably need to be a special order.
(I listen to vinyl albums on a Fluance RT-83 reference turntable with an acrylic platter mat and weighted record stabilizer. My receiver is a Denon DRA-435R purchased from The Sound Room in 1991.)
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