The legendary Mark Knopfler, one of rock and roll’s most distinctive guitarists, is releasing a new album on September 18th. Titled Kill to Get Crimson, it hearkens back to classic songwriting of the early Dire Straits releases. I’ve been particularly taken with “Punish the Monkey,” and its catchy chorus “punish the monkey, let the organ grinder go” set against a slight bossanova beat.
To celebrate this release, we’re giving away a copy of copy of Kill to Get Crimson, courtesy of our friends at 820 Media! To be eligible, post a comment about your favorite Knopfler or Dire Straits album. A winner will be chosen at random. Contest ends Sunday, September 16th at midnight ET.*
See below for a peek into the studio during the recording sessions and to hear the intriguing story behind the album. To preview two tracks (including the aforementioned “Punish the Monkey”) from Kill to Get Crimson, click here.
*By participating in this contest you agree to allow Twangville to forward your contact info to 820 Media and to post your name and city on our web site. We will never use your info for any other reason.
About the author: To change this standard text, you have to enter some information about your self in the Dashboard -> Users -> Your Profile box. 
September 10th, 2007 at 10:34 pm
i’ve always been a sucker for the princess bride. while it may not be my favorite of his work it is one of my all-time favorite movies and the soundtrack is a big part of that (besides that it’s one of the funniest movies on the planet)
September 10th, 2007 at 11:37 pm
I could play “Sultans of Swing” off of the Dire Straits self-titled album over and over again and never tire from listening to it. And you gotta give Knopfler props for teaming up with Emmylou Harris recently on All the Roadrunning. If the new album is anything like that one, we’re in store for a gem.
September 10th, 2007 at 11:39 pm
Definitely The Ragpicker’s Dream. He’s such a great storyteller, and I think it comes out best on that album.
September 11th, 2007 at 2:38 am
I’d have to pick “Sultans of Swing: The Very Best of Dire Straits” because it has all of my favorite songs on it!
September 11th, 2007 at 3:36 pm
I’d have to go with the obscure album from the Notting Hillbillies - Missing…Presumed Having A Good Time.. particularly for the tune Railroad Worksong. One of his more forgotten works.
September 11th, 2007 at 6:34 pm
Love Over Gold is my favorite Dire Straits cd, and the epic Telegraph Road my favorite song. An incredible song, story and fantastic guitar work. It’s even better live, so if you ever get the chance to go see this Maestro play live do not miss it!
Keep Knopflerin’
September 11th, 2007 at 7:35 pm
Although I will always have a special place in my heart for Golden Heart, MK’s 1st solo effort, I would say that Shangri-la is amazing, followed by Sailing To Philadelphia. My favorite DS album has got to be Communique….not the best, but my favorite…plus, I own a Gold Record of that album given to their manager in Holland !!
September 13th, 2007 at 10:44 am
All The Roadrunning — the whole CD is great but especially This Is Us and the title track. it’s now one of my all-time favorites.
September 15th, 2007 at 7:04 pm
Mark has a very sensible…well…sense for putting the simplest notes and chords together to something, that touches very deep. The mellow ‘Irish Boy’ is a fine example. As we all know, simplicity is a fine art, both in art and in life itself. Looking very much forward to one more well played, thoughtfully written and yet so simple record. Greetings from Denmark!
September 15th, 2007 at 11:05 pm
Bought Shangri-La last year and it was pretty good, but I have to go with Brothers in Arms, a classic!