Thanks to the Twangville community for an impressive array of comments on Mark Knopfler’s career. I’ve re-posted the comments below as they are as thoughtful as they are diverse.
Congratulations to Chris McDonald of St. Catharines, ON, Canada. Chris will be receiving a copy of Mark Knopfler’s new cd, courtesy of Knopfler and 820 Media.
Honorable mention goes to Bent Anderson of Denmark who, along with Chris, proves that Twangville is a global musical experience.
1. 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). (SHB)
2. 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. (Tom)
3. Definitely The Ragpicker’s Dream. He’s such a great storyteller, and I think it comes out best on that album. (Laura)
4. I’d have to pick Sultans of Swing: The Very Best of Dire Straits because it has all of my favorite songs on it! (Anastasia)
5. 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. (Chris)
6. 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’. (rygman)
7. 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 !! (Saul Berger)
8. 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. (Kimberlu)
9. 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! (Bent Anderson)
10. Bought Shangri-La last year and it was pretty good, but I have to go with Brothers in Arms, a classic! (“me”)
About the author: Mild-mannered corporate executive by day, excitable Twangville denizen by night.