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Dire Straits

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Dire Straits (1978) 2 listens

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Listening notes

Dire Straits (1978) Dire Straits
VPI Cliffwood • Grado Stylus Red4 • Parks Audio Budgie • AE 45 monos

Is Dire Straits any better? A bit of cereal, but it sounds much better. This is a pretty good copy.

I am happy to report that “Sultans of Swing” is simply glorious on this medium, as is the rest of the album. Years of accrued cereal on this copy, but it has a lovely analog feel.

“In the Gallery” has a funky playfulness. The guitar on the right — David Knopfler, I assume — is so cool, just propelling the story with a bright and attentive voice. Lovely. Mark is doing his solo thing, also cool, but darker than what David is doing.

Side B is a love song to London and all quite wonderful. “Wild West End” is fun, a celebration of everything that goes on in one of my favourite parts of London. “Lions” ends the album with a bit of guitar conversation.

Dire Straits (1978) Dire Straits

I wasn’t planning to listen to Dire Straits in full. “Sultans of Swing” simply appeared in a Roon playlist while I was working this morning, and the moment it hit, everything else stopped. That familiar guitar figure, the ride cymbal carrying the groove, the unforced melody, the observational calm of the lyric. It still works. It hits just right. I was groovin’ in my chair. “Sultans” is one of those rare songs that …

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Closing February Various Artists

Since bringing the DeVore O/96 speakers home, I’ve had two listening sessions: last Sunday and today. Again, thanks to Giles for letting me monopolize his parlor for a temporary audio room. Since then, I’ve been going to his place about once a week—usually on Friday—for a listening session before having to retrieve the boys from school. This has worked out pretty well, but I’d be lying if I said I’m not ready for my …

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