Classical Composer Reaction & Analysis of DIRE STRAITS: WALK OF LIFE | The Daily Doug (Episode 661)

[@Elintasokas]

This song is impossible to dislike. It can single-handedly bring me in a good mood.

[@minty_Joe]

Dr. Doug, you should listen to the whole album Brothers In Arms. It is a classic masterpiece! 🥰

[@cobrasys]

Agreed 100%!

[@jyutzler]

I've tried but the title track is such a downer that I can't stand it. 🙁

[@the_oslovian]

Yes! So good!

[@the_oslovian]

​@@jyutzlerYou gotta be kidding. It's one of the most touching pieces of music around.

[@classicraceruk1337]

@@jyutzlerYou have no soul, it’s a brilliant song.

[@Kaztrofy]

Dire Straits music feels so simple, yet it's also masterful and I always get the feeling of perfection. Timeless!

[@timwebber9277]

And RIP to Jack Sonni, playing on guitar in that video. He died a few weeks ago.

[@donaldbutcher1260]

My all time favorite D.S. tune! It just makes me feel good no matter what may be happening in my life, I hear this song and I have to smile. 😊

[@moi01887]

Ah... I can never get enough Dire Straits! Suggestions for two more: "Your Latest Trick", probably the original studio recording. And "Private investigations" from the Alchemy live album. The studio version of that one is good too, but that live performance is fantastic.

[@davelindstrom6005]

I'd love to see an analysis of "One World" from BIA... A great song that should've been a single in its own right.

[@christopherwhite7347]

My personal favorite from Dire Straits and one I would love to see is Romeo and Juliet. Especially the live 1992 version.

[@mftubeyou]

Doug, you must do the complete LIVE album "On the Night"! It's got amazing versions of their best songs, especially "Romeo and Juliet", "Private Investigations" and last but not least, probably the best version ever of "Brothers in Arms". It's epic, brings me to tears every time.

[@StevenQ74]

"Calling Elvis" from "On the night" is also great

[@Poppy8899-q8o]

Good version of Walk of Life in the album "On the Night"!...and of course from Wembley 1985!:) Dire Straits should always be a live version!!....always!!!

[@golbez913]

Aww yeah on the night is amazing! The intro solo for heavy fuel is also a highpoint

[@simonettamilani3567]

Esatto. Per me il miglior livello di sempre.

[@murkdiesel5723]

too bad it didn't have Sultans Of Swing

[@correctlyrics]

Whoever had the idea to put sports bloopers in this video is a genius.

[@APthefirst]

I think I remember Mark saying in an interview that the Walk of Life is the process we all live by of falling down and picking ourselves up again and moving forward anyway. Failure is part of life. That's the concept of all the bloopers in the video, that no matter how good you are at things, failure is still part of life.

[@grimreaper-qh2zn]

The "Other Guitarist" Jack Sonni passed away recently RIP.

[@AndDeathForAll82]

Mark’s guitar work is just sublime

[@TigerRogers0660]

We used to play this in our band. It may be only 3 chords - but it's not a straightforward chord progression!!

[@Calinicus72]

Oh, and, before I forget, Thank You for the analysis! I was tempted to just fast forward to the end, but, I’m glad I stayed to the end.

[@cynthiawhite9830]

Fun reaction! Yes to doing the whole album!

[@metallicaguy4679]

One of my favorite songs after seeing them live in the 1987 age 12 in St Joseph, Michigan venetian festival on the river. Great memory.

[@colinhunt8337]

Fantastic talking over from you once again CLICK

[@MrHatamoto77]

Jack Sonni, the rhythm guitarist on Brothers in Arms passed away just few weeks ago :( The barefoot one in the video :)

[@JaimeCivantosCapella]

Take a look to "Dire Straits On The Night" concert. Every track is amazing.

[@katiemanning3761]

Those guys were having some fun making that video! I love it!

[@garibaldiburymore6721]

Fave album for me..is Love Over Gold

[@makelikeatree1696]

Doug, I would love to see you do a deep dive into Brian Eno, especially his ambient stuff and his work with Bowie on Low and Heros.

[@thetattedpharmacist3215]

You’re so right, standard 12 bar blues I IV V, referencing Be Bop A Lula, I Got A Woman etc etc all 12 bar blues essentially ❤ simplicity at its finest!

[@Thommy_B]

I love when you break down the classics! Thanks for explaining that the song is about a busker. I sure as hell knew it wasn’t about the NFL, y’all.

[@ronaldsinagra8825]

That keyboard intro is probably the most recognizable in music history. Love this song.

[@catherinemorris4835]

Seems very strange to me that I love Dire Straits as much as I do and not own any of their albums. I believe I'll be spending some time on Amazon now... 😂

[@Miwna]

You should definitely do the whole Brothers in Arms, it's legendary.

[@randallthomas5207]

A freind in college was a classical violinist. She hated most rock because it was too “loose, and fuzzy”. Her new boyfreind asked her to a Dire Straights concert. Next day she was asking all about Dire Straights, and wanted to know why they were so tight. I told her that part of it is Mark is a guitar natzi, and they do a full play through the afternoon before every concert.

[@lhpl]

I'll be looking forward to you doing the album. Mainly because it includes one of my favorites among "emotional" songs: _Why Worry_ - to steal a line from Jeff Lynne, that song really touches the hearts of those who feel.

[@josiepkat]

One thing I've noticed about Knopfler - after delving back into their music - is he's definitely got a love of the common man, the working man. Like Springsteen, or maybe Billy Joel, his songs immortalize working class people. Even Skateway (one of my favorites) is a musical portrait of a city girl who's young, with her life in front of her - "she's got her own world in the city, you know it can't intrude on her." Telegraph Road is a road in the city I grew up in (Toledo - and it goes through Detroit). Many of these songs - though for sure not all- are about Americans. It's not surprising that he later branched out into country music. He clearly had some American musical influences (Blues and Country) so I think the video is ok. In 1985 this song was MASSIVE. It was everywhere. I think the video still conveys the American spirit of trying, failing, and winning if you stay in the game long enough. The good and the bad, the walk of life. TBH - that attitude is a bit more American than it is British - nothing against the British at all. Always interesting to watch you break down a song musically! I was a singing most of my life - and sadly a voice teacher told me not to play an instrument because it would detract from singing. Worst advice I ever took.

[@michaelfrank2266]

Interesting. I had never given the lyrics a second thought. I just liked the hook.

[@sandrisjansons1515]

Actually there's another video where it shows a busker playing in a subway tunnel while people and joggers and soldiers passed by . In a few moments clip shows Dire Straits playing live outdoors .

[@sethkaicer319]

Doug and I introduced the Walk of Life to the Dead Man walkin.😢

[@forformgamer]

I remember a trip a buddy and me made in his mom's old Fiat Panda. It only had a casette player so we dug up some old tapes from my basement. Sadly, the bag with casettes got stolen so we were left with Bob Marley's Gold in the glove box and this album in the player. From that time on the album Brothers in Arms always invokes vacation feelings!

[@TomMarvan]

Great review. I think the video shows the parallels of a rock band performing to athletes performing. Different walks of life, so to speak. Each are preparing for the big game in the dressing room and then walking out on stage, where initially mistakes are made in the first two verses, but eventually, by the final chorus, passes are completed, catches made, the duck walk is about to make an appearance, life is good. On a side note, there is a big release of remastered live Dire Straits performances due to be released in early November, 2023. A listen and review video of the whole Brothers in Arms would be wonderful, but the new release may be something to keep in mind (Alchemy would be sensational).

[@objectiveobserver4278]

Doug might have noticed that if he had actually watched the video and listened to the lyrics. Instead, he was focused only on the music. Think outside the box, Doug. For anyone to be truly successful, you have to stumble a few times as well.

[@Simont6.0]

I do remember a different music video.....one that centred around a busker...but the video you are watching is the most played.

[@rhubarb_runner2]

This was definitely one of my first CDs (with 90125, Alan Parsons "Stereotomy", etc)

[@grimreaper-qh2zn]

Have you done any of Mark's 9 solo albums yet? Some great story songs on there. Like "Sailing to Philadelphia", "Song for Sonny" and loads of other. If you would like to try a quite atmospheric one I would recommend "Lights of Taormina" from the "Tracker" Album.

[@timbaker4253]

I’d suggest Redbud Tree

[@KimBioni]

Doug, react to some Sigur Rós songs, you will be blown away, Glósoli is my personal favorite

[@jyutzler]

The video predates getting MTV in my house and I've never seen it before, but I recognize a lot of the plays.

[@Pugwash.]

This album is one those few overlaps in what my wife likes and what I like.

[@juergenblaas6573]

Hi Doug, really enjoy your reacions and I highly recommend "Private Investigations" by Dire Straits, my favourite of them. Thereś also a awesome live version

[@judgetoogood1033]

Dire Straits simply awesome.

[@Zabiru-]

I don't know a lot of Dire Straits catalogue, but I really like Sultan's of Swing so that'll be my suggestion for a future reaction :)

[@manguy2000]

I will always have an extra special love for Mark because of this connection to my newcastle united club.

[@cshubs]

If I recall, Brothers at Arms was the first major album released on CD. My neighbor in Davis Hall at UVM had a CD player. It was the cleanest music we ever heard! It was our introduction to digital sound.

[@gold98gtp]

It was one of the first all digital (DDD) rock cd's

[@stevehartke]

If you like this, the glory of the MTV age, you should definitely check out Come Dancing, by The Kinks…. Talk about a catchy melody hook, and a great fun video as well…. Come on Doug, more by The Kinks…

[@kkampy4052]

My favorite is The Man's too Strong.

[@timoel]

Here's the original video (UK version) with the busker kzbin.info/www/bejne/fmaYfJqbhMaUpLs

[@taser8]

I strongly recommend the documentary "Under the Volcano" about George Martin's "AIR Studio" in Montserrat; it covers the recording of a number of famous albums including Brothers in Arms. Really good film.

[@studio_86]

Yamaha DX1 - your organ sound is an enigma puzzle trying to recreate 😂❤

[@bwheatgw]

Another classic feel good tune like this that I love is "Lido Shuffle" by Boz Scaggs. If you get the chance.

[@stevewest4994]

I always thought the song about the knife was a reference to his own song 'six blade knife'. I don't know if he ever performed it on the street though!

[@confounder]

I think it is. In fact, this is made clear in some live performances, where the lyric is ‘…song about the six-blade knife’.

[@otakubancho6655]

It's like the theme music from Spanning the World,but seriously great band,great songs!💘💘💘

[@Bernath_Zsolt]

Doug, I can only repeat myself: you might not know the band Colosseum. But please try Valentyne suit. And then you will not stop listening to this band. The other song called Islands from King Crimson. It is really worth an episode. And please check the Hungarian band After Crying for songs like this: De profundis.

[@po5283]

Despite having already covered Sultans of Swing, you're absolutely missing out if you don't react to the Alchemy Live version, the entire concert is phenomenal, but Sultans is next level!

[@malccraven5276]

Worth a full listen to Brothers In Arms. I believe it's still one of the all time best selling albums in the world and for very good reasons. Right up there with Michael Jackson's Bad, The Beatles Abbey Road, Pink Floyd The Wall, G'N'R Appetite for destruction etc. Others seem to get the fame for being on the top list but Brother's In Arms is just as good

[@frankiefourfingers6717]

There were two video versions. One was based on a busker the second was American bloopers which became popular in the US

[@colinluckens9591]

AND in the UK!!!.....(the bloopers one)

[@jacksmith6068]

Another great video using this song is Walk of Life - Dire Straits - Sven Otten - JUSTSOMEMOTION

[@pmortara]

Doug, there is a alternative official video for this showing a street musician in a subway or something. it's here on KZbin, listed as 'uk Version'

[@colinluckens9591]

Really f annoys me when people say "the UK version" - I lived in the UK at the time, and THIS was the video that came out with it there....I just ADORED ❤❤❤ this video and loved the song, and it never would have been as memorable or magic with any other video....

[@jalexander1105]

Money for Nothing was the real gateway for this young teenage metalhead upon release, bought the cassette and it was regularly listened to on the ol' Walkman. I went to the concert and it's still one of the best shows I've seen. As far as the video, I probably saw the UK version more than this one, but it's been a long time since either has been viewed.

[@martinezq1]

I am interesting in Once upon a time in the west from Alchemy composition and Planet of the New Orleans.

[@Dumbledork_Prime]

If you want to see the busker video you'll have to use a VPN as it seems that the video is blocked in the USA (I'm from Europe and using a VPN to get an American IP Address)

[@thirstfast1025]

I'd love to see you analyze that Sesame St. "1 2 3 4 5, 6 7 8 9 10, 11, 12" song

[@GrafStorm]

ty Doug

[@pablolazaromartinez3541]

THere's snother versión of The video with the busker thrne

[@MattKrogmeier]

Came to say the same thing.

[@colinluckens9591]

But THIS is the one that rocks ❤❤❤

[@markk.4941]

When I transitioned to CDs in '86, this was my first CD. Bought a Technics CD player to go along with my Proton D940 Receiver and Bose 501s. Ended up burning out the tweeters in one of my speakers. This CD sounded so good cranked up!

[@wulfgold]

Some of us still buy cd's 🤣 Back to "Brothers in arms" and that cinematic feel - there's a lot of references and framing of Dire Straits music in cinematic terms. They're not re-inventing the wheel here, but they're making a very high-quality wheel for a classic motor and doing it with a lot of taste. Nothing here can be accused of overplaying (aside from the haircuts + fashion 🤣), it's just a great groove with that repetetive rockNroll guitar playing a pretty intricate riff that's the backbone of the song. I can hear Buddy Holly and Bruce Springsteen in here, it's a great conglomeration of sounds... Anyway - to the point, on the subject of cinematic - you should check out some Sigur Ros (Aegis and/or Takk albums) and Godspeed You! Black Emperor (1st two albums and the ep are good choices). Both bands have that cinematic epicness to them with that sort of downbeat/night driving feel to them + nothing beats a stretch of empty motorway with some Sigur Ros late at night.

[@BrianHa00]

Romeo and Juliet!!! Lovely song

[@themadmallard]

Always thought the American sports subject matter of the music video was funny for an English rock band. But any story about glory days and blowing your shot sure does resonate with pro sports.

[@t.a.k.palfrey3882]

Dire Straits is one of three non-Beatles British groups viewed as most influential on other bands. The others being 10CC and Supertramp. That makes two bands from London and two from Merseyside.

[@robyourtime]

I'd sneak Talk Talk into that elite group

[@kempshott]

10cc are from Manchester. You do NOT want to call that Merseyside if over here.

[@MsUltrafox]

Dire Straights/Sting Money for Nothing only watch the LIVE version. (Live Aid 1985)

[@randyharbaugh7819]

Doug, I believe you would really love Industrial Disease by Dire Straits. The lyrics are incredible plus great interplay between keyboards, guitars and vocals. The studio version was better than the live versions, the studio version has all kinds of quirky parts

[@VamosViverFora]

This video is a 80’s juice. 😂

[@DeadnWoon]

Have you listened to their "Industrial Disease"? The no less funny melody.

[@garyvanremortel5218]

I have the very same Ovation acoustic guitar.

[@SubTroppo]

Try "Street Worm" from Spirit's "Twelve Dreams of Dr Sardonicus". This album is sounds like no other I know of and I'd love to know why.

[@marcustewell3094]

You should you do Sultan of Swing if you haven't yet!

[@rick420buzz]

The only reason this song says 'sports' to me is that Ballpark Organ sound.

[@coala1980]

Song from happier times when everything was simple.....

[@classicraceruk1337]

Talking about street musicians have you reacted to Streets of London by Ralf McTell.

[@TheKelama]

Once upon A time on The west (alchemy live) is greatest live performance In ny opinion

[@gamleskalle1]

FIRST! MILLION SELLING CD IN HISTORY

[@peter9910]

RIP Jack

[@itsmichelegrande]

Your videos are very interesting. Could you do an analysis of a Stewie Wonder song? Keep it up! 😉👍

[@jc3745]

Can't resist - Mark is wearing an old fashioned sweat band, not a bandana. Think (yes, I'm old) Arthur Ashe or John McEnroe on the tennis court.

[@hifijohn]

Interesting brit band with a video about American sports

[@RedMissou]

Doug, you’re really sleeping on Gentle Giant come on man. Whats taking you so long. Im gonna request another GG reaction until you make it happen🙏

[@fallwoods]

CC "it's the daily duck"

[@Calinicus72]

“Talking Blues”? Huh. And, all these years, I thought it was, “Talking Mood”!

[@Paivaster]

Please react to Love Over Gold - Dire Straits 🙏🏼

[@richardburdick9430]

I have never given it much thought, but the question occurs to me after seeing this. "Would this song have made it so big in the U.S. without MTV ?" Me personally, I think it still would have been successful, (it is a fantastic song) but not to the extent it was. Anyways, just a thought.

[@nightwishlover8913]

It's not a bandana - it's an elastic headband à la McEnroe...

[@gonzalolivetti6893]

you should listen to Drive Home by Steven Willson

[@jaybrown3953]

Mark is the best. The mans to big the mans to strong..

[@tommack9395]

"Romeo and Juliet"

[@MoviesNStuff]

Day 1 of asking for more VanDer Graaf Generator, perhaps all of Godbluff?

[@Boodieman72]

The UK video is a lot different from the US one.

[@stevewarren4813]

I presume they got the "sport highlights/lowlights" for free?

[@alejjandro]

Hey Dr. Doug, I'm a Brazilian fan of your reactions (sorry for my English - thanks Google Translate). I would like to know if you already know the work of Brazilian multi-instrumentalist Ed Motta, and if you have seen the re-harmonization of "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough" made by Jacob Collier (kzbin.info/www/bejne/gXSWeKWwpLZ6b7c) in 2018. Congratulations on the videos, and success in your life!