Lady Writer - Dire Straits | Andy and Alex FIRST TIME REACTION!

[@chrisjenkins6120]

My dad (rip) was a swing era drummer and he loved Dire Straits. Said they had one of the finest drummers in the business and Sultans of Swing was one of his favorite songs. Dad played during WW2 with Glen Miller and Harry James. I miss him everyday because he loved Mark Knopfler’s guitar work.☮️💟

[@williamfarr8807]

Hats off to your dad. The big bands made some truly great and amazing music. They aren’t appreciated as much as they should be today. My mother studied music in college in the 1940s and sang with some local bands before she started a family. I grew up listening to rock in the late 1960s and 70s but discovered and grew to love the old blues, jazz, and swing, in the late 1970s and 80s. Great stuff!

[@sean---the-other-one]

Pick Withers plays top stuff throughout the albums. His hi-hat and snare work is fantastic. Terry Williams is more visible to most casual Dire Straits fans, but he virtually had no contribution to their studio work.

[@kenperkins7921]

Great muscle s hoals hits again!😊

[@onsesejoo2605]

Pick Withers was the drummer until leaving after "Love Over Gold" album.

[@sean---the-other-one]

@@onsesejoo2605 Telegraph Road was some of his most brilliant stuff.

[@allenlunde7908]

Eric Clapton was asked what he thought the first time he heard Mark Knopfler play. His answer was “it scared the shit out of me.”

[@RadCenter]

"Romeo and Juliet" will always be my favorite Dire Straits song.

[@brianmiller1077]

Not only is it gorgeous musically, the lyrics are heartbreaking. I had an idea long ago the have a female singer/songwriter write her side of things and call it "Juliet and Romeo"

[@Daz.20]

When are you gonna realize that it was just that the time was wrong julieeeeeeeeeeuttttttt 🎵 🎵🎵🎵🎵🎵

[@selina9091]

Her name is Holly Vincent. ​@brianmiller1077

[@060stick]

Mark Knopfler never wasted a note in his life 💙

[@patrickpoisson7835]

I watched Knopfler and SRV on stage playing for 30 minutes,Just a warm up.

[@joeyblowey123456]

Communique does not get nearly the love it deserves. Such a great album, probably the one of theirs I listen to the most.

[@marktait2371]

yes joey agree is the only vinly i have by straits the originals at least local very expensive original alchemey 40 plus tax and new reissues same if they have any at all.local indie store

[@jml-rj5re]

So underrated, yet so good. I like it better than the debut.

[@dpixvid]

Absolutely! So good. So tasty. Fav Dire Straits.

[@alistairmilton6007]

At the time there was some criticism that it was too like their first album. The first two Dire Straits albums plus ELO albums got me through time as student, late 70s early 80s. Dire Straits sound was so unique at the time.

[@andrewstevenson118]

I think it was so close to their debut album that people didn't fully appreciate it. But then came Making Movies.

[@carterthiessen2664]

Anything Mark Knopfler does is gold. The funny thing is when you show the music to regular folks, they don't really care that much. but you show it to a musician or music enthusiasts who really know how much talent it takes to write and play music like this, they're incredibly impressed. It's music for musicians. The saying is "Mark Knopfler is your favorite guitar player's favorite guitar player"

[@masisney6118]

And one of Knoplerr's favorite guitar players that greatly influenced him was JJ Cale.

[@michellefranco5648]

I have found that the more mature the listener and their music experience can really influence ones initial opinion of Dire Straights. That said , gotta love this stuff.

[@micknordstrom2591]

No, it is not. Walk of life is a piss take!

[@Silber7]

Kinda true - if I was a absolutely casual listener (especially when expecting "rock", because it's a guitar band) my reaction would be: Boring song. But.

[@johnhughes3214]

Absolutely fantastic song. Great guitar. The song is about English historian and author Marina Warner. Knopfler was watching an interview with her on TV one night and was so impressed with her that he wrote a song.

[@aerynsunx]

And we know Mark Knopfler wrote "Money For Nothing" while watching other people watch MTV. Now I wonder how many other songs he wrote that were TV (or film) inspired?

[@jpmnewyork]

Huh. I always heard that it was Gloria Steinem!

[@brianmiller1077]

What kind of song would he write about Philomenia Cunk? A funny one I hope.

[@jjc5407]

@@aerynsunx a lot of his songs are inspired by books he's read too. One that was definitely TV inspired is Why-Aye Man given it was written as the theme tune for the revival of Auf Wiedersehen Pet. 😃 In fact I'd hazard that most of Mark's songs are inspired by things he's seen or read about.

[@FoardenotFord]

Knopfler is a master of telling stories based on experiences he’s had. Telegraph Road might be my favorite example, but there are so many good songs to choose from.

[@aerynsunx]

Wow. I haven't heard this song in literal decades! I forgot how fantastic it is. Thanks A&A for bringing this classic out for all to hear. Great reaction too, guys! Peace out.

[@thegrokkingchair4736]

I saw Dire Straits live in 85 when their album Brothers in Arms came out. Two and an quarter hours of no frills no fillers, just awesome musicianship and great tunes!

[@timlawrence2759]

Very much an underrated album. I think you'd like the first 4 songs before this song. "Once Upon a Time in the West", "News", "Where Do You Think You're Going?" and "Communique" are really good songs. "Once Upon a Time in the West" should be next. Very different from Lady Writer, it's the A+ song from this album, S-tier for Dire Straits fans. Trust me on this one.

[@jjc5407]

My favourite is Single-Handed Sailor.

[@adrianstevens2146]

I also am a big fan of "Once Upon a Time in the West", a lyrical and musical masterpiece! You made me go and listen to it again just now, thanks!

[@MacSvensson]

@@adrianstevens2146 I fully concur!

[@GoldTop57]

Another amazing finger picking rock guitarist is Lindsey Buckingham of Fleetwood Mac.

[@JamesDrumm-c2z]

Don't forget Jorma! Jefferson Airplane gets almost completely ignored here.

[@sandylee6025]

Trouble is a great example.

[@John_Locke_108]

Mark's guiter playing is therapy for your soul. Just instantly elevates your mood.

[@mark-be9mq]

Thats about as accurate a description as I've heard his playing. Right on.

[@TrashWerewolf]

I love Dire Straits and Knofler is one of my top 5 guitarists, but I have to say that their drummer, Pick Withers, is sooooo underappreciated!!! This song is a great example of just how good he is! What a solid, great band!

[@abergreg]

People forget that he's singing at the same time, he's one of the very best singer/songwriter/guitarists of all time.

[@NuVibes.]

Knopfler is without doubt the most melodic guitarist I have ever heard.

[@rubicon-oh9km]

Definitely top 5 but Gilmour takes the first spot in my book.

[@flubblert]

​@@rubicon-oh9km👍🙏

[@jjc5407]

@@rubicon-oh9km love them both. I so hope they recorded something together earlier this year when Dave was up at Mark's British Grove Studios.

[@richardhooser5096]

How good was that! Another stellar song from Knopfler is “Sailing to Philadelphia”. James Taylor accompanies him on that song about the Mason Dixon line. So good!

[@rochlejeune5789]

Sailing To Philadelphia is my absolute favorite Mark Knopfler song. And his instrumental theme to the movie Local Hero is sublime.

[@steveandme63]

One of my favorites! Never hear it anymore.

[@BuckForearm]

Actually the entire album, Sailing to Philadelphia is phenomenal.

[@kevinpoehlmann5157]

@@rochlejeune5789I didn’t know he did the soundtrack. Now I need to go rewatch it

[@PeterBuwen]

This was the second album and I love it. It's totally underrated.

[@thomasthompson698]

Totally agree... my second favorite.

[@davidbecker8227]

That little "oh, oh" after he sings "'You got the same command plus your mother was a jazz singer - oh, oh" bridging into his next mini solo still sends chills. I don't know why.

[@barryshapiro3349]

For my money “Making Movies” is my favorite Dire Straits album. Romeo & Juliet, Hand In Hand, Expresso Love, Tunnel of Love-perfection.

[@markpitcock2365]

I love “Skateaway” as well.

[@zzuave2666]

Agreed. Making movies,great album.

[@seanswindler3325]

George Harrison was asked in the late 80s who he listens to - and he said “I can’t say I’ve really heard anything that gives me a buzz like some of that stuff we did in the Fifties and Sixties,” George said. “The last band I really enjoyed was Dire Straits on the Brothers in Arms album. To me, that was good music played well, without any of the bulls***.

[@ronlyster5667]

Great reaction!!! "Telegraph Road" would be an epic next step with Dire Straits.

[@chriswood3252]

Or 'It never rains.'

[@stevem-h3562]

Abaolutely. The story telling on that song is totally world class.

[@catbyte0679]

They did the live version on their Patreon.

[@generoberts9151]

“ A long time ago, a man on a track. Walking 30 miles with a sack on his back….”

[@andrewstevenson118]

@@chriswood3252 Maybe "love over gold".

[@batmanforpresident9655]

This and "Sultans Of Swing" are their 2 best songs. Knopfler is certainly one of the most underrated guitarists in history. He absolutely kills it here. Other ones include: "Skateaway", "Tunnel Of Love", "Romeo And Juliet", "Expresso Love", "Solid Rock", "So Far Away".

[@yogarose255]

Plus Wild West End

[@samuelmregister]

Perhaps not as well known as some, but not at all underrated.

[@timlawrence2759]

They did Tunnel of Love a while back.

[@spacecadet35]

Personally, I think that Telegraph Road is their magnum opus.

[@floydlawson3765]

Down to the Waterline. First song, first album.

[@denizinan979]

That clean guitar sound is priceless, even after 40+ years.

[@jml-rj5re]

Communiqué is one of the most underrated albums of all time. Lady Writer, Single Handed Sailor, Once Upon a Time in the West, title track, Angel of Mercy, Portobello Belle. Communiqué is chock full of winners and next level picking by Mark Knopfler. It's their most organic and live sounding album.

[@johnye8215]

totally agree

[@marcinmcula99]

One of the few face melting clean guitar solos. Knopfler is truly one of a kind, I'm personally more of a metal/shred guy myself but despite that he's in my top 3 guitarists ever

[@bartholomewclark9651]

In case you've missed it when researching Mr. Knopfler, he is left-handed but he plays a right-handed guitar as though he is right handed. Dominant hand of the fret board, "weak" hand does the finger picking.

[@topgazza]

Just another classic Dire Straits signature song. Such a brilliant piece of bluesy rock and roll. Magnificent

[@jennywren7822]

TELEGRAPH ROAD, ALCHEMY LIVE PLEASE. Its a masterpiece, its got to be ALCHEMY LIVE, something you'll never hear again. All from the genius called Mark Knopfler. A story again, an experience he had while traveling Telegraph Road into Detroit, while touring America. You'll never hear the likes of it again. Well done ❤

[@rhsatrhs]

Fingerstyle (I think that's a more accurate term for Mark Knopfler than "fingerpicking") is in no way a limitation. But what I really came here to say is that the thing that guitar teachers/critics focus on even more for Mark Knopler is his vibrato. It's subtle, and distinctive, and it's always there.

[@surlechapeau]

A&A, you'll see a different side of Dire Straits, with "Walk Of Life" which is winning the poll. Fun song!! Also you should post your reaction to "Down to the Waterline", from their debut album.

[@tuckgraph]

In addition to his spectacular guitar work, Mark Knopfler has one of the most distinctive voices in rock and roll. It has a gruff, common man element to it. Together, their sound is distinctive as a fingerprint. They're one of a kind.

[@scottmarleneking6298]

Add the songwriting, and it was a lethal combination!

[@donnabruhn6907]

One of my favorite Dire Straits songs. Love them and Mark Knopfler. One of my favorites is still Skateaway

[@todvball]

Great tune. Tight guitar strings!! "Skateaway" another fav ~ I think you've already been there!

[@todvball]

Actually @AndyandAlex , you haven't reacted to "Skateaway" . You'll love it .

[@adriennepender673]

Communique is such an underrated classic, worth a listen, guys!

[@richardlindell9976]

No one plays like Mark. It's as clear as a mountain stream always. Then there is his lyrics, unbelievable stories. Chet Atkins would be the only one close to his finger picking style. Pure and clean and fast!

[@onsesejoo2605]

You can imagine the difference seen and felt in Mark Knopfler's playing as the band arrived amidst the heyday of British Punk-rock movement around 1978.

[@susanaltman5134]

Perhaps you can listen to some earlier guitarists. Mark Knopfler was a fan of Chet Atkins, a jazzy country guitar player. Django Rhineheart is a must listen. Also, Les Paul and Mary Ford 's How High the Moon.

[@exprop3622]

What an excellent suggestion!

[@marktait2371]

yes by coincidence i bought a pile of 45s from a neighbor moving two one is the moon record and one other forget the song remarkable condtion i think are decca atill original sleeves i put a plastic sleeve on maybe the oldset 45 i.have aling with chubby checker 58 59 maybe

[@FoardenotFord]

My dudes - you guys are making my month with all this Dire Straits content. Glad y’all enjoyed this one, it sometimes gets criticized for being too similar to Sultans, but to me, that’s not a bad thing. Knopfler’s guitar playing is truly in top form throughout the track, culminating in that blistering outro solo that fades out. So cool. Also good analysis of the lyrics - it’s about how the Lady Writer reminds the narrator of his ex, but in looks alone-the Lady Writer is brilliant while his ex “never read a book” and “couldn’t hardly write [her] name”. It’s really scathing, even bitter, which makes it relatable…I feel like we’ve all been through that point in a breakup where everything reminds you of your ex, and you just vilify them in your head. I saw the poll a few days ago where you asked about songs that make you happy, and “Walk of Life” seemed like the winner. That’s a great one to hit next! Thanks for the great reactions gents, and happy holidays :)

[@michaelschroeder8005]

I’ve watched my share of reaction videos, but I come back to your posts, because I feel your love for good music regardless of time or genre, and you seem quite genuine. Thanks - I enjoy you enjoying so much of the music I love.

[@alabhaois]

I love watching you two with your big smiles when listening-- DS are fantastic!!

[@fleurdelis2976]

Every day is a good day for Dire Straits. I’ve always loved this song.

[@blabla48076]

Fantastic song! The last solo might be even better than "Sultans", but a little further back in the mix. For a phenomenal atmospheric Dire Straits song, I'd recommend "Private Investigations".

[@mark-be9mq]

The best guitarist. And every single song is thst spectacular playing

[@keithisaacs6092]

I think by Dire Straits incredible high standards this is a A rating not one of their strongest songs but a catchy number. Their live album Alchemy is one of the best ever Telegraph road and Tunnel of love brilliant. Mark Knoplers touch on the guitar is so beautiful there's no one like him.

[@therealcrazygentleman]

Discovered this song myself last week. Absolutely incredible song!

[@terrykemp1876]

He's also a natural left hander who plays right-handed!!!!

[@Tommeadowcroft]

This is great second album Dire Straits. For great third album (that you haven't done), "Romeo and Juliet". For great fourth album, "Telegraph Road". There's a lot more after that.

[@ericmorgan204]

There’re Two Songs about America, that comes with nuance you would not expect from a Brit. One is “Telegraph Road”, And the other is a duet with James Taylor Called “Sailing to Philadelphia”. The performances of many of DS songs are best seen of their live Alchemy Tour, I’m sure you must have seen Sultans of Swing from that performance. Been lovin you guys since Day one, stay Well.

[@TwelveDeck]

Mark Knopfler's instrumental "Going Home: Theme Of The Local Hero" is a killer atmospheric piece- especially the second half of it.

[@Bongo138]

And the film is an absolute gem. Such a beautiful tale, filmed in my homeland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@mookie7688]

Great treat to get a Dire Straits deep cut at the end of the day.

[@jennyjenny4501]

One of their best! SkateAway next, please!

[@sweetgeorgieboy4342]

you need a dark room for full satisfaction

[@bigrickblues1144]

Mark Knopfler, my fav player!! 👍👍

[@jayhoyer3395]

In honor of April Wine's frontman Myles Goodwin, who passed this week, How about playing I Like to Rock by April Wine. There songs were a staple on album rock stations in the 70s/80s.

[@marktait2371]

yes miles great talent same denny wings more media attentiion at the same time i stll have a few wine vinlys great records

[@stevedriver3387]

Love a report on anything from their ALCHAMY TOUR. Best DIER STRAITS concert ever!!!!!!!!

[@bloodmoon1956]

Love this reaction.Dire Straits are amazing 👍🇬🇧

[@martinjackman2943]

I'm gonna have to dig this album out n play it now! I Forgot how great this song is havnt played it for 20+years!

[@jimmayors2315]

Not only is he just playing but he's just singing at the same time

[@atdeacon]

This is my all-time favorite guitar song. It's been playlist pretty my whole adult life...and that was before the term 'playlist' exists...lol

[@rhwinner]

You know you're an S tier guitarist when Steely Dan asks you to play on their album....

[@TheMkamix]

That is some sweet guitar playing.

[@NicholasSzohner]

good choice. It's a great tune, you guys should check out Once Upon a Time in the West.

[@tylerhackner9731]

Love this song!

[@MaddyN999]

Hey Tyler 😊

[@sean---the-other-one]

This album is not at all flashy, and in many ways suffers from ‘second album syndrome’, but has one of my favourite Knopfler guitar solos in Single-Handed Sailor. So smooth.

[@habnots1]

Good choice.If you need to see the live version.Thanks.

[@cherylwoodward]

I just love this album. It’s great from beginning to end. And this is such a kick ass song!

[@bossleonie7658]

Gotta listen to Tunnel of love live alchemy version. The most incredible solo.

[@Mike-gz4tj]

Skateaway next please!!!! And Calling Elvis after that!!!!

[@charlesmeadows5580]

Romeo & Juliet then Skateaway…….must next!

[@FrankOdonnell-ej3hd]

this is one of my fav songs by them so glad it was included in their best of CD it refers to an actual woman writer who was well-known at the time but forgot her name⚛😀

[@robmcgrath5202]

His guitar just never gets old. I have spent all day in my shop and had my playlist of Dire Straits and Mark's solo albums going the whole time, just digging it all the way through. Thanks, guys, for bringing out this relatively lesser-known track for those who only think of Sultans of Swing from the band.

[@generoberts9151]

The first album really set the tone for their style. The Sultans of Swing was the first intro to most people, but the first single released from their debut album was “Down To The Waterline” Another good tune worth reviewing. Banger quality. Lady Writer is off “Communique”. It’s a great album. Also from that album, one of my favorite songs by them, “Once upon a Time in the West” Just a bop.

[@ptjww9455]

Their best sounding album. The clean guitar tones they had on this one were never matched later.

[@thesmoothloveradioxrelaxlo2628]

True! MK even admits that they never could replicate exactly the same sound as they did on this album! Teary eyes for me always

[@nicholasfrazier3636]

About damned time!!!

[@minkgraver]

There were a number of virtuosos in the 70s, the industry was highly competitive with bands constantly trying to one up each other. Knopfler absolutely is on a par with the greatest rock guitarists - Hendrix, Clapton, Duane Allman. He’s that good

[@jjc5407]

And as much as I like those other guitarists I'd still opt to listen to Knopfler over any one of them.

[@joelliebler5690]

More respect for Mark every time I listened to this and all songs on that first impeccable album!

[@dan.vitale]

when A&A do Dire Straits, I click.

[@johannes3037]

You should listen more to dire straits. There are so many gems

[@billmorris8358]

If you ever fancy hearing an older more mature Knopfler post Dire Straits composition, try his amazing 2000 songs What It Is, in homage to the beautiful Scottish city of Edinburgh, from the album Sailing To Philadelphia, off which, the title track is also well worth listening to about the two Englishmen hired to map out the Mason-Dickson Line.

[@dylandenney3980]

Expresso Love gotta be the next Dire Straits song you hit imo. There are several others to choose from but the riff gets me every time

[@thomassharmer7127]

Fingerstyle gives you 2-5 picks to use instead of just one. It may not lend itself to superfast single string shredding (athough with good technique like Knopfler you can achieve similar effects), but it allows much greater harmonic versatility and melodic counterpoint across different strings.

[@akulkarn]

you guys need to listen to his solo stuff. The songwriting, lyrics and production is on a whole other level. Start off with sailing to philadelphia

[@simonspeak9288]

My old guitar teacher was a session player and never really had anything good to say about any guitarist… except Mark Knopfler.

[@TonyShepps]

Knopfler is always flat out channeling Dylan with his vocals.

[@chriswood3252]

Dylan used Knopfler as a session musician and producer.

[@EC66OK]

So many great suggestions and titles mentioned in the comments covering the "classic" Dire Straits era/albums. I will toss out an outlier from the last Dire Straits album--the title track to "On Every Street". Jeff Porcaro from Toto plays the drums on it, and the subtlety, chord progression, ambience, groove and melody are simply sublime.

[@robertdnero2217]

Early, raw, sublime Dire Straits live on Rockpalast, 1979.

[@Crytica.]

"Total control" is probably a great way to describe Dire Straits.

[@SteelyDaddy59]

Great song! Communique is my favorite Dire Straits album.

[@stevedem76]

I mentioned this song recently in the comment section of a recent poll that included "walk of life ". This song takes Dire Straits of the 80s lunch money.

[@greggw.brevoort]

So, it might not be rock - in fact, it isn't - but those Tik Tok guitar slapping/picking guitar kids? I guarantee you they're inspired/influenced by the late Michael Hedges (or at least inspired by those who were inspired by Michael). He released terrific albums under the New Age label Windham Hill. Check out pieces from his groundbreaking 1984 album Ariel Boundaries. Widely regarded as one of the most important guitar recordings ever made. He was a family friend, too, so I've seen him live several times. He died tragically in 1997 in a car accident - but he literally changed acoustic guitar playing forever. I hear his influence everywhere these days. Reacting to one of his pieces would be a slight departure for you guys but a very tasty treat. I'd suggest "Ragamuffin" or "Rickover's Dream" off of Ariel Boundaries (also a great cut).

[@mickzed6746]

Once upon a time in the west and where do you think you're going are great tracks as well on this album.... Whole album is flawless.

[@PatrickMersinger]

Well if you both agree then give it an A+.

[@thegoatchild3545]

Time you boys tackle "Telegraph Road", probably the best thing Knopfler has ever done. 🍺🍺🥃🥃👍👍

[@TheCornishCockney]

The magnificent 70’s. King of ALL decades.

[@chrisweidner4768]

The cascading flow of the song. Masterpiece.

[@michaellynch9550]

Lyrics did absolutely nothing for me but the guitar playing was incredible

[@timlpld9784]

Ye that's the song man, basically just a lil song, but the guitar is just insanity

[@johnfallon3525]

HELL YES!!!! That's what I'm talking about! About...#%*& time! And there is sooo much more...

[@masisney6118]

My favorite DS song, so glad you finally got to it. Knopfler was greatly influenced by JJ Cale, as was Clapton.

[@anthonyrobinson8616]

Some of their lesser known songs actually have the best riffs. Listen to "Single Handed Sailor" and "News", the guy is simply amazing. Also the theme song he wrote for the movie Local Hero called "Going Home".

[@CasaDosBahias]

Knopfler's technical guitar skills are legendary. What's not as recognized is his genius ear for melody.

[@paulsiebeneicher4536]

I forget if you guys did Telegraph Road live Alchemy but if you didn't you need to, it's my favorite DS moment. But I can also suggest Six Blade Knife as a cool deep cut although that might have been on the album you reviewed..? Yeah.