Vocal Coach reacts to Dire Straits - Money For Nothing

[@BethRoars]

📖 Get your signed copy of my album Fable here: www.bethroars.com/shop ☀ Pre-save my first single "Power Of The Wolf" on Spotify (it really helps me out!): distrokid.com/hyperfollow/bethroars/power-of-the-wolf 🥁 Become a Patreon Supporter: www.patreon.com/bethroars

[@IgorEngelen1974]

mom certainly had good taste 🙂

[@joelwahlstrom8035]

🤤🤤🤤😚

[@plectrumura]

Honestly this might be the greatest opening guitar riff ever. It’s so incredibly catchy and fun.

[@michaellueneburg2261]

I agree completely. I've loved it since the first time I heard it. After learning to play the guitar myself and then learning to play this song, I realized how different that riff actually is! It's all the notes and moments that he doesn't play, when any 'normal' guitar player naturally wants to hit the strings that makes the riff as amazing as it is! Great comment!

[@miked5562]

What is this "might"?? lmao

[@sathira_anuk5179]

What about layla

[@XPGrindDeathking]

​@@sathira_anuk5179?

[@timhannah4]

A Very Close 2nd..

[@iutchube]

The song Brothers in Arms from that same album is one of the most beautiful pieces of music I've ever heard. Check it out.

[@blinkybill2198]

Yep it's up there with Queens Who Wants to Live Forever.

[@fedzciulla]

Ditto

[@richardrobertson1886]

Brothers in arms tears me up. A song for veterans everywhere.

[@VideoArchiveGuy]

Then there's Mark's incredible soundtrack to the film "Local Hero."

[@ericolson326]

Especially the '92 live version with flute and pedal steel. Simply haunting. kzbin.info/www/bejne/hJqtqnuBjqyMl7M

[@petervenkman69]

The song was not written by Sting, but he was given a writing credit because Mark Knopfler used a very small portion of melody from "Don't Stand So Close To Me" (The "I want my MTV part") - the reason why was a joke. You see the police did a promo for MTV where they said "I want my MTV" - so getting Sting to sing it to his own melody was funny. It was also a fortunate accident, Dire Straits were recording the record in Monserrat and Mark said "It would be really great if we could get Sting to sing on this" and apparently some surfers that were there said, oh he's on holiday here just down the beach.

[@andreasnordin9023]

Sultans of swing live and Brothers in arms are two of the greatest songs there is. A must check for music fans.

[@christian-van-e]

they made better songs even, like Telegraph Road, Tunnel of Love, Ride across the river, etc ;-)

[@eknapp49]

A fun item. When Weird Al wanted to do a parody of this song, he asked Mark Knopfler for permission. He always does that even though he doesn’t have to legally. Mark Knopfler said yes as long as he could play on the song.

[@foobar6194]

I haven't heard the Weird Al version, but that's probably the first time he did a parody of a satire.

[@helikon06]

If anyone's tried to learn how to play this song, you soon find out how incredibly difficult that guitar riff is. One of the greatest riffs of all time.

[@Terminxman]

I'm guessing you don't play guitar, because it's not that hard

[@tigervv6437]

@@Terminxman Playing the base notes, no, but playing it like Mark Knopfler is extremely difficult.

[@sathira_anuk5179]

​@@Terminxmaneven Mark can't play like the recording

[@AndyWhite]

You're right, it is hard.... kzbin.info/www/bejne/sKC9nIKPpriBodEsi=2o9I-cKDmmjUmI6y

[@LewisBarrett1985]

@@sathira_anuk5179 he taught his friend bill oddie to play it as part of a tv program a complete beginner.

[@MichaelScheele]

There's a live version from Montserrat that features Sting, Eric Clapton, and Phil Collins added to Dire Straits. Totally epic.

[@annakareninacamara6580]

Damn, that version is my all time favourite. There's also Same Old Blues from this same gig i guess, simply stunning

[@RhiannonFan]

Here it is: kzbin.info/www/bejne/kH2ViqJofMh_obM

[@boomerdell]

“Sultans Of Swing” is another example of Mark’s pitch-singing style. So effective with the composition and performance of the song.

[@kalmlykeabomb]

And one of my all time favorite songs!

[@LordToddtastic666]

These guys have always been top tier. And I simply don't have enough good to say about Mark Knopfler. Such a talented artist

[@pabo619]

Mark is so underrated, I think. I saw a video of him with Clapton and Derek Trucks and BB King. When it came his turn to solo, you could almost see the producers thinking "hurry up, get this overwith so we can get back to BB or Slowhand" Such a shame.

[@letsgococo288]

Knofphlers voice is part of his unique beauty. That along with his music writing, lyrics and guitar work.

[@baileyjones5744]

I love how great the opening drums and guitar are. Absolutely Iconic. This guitar riff is one of the most legendary guitar riffs of all time

[@briantaylor9475]

Agreed, if you don't play it at about 63, you ain't doing it right.

[@ericfilmsf8429]

'Romeo and Juliet' is my favorite vocal performance by Mark for Dire Straits.

[@matthewlaird5235]

Same

[@blinkybill2198]

When I was 16 these guys were my first concert. Amazing live. So many good songs. Brothers in Arms Romeo and Juliet Sultans of Swing Tunnel of Love Your Latest Trick

[@gavinholt5428]

Great list!! Add Lady Writer and Down to the Waterline. Perfect 👌😉

[@matskarlsson3219]

Add Dire Straits - You and your friend (Live 1993)

[@Melly01]

You got it in one sentence: "It just makes you want to dance." Lol. From someone who was young at the time this was played in clubs, that's exactly what this song is about. We didn't exactly analyze the lyrics, we just hurled ourselves at the dance floor and randomly sang/yelled the words we understood while flailing around and enjoying adult beverages. It brings back fond memories and I'll still crank it up if I hear it, but it's not necessarily on any of my playlists these days. 🤣

[@racinnut77]

The opening "I want my MTV" part is sung by keyboardist Guy Fletcher in this version. Dire Straits is my favorite band. I saw them live twice.

[@michaelchenault3693]

I kinda wonder if she gets the "I want my MTV" line... that was just a thing in the 80s, but I suspect it's a little lost on some of the younger folks. Regardless, this is an excellent reaction and analysis of the song. I will say I'm kinda partial to the version they actually showed on MTV.

[@MrAnderswt]

He´s no Sting. But he´s a good lad.

[@llanitedave]

Yep. Sting did the studio record, but not the live versions.

[@d-d-i]

@@llanitedave He did it on Live Aid thou, but not on other live gigs of Dire Straits.

[@poolhall9632]

@@michaelchenault3693 as I recall it was part of a marketing campaign that MTV created where they would have artists stand in front of the animated logo and say into the camera “I want my MTV”

[@briankuczynski4375]

You'll love their "Telegraph Road." Perhaps their compositionally best

[@Harald_Reindl]

I would rate "private investigations" as their masterpiece

[@briankuczynski4375]

@@Harald_Reindl...it's okay, but kinda corny lyrically.

[@iggs67]

100% agree.

[@johnnyjohnston9535]

The Live Aid 1985 version has Sting performing with them.

[@Adam-ov5ie]

Think this is a very fair assessment. It's not Freddie Mercury level vocals, it's not super complex, but musically it's very much more sophisticated. That's part of what I love about Dire Straits, it's musically brilliant but lyrically and vocally very accessible. You can dance and sing along to many Dire Straits songs pretty much immediately, and can later appreciate the incredible instrumentation and unique sound the band produced.

[@samueladams4218]

What, no Bob Dylan comparisons? When SoS came out in 1978, we all thought it was Robert Zimmerman.

[@remmymafia3889]

Beth? This song was poking fun at the then just beginning of the MTV station ('80), where everything was about getting professionally done video, to go with a hopeful hit song in the regular MTV rotation. Knopler is an incredible guitarist, who is a true student of the instrument, and as such he knows there's so many minimally talented guitarists in groups that hit it big. He's done work with all genres of music-jazz, country etc.

[@matthewlaird5235]

Man!!! What a rift…. Legendous.

[@barriesansom2070]

Thanks Beth really enjoyed your video...Mark's singing style is unique as his guitar playing.. thats what ive loved about this man for most of my life.. 👍

[@BethRoars]

Glad you enjoyed it Barrie!

[@nigelgunson1025]

I love his voice. Totally unique. That's what you strive for in music.

[@tedmaire1599]

There's a different live version from the earlier part of this century that has Knopfler, Sting on backing vocals, Clapton on 2nd guitar, and Phil Collins on drums. The one from Live-Aid also has Sting on the vocals.

[@scifibob]

I was growing up with this music in the 70's/80's, and it warms my old heart to see that younger people still can enjoy this kind of music, even if it has not been "converted" (or destroyed) by some DJ. Your reaction is spot on in my book. I love it.

[@mairywo]

Dire Straits was my very first concert ever in 1992 together with my sister and my mom who loved Mark Knopfler. I was so overwhelmed and after hundreds of concerts it is still in the top 10 of favorite concerts I've been to.

[@acebilbo]

Thanks for a great reaction!! One of my very favorite bands. Your Mom is the best!!

[@ericbnielsen]

The video for this song was one of the first to use computer animation and it got heavy air play on MTV. Mark Knopfler was born in Scotland and was 27 on Rolling Stones 100 best guitarists of all time.

[@frankziffle2469]

Yup, Watched that one on MTV soooo many times. At that time MTV was about music and music videos.

[@pabo619]

I may be mistaken, but I believe this was the very first video MTV ever played.

[@PjRjHj]

He should have been higher

[@Oxley016]

@@pabo619 Either this or 'Video Killed the Radio Star'.

[@boomerdell]

There are too many amazing songs in the Dire Straits and Mark Knopfler catalog to list here, and any would be worthy of this kind of analysis, but if had to cast a vote for your next one I’d have to cast it for “Romeo and Juliet”. From the original studio version to the live versions in more recent years, never fails to move me.

[@gribouillefripouille]

LEGENDARY / BIG CLASSIC / GUITAR HERO / BIG RESPECT

[@ErsenAsper]

They were so popular when i was a kid :) That was golden age of music.

[@sgt.blkdog3840]

Back in the day there was a cable channel known as MTV which stood for Music Television where they used to play music videos. To promote the channel artists would say “I want my MTV” in short little clips between songs

[@plasticonion]

It was written by Mark Knopfler, the guitarist, after over hearing workers in a store say most of the lines. No Sting.

[@johnhmaloney]

Great reaction and analysis. I've always found Mark Knopfler's vocal style to be really compelling. It may not be very technical, but it definitely lends itself to storytelling and that was always the point of their songs. Not to mention that he's a brilliant songwriter and one of the greatest guitarists of all time. Incidentally, Sting got a writing credit on this one because the melody of the "I want my MTV" part that he sang was borrowed from the Police song, Don't Stand So Close to Me.

[@iutchube]

Now that you mentioned it, it sounds obvious to me but I had never noticed that it was the same melody. Thanks.👍

[@JohnLnyc]

That IS Sting singing the intro and singing background vocals. Beth does mention Sting’s singing the intro.

[@jelly-baby]

@@JohnLnyc I have listened to Dire Straits for decades and it was only when I put a few tracks on a running playlist that I paid enough attention to parts and thought "that sounds like Sting!🤦🏻‍♀️"

[@JohnLnyc]

@@jelly-baby I never noticed it either. Oddly, I was interested in the production of the record and was looking into it. The guitar sound Mark achieved was with some help (advice) from ZZ Top’s Billy Gibbons. (That sound is definitely there). Also drummer Terry Williams was replaced with Omar Hakim for the album. And yes, the Sting work (he got a writing credit) came when he was hanging out with Dire Straits in Monserrat where they were recording it. I was surprised (I missed the fact Sting joined them on stage at Live Aid) and after listening to the recording again, Wow! It is really obvious.

[@jelly-baby]

@@JohnLnyc some North East bonding!

[@bryanjuni706]

You always explain things so well! So clearly! And without being over the top. Keep up your great videos :)

[@mikeherrmann5360]

That guitar lick is top 5 all time all day

[@LewisBarrett1985]

The unique vocal sound is due to him singing blues with a geordie meets scottish accent.

[@zathrasnotzathras655]

My favorite song from DS is Sultans of Swing. But this song makes me miss my MTV. The video was so cool.

[@gavinholt5428]

You killed me with this is one of my mum's favourite bands. It is one of mine, and now I feel olddd !! 😅

[@firedoc5]

That's what I thought too. LOL

[@krisa990]

These guys are good live! I think this even sounds better then the studioversion which is very seldom that happens..great live band these guys! One of their best songs by the way..

[@tom7471]

Yes the musicality of Dire Straits was incredible. In short, the results were most always extremely captivating. Thanks so much for your breakdown!

[@sayrerowan734]

Yeah, "Queenie" isn't the word that was there when we listened to that song a billion times on the radio back then.

[@ericnorris723]

I was kinda hoping for it to be uncensored so we could see Beth's reaction lol

[@sayrerowan734]

That's the only reason I was watching, honestly, lol.

[@georgemeyers4894]

Yes it saddened me that they gave into pressure. Music should be performed always as it was originally written.

[@pspence9569]

As a 'queenie'. I was really pissed off when they banned the full version on the radio here. They've started paying it properly again, with faggot include. I mean really. It may be a derogatory term, but the context...

[@renlessard]

My favourite guitar player. Such a unique sound and never a false note

[@lindseycompson5610]

Thanks for this Beth. You’re right I can’t help a little dance when I hear it Mum

[@mattiasjohansson7231]

The one singing ”I Want My MTV” is actually Guy Fletcher

[@SausageFingers73]

A lot of people say the Alchemy live album is their best concert footage but I think this concert is by far the best, with the best band line up too. Was lucky enough to see them in 1985 at the NEC in Birmingham on this tour

[@Fit2021]

Great songwriter and guitarist. His voice is good for bluesy songs which require only a small pitch range and dynamic range. He wrote the song "Private Dancer" for Tina Turner. In her "All The Best" interview, she mimicked his demo vocals.

[@MartinMcMartin]

One of the all time great bands.

[@barbarianbros]

Sting was obsiously not present during Dire Straits tours. To see Live performances of 'Money for Nothing' with Sting as backing vocals, there are Charity Concerts : Live Aid (1985) : Dire Straits + Sting Music for Monserrat (1997) : Mark Knopfler (vocals+guitar) +Sting (backing vocals)+Eric Clapton (guitar)+Phil Collins (Drums)

[@אורןשפר-ר4נ]

Best intro ever! No doubt!

[@donrobbie1461]

Mark Knopfler is also unusual in that he doesn’t use a plectrum while playing guitars he picks the strings with his fingers and thumb of his right hand hence amazing arpeggio type solos.

[@chuckvanderbildt]

How is it possible you haven't heard this song a million times, especially if it is your mom's favorite band?

[@carolynheaney715]

I thought that as well. I don’t believe she hasn’t heard it before!

[@WilliamsWorldView]

There's a story behind the phrase "I want my MTV". It was the catchphrase of the MTV marketingstrategy. When they started, MTV was only offered on local cable networks, but not nationwide. So, they came up with this catchphrase, got celebrities to advertise it, and they got viewers to call their cable networks and tell them "I want my MTV". This strategy worked, elevating MTV to a national entity and later a global entity.

[@edersoncassio4522]

Sting is singing live along tem in Live Aid video. It's easy to find it here in KZbin.

[@markyexley9440]

Guy Fletcher on keys and the 'Sting' part. Still plays with Knopfler now.

[@curseofkazar4539]

That wasn't Sting singing in this version. It was Guy Fletcher - one of the keyboardists

[@TimParker-Chambers]

The original album track absolutely blows this out of the water, in terms of clarity of sound from the instruments, everything about it, is so much 'cleaner' (this is also why I hate live versions of tracks I know: the live track always varies in someway to the original, so part of my brain recognizes it as 'not the way it was') 👍👍👍👍

[@Chris-gz2yz]

I totally agree with your point. The "simplicity" of notes and sound of Dires Straits studio albums is far more powerful than the "Live" versions. 👍

[@MarcoTorresWalker]

Dire Straits is one of best examples of band that plays different live from the record version, and even their live versions change a lot with the years. They're definitely a live playing band. I would check Alchemy Live!

[@Harald_Reindl]

And it's the band with studio production quality which should be a lesson for every sound engineer - compare it with the crap quality decades later with way better technology, its sad what is sold most of the time

[@martinlaporte2112]

I would love to see your reaction to Yes's " Leave it". It's one the most incredible vocal performances ever.

[@NoHandle537]

"Sounds like everything is so far away." Interesting comment as the first song on the album is "So Far Away"

[@jesperschultz5568]

This concert right here, is their absolute peak of performance. Every single one of their hit tracks, sounds and is performed at its best, right here. Especially Private Investigations. Phenomenal. Someone incredible here on youtube managed to make this concert with HD sound from an old VHS tape. I encourage everyone that likes Dire Straits to go and listen to that concert. Hank Marvin even joins in at the end of the concert. Enjoyyyy!

[@soeren72]

Brothers in Arms Mandela, for a bit of crying 🙂

[@420metalguy]

everyone should take the time to listen to the music their parents enjoy preferably with them. one day they will no longer be there and having those songs to go back to and remind you of the times you spent together can really help pull you threw some tough times

[@wbfaulk]

He's actually singing in the voice of a character in this song: someone who is distinctly not him, and who I think he views as being thick and crude. I could be wrong, but the dopiness of his voice is put on a little here to fit that character. In other songs, he actually sings (as opposed to this pitched speaking), and has a less dopey, though still a somewhat broad, if idiosyncratic, northern accent.

[@iciajay6891]

Sting doing the backing vocals. Always so good. Glad my parents raised me with this band. Love your analysis. Really makes me apriciate the mucus more.

[@blindriv3r]

Sting really lucked out getting writing credits lol, he happened to be on holiday where the album was being made and put his Dont Stand So Close to Me melody on the Mtv slogan of the time

[@Daveaaaaa]

Yeh - I wouldn't really go to Dire Straits for vocal performances but their playing and songwriting is on another level.

[@dboss7239]

While this live version is fun, it is way different than the studio version. It's loose and improvised and elements are missing. But Mark Knopfler is indeed a genius composing and performing and his guitar playing can be hauntingly mesmerizing. As others have mentioned, he wrote the score for a major motion picture called "Local Hero", set in Northern Scotland. His main theme for the movie is incredibly beautiful, and he used old Scottish folk melodies and styles as inspiration. It is only instrumental, but you really must listen to it, even if it's not for your reaction videos: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bKG1YpaMnNBqf9U (Going Home-Wild Theme- from "Local Hero " motion picture- Mark Knopfler) This video has incredibly wonderful still shots of Northern Scotland married to the poignant and moving music. But here is a song by Dire Straights and a live performance by Mark Knopfler that is worthy of your reaction: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rKqsapmifa2HaLM (Mark Knopfler - Romeo And Juliet (Official Live Video)

[@tsm7964]

This is probably one of the most recognizable guitar intros in history. Thx Beth.

[@suzanneemerson2625]

I heard this song when it first came out and became immensely popular. I’m not sure, but as an American I always thought part of the sound of his voice when singing the lines he heard the appliance store workers saying was him imitating their New York/New Jersey accents. That’s what it sounds like to me, not being from that area of the country. I believe he said in an interview that the appliance store where he heard these workers talking was in New York City.

[@bernhardweber8604]

During the outro I almost heard Sting sing "Don't stand so, don't stand so, don't stand so close to me"

[@WadeMaster789]

This song plays nightly over the ceiling speakers at work... so fitting while on the clock, yet so obscure because none of my coworkers can understand why I belt it out every time... 😂 too much fun.

[@BaldotheDon]

_I want_ _(Don't stand)_ _I want my_ _(Don't stand so)_ _I want my MTV_ _(Don't stand so close to me)_ That bit of paraphrasing, that bit of self-parody, that bit of _Don't Stand So Close To Me_ from The Police has earned Sting, just, _so_ much money. And I wonder... did Mark Knopfler ever, in the years since this song became the spearhead of MTV's marketing, became an axis on which 80s culture revolved, did he ever go back to that appliance store, find that delivery guy, and slap a fat check into his hand, look him in the eye and say, "That's what you get for talkin' shit, mate"? I hope so. That'd've _awesome._

[@user-nestornugpo]

Sorry Beth for late viewing & thanks for sharing✌✌✌

[@toolthoughts]

Interesting commentary. How about the Night They Drove Old Dixie Down from the Last Waltz gig? Helm's singing has the same kind of instrumentalist influence from drums as Knopfler with the guitar.

[@DavidBrianPaley]

Thanks once again Ms. "Roars". Mark is totally amazing with Dire Straits...or without. He blew my mind when it was Mark and Chet Atkins.

[@rifflick]

Great (reaction) one - again ! Than you very much . Joachim Griebe from germany

[@raydurz]

"I want my MTV" Ah back when Music Television was about music.

[@greatwhitewing]

I learn so much about music listening to your reactions. My musical talent is listening.

[@3ADWOLF]

This is one of my mom's favourites as well, a great song with one of the best guitar riffs.

[@peter9910]

Thanks for the reaction! Sultans of Swing Alchemy Live is a great performance to react to as well

[@davidcreager1945]

Beth, you should check out the song : Heavy Fuel by them. ( Please ) great song !!! Have a great week ! 😃🤘

[@danieltrickey9285]

His later work when he got into country music, his voice improved. Such a great lower range. Must listen.

[@wsufan5759]

One of the all-time classics. Nice!

[@cozdiver]

This was the 1st LP I ever bought, I had plenty of 45's before, though. I love this whole album, it has some serious Pink Floyd vibes on the "B" side of the album!

[@AndrewWright1973]

When I first heard this as a kid, I was growing up in a blue collar town where a lot of people who discounted the value of a music education, but I was in my school marching band, playing drums, and I knew how tough making music was. I knew that I wasn't good, but I knew enough to know what good musicianship sounds like. What I love about this song is that the narrator of the song is written from the perspective of the dismissive people I knew existed, and you talking about Knopfler's vocals makes sense - it's supposed to sound common and uneducated. The lyrics explain how "easy" it is to make music and become famous, while Knopfler's guitar tells an entirely different story. The "I Want My MTV" part was sung by Sting on the original album recording, and is sung in the same cadence and note pattern as "Don't Stand So Close To Me" - which had already been a big hit on MTV at the time. Great song... thanks for looking into it! From that same era, you should consider checking out some Genesis - I'd suggest giving "Turn It On Again" a listen. The miracle that is taking a song in 13/4 and making it an iconic pop song groove is something to behold.

[@baggins1]

Me in 1985 walking across the parking lot at Lowry AFB with a time appropriate giant boom box on my shoulder. JAMMING this!!!!! Also....you are beautiful

[@Mike-James]

First MV on MTV.

[@williamcapp448]

He's always telling stories. His solo album Ragpicker's Dream has some great ones.

[@planetbetter]

My first cd; 1985. Brothers In Arms.

[@wendellburkhart8297]

Mark Knopler is one of the greatest guitarist ever . And his band was absolutely mindbogging how good they were .

[@DavidTateVA]

All of the best Dire Straits songs are duets: Mark Knopfler and his guitar. The vocals are perhaps not the sort you generally react to, but the guitar playing is otherwordly. Check out the live Alchemy Tour versions of Telegraph Road and Romeo and Juliet.

[@andrewbirrell2176]

One of the bands they were awesome

[@Rusty_Gold85]

Go through all their early albums and have a decent sound system to play them on . Loved their list

[@plasticcreations7836]

This is one of the most iconic songs. You should definitely try more Dire Strait tracks. They are one of my favourite bands. According to popular belief Mark Knopfler was standing in a TV shop and saw MTV playing on one of them and thought up the main lyrics. Edit-I wrote the comment before I got to the bit where you mentioned it. Although I believe the lyrics came from his frustration at being poor despite working hard and the people on TV seemingly getting money for doing 'nothing'.

[@ericolson326]

Never tried it myself, but I've heard several different guitarists of considerable skill say this song is one of the most deceptively difficult to play correctly.

[@chuckschillingvideos]

If you can't play fingerstyle or at least Travis pick, it's basically impossible to play.

[@t0dd000]

He's best known for his guitar work.

[@insomniavfx]

Ah, mums and Dire Straits. I have a very distinct memory of coming home from school and she opened the door bopping along to Walk of life. We played that at her funeral as people were filing out of the service.

[@Alexis40ar]

I could listen to you all day. You're accent is lovely.

[@steveswafen2528]

The greatest gift my older brother gave me was introducing me to Dire Straits Brothers In Arms album 💯 Terry Williams on drums inspired me to caress the pig skins when I was 10 years old 🤘