TRIBUTARIES
The route to One Deep River
DIRESTRAITS
VERTIGO/WARNERBROS,1978 While the startling “Sultans Of Swing” launched the band, the quieter, slower tracks on Dire Straits’ self-titled debut – notably “Water Of Love” and “Wild West End” – paved the way for Knopfler’s 21stcentury work. 8/10
MAKINGMOVIES
VERTIGO/WARNERBROS,1980 Arguably DS’s finest record, their third album begins with “Tunnel Of Love”, a Springsteen-meets-Television epic that finds Knopfler exploring his continuing fascination with fairgrounds and carnivals, in this case the Spanish City in Whitley Bay. It’s followed by “Romeo And Juliet”, his first great ballad. 9/10