Dire Straits Brothers in Arms is one of my favorite albums. I love pretty much every song here, and together the CD presents a long, well designed story.
You start with "So Far Away", the easily understandable lament of anybody who has been away from their loved one. It gets right at the heart of the emotion, with the same thoughts running around and around in your mind, unable to be shaken free.
Next comes the super-classic, super-popular Money for Nothing. I can still instantly remember the video, with its then-amazing computer animation. Sting makes fun of his "Don't Stand So Close to Me" melody in the background - a song about a teacher trying to resist his attraction to a young female student - by calling out "I Want My MTV!" The whole song is a big spoof of consumer culture (including that MTV reference) and the lyrics were taken from actual snippets of conversation that Mark Knopfler had heard people saying. We may take the sexy-MTV-world for granted in modern times, but back when this was released, it seemed a perfect apt commentary on the big-boobs-fancy-houses world that MTV was putting out.
Walk of Life is a straightforward "walking song", something to listen to as you head out for a walk around your neighborhood. It's about getting through life as best you can, and doing the best with what you have. I find it very inspirational.
Your Latest Trick gets more into deeper emotions. With the more sultry sound, it ponders why relationships don't always go smoothly. I'm sure we can all relate to that! Not only is the song really meaningful for anyone who's been hurt, but I just love the lyrics. "Most of the taxis, and most of the whores, are only taking calls in cash." It gives you a visceral mental image.
Next comes one of my real favorites, "Why Worry". Talk about the perfect song to play when you're feeling low. Just put a log on the fire, sit back with a glass of port, and listen to this one play. The guitar work is gorgeous, and Mark's soothing voice really does help make it feel like things will get better.
Every song in his is gorgeous, right up until the incredibly powerful and poignant Brothers in Arms. Whether you're for war or against it, you have to appreciate the things that our soldiers go through, and the great appreciation we should have for them in doing it.
Highly Recommended.
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