Dire Straits was one of the first rock bands that I started to enjoy because of the instrumental quality of the songs. It was by the time I was starting to learn my first few chords on the guitar that I really got interested in the band, even though it didn't exist anymore by then.
One of the things that really fascinated me about them was the fact that lead singer and guitarist Mark Knopfler strummed the strings with his fingers, rather than using a pick. Today I know that, even though that's not the norm, it's also not really rare but back then I thought that playing the guitar that way was just fascinating!
I gotta say I don't really listen to Dire Straits that much anymore but it's still one of the bands that really shaped my musical taste and I'll never skip any of their songs when it eventually gets queued on Spotify.
In this post, I'll make a small selection of some of my favorite songs by this great band, so let's get it started!
Well, it's just impossible not to feature this one on any Dire Straits list. It's just too iconic! That main riff speaks for itself and this is just a great song altogether!
Another iconic one that just can't be left out! Remember when I said that seeing Mark play with his fingers really astonished me? Well, it was this song that did the trick. Those two solos are just awesome and very unique. You can just tell that it's Mark playing.
It also has a very iconic main riff that you'd probably recognize anywhere even it was played on an oboe!
Ok, we covered the big hits so now it's time for a song that would probably not feature in a lot of fan lists, but it's one of my favorites. I just love the atmosphere of this song and it also brings me back a few great memories and that's why I just can't get enough of it!
This is another song that not a lot of people talk about and I wonder why because it's such a great one! Just check out that swing and that groove! These guys are really the Sultans of Swing! Also, Mark has one of the best strat tunes I've ever heard!
And that's it for today! I hope you enjoyed remembering this great band that has left a real legacy of great music!
Oh, before I wrap this up, a fun fact: When I first found out about the band, I thought that Mark Knoplfer was called Dire Straits :P
