Customer Reviews

Brothers in Arms

5 star:		(147)
4 star:		(32)
3 star:		(11)
2 star:		(12)
1 star:		(11)

 

 

Trust Mark Knopfler not to succumb to platitude, regardless where he is and what's going on around him. There they are sitting on the Caribbean island paradise of Montserrat, and what does the man write? Songs about the pain of separation, love gone wrong and The Blues in general ("So Far Away," "Your Latest Trick," "Why Worry" and "One World"), a part tongue-in-cheek, part grating duet with Sting, who just happened to be available because he was vacationing on Montserrat, on an underdog's gripes about rock stardom ("Money For Nothing"), followed by a more upbeat variation on the "stardom" theme (although even there, we are reminded that "after all the violence and double talk, there's just a song in all the trouble and the strife, you do the Walk Of Life") ... and no less than three songs about war and the abuse of power ("Run Across The River," "The Man's Too Strong" and of course, "Brothers in Arms").

Musically, this album is more diversified than Dire Straits' prior studio albums; there's a sax in "Your Latest Trick," "Walk Of Life" has a rockabilly feel, and the instrumentation of "Run Across the River" is inspired by the Caribbean setting in which the record was produced - but listen to that song's lyrics and see how they contrast with what at first impression sounds like airy island paradise melodies: "I'm a soldier of fortune, I'm a dog of war and we don't give a damn who the killing is for; it's the same old story with a different name - death or glory, it's the killing game." ("The Man's Too Strong," which deals with a dictator's thoughts upon being brought to trial, is similar in that respect; although the Caribbean sound is replaced by rhythm and steel guitars, with two single guitar riffs, sharp as bullets, accentuating the chorus.) The band also took full advantage of the advances in production techniques available to them at that time. The result was an album that drove home to even the last uninitiated chump out there that Dire Straits were a musical force to reckon with, and that the success of their prior albums had not been coincidence alone.

Among all the excellent songs on this album, it is the title track which stands out mile-high. From the growling thunderstorm opening, the sad and evocative electric guitar intro, and the first verse, more whispered than sung, through the slow and steady crescendo of the song's intensity to the closing guitar solo, Mark Knopfler's ode about war, in ancient Scotland and today, "civil" and otherwise, is nothing short of a true masterpiece. The interplay of Knopfler's vocals and his guitar. The sole riff introducing the guitar part after the line "and we have just one world but we live in different ones," tearing through the song's fabric like a sore wound breaking open. And of course, the closing guitar solo which completely defies description and makes any attempt to characterize it by words like "haunting" or "dramatic" sound like a shallow cliché.

"Brothers in Arms" was Dire Straits' most successful studio album, and one of the biggest-selling albums of the 1980, thanks to an exhaustive tour and the high exposure its single releases received on MTV. But more than anything, it helped define a decade; musically and otherwise. It has made rock music history, and it will always stand right up there with the best that anybody in the business has ever produced.

This quite possibly is the best quality 5.1 surround sound mix I've ever heard. This is the import only SACD 5.1 CD, not to be confused with the DVD-Audio 5.1 edition available in the U.S. Actually one of the reviews posted here appears to be for the DVD-Audio version. Both versions are playable on standard CD players though the DVD-A is a 2 sided disk where you must flip it over to the other side for the standard CD mix. So, with both Hybrid SACD and DVD-A we now have CD's that can be played on any player though you really need to play them on surround sound systems to get the full appreciation of their sound. Otherwise, why buy it? I will say that most hybrid SACD's I've played on standard CD players (automobile) do sound better than their non-SACD versions.

Well, I do have both the SACD and DVD-A versions (just to show my obsession/love for this CD). The first thing to make clear, the SACD version may or may not have used the same audio source mixes used for the DVD-A version, but they are by no means inferior. The 2 versions truly do sound different. Its hard to describe in words how much additional sonic details come out in the SACD version verses the DVD-A. I have an above average system (not top high end) and I'm able to hear sonic details including guitar passages I've never heard before. One listen to the final song, Brothers in Arms is all it takes though there is not a weak moment song-wise or sound-wise on this SACD. As for the DVD-A, it's still good, but on my system I can't draw out the same details that I'm able to on the SACD version. Maybe has something to do with my DVD player being a SONY SACD/DVD combo player? Or, maybe the SACD version is just that much better. I'll leave that for further debate.

The fact that most people have a surround sound DVD system and not many people have a SACD player does mean the DVD-A will be the more popular version purchased. That is a shame as I just don't hear the same level of detail in the DVD-A 5.1 mix (at least on my system). From a playability perspective, I also prefer the SACD over the DVD-A. When you put the DVD-A in your player you will find it defaults to the standard 2 channel mix and requires you to go into the menu and select the 5.1 mix. With the SACD it will automatically detect the 5.1 mix if played in a SACD player. Also, if you have a multi-disc DVD player, once the DVD-A has finished playing it will not automatically move to the next disc in the changer as this SACD will.

So, if you love this CD and have a SACD player, don't hesitate to purchase this one. As for the DVD-A, I've heard better than this one, but I still believe the DVD-A is a worthwhile purchase if you don't have a SACD player as long as you have surround sound stereo DVD system. It will still provide a new level of enjoyment for listening to this classic Dire Straits CD.

I've waited a long time for this album to be available on SACD. The wait was definitely worth it. This is reference quality audio that beats any vinyl in my collection.
I dare you to listen to Money for Nothing and not get chills. The surround mix is fantastic,using all speakers to great effect.
My advice, rush out and buy this one. It may be the best SACD out there.

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.

I own 7 versions of this album now (LP's, Cassettes, CD's ect.), and this is by far the best for one reason: The 5.1 mix. As many times as I have listened to this album, I hear things I have never heard before with the 5.1 mix. In my opinion, this is THE greatest album of all time. They did a superb job on the 5.1 mix, as it isn't rolling around the room, but has a combination soundstage and background. Some percussion and specialty instuments are in the rear channels, but Knopfler is in the center channel, where he should be, and the main instruments are well placed to create a life-like soundstage. Just writing this review makes me want to plug it in right now.

If you are not sure weather or not to get it:
You made it this far, you are interested. If you are the least bit interested.... GET IT! You will be glad you did.

The Revolutionary Brothers In Arms by Dire Straits. To hard to describe in words, it is a enormous listening experience that have to be heard to be believed. This was the first real CD that was released, also the first to flow out of people`s new set of CD-Players and speakers. It opened up the way to the generation of music youths today takes for granted. Most people, at least teenagers today hold no respect for this album. Its a shame.

Not only was this the grand daddy of all cd`s, this is also an extremely good CD.

Dire Straits, who changed their sound throughout each cd, found the best one here in this record. It starts of with a great song "So far away", with memorable text and good sound. Then onto the classics. Money for Nothing and Walk Of Life. These are considered Dire Straits most known song, and for a reason. They are great. Walk of Life is a popular song played by most coverbands today, and the best way to make people get out dancing. I wont go into more detail about these songs, they already speak their own story, and have written their own legend.
Then we get the albums more relaxing tracks, "Your latest trick" And "Why Worry". Best played kicked back in the chair with a nice cup of hot chocolate on a dark autumn night, these songs will make you relax deep within. The more special songs, are "Ride across the river", "The Man`s to strong" and "One World". These combines a moody style with some great guitars, very good original text and the more mystical side of the album, if I may say so.
Then on to the final track, and the title song. Brothers in Arms. Instant classic, forever new and fresh. By the time people had listened to the 8 first songs, and they suddenly got this song too, most people could not hold it anymore, this cd is a fantastical experience. I wont lie when I say that the last song is a part of that. There is not ONE Weak song on this album. Everything sounds clean, not overly mixed and pure. This is music, and in fact, every single band out there in the world, every record Company is now making money on this record. If not this cd had been what it was, it would never have sold so many examples, and the Compact Disc wouldnt been the same.

Brothers in arms not only changed the music industry, it also became possibly one of the worlds best records ever.

Everyone knows this album so I'm not going to review the content all over again. I've bought this album more than once, so I do like it. It's a great classic.

The issue to me is what do you get when you buy the resissued, remastered versions? I've carefully listened to most of the Dire Straits remasters. The Japanese SHM-CDs, especially the early albums, sound phenomenal. Most are well worth the money. However, something changes when you get to the 1985 Brothers In Arms album. It's only slightly better then previous versions. It still sounds thin like a digital recording. Why ? Because it is. In my opinion they made a bad choice when they chose to do a full digital recording, which back in 1984-85 was new and untested technology in the early years of the digital recording era.

The Analog to Digital Converters are far better now and they keep getting better. Great news for continually remastering old analog recordings. But not for Brothers in Arms because they can't go back. The binary bits are the same as when they were set in stone nearly 25 years ago. For the same reason releasing this album on vinyl or SACD makes absolutely no sense to me either. Though it may make business sense for the record company. Thus, take it for what is is, one of the first entirely digital recorded albums.

During the 1985 Live Aid concert, Dire Straits' live performances of "Money for Nothing" and "Sultans of Swing" would become one of the highlights of the Live Aid Concert. It was also the momentum from Live Aid that propelled "Money For Nothing" to #1 song status. It was the success of this song that would also launch 1985's "Brothers in Arms" to #1 album status. Throughout their career, Dire Straits, they would do things much differently than many of the other bands during the "British Invasion" that was taking place. In an era where Punk and New Wave were taking center stage, Dire Straits were doing things the old-fashioned way: a combination of Classic Rock, Blues, Folk, and even some Country. "Brothers in Arms" would utilize this unique blend of genres that has been a staple of their musical careers. Not only would "Brothers in Arms" become a huge commercial success - it would also be a high quality effort.

For the most part, Dire Straits is the brainchild of its lead guitarist and vocalist - Mark Knopfler. Throughout his career, Knopfler would assemble a group of musicians that would comprise Dire Straits. While the only constant besides Knopfler has been Bassist John Illsley, Knopfler would succeed at bringing in high quality musicians to support the unique blend of music he would write. Knopfler is widely considered one of music's legendary guitarists. While "Brothers in Arms" showcases why Knopfler is worthy of this honor, there are also many high quality instrumentation efforts by the other members of the band. In addition to an album that is well written from both and musical and lyrical standpoint, it is going to be the great performances by Dire Straits as a whole that is going to make this a very special album.

"Brothers in Arms" is also a famous album because it was one of the first albums to be released in an "all digital format". Back in 1985, "Brothers in Arms" was one of the best sounding albums around from a recording standpoint. Now, add the fact that "Brothers in Arms" has been remastered and you really hear the difference. The music on this collection is going to reflect this quality - having an almost "three dimensional effect".

While "Money for Nothing" is probably the band's best-known song, there are many other tracks on this album. While one can make the argument that "Brothers in Arms" shows a lack of contuinity from a musical standpoint, Dire Straits gives "A1" performances on just about every track. What the album lacks in musical continuity, it makes up for in musical depth. Here is a track by track review.

"So Far Away": When this song was played on the radio, it didn't blow me away. Listening to this remastered version gives me a new appreciation. Here is a song where Knopfler is not the star - John Islley provides some terrific Bass work (especially the opener) while Guy Fletcher and Alan Clark provide some terrific Keyboard work.

"Money For Nothing": This is the legendary song co-written and co-performed by Sting. This is the full version of the song - not the badly butchered radio-edit that was heard on radio (and unfortunately was included on the Dire Straits compilation "Sultans of Swing: The Very Best of Dire Straits"). Several factors are going to highlight this very complete song: The unique blend of vocals between Knopfler and Sting; the legendary guitar work by Knopfler; some outstanding drum work (particularly right before Knopfler's legendary guitar solo), and of course, the humorous lyrics from the standpoint of two blue-collar workers making fun of Rock Stars (this song seems to have stood the test of time).

"Walk of Life": This is the one "pop" song on the album. Many criticize this song because of the use of the electric organ, but I think it blends well with Knopfler's guitar chords. While it isn't the best track on the collection, it does provide a bit of a retro sound and show Dire Straits' versatility.

"Your Latest Trick": This has become a legendary song by Dire Straits. Knopfler's guitar won't be the star here. The horn work is going to really distinguish this song - combined with Knopfler's vocals of course. It has an R&B feel to open the song. This is also a well written song as well.

"Why Worry": Knopfler's guitar work is outstanding - you can almost pick it out note by note. This is the album's longest track - and well worth the 8+ minutes of music - particularly the instrumental to close this song. This is really good stuff.

"Ride Across the River": This is a very underrated song. The song opens with a cross of an African and Latin sound. Knopfler's guitar takes on almost a "Carlos Santana" feel in this song. There are also some clever use of horns in this song.

"The Man's Too Strong": This is a song where Dire Straits show some of the Folk Music influence. Knopfler's guitar work is again outstanding.

"One World": This is a Bluesy track with a touch of Country. Nice guitar work by Knopfler and nice Bass work by Illsley.

"Brothers in Arms": At first I asked myself how this song ever became the title track for such a great album - I felt it was too "soft". However, the more I listen to it - the more I liked it. Once again, Knopfler's guitar almost has a "Carlos Santana" feel to it. The song has a bit of a dark side to it when you compare it to the upbeat "Money for Nothing" and "Walk of Life"

The liner notes contain all of the lyrics to it. Some of the credits are incomplete (namely the horn credits). Overall, this is not just a great recording, but a great body of work. It is one of the album's you will appreciate more each time you hear it. Highly recommended.

BEWARE - Read the fine print. Even if it says 1985, if it also says "re-issued" or "remastered," it is the horribly messed up version with all the life compressed out of it - for the "loudness wars."

This is classic rock - really good stuff, but be sure to buy a used CD with the original mastering. The original is breathtaking in its clarity. Very quiet voices and instruments are clearly discernible. It is startling, actually. Not so in the remastered version. The re-mastered version might be better for jogging with an iPod, but if you are going to listen on a good stereo, the original is far superior. Turn up the volume.

Played on my OPPO BDP-83 SE, Nuforce Edition, OPPO BDP-83SE - Nuforce Edition I listened to it on my high quality stereo, with my jaw dropped and my eyes wide with excitement. This is the music we know, yet like we've never heard before; the improvement is so outstanding. A whole new experience of the same songs, only remastered to quality better than possible for consumers, back in the day. The sounds from guitar have all the character, twang and original Dire Straits sound you could dream of. It must be heard to understand. Imported from England, but worth every penny.

In "So Far Away", during the chorus, the low growling guitar notes are heard to advantage, and similarly at the end of lines, such as following "blister on your little finger". Throughout, the percussion is tightened up in the remaster, weigh in the lows, fast and crisp for cymbals. "Money for Nothing" is the album version, at 8 minutes, 26 seconds. The percussion in the intro to Money for Nothing" is heard to particular good effect, with the ethereal "I want my, I want my MTV ..." lead in. The price of this Hybrid SACD album is not "money for nothing"; the money is for a fine improvement/remaster of particularly high quality.

There are CD stereo, SACD stereo, SACD multichannel tracks. I didn't listen multichannel as I only have stereo gear, although my OPPO did down-mix the 5.1 audio track as stereo. Even playing it as an ordinary CD on a nice, older Sony CD player, it was nicely improved. The musical upgrade of this disc is not as fine when the CD layer is played, compared to SACD, but it is still no small improvement in my opinion. Particularly recommended for those with quality music setups, especially played as SACD, both stereo and surely also as multichannel, although the multi-channel assessment is based only on the quality experienced in stereo. It's made me feel like a kid again, only with better toys and music. Listening as SACD, I wanted to listen all the way through, the music drew me in so. Listening as a CD, was more like in the old days, where, after the great songs, one might be motivated to jump to the next great song rather than just listen. High quality, reasonably priced, audio equipment can show the audio improvement to good effect. "Be-Bop-A-Lula Baby What I Say ... do the walk of life", to great music.