Customer Reviews

The Best Of - Private Investigations

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There have been a number of Dire Straits "best of" compilations, including the decent "Sultans of Swing" 1998 compilation, but this is the first time that the entire career of Mark Knopfler, both in Dire Straits and as a solo artist, is reviewed. I must admit upfront that I am not a great fan of his solo work.

"Private Investigations: The Very Best of Dire Straits and Mark Knopfler" (2 CDs; 139 min.) brings 14 Dire Straits songs, 7 Knopfler solo songs, and 1 new Knopfler-Emmylou Harris duet "All the Roadrunning". The big thing is that the Dire Straits songs are presented in original album-length format. Yes, the full 14+ min. of "Telegraph Road, the full 8+ min. of "Tunnel of Love", etc.Also, no live versions of certain songs are found here (unlike on the "Sultans of Swing" compilation). Really only 2 (semi)classics are missing: "Twisting by the Pool" and "Heavy Fuel" (the latter in any event only a second rate carbon copy of "Money for Nothing"). The 7 Knopfler songs are outstanding. If you don't have the "Local Hero" and "Cal" mostly instrumental soundtracks, do yourself a favor and buy them. You'll find one song of each on here. "Sailing to Philadelphia", "What It Is" and "Boom, Like That" are equal to his Dire Stratis-standards. The duet with Emmylou Harris is nice, but not essential.

If you distill the very best of Mark Knopfler's 25+ year career down to 140 minutes, it really is amazing how good it all sounds. As it should be, the emphasis is on the Dire Straits hits, but when you pick and choose in his solo output, there are some beautiful tracks there as well. This compilation was released without much fanfare, but I highly recommend it!

The recent "Private Investigations" ups the ante for Dire Starits Best of Collections two reasons. First and foremost, on this 2-disc collection, the Dire Straits songs are included in their full length versions (edited versions were on the "Sulatns Of Swing" set for "Money For Nothing" among others), and the live cuts - especially "Love Over Gold" - are replaced with their studio versions. Since Dire Straits were always a product of studio perfections and the belief that great things last longer than 4 minutes, losing almost half of "Money For Nothing" just isn't acceptable. On "Private Investigations," MfN, as well as all 15 minutes of "Telegraph Road" etc, are back as they should be.

Secondly, the "Private Investigations" set has its second disc devoted to the best of Mark Knopfler's solo career. Since that was madly uneven, it beats his spotty solo albums. Here, "Local Hero" is the only changed over to its album version. Great songs like "Boom Like That" or "Sailing To Philadelphia" are as good as his best Dire Straits work, and a track from his duets album with Emmylou Harris is included. All are really worth hearing.

While I have long been a fan of Dire Straits ("Love Over Gold" and "Brothers In Arms" were the two CD's I often used to show off - gawd I'm Getting Old - my brand new CD player and its spanking new technology), "Private Investigations" leaves off "Heavy Fuel" and the goofy "Twisting By The Pool." (That was the first time Knopfler showed off his sense of humor prior to the also missing "Industrial Disease.") On the other hand "Sultans Of Swing - The Very Best Of" under represented the band. "Private Investiagtions" also completely ignores the "Communique" album, and "Lady Writer" is essential Dire Straits in my opinion.

I have a few personal favorites here. The shock of hearing "Sultans Of Swing" during the period of all things Clash or Sex Pistols has never worn off. As a calling card of Mark Knofler as new guitar hero, it remains very hard to beat. The Noir detective tale of "Private Investigations" has long affected me, as has the call for understanding of "Brothers In Arms." My personal favorite missing songs are "Skateaway" and "The Bug." But since they appear on neither collection, maybe Knopfler isn't too keen on them, either.

So while you may finds yourself drawn to this more expansive collection, if you're a casual listener, "Sultans Of Swing" will do ok. If you are really interested in them, starting with the debut album or the still incredible "Brothers In Arms" both an even better bet than this particular Dire Straits best of.

PS - it's time to retire the floating guitar in the clouds image already!

Mark Knopfler, in my opinion, ranks right up there with Eric Clapton as a King of the Stratocaster; a true guitar hero and master if there ever was one. And, like Clapton, his appeal is not only in his stellar playing, but also in his bluesy, soulful singing voice.

This 2-CD set is a fine overview of Knopfler's career, solo and with the legendary Dire Straits. Here you will find some of the finest rock, pop, blues, rockabilly, pub, and new wave tunes of the past 25 years.

Knopfler's songs have always had a strong cinematic quality, so it's no surprised that some of his most effective and stirring work has come on film soundtracks, such as LOCAL HERO and CAL (not to mention the much-beloved PRINCESS BRIDE and A SHOT AT GLORY and others not represented here). Even better are sweeping epics like "Telegraph Road," "Tunnel of Love," and "Brothers in Arms."

If all you know of Dire Straits is represented only by their neat 80s videos (glowing headbands, anyone?) like "Money for Nothing," or "So Far Away," you may be missing their finest work, though those songs are certainly fine in their own right. And, yes, of course this collection would not be complete without the kicky "Sultans of Swing." But dig a little deeper, and you find treasures such as the exquisitely-written "Romeo and Juliet," the rich noir of "Private Investigations," and the underrated "Love Over Gold."

Too bad more of Knopfler's solo work isn't represented here, but you'll enjoy the longing of "Sailing to Philadelphia" and the cool "Boom Like That." Then there's the new cut, "All the Roadrunning," a gorgeous duet with Emmylou Harris.

Sure, a lot of essential tracks are missing here. Really, the only way to correct that would be to issue a 4 or 6 CD overview of Knopfler's work as a solo artist, as a film scorer, as Dire Straits leader, and as a collaborator with numerous individuals--and the fabulous Notting Hillbillies.

But, we're not here to rate a product that doesn't yet exist; this review is about PRIVATE INVESTIGATIONS: THE BEST OF DIRE STRAITS AND MARK KNOPFLER. With that, let's call it a 5 star release and hope for many more years of great music from a true genius.

Knopfler has always, from the very first DS record, turned out albums that sounded incredibly brilliant. The hallmarks of that band were its pristine definition as well as its seamless sophistication. Those admirable qualities enhanced great songs.
In this new edition, in time for the holidays, Knop has culled a best od DS and his own work, and while I would have loved to see "Money for Nothing" omitted and "Lady Writer" included, at least Money is buried far enough down the track list on Disc one as to be easily forgettable. That's a song that outlived its shelf life on the first go 'round and should hereafter be retired. The rest is hard to argue with, and the inclusion of the themes from "Local Hero" and "Cal" two of the best soundtracks anyone has ever written, are the perfect transition from DS to the solo career. Pity he couldn't squeeze a Notting Hill tune in or the odd collaboration with Atkins, but maybe on Volumes 3 & 4, he'll correct all that.
For the moment, this is an extremely listenable and highly enjoyable collection that sounds better than you have any right to expect. The presence and the definition, the subtle things going on in the background of the songs have more clarity than they ever did, and that's saying something! As an added treat, the whole collection finishes with a song from the forthcoming Knop/Emmy Lou Harris disc! Inspired! I can hardly wait! Among a collection of amazing songs, this one jumps out and tackles you where you stand. Great stuff!

As a fan of Mark Knopfler I've been making my own Dire Straits/Mark Knopfler compilations for years. I'ts so gratifying to know that these guys (particularly Knopfler) have finally decided to do the same.

My one complaint: Why no songs from Mark Knopfler's debut solo album: "Golden Heart"? Not even one song was included here on this 2 disc compilation from Knopfler's AMAZING debut album. Strange choice indeed. At least "Darling Pretty" or even "Golden Heart" could've been represented on this collection. Who needed another collection with "Private Investigations" or "Going Home Theme"? Tell me who!?

Anyway, aside from all that, this is a wonderful compilation.
Heavy on the Dire Straits ballads, and rich in Knopfler's solo movie instrumentals and classic rock journey this compilation can't miss!

Put your CD player on "random" and you'll get great song after great song. Not only that but we get treated to a new song from Knopfler's forthcoming album with Emmy Lou Harris.
"All The Roadrunning" A true gem indeed.

From the classic Dire Straits folk/rock ballad: "Telegraph Road" or the reminiscent: "So Far Away"
to the Mark Knopfler we know and enjoy today (there's no room for filler here anyway). Youre in for the rich reward and craftmanship that was Dire Straits and is now Mark Knopfler.

These songs are from the mind of a master guitarist and songwriter. A world apart from the worthless spatter you hear on the radio waves these days.

Amen!

If you could only own one Dire Straits/Mark Knopfler album this is the one. What you have here on two CDS is a baker's dozen of Straits songs, two of Knopfler's movie themes, six Knopfler solo tunes, and a first-time-heard duet with Emmylou Harris. Total: 140 minutes of music -- which is about as much as you can cram onto two CDs.

You could complain about the song selection. I would have liked to have seen "Railroad Work Song" from the Notting Hillbillies on which Knopfler plays guitar as well as anyone in the world ever has. And a tune from his CD with Chet Atkins would be nice too. But most of Dire Strait's best are here. "Brothers in Arms" is awe-inspiring and sad; "Telegraph Road" is a 14-minute epic of brilliant guitar solos; "Sultans of Swing" is the all time Dire Straits favorite with a chugging beat that can't be beat; "Romeo and Juliet" is a quirky love song played on that weird steel guitar that Knopfler loves. And of course you've gotta include the head-banging "Money for Nothing" because it's famous -- and famously overplayed.

Knopfler's more recent solo efforts are a bit quieter and may not be as well known. "Sailing to Philadelphia" is a wondrous duet with James Taylor; "What Aye Man" is a sea chanty with some fancy guitar licks. There isn't a bad song here.

Knopfler writes clever,thoughtful songs, sings a bit like Bob Dylan, and plays a ringing but ethereal guitar. This is quality rock music. One comment: "Darling Pretty" is on the English version of the CD; on the American version it is replaced with "Skateaway."

Smallchief

I own every Dire Straits and Mark Knopfler CD, but for some reason, I bought this compilation. I am glad I did.

First, this is the best compilation yet in that the songs are the full album cuts, with no curtailing of the long terminal solos to make them more compact. Second, the sequence of the songs ignores chronology for the most part and puts the songs in an order that just flows so nicely. Pink Floyd did this with their best of, "Echoes"; it worked for them and it works for this set. After years of expecting a song to come up after the current song, it was nice to have this new sequence to make the listening fresh.

Sure, we could all come up with songs that should have made the cut for this set, but then again a true fan would already have the albums. I review this as a "bunch" of Dire Straits and Knopfler songs and not a "best of", because the real "best of" would be a set of about 8 discs in my opinion. As a "bunch" of great songs, this is a fine compilation.

For the fans, this is just another way to enjoy the music. It has been spinning in my car stereo for days, and I get over a couple of decades of music in one CD jewelry box. And if you are just discovering Knopfler, this set should be your gateway to the albums, and many, many more great songs.

During the 1985 Live Aid concert, it gave an opportunity for many bands that had established a cult following to come out and play on the world stage. Perhaps one band that benefited from this more than any other band was Dire Straits. Dire Straits' live performance of "Money for Nothing" and "Sultans of Swing" clearly elevated the band to superstar status. It was also the momentum from Live Aid that propelled "Money For Nothing" to #1 song status and the album "Brothers in Arms" to #1 album status. If you look beyond "Money For Nothing" and "Brothers in Arms", you will discover what a terrific band Dire Straits is. Much of Dire Straits is the result of the awesome guitar work of Mark Knopfler, but there is also some great instrumentation from other band members such as Mark's brother David and bassist John Illsley.. In many circles, Knopfler is considered as good as they come. For 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. Knopfler has also proven himself to be a top-notch lyricist - writing both humorous and serious songs. The combination of outstanding instrumentation, great lyrics and a mix of old-fashioned Rock genres is really what made Dire Straits such a great band. When Dire Straits disbanded in the early 1990s, Knopfler would continue his creative work as a solo artist. The collection "The Best of Dire Straits and Mark Knopfler - Private Investigations" provides a single collection of Knopfler's work - with Dire Straits and as a solo artist.

There are two other compilations available to consider:

"Sultans of Swing - The Very Best of Dire Straits" is a collection that strictly has Dire Straits work. This is a good collection and it includes songs that are not found on the "Private Investigations" compilation. Most notably it includes "Lady Writer", "Heavy Fuel", and some live cuts (there are no live cuts on "Private Investigations"). The one issue with this compilation is that it includes radio-edit versions of songs such as "Money For Nothing" and "Sultans of Swing". Radio-edits of thee classics do not do these songs justice and it hurts the collection. It also is missing songs like "Telegraph Road" and "Your Latest Trick".

"Money For Nothing" is an older and less comprehensive collection that also focuses on Dire Straits. It was released before Dire Straits' "On Every Street" album (so no material from that album). It includes some live cuts ("Telegraph Road" and "Portobello Belle"). It also includes songs not found on the "Private Investigations" collection ("Down to the Waterline", "Twisting By the Pool", "Where Do You Think You're Going"). Like the "Sultans of Swing" collection, this collection is greatly hurt by radio-edits.

While the "Sultans of Swing" collection did include radio-edits and was missing some key songs, it did represent every Dire Straits album - including live ones such as "Alchemy" and "On the Night". The "Private Investigations" collection does not include any material from "Communique", "ExtendedancEPlay", "Alchemy", and "On the Night". The albums and associated Dire Straits material that are represented include: "Dire Straits" ("Sultans of Swing"); "Making Movies" ("Romeo and Juliet", "Tunnel of Love", "Skateaway"); "Love Over Gold" ("Private Investigations", "Telegraph Road"); "Brothers in Arms" ("So Far Away", "Money For Nothing", "Brothers in Arms", "Walk of Life", "Your Latest Trick); "On Every Street" ("Calling Elvis", "On Every Street"). The good news is that full versions of all of the songs are included - no radio-edits!!!

As mentioned "Private Investigations" includes solo material from Knopfler. This material includes "Golden Heart ("No Can Do"); "Sailing to Philadelphia" ("Sailing to Philadelphia", "What It Is"); "The Ragpickers Dream" ("Why Aye Man"); "Shangri-La" ("Boom Like That", "The Trawlerman's Song"). There are also two instrumental songs from soundtracks - "Going Home" (Theme from "Local Hero") and "The Long Road (Theme from "Cal"). There is also the title song from the duet album that Knopfler recorded with Emmylou Harris ("All the Roadrunning"). This song was included on "Private Investigations" prior to the release of that duet album. There is no live solo material from Knopfler's live solo albums ("One Take Radio Sessions" and "The Trawlerman's Song").

I normally prefer songs to be ordered in chronological order. This allows me to see how an artist has progressed over time. Unfortunately, "Private Investigations" does not do this. There is sort of a logical division of material (Dire Straits material is found on Disc 1 and Knopfler's solo material is found on Disc 2). However there is no ordering - (for example, "Brothers in Arms" is the second to last song on Disc 2 and "Sultans of Swing" follows "Telegraph Road" on Disc 1). In the case of Dire Straits and Knopfler, it is a poor decision to mix up the ordering of the songs. For fans of Knopfler, they saw how Knopfler's solo style progressed to have a more Country music and storytelling narrative style. The mixing of the ordering of the songs prevents you from listening to this and hearing that musical progression.

One thing that is unusual is that the liner notes include the lyrics to all of the songs. This is something that is not too common on greatest hits compilations. For each of the tracks, the songwriting and copyright credits are listed for each of the tracks. I would have also liked to have seen the album titles listed for each of the tracks. It would have also been nice to have a write-up of the band (the "Sultans of Swing" compilation does include one). Overall, this is still the only place to get a Dire Straits and Knopfler combination. One certainly cannot complain about the quality of the music included. I'd still recommend this.

At last, a Dire Straits compilation WITHOUT edits, which was why I found the 'Sultans of Swing' compilation disappointing. And whatsmore the studio versions of all songs are on here - the superb 'Telegraph Road', 'Love Over Gold' in its original 6min format and all the rest that we know and love. Even 'Money for Nothing' and 'Brothers In Arms' are in their full length versions. All the better tracks from the 'Sultans' compilation are present - 'Sultans of Swing', 'Romeo and Juliet' and 'Tunnel of Love'.
In 2CD form, the second CD is mostly Mark Knopfler's solo work and there is some good stuff here as well, especially 'Sailing to Philadelphia'. An excellent compilation well worth buying, whether you're a fan or looking for an intro to this classic band and their legendary frontman.

For the MTV generation, the mention of Dire Straits conjures up images of their groundbreaking video for the mega hit "Money for Nothing" (three weeks at No. 1 in 1985). For this aging Baby Boomer, my love affair with the music of Mark Knopfler came six years earlier with the release of "Sultans of Swing." I bought every album (yes, vinyl!) through 1985's BROTHERS IN ARMS. I didn't upgrade to CD until 1998's BEST OF. Now along comes this two-disc collection which all but duplicates the earlier anthology and adds a second disc primarily devoted to Knopfler's solo work.

There are no real suprises on disc-1. The primary difference is that this release uses the studio versions of "Love over Gold" and "Your Latest Trick," in addition to adding the 14-minute-plus "Telegraph Road" (by far the longest track in the Dire Straits canon). [Although I do miss the exclusion of "Twisting by the Pool."] What makes this a worthwhile purchase is the tracks from Knopfler's solo career--including his soundtrack work. Standout tracks are the celtic-flavored "Why Aye Man" and his duet with James Taylor on "Sailing to Philadelphia." [I also would have enjoyed a track from his 1990 collaboration NECK AND NECK with one of Knopfler's influences Chet Atkins.]

All told, this is a concise, albeit brief, overview of an ongoing career by one of the music world's distinctive voices. [Running Time - Disc One, 77:29, Disc Two, 61:30] VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED