Customer Reviews

Wishbones

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

David Knopfler, founder of the great Dire Straits has finally released his eighth solo album. Always a literate songwriter, David Knopfler manages to put thought-provoking and insightful lyrics to beautiful, acoustic music. The music (nearly 59 minutes worth) on "Wishbones" lives up to the stratospheric standard set on 1993's brilliant "The Giver" and the (until now) unprecedented magnificence of David Knopfler's last album, 1994's "Small Mercies" (Note: if you can find either of these cds, do yourself a favor and buy them--you won't be disappointed).

The instrumentation on this album is much like the last two releases (by far his best in my estimation; although 1983's "Release" comes close)--and that's a good thing. Knopfler sings (and his voice continues to get better with age), plays piano (which is front and center), guitars, vibes, and mandolin. Back is the multi-talented Harry Bogdanovs on guitars, electric piano, banjo, bass (additional), and mandolin. Alan Clark shines on Hammond and Chris Rea adds his talent to the lead track, "A Clear Day (St Swithun's Day)"--a reference to the weather saint and just one example of Knopfler's literate songwriting skills. Eddi Reader contribues vocals for the album's weakest track (but by no means a weak track in and of itself), John Martyn's "May You Never" (the only track Knopfler didn't write although he co-wrote a couple tracks with Bogdanovs).

Highlights include the Celtic-infected "Jericho", the brilliant "A Clear Day" (a great single if ever there's been one), the moving, haunting, jazzy "The Bones", the thought-provoking "If God Could Make the Angels", and my personal favorite, the poignant "The Snowscape Paperweight Girl". The bonus tracks (there are two) are no throwaways either. "Shadowlands" is a rollicking tune reminiscent of 'Double Dealing' from 1985's "Behind the Lines" and the acoustic version of "A Clear Day" is a worthy contrast to the electric version.

This is an album full of beautiful melodies, brilliant lyricism, and showcases a tight band playing for the love of music. Music doesn't get much better than this. Very Highly Recommended.

A founder member of Dire Straits, this is David Knopfler's eighth album release since going solo.

A seriously good song-writer's songwriter, I don't think I can think of any recording artist who's
been more shamefully under-noticed by the mainstream media in the US, nor who's lyrics are
more arresting. Perhaps Knopfler has been his own worst enemy in this respect as I'm pretty
sure he has never toured over here.

In terms at least of lyrical artistic achievement it wouldn't be over the top to see him critically,
albeit not commercially, in the same drawer as the likes of Leonard Cohen, Dylan, Joni Mitchell,
Tom Waits or any of the other holy saints of rock iconogaphy.

Musically this continues where "Small Mercies" (his previous release) left off but it has a new found
sense of relaxed self assurance and quiet reflection that is extremely honest and moving. Check out
King of Ashes for example. The production sounds very expensive without being flashy, with plenty
of space for gloriously appropriate guitar lines from David and his sideman, Harry Bogdanovs to ring
out. David is no slouch on the piano either as Arcadie demonstrates. Warm deep vocals, it has to be
said, leave brother Mark on the starting grid. though there are superficial similarities for first time
listeners.

A nice lean toward an acoustic hand-made production without any of the tattiness this can sometimes
imply. There are even some tasteful orchestral additions on several tracks though only when strictly
helpful which helps create the overall impression of a spare but no expense spared production.

Without the singer being remotely maudlin or self pitying, this feels like a very intimate, mature record
and is easily his best work to date. If you, like me, believe, singer-songwriters are capable of making
serious art that's also accessible and that Jagger's "I know it's only rock n roll but I like it" completely
misses the point, then I think you'll want to buy this record. And when you do - like most other
converts you'll be baffled why. given the quality of the music, it took you so long to discover it.

Knopfler and his co-producers Harry Bogdanovs and Chris Kimsey (Rolling Stones) in this
production bring out the best of the skills of some amazing musicians including several former
Dire Straits members, like Alan Clark on Hammond , Chris White on sax and Phil Palmer on guitar
- as well as a couple of interesting guest appearances by Chris Rea and Eddie Reader. I also noticed Bonnie Raitt's
bass player Hutch Hutchinson makes an appearance.

Whether this record needed bonus add on tracks is debatable. At nearly one hour it's a lot longer than
most contemporary albums, however it feels more like 40 minutes when listening and the unplugged
version of "A Clear Day (St Swithun's Day)" is in some respects better than the original.

I still don't understand why people have this tendency to confuse David Knopfler with his elder brother Mark. David has always been my favourite kind of artist and with the relese of Wishbones he shines brighter than ever. For those of you who haven't listened to other David Knopfler's CD's this is a great kick-off. The atmosphere of the album is Acoustic and unplugged style except for the first single 'St. Swithun's Day' and the bonus track, 'Shadowlands'. Coproduced by his old friend Harry Bagdanovs, this is a true work of art so rarely seen of musicians these days. St. Swithun's Day is performed with Chris Rea whereas Eddi Reader (Fairport Convention lead singer) joins him on May You Never. David shines on guitars and Piano and his lyrical magic is still thrilling. This is a perfect follower to the two previously released CD's : 'The Giver' and 'Small Mercies'. Just turn the lights off and enjoy the tranquility and honesty of David Knopfler's music. But please don't think of Mark Knoplfer when you are listening to this CD. Thank you David for such a strong and perfect CD.

For a long time I put off buying a David Knopfler CD because I had no idea what to expect. The only thing I knew about him was his prior Dire Straits connection. This album turned out to be a very pleasant surprise . . . not a bad track in the whole bunch. Arcadie is my favorite. Potential buyers should keep in mind that most of the songs are on the somber side. I've a long list of CDs I want to buy, but this album has moved Knopfler further up my list.

Unlike Mark, who released the mediocre Ragpicker`s Dream which seemed more like a album for his own than for his many fans, David has blessed the Fans with a fantastic, stripped down yet Dire Straits Sound-a-like album. In fact, some of the songs are very typical the good old Dire Straits, making it my personal recommendation as the "unofficial" next Dire Straits Album, back to form.

Its Stripped Down, Bare, Pure and Honest. The Melodies and Texts are really solid, melancholic and yet feel good. To be honest, it really took me by surprise. I had not heard any David Knopfler before, I always thought of him as the "Lesser" Solo Artist compared to Mark, but now that view is completely changed. Wishbones is a great album, surpassing both Mark`s Ragpicker and Sailing to Philadelphia. Its a Shame that David doesnt get the same attention.

There are some really haunting and beautiful songs here. For that good old Dire Straits feeling, try Karla Faye(Think a Piano Version of Where do you think you`re going with a different theme), or The Bones, a really haunting and sad song, yet so beautiful in its simplicity(Performed mostly with a Piano).

For other exceptional songs, try Means of Survival, Arcadie, The Snowscape paperweight girl(Another song that could have fit right on a Dire Straits Album), Genius and the fun Shadowlands. Absolutely stunning music delivered by David here.

This album is very strongly recommended to everyone who like Dire Straits and even Mark Knopfler, as it have a decent similarity to Mark`s solo work, but with a stronger Dire Straits feeling over it, only more stripped down than Dire Straits.

More Human, More Alive.

To anyone who already has a David Knopfler album - GET THIS!!! It's EASILY his best EVER.

To anyone who hasn't... don't wait for ClearChannel Radio to tell you what to listen to - they only play records they are paid to play ... mainstream radio is pitiable. This is where the real music is happning.

If you like complex songs simply expressed with first class instrumentation , great melodies and suprb lyrics - then you'll find something compelling here to listen to.

And last but not least - anyone who thinks George W is a jerk should REALLY get off on "Karla Faye"

Come on you indie stations!!! Free our airwaves - play music like this!!!

If you like more acoustic/folky rock, you'll love this stuff. If you're looking for something a little more jazzy, you'll hate it. I just have one more thing to say...

HARRY BAGDANAVOS (spelling?) DOESN'T GET ENOUGH CREDIT. He is a really great guy and a wonderful guitarist. He co-wrote several of the songs on the album, accompanied him on every one, was the only guy to go on tour with him, and his name is only mentioned ONCE on the entire CD case--in tiny lettering on the last page of the booklet under "accompanist" (again, spelling?). Come on, Dave. Give your #2 some credit.

This is a great album; the guitar and keyboard work is sublime, the lyrics poetic and moving, the melodies intricate and beautiful. Then why didn't I give this album five stars?

David Knopfler should use his own voice, which can be excellent, instead of a doing a tired Dylan rerun. I never cared for Dylan's voice. Despite the excellent lyrics, Dylan could never really sing so he used a unique character and pronounciation to cover. Well, if you don't have talent you wing it...and, it worked for Dylan. But, lack of talent is not true of Knopfler. He does have great vocal potential and doesn't need to copycat someone who was not so blessed.

One major problem is use of nondescript dialect. Using terms like "Ah" instead of "I" and "kin" instead of "can" to create a "blues-y" sound works when done properly. But which American dialect is Knopfler trying to recreate? Is it southern, Texan, midwestern (or simply Dylan-ese)? Knopfler would do his music an excellent turn by dropping the fake dialect and clearly articulating his incredible lyrics in his own pleasing voice.

All this said, I loved the album and I'm glad I found it. It has a deeply spiritual bent and makes me think about issues in my own life. Can an artist be more affecting than to provide such insight?

Well I really love David's songwriting,and Wishbones is a
masterpiece.14 superb songs that grows with each listening.
So go out and buy this one today.
DK forever.

A small sample of some of the reviews in Europe where David Knopfler's new album for 2002 Wishbones has already been released:
"Working with painstaking care, excellent musicians and his very own unmistakable qualities as a songwriter, has produced a result of demanding profundity."
Gala

Wishbones qualifies as a timeless work that looses nothing of it's intensity even after repeated listening. This is an album one would have liked for a long time to receive from Dire Straits - melodically opulent and full of a calm beauty.
WOM Journal

Wishbones is the soundtrack to a film that has yet to be made. In short: enchanting.
Für Sie

"His new album Wishbones demonstrates once again Knopfler's conception of music: great songs and a polished sound."
Stern.de

"Personal, profound and timeless and with David Knopfler's strong sexy voice, this is the perfect melodic album for a romantic evening."
Piste

"All friends of timeless music will feel enthusiastic about these catchy melodies."
Die Welt

Pathos, profoundity and a feeling for melodic drama gives Wishbones timeless quality.
Aktiv Musikmagazin

With his high-class-album Wishbones, David stormed into the charts after only one week. This will give him wings.
Bild

Knopfler has opened a space, where his songs can develop their special delicacy.
Rolling Stone

Edel Records