Customer Reviews

Get Lucky

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

 

 

While many big groups from back in the day when Dire Straits was at the top of the charts still tour, playing their long-in-the-tooth rock anthems in dreadful arenas, Mark Knopfler continues to write solid, fresh, meaningful songs, and to perform them in smaller, acoustically-friendly venues with some of the best instrumentalists around.

Get Lucky is the latest in a series of post-Straits CDs that reward the listener again and again with lyrics drawn from Knopfler's childhood reminiscences, wide travels, and ever-active ear for a compelling story, whether from history, the media, fellow musicians, or acquaintances in the pub.

At times nostalgic, but never maudlin, and with a return to some Celtic overtones, the 11 new tunes on Get Lucky are all solid, each with its own appeal. I look forward to hearing Knopfler play them and others live on his upcoming tour.

While many performers, Live Nation, and Ticketmaster treat fans poorly at times, every Knopfler concert projects respect for the audience through genuine communication, great playing, an intriguing opening act, and at least two hours of music, both old and new, by the master. Another symbol of that respect is the free copy of Mark's current CD which each ticket buyer receives by mail.

In my view, Knopfler remains a class act in every way, and his most recent is well worth purchasing or downloading.

And, yes, he still plays Sultans of Swing at his concerts, at least he did in Vancouver last year.

Not your typical MK release and no particular track that stands out. This CD has a very Celtic flavour to it with a number of songs sounding more like the Chieftains than MK. A lot of the songs celebrate the "Working Man" and have stories to tell, but overall the song writing overshadows the music. Usually with Mark he blends together writing and music to make a memorable song, but I did not hear anything comparable to "Sailing to Philadelphia" or "Golden Heart". Overall I was disappointed with this CD and cannot recommend it.

Yes, Mark Knopfler's solo work tends to be more laid back than what he used to do in Dire Straits; but it's still great music. However, there's a difference between laid back and boring, and "Get Lucky" is far from boring. The first track "Border Reiver" begins the cd in a very bouncy and upbeat style with nice Celtic instrumentation; and it's not the only song to have a celtic feel. If you're a Mark Knopfler fan, you won't be disappointed with this cd. The days of Dire Straits are gone, so don't expect roaring guitar solos. Mark's music is now about the lyrics and the melodies, some of which are hauntingly beautiful (the last two, "So Far From The Clyde" and "Piper To The End" in particular). And yes, there is still some nice guitar work but it's restrained, which in itself can be very powerful. When it comes to writing music, Mark Knopfler is a craftsman, and this cd is a fine example of that. It's also a nice bonus that in the liner notes he explains some of the songs' origins. I got this cd two days ago and I can't stop listening to it!

I love this C.D. so mellow and insightful with a strong Celtic feel.The last cut Piper To The End brought me to tears!

Sorry Mark, but this one is a snoozefest. I know your solo music tends toward the laid back, but this one is so laid back, it is almost comatose. Sort of like vanilla pudding without the vanilla. Mr Knopfler is a wonderful guitar player, but any guitar noticeable on this CD is brief and well buried in the mix. For your next release, please reward your fans with a simpler production, maybe just guitar bass and drums.