Mark the Guitarist on ODR

[dmg]

After a number of listens now I have come to the sad conclusion he’s done, and even sadder probably not by choice.  I’m therefore at pains to be too critical but he appears to refuse solos where I expect them and when he does take the opportunity, such as the title track, it is very soon taken over by Greg.

It is also notable that his guitar has been buried low in the mix and I can’t believe they let that inaccuracy go in Tunnel 13 - is that the best they can do?  If he didn’t hear himself play that in the studio then perhaps put the headphones on! 

Any solos he does take sound very simple, very slow, very short and very uninspired.

I just listened to Pale Imitation a few moments ago and the solo is in a different league to anything on ODR.

There are a few really good songs on this album but for me, having been a fan since 1985, it is quite emotional listening to it.

[Knopflerfan]

I'm just thinking what are you really expecting at this stage in his life? There are some very powerful solo's, simple yes but these songs need nothing of his younger caliber. Indeed there arevsome spaces where there could have been something but it's not the be all and end all. As for the inaccuracy as you call it, we'll Blimey it's part of the 'knopfler bend' going into the next note....Fantastic album in my eyes...

[dmg]

I'm just thinking what are you expecting at this stage in his life? There are some very powerful solo's and indeed some spaces where there could have been something but it's not the be all and end all. As for the inaccuracy as you call it, we'll Blimey it's part of the 'knopfler bend' going into the next note....Fantastic album in my eyes...

To be honest, after the last tour hopes weren't high, but I thought between himself and Guy they might have been able to conjure up some magic and make it sound good in the studio.  Alas, it appears that even with time in his own studio he is unable to perform now.   

[Knopflerfan]

I'm just thinking what are you expecting at this stage in his life? There are some very powerful solo's and indeed some spaces where there could have been something but it's not the be all and end all. As for the inaccuracy as you call it, we'll Blimey it's part of the 'knopfler bend' going into the next note....Fantastic album in my eyes...

To be honest, after the last tour hopes weren't high, but I thought between himself and Guy they might have been able to conjure up some magic and make it sound good in the studio.  Alas, it appears that even with time in his own studio he is unable to perform now.   

?? I'm at pains to say I'm not sure you get this album. It is certainly in my eyes a classic senior Knopfler album full of very well thought out songs. The lyrics are awesome and the tunes up there with some of his best. I feel sad you don't feel the same.

[dustyvalentino]

I thought the guitar fitted the songs…

[Love Expresso]

I'm just thinking what are you expecting at this stage in his life? There are some very powerful solo's and indeed some spaces where there could have been something but it's not the be all and end all. As for the inaccuracy as you call it, we'll Blimey it's part of the 'knopfler bend' going into the next note....Fantastic album in my eyes...

To be honest, after the last tour hopes weren't high, but I thought between himself and Guy they might have been able to conjure up some magic and make it sound good in the studio.  Alas, it appears that even with time in his own studio he is unable to perform now.   

I respect your statement although it is the opposite of everything I think.about the album. Your post reminds me of the feelings I had when DTRW happened together with the tour. In fact it made me going away from MK completely for nearly three years. Now I am totally satisfied and happy with this new release and think of it as a powerful and brilliant comeback. I never expected it to be that good. I know you are a very critical guy and I find it sad that you think so negative of this great release.

About that "inaccuracy" though I honestly think you must be kidding! 

LE

[Knopflerfan]

I thought the guitar fitted the songs…

Doesn't it just, from little phrases to nice little licks the album has plenty of 'The Masters' guitar fills.

[Love Expresso]

I thought the guitar fitted the songs…

Being sarcastic here?

LE

[dustyvalentino]

I thought the guitar fitted the songs…

Being sarcastic here?

LE

Nope.

[Love Expresso]

Hard to tell from your posts sometimes. 

Give it some more listens. Six years of work deserve some more than just one.

LE

[Knopflerfan]

Hard to tell from your posts sometimes. 

Give it some more listens. Six years of work deserve some more than just one.

LE

And without headphones too. Let the music flow...

[ingridswing]

I'm just thinking what are you really expecting at this stage in his life? There are some very powerful solo's, simple yes but these songs need nothing of his younger caliber. Indeed there arevsome spaces where there could have been something but it's not the be all and end all. As for the inaccuracy as you call it, we'll Blimey it's part of the 'knopfler bend' going into the next note....Fantastic album in my eyes...

I totally agree with you Knopflerfan. Our man is almost 75. He is not the guitar god only anymore. But my goodness, what an album he released. It is the highest quality of songwriting, lyrics, music as you can dream of. We already know for years that there are not the old DS solo’s. Didn’t expect it this time either. But what we got is a truly gem. Everything fits together. Had about 5 listens of the whole album and some more to some songs. It seems to me that there are no skippers. That’s new to me. Listening the total album again now. For me it seems it will be the best solo album as a whole.

[ingridswing]

Hard to tell from your posts sometimes. 

Give it some more listens. Six years of work deserve some more than just one.

LE

And without headphones too. Let the music flow...

I can’t agree more. Let the music flow. Listen to it in your room without ear phones, without anyone around. You will hear more and more in every song. Unbelievable quality!

[dannr1]

This is a very solid album in every aspect.. up there amongst his best!

[Knopflerfan]

I'm just thinking what are you really expecting at this stage in his life? There are some very powerful solo's, simple yes but these songs need nothing of his younger caliber. Indeed there arevsome spaces where there could have been something but it's not the be all and end all. As for the inaccuracy as you call it, we'll Blimey it's part of the 'knopfler bend' going into the next note....Fantastic album in my eyes...

I totally agree with you Knopflerfan. Our man is almost 75. He is not the guitar god only anymore. But my goodness, what an album he released. It is the highest quality of songwriting, lyrics, music as you can dream of. We already know for years that there are not the old DS solo’s. Didn’t expect it this time either. But what we got is a truly gem. Everything fits together. Had about 5 listens of the whole album and some more to some songs. It seems to me that there are no skippers. That’s new to me. Listening the total album again now. For me it seems it will be the best solo album as a whole.

100% agree with all you have said Ingridswing! Good to have caught up with you on Friday by the way, and good to see you back in your rightful place on the forum!
I am so thankful to have had the opportunity to have see MK once again and have a better understanding as to some of the song histories and also thankful that he has found the energy to release such a powerful album which like you state is certainly one of his best. One thing I must add is 'The Masters' singing on this album and bonus is immense!