A Mark In Time
Mark Knopfler Discussion => Mark Knopfler Discussion Forum => Topic started by: mkdsone on January 02, 2022, 08:57:58 PM
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https://www.musicmeter.nl/album/832080
Found this on a Dutch site, expected march 25th.
Anyone more news ?
Via Google I found this Twitter message : https://twitter.com/John_Illsley/status/1465311528526266372
You can hear a first song through Spotify, Deezer,...
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Hmm, sounds interesting. Let´s stay cool and wait for the new Illsley songs. :thumbsup
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It's a long way back to Deptford town
It's a track of his forthcoming record, and was the first title for his book.
This signed sheet is on sale from his site
https://store.100-percent.co.uk/collections/john-illsley/products/its-a-long-way-back-lyric-sheet-signed
(https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0014/0060/2696/products/It_sALongWayBack_1_1024x1024@2x.jpg?v=1637940716)
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In The Gallery...six blade knife...on every street...
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John's poetry is really amateurish. It's cringeworthy at times.
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John's poetry is really amateurish. It's cringeworthy at times.
I know what you mean but if this wasn’t an MK fan forum we might not have anyone to compare him to. Most modern music isn’t well written. We are rare in the way we spend time reading MK’s lyrics as well as listening to his music.
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Sure, Mark is up there among the best, but even compared with lesser songwriters (David for instance), John really pales. You just sense in John's songs how he's desperately looking for rhyming words LOL
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John's poetry is really amateurish. It's cringeworthy at times.
Not good at all.....
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A new interview with John Illsley
https://youtu.be/ck4WxGfAizM
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"Possible unreleased Dire Straits material "
Please give me details. I can't listen right now.
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A new interview with John Illsley
https://youtu.be/ck4WxGfAizM
Nothing really new here. John confirmed he used some help with writing the book, strange he won't include his co-author name on the cover though. This implies his co-author's job was merely to transcribe his longhand writing and shorten it for the book. Mark read the book, John read the book, but some mistakes are inevitable and will happen no matter how many times you check it. Never released DS stuff? I don't think that's going to happen. Nobody seems to be interested in that.
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"Nobody seems to be interested in that"
It's funny. Of course, fans are also not interested >:(
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BQYwl3gSUwk
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Thank you Dutchessy:)
John, invariably in the style DS.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BQYwl3gSUwk
lyrics "all you need is a six blade knife"
lol
How more DS could it be?
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I always thought John's records sound more DS than any MK one..
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Even the length is similar to that of Sultans
middle solo at around the same place
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I always thought John's records sound more DS than any MK one..
Even the length is similar to that of Sultans
middle solo at around the same place
Honestly, I think Mark did a much better job at "mocking" DS with "Beryl". I never buy it, when it obviously sounds like it tries really hard to sound like DS. I don't get it. If I want to listen to Dire Straits, I can put on some Dire Straits...
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DS is not just a guitar. MK's voice will always recall DS times.
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DS is not just a guitar. MK's voice will always recall DS times.
As you may know, to me there's no DS at all... DS is just early MK. But there is a certain sound, most of the time resembling Sultans, that's called "DS Sound". I think you can't make Sultans 2, as much as you can't make sequels to any famous song... It's destined to be "resembling this song". So I don't know why to bother.
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I mean if I'd written a song that sounds like Sultans 2, I'd leave it and try to write something else.
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DS is not just a guitar. MK's voice will always recall DS times.
As you may know, to me there's no DS at all... DS is just early MK. But there is a certain sound, most of the time resembling Sultans, that's called "DS Sound". I think you can't make Sultans 2, as much as you can't make sequels to any famous song... It's destined to be "resembling this song". So I don't know why to bother.
I agree. But Sultans Of Swing or Telegraph Road on concerts always got a lot of applause from the audience. Did anyone think about it ... The memories were important and our first contact with the legend
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Nice song by John, but I've never been a fan of his voice....and never will.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BQYwl3gSUwk (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BQYwl3gSUwk)
To me, there's not one thing that is interesting about that song. First of all, it's early DS all over again. Second, it's the sound of all John's albums since the 2000s. And third, the lyrics simply don't work. I feel sorry for John because he seems the nicest person you could meet, honest and solid, but a good songwriter he is not. His strongest album, IMO, is the one he did with Greg Pearle.
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In The Gallery...six blade knife...on every street...
and also "news" ;)
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Sequels can work, Mike Oldfield has made Tubular Bells 2 and 3 and Return To Ommadawn, great albums that not only echo the originals but stand up as albums in there own right.
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Lady Writer was Sultans pt 2 wasn't it?
All of the ex DS people are only "famous" because of the DS connection so of course they are going to try to milk that to pick up sales from DS fans...
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Lady Writer was Sultans pt 2 wasn't it?
All of the ex DS people are only "famous" because of the DS connection so of course they are going to try to milk that to pick up sales from DS fans...
Which is OK, but when the music is so derivative as in John's case, it gets a silly.
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I like John Illsley's musical style, he keeps the DS sound alive, althought his lyrics are not as good as MK ones, but they are ok for me because the music is really good.
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I like John Illsley's musical style, he keeps the DS sound alive, althought his lyrics are not as good as MK ones, but they are ok for me because the music is really good.
Finally someone GETS John's music.
He plays a style he loves and will stick with it until he dies.
Nothing wrong with being reliable and consistent.
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I like John Illsley's musical style, he keeps the DS sound alive, althought his lyrics are not as good as MK ones, but they are ok for me because the music is really good.
Finally someone GETS John's music.
He plays a style he loves and will stick with it until he dies.
Nothing wrong with being reliable and consistent.
No, nothing wrong with being reliable and consistent, but it can become boring eventually.
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Nothing wrong with being reliable and consistent.
Qualities I'd be looking for in an accountant or factory worker. In an artist, I'm first and foremost interested in creativity and "life". Rehashing a formula is very much the opposite.
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Nothing wrong with being reliable and consistent.
Qualities I'd be looking for in an accountant or factory worker. In an artist, I'm first and foremost interested in creativity and "life". Rehashing a formula is very much the opposite.
One of my favorite spanish band, called "Fito & Fitipaldies" (they opened for MK in Gredos 2015), which is probably the more famous and sucesful Spanish band, does a kind of music that critics say is always the same. And it is, because, that's their style, and that's what their fans expect, so, for fans, always the same is not bad, but something you know you are going to getwhen you buy a new record, new songs, in their style, so you always know what you are getting. And it is also the style in which Fito feels happy.
For the record, their style is very Knopflerish!
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Nothing wrong with being reliable and consistent.
Qualities I'd be looking for in an accountant or factory worker. In an artist, I'm first and foremost interested in creativity and "life". Rehashing a formula is very much the opposite.
One of my favorite spanish band, called "Fito & Fitipaldies" (they opened for MK in Gredos 2015), which is probably the more famous and sucesful Spanish band, does a kind of music that critics say is always the same. And it is, because, that's their style, and that's what their fans expect, so, for fans, always the same is not bad, but something you know you are going to getwhen you buy a new record, new songs, in their style, so you always know what you are getting. And it is also the style in which Fito feels happy.
For the record, their style is very Knopflerish!
I understand what you mean, and I think there has to be an element of familiarity and recognition, a link if you will, between album releases. In Mark's case, that link is his voice, guitar and brilliant lyrics. But there has to be some kind of artistic development and variety to keep things interesting. At least for me. It's a fine balancing act, though. If the artist moves too fast ahead, he/she will risk losing fans. If he/she moves, too slow many fans will be bored. And of course, you can never please everybody :) As for John, he could definitely need some input from a good producer to change things up a little.
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Nothing wrong with being reliable and consistent.
Qualities I'd be looking for in an accountant or factory worker. In an artist, I'm first and foremost interested in creativity and "life". Rehashing a formula is very much the opposite.
One of my favorite spanish band, called "Fito & Fitipaldies" (they opened for MK in Gredos 2015), which is probably the more famous and sucesful Spanish band, does a kind of music that critics say is always the same. And it is, because, that's their style, and that's what their fans expect, so, for fans, always the same is not bad, but something you know you are going to getwhen you buy a new record, new songs, in their style, so you always know what you are getting. And it is also the style in which Fito feels happy.
For the record, their style is very Knopflerish!
I understand what you mean, and I think there has to be an element of familiarity and recognition, a link if you will, between album releases. In Mark's case, that link is his voice, guitar and brilliant lyrics. But there has to be some kind of artistic development and variety to keep things interesting. At least for me. It's a fine balancing act, though. If the artist moves too fast ahead, he/she will risk losing fans. If he/she moves, too slow many fans will be bored. And of course, you can never please everybody :) As for John, he could definitely need some input from a good producer to change things up a little.
Well said, hunter... As a lifelong fighter of banality and simplicity in the bad way of the term, I'm not a fan of this situation, when you have an ex-member of the band X that sounds exactly like the band X. I mean, here's John Illsley, the bass player from Dire Straits, with his new song! And the song sounds exactly like Dire Straits...
Isn't that would be way cooler when here's the bass player from Dire Straits and his new song that has nothing to do with Dire Straits? As jbaent said, when you have a distinctive style, you can't just change it. Say your band specialises and plays ska music, or reggae music, or blues, you can't just switch the genre. But an artist would change it sometimes just for the sake of it.
So I'm here with Guy Fletcher, who's "looking forward only" and strives for originality. But with that said, if you're capable of originality at all... I know I can't, so I stick to my usual stuff and covers. Chances are John simply feels comfortable in this Dire Straits bubble. But if one is capable of creating something original, he must do just that.
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Chances are John simply feels comfortable in this Dire Straits bubble. But if one is capable of creating something original, he must do just that.
John at this stage of his life and artist career isn't looking to break new ground and grow as an artist. And obviously he doesn't need the money. He's just doing it as a pleasant hobby. If this is what he enjoys, then why not? Then again, why not try something new? What's there to lose? Get some input to move away from the predictable chord progressions and melodies, for example.
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Chances are John simply feels comfortable in this Dire Straits bubble. But if one is capable of creating something original, he must do just that.
John at this stage of his life and artist career isn't looking to break new ground and grow as an artist. And obviously he doesn't need the money. He's just doing it as a pleasant hobby. If this is what he enjoys, then why not? Then again, why not try something new? What's there to lose? Get some input to move away from the predictable chord progressions and melodies, for example.
I'm going to put Fito, from Fito & Fitipaldies again. He's often asked by music journalist, why he always does the same style of music...
He always answers it's the style of music he likes, and it's the style of music that pops his head when he's writing, so he can't do nothing about it because if he tries anything different, doesn't works for him and ends going back to his style.
Maybe it's the same for John.
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I'm going to put Fito, from Fito & Fitipaldies again. He's often asked by music journalist, why he always does the same style of music...
He always answers it's the style of music he likes, and it's the style of music that pops his head when he's writing, so he can't do nothing about it because if he tries anything different, doesn't works for him and ends going back to his style.
Maybe it's the same for John.
I don't know Fito, but from what you're saying, I'd say he sounds like a very limited artist.
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I'm going to put Fito, from Fito & Fitipaldies again. He's often asked by music journalist, why he always does the same style of music...
He always answers it's the style of music he likes, and it's the style of music that pops his head when he's writing, so he can't do nothing about it because if he tries anything different, doesn't works for him and ends going back to his style.
Maybe it's the same for John.
I don't know Fito, but from what you're saying, I'd say he sounds like a very limited artist.
Because he likes what he does, and feel comfortable with what he likes, and uncomfortable with what he doesn't?
Sometimes you feel like dishonest doing other things, that are not your thing. Other feel comfortable doing all kind of things, some not.
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I like John Illsley's musical style, he keeps the DS sound alive, althought his lyrics are not as good as MK ones, but they are ok for me because the music is really good.
:thumbsup
Artist should always be free.
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I'm going to put Fito, from Fito & Fitipaldies again. He's often asked by music journalist, why he always does the same style of music...
He always answers it's the style of music he likes, and it's the style of music that pops his head when he's writing, so he can't do nothing about it because if he tries anything different, doesn't works for him and ends going back to his style.
Maybe it's the same for John.
I don't know Fito, but from what you're saying, I'd say he sounds like a very limited artist.
Because he likes what he does, and feel comfortable with what he likes, and uncomfortable with what he doesn't?
Sometimes you feel like dishonest doing other things, that are not your thing. Other feel comfortable doing all kind of things, some not.
It's not about doing things that you are uncomfortable with, but expanding your horizon and repertoar. That's what I like about my favorite artists, such as Mark, Ry Cooder, Bill Frisell, Miles Davis, and many more. They are always exploring and searching, taking in all kinds of influences. After a while all those influences will put a mark on your own work. It's like a sponge.
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I think John is perfectly happy with his life and his music, he has been really prolific over the last decade (For him) both in terms of albums and touring, he clearly doesn't want or need to be in the spotlight like Mark, and he is doing well, ok, his lyrics aren't great, but not every artist has great lyrics, I like it that he Mark and Guy are releasing albums of original song still, and if there is a Dire Straits sound to some of the songs, that's great too, I love Dire Straits ;D After being out of music for a long time, doing his painting, it must be great to be able to keep things low key, and record in one of the world's best studio's, plus after his health issues, I am happy he is doing anything. Good On You Son.
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I'm going to put Fito, from Fito & Fitipaldies again. He's often asked by music journalist, why he always does the same style of music...
He always answers it's the style of music he likes, and it's the style of music that pops his head when he's writing, so he can't do nothing about it because if he tries anything different, doesn't works for him and ends going back to his style.
Maybe it's the same for John.
I don't know Fito, but from what you're saying, I'd say he sounds like a very limited artist.
Of course he is a very limited artist.If he never met MK he wouldn't have been able to release any solo albums.
He'd be like one of those singer/songwriters you get in pubs on certain nights.They play songs which the audience expects to hear because if they didn't they wouldn't keep the gig.
The expectations of him are completely unrealistic because as a musician he isn't particularly talented.
He accepted his limitations long ago and embraces them.There are plenty of covers bands around,John just does it in a slightly different way.
He's managed to spend almost his whole working life in the artistic field despite these limitations.Something to admire in that.
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I'm going to put Fito, from Fito & Fitipaldies again. He's often asked by music journalist, why he always does the same style of music...
He always answers it's the style of music he likes, and it's the style of music that pops his head when he's writing, so he can't do nothing about it because if he tries anything different, doesn't works for him and ends going back to his style.
Maybe it's the same for John.
I don't know Fito, but from what you're saying, I'd say he sounds like a very limited artist.
Of course he is a very limited artist.If he never met MK he wouldn't have been able to release any solo albums.
He'd be like one of those singer/songwriters you get in pubs on certain nights.They play songs which the audience expects to hear because if they didn't they wouldn't keep the gig.
The expectations of him are completely unrealistic because as a musician he isn't particularly talented.
He accepted his limitations long ago and embraces them.There are plenty of covers bands around,John just does it in a slightly different way.
He's managed to spend almost his whole working life in the artistic field despite these limitations.Something to admire in that.
I was talking about Fito. But I agree with everything you say about John and that's quite frankly why I don't listen to his music.
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Thanks to DS I don’t think John worries much about money… he probably plays what he likes. Or maybe that’s all he can write. As long as it makes him happy I’m happy too. The guy is the coolest.
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Thanks to DS I don’t think John worries much about money… he probably plays what he likes. Or maybe that’s all he can write. As long as it makes him happy I’m happy too. The guy is the coolest.
Exactly and when he comes up with tunes like Toe The Line and Its A long Way Back,he shows good songs that has this DS sound around them and so what.
Limited or not, I enjoy some of his tracks.
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I like the two new pieces of John. Which way is up I like it more.
Anyway, I am not expecting anything groundbreaking from John, but the songs are pleasant to the ear and not boring. Thumbs up to him for getting out and trying it, he can still entertain although it sounds so repetitive.
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Had a listen to VIII on Tidal just now. Although there are the obvious DS-inspired songs (and almost parodic MK licks), forced rhymes and pretty banal and obvious statements (show, don't tell, John), I actually think this is one of John's better albums. The songs that sound less like DS are the ones I like the most. Production is very nice too. Haven't had a chance to play it on my stereo system yet, only on headphones.
Edit: I've been playing this a few times now, and I actually enjoy it (I just don't listen too much to the words ...). "Wondering" is a particularly beautiful song. Some fine guitar playing on this album too, not everthing is taken from the MK book of licks :)
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A very nice album.
My favorite:
It's Long Way Back to Deptford Town :)
21st Century
Market Town
Wondering
None Of This Was Planned
And Beatles I'm Only Sleeping too:)
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I have listened to this album through once, and on first hearing, it could well be John's best album, ok, his lyrics are not great but we kind of know that anyway, but the music, playing and recording is really good.
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I've always thought John is an excellent musician and arranger, but I really dislike his vocal delivery and his songwriting is pretty weak IMO. I really, really liked the Beautiful You album with Greg Pearle, because Greg's vocals and songwriting were pretty strong, and the musicianship on that record is very good. Pity they never worked together again.
Fun memory: just after that album came out, I had "Shine" on in the car and my 10 year old daughter, who knew nothing about Illsley/Pearle, said, "Who is this cheap Dire Straits knock-off?" :lol
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Ha, your daughter will go far!