A Mark In Time

Mark Knopfler Discussion => Mark Knopfler Discussion Forum => Topic started by: throwit on September 22, 2024, 05:12:06 PM

Title: Shangri-La album cover
Post by: throwit on September 22, 2024, 05:12:06 PM
Hello all – new here but I’ve been reading the forum for a year or so for all the information about Mark and his music that you just can’t find anywhere else.

I quite like the album cover of Shangri-La; it’s built around a slot machine, so it’s got more room than most for other little details in the art. Some of these are obviously other songs in the album, like the burgers or “Everybody Pays to Play” or Sonny Liston’s boxing gloves. So I was wondering if all the songs are represented on the cover in some form or another.

Some elements could be multiple songs, like the crown being either Back to Tupelo for the King of Pop or Donegan’s Gone for the King of Skiffle. On the other hand a song like Trawlerman doesn’t really fit anywhere on the cover.

It’s quite possible that they’re not supposed to all match up nicely in this way, but more knowledgeable users might have better luck taking a swing at this.
Title: Re: Shangri-La album cover
Post by: Love Expresso on September 22, 2024, 06:52:11 PM
Hi there, nice one!

I would connect the "Oscars" with Elvis and the skulls could be the "pirates coming in to steal our gold" from The Trawlerman's Song".

LE
Title: Re: Shangri-La album cover
Post by: Love Expresso on September 22, 2024, 06:58:39 PM
However I couldn't find any hint for Whoop de do and Don't Crash The Ambulance.

LE
Title: Re: Shangri-La album cover
Post by: stratmad on September 22, 2024, 07:09:10 PM
I'd never really looked at the details, but it makes a lot of sense. Even the surfer boy is there at the top.
The one thing I can't connect is the cows (bottom right) - Elvis=cash cow?
Title: Re: Shangri-La album cover
Post by: Love Expresso on September 23, 2024, 12:03:16 AM
Cash cows are mentioned in 5:15 am.

LE
Title: Re: Shangri-La album cover
Post by: overthemoon on October 14, 2024, 04:44:36 AM
Love when album art has hidden meanings. Makes it more fun to look at!