Well I have stated my opinion on an other post and I still stick to it. The straits are surely a tribute band, in the sense that they try to recreate a sound of a group that has ceased to exist. The fact that at least 2 former members are playing, is an added bonus. What matters at the end is if the final outcome is worth listening. And the answer is a loud YES. We all miss DS sound and the straits sound is closer to that than MK's recent recorded music and concert sound.
That said, I would certainly prefer a DS re - union, even though I don't thing it would really mean anything to either the musicians or the average fan. (For the die hard fans like us, it is a different matter altogether, so we barely count). MK's sound, compositions and state of mind is so far from the sound of DS that asking from him to go back, is kind of looking down on him as a gifted composer and evolving guitarist and human. The achievements of the past can not be recreated because art no matter how good, fresh and for all times, has always strong links and ties to the original date it was created, while the artist always grows older and older. In my opinion, even if MK was in the straits, it would still be a tribute band. We would just have more excuses to overlook the simple fact, that we desire them to re create the past. MK's versions of DS songs are great and even if they are not as faithful as the versions of the straits, we have the familiar voice and guitar. It may sound far reaching, but it is almost a father-son (or daughter) relation. We grow old together, the father is always the same person, but the qualities he had as a young person and the child remembers, are all fading or already gone. Father is almost a synonym for God to the small child, but as the child is growing older the relation changes.
And yes, it would be interesting to see what Alan can do on his own, but with so much music all around, most probably it would go un-noticed, even if it was the best music around. There are numerous examples, with stronger credentials and good music output, that were eclipsed when the original main attraction left or died. See the Doors, Big brother and the holding company, Allman brothers, etc. So, he is a musician and even if his goal was just to make a living, he has every right as long as he shows respect. And I think he does, and that is why MK has no objections.
