(2) Ahead of the game

[Eddie Fox]

That slightly overdriven strat tone is just glorious. Very interesting riff. The production is perfect, as always. That’s exactly what I expect from Mark at this stage of his life/career.

[2manyguitars]

First listen was quite special to me given the knowledge that we are entering the final act(s) of MKs career, I made a distinctive effort to enjoy the experience, good or bad.

The thing that struck me apart from the obligatory 'Hank' esq guitar tone was the bass, interesting sound, thick and sounds like its slightly blended with a synth towards the end.

Cant wait for more....

[jbaent]

Thank you! Where did you find the lyrics?

LE

https://genius.com/Mark-knopfler-ahead-of-the-game-lyrics

 

[TommyJ88]

I like it. It’s not top tier MK—though I’m hesitant to make any serious pronouncements after only one listen—but as far as I’m concerned it’s leagues ahead of most of his last album.

[jbaent]

I like it, for me sounds more like a bonus track than a single, but I hope it happens like with "Redbud tree" that was the single for Privateering, and for me is the less representative song from that record...

[TommyJ88]

Nice, not great, but a joy to hear new material. And already the fact that I like it more than Good On You, is enough for now. 

Pretty much my feelings exactly. New MK material is always cause for celebration (“joy” is precisely the right word for it) and this one is already starting to grow on me.

[hunter v2.0]

I like it, for me sounds more like a bonus track than a single, but I hope it happens like with "Redbud tree" that was the single for Privateering, and for me is the less representative song from that record...

Yes, Redbud Tree was a very strange choice, as a single and album opener. In fact, I feel it doesn't belong at all on Privateering. Neither musically nor thematically. Then again, I'm no Mark Knopfler 

[hunter v2.0]

That slightly overdriven strat tone is just glorious. Very interesting riff. The production is perfect, as always. That’s exactly what I expect from Mark at this stage of his life/career.

Beautiful tone. Reminds me of what Mark played on that David Crosby track a few years ago.

[richardmu]

Not for me personally, just no meat on the bones with this one. Sounds like a B side or bonus track. Seems to lack melody like many of the songs in the last decade, same chords and rhythm as many songs in that era. Waiting on the next ones, pity all the songs look short so I am not expecting much guitar playing

[jbaent]

LYRICS:

It's nothing but the hits in a room downtown
They're noisy as hell but nice
People don't usually get to play in there
More than a time or twice
You had you a regular spot
They were even advertising your name
Better than the usual thing you got
Staying just ahead of the game
Ahead of the game


And I can't tell you one thing new
About playing for the door
Some of my dreams back there too
With the sawdust on the floor
We're worn out and weary, all of us
But we know why we came
Banged up and battered like this old bus
Staying just ahead of the game
Ahead of the game


The sky's as big as nowhere
Which is where we've been
Left a dream behind there somewhere
You've got to have a dream


I gave your buddy a ride to the train
He was telling me he'd be back
It was a red light shining, love in vain
When we rolled across the tracks
Barista-bartender selling beat-up car
Needs a ticket for a bus or a plane
Singer-songwriter heading for home
Staying just ahead of the game
Ahead of the game

[Robson]

Sounds great. I like it very much

[jbaent]

Not for me personally, just no meat on the bones with this one. Sounds like a B side or bonus track. Seems to lack melody like many of the songs in the last decade, same chords and rhythm as many songs in that era. Waiting on the next ones, pity all the songs look short so I am not expecting much guitar playing

Did you attend any 2019 concert? It was quite clear that we won't have much guitar in the future...

[qjamesfloyd]

I like the song. That first listen of a new song from a new MK album is always special, I always remember hearing Darling Pretty for the first time, that was an amazing moment.

[hunter v2.0]

I like the song. That first listen of a new song from a new MK album is always special, I always remember hearing Darling Pretty for the first time, that was an amazing moment.

Yes, hearing DP was special. Such a new sound from MK. Also, Border Reiver made a huge impression on me. So uplifting after the very low-key Shangri-La and Kill To Get Crimson.

[Robson]

"pity all the songs look short so I am not expecting much guitar playing"

How long are the songs?