Communiqu¿¿

by Dire Straits

Overview

Rushed out less than nine months after the surprise success of Dire Straits' self-titled debut album, the group's sophomore effort, Communique, seemed little more than a carbon copy of its predecessor with less compelling material. Mark Knopfler and co. had established a sound (derived largely from J.J. Cale) of laid-back shuffles and intricate, bluesy guitar playing, and Communique provided more examples of it. But there was no track as focused as "Sultans of Swing," even if "Lady Writer" (a lesser singles chart entry on both sides of the Atlantic) nearly duplicated its sound. As a result, Communique sold immediately to Dire Straits' established audience, but no more, and it did not fare as well critically as its predecessor or its follow-up. ~ William Ruhlmann

Product Details

Release Date:	04/27/1999
Label:	Polygram / Warner Bros.
UPC:	0042280005221
Rank:	42623

Tracks

1. Once Upon a Time in the West
2. News
3. Where Do You Think You're Going?
4. Communique
5. Lady Writer
6. Angel of Mercy
7. Portobello Belle
8. Single Handed Sailor
9. Follow Me Home

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Dire Straits   Primary Artist
Mark Knopfler   Guitar (Rhythm),Guitar,Vocals
Boby Bear   Keyboards
Pick Withers   Drums
David Knopfler   Vocals,Guitar (Rhythm)
John Illsley   Bass,Vocals,Guitar (Bass)
Barry Beckett   Keyboards

Technical Credits

Gregg Hamm   Mixing,Mixing Engineer
Mark Knopfler   Composer
Geoff Halpin   Illustrations
Alan Schmidt   Art Direction
Jo Motta   Project Coordinator
Jack Nuber   Engineer
Bobby Hata   Mastering,Mastering Engineer
Paul Wexler   Mastering Engineer,Mastering Supervisor
Thelbert Rigby   Assistant Engineer
Bob Ludwig   Remastering,Mastering Engineer
Jerry Wexler   Producer
Barry Beckett   Producer
Gregg Geller   Series Concept