Alchemy Live [DVD]

Dire Straits

Overview

Dire Straits perform their brand of British pub rock from the double-album Alchemy: Dire Straits Live. The live show features 11 songs from the group's four previous albums, Dire Straits, Communique, Making Movies, and Love Over Gold. The band that would eventually go on to become MTV darlings with their smash hit "Money for Nothing" showcase all of their early favorites, including "Sultans of Swing," "Tunnel of Love," "Once Upon a Time in the West," and many more. Mark Knopfler leads the band on the 11 songs featured in this concert performance, all of which are also included on the live album by the same name.

Product Details

Release Date:	06/08/2010
UPC:	0602527336305
Original Release:	1991
Source:	Hip-O Records
Region Code:	A
Sound:	[stereo, DTS 5.1-Channel Surround Sound, Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround, Dolby Digital Stereo]
Language:	English
Time:	2:43:-00
Sales rank:	31,537

Cast & Crew

Performance Credits

Dire Straits	Performer,Primary Artist
The Drifters	Primary Artist
Joop de Korte	Percussion
Mark Knopfler	Vocals,Guitar
Alan Clark	Keyboards
Tom Mandel	Keyboards
Hal Lindes	Guitar
Peter Sinclair	Director
Mel Collins	Saxophone
John Illsley	Bass
Terry Williams	Drums

Technical Credits

Brett Whiteley	Artwork
Pennie Smith	Photography
Mark Knopfler	Producer,Composer
Nigel Walker	Engineer
Jeremy Allom	Assistant Engineer
The Drifters	Performer
Mick McKenna	Engineer

Editorial Reviews

Taken from the band's Love Over Gold tour, this video captures Dire Straits just months before international superstardom was thrust on them through the success of Brothers in Arms. The set featured the cream of the four previous albums, as well as the B-side to "Twisting By the Pool," "Two Younger Lovers." Strangely, all the tracks are played in a profoundly Love Over Gold style; that is, long and drawn-out songs, incomprehensibly extended guitar solos, obligatory fast and slow sections, and an extremely serious, yet mysterious mood. Mark Knopfler and new recruit Terry Williams steal the show through their highly impressive guitar and drum playing, respectively. The classic "Sultans of Swing" guitar solo, the highpoint of this live VHS, was never better performed than on Alchemy, while Williams proves himself capable by his amazingly fast and always interesting drumming. If one can bear to watch rhythm guitarist Hal Lindes dance around in his pink '80s leggings for 90 minutes, and Alan Clark add too much synth to songs not needing any, a superb concert can be seen in Alchemy. The fine track list and musically impressive band make for what is one of the best live releases from the decade. [A two-disc, 14-track DVD was also released.] ~ Ben Davies