MARK Knopfler created one of the most distinctive guitar sounds in popular music. His electric lead guitar filled many a venue as he fronted Dire Straits in the 1980s, but he never felt comfortable with stadium rock and, after making his millions, he looked to Nashville, seeking a connection between the Delta and the Tyne. In his third solo album, acoustic guitar comes to the fore. His growling voice, verging on the world-weary, hints at the ancient blues roots of his songs. The album kicks off with Why Aye Man, inspired by TV favourite Auf Wiedersehen Pet and picked up by the BBC as the theme tune for its sequel last April. Knopfler wants to be remembered as a songwriter, proud to stand on the shoulders of giants such as Woody Guthrie, and this album is a worthy addition to an impressive body of work.
Updated: 08:59 Thursday, October 03, 2002
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