Mark Knopfler - Sailing to Philadelphia
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Free Music Notes for Sailing to Philadelphia
Free Music Review: A Laid-Back Album
Hit: 5 Stars
Mark Knopfler has always been a great rocker and blues man during his days fronting Dire Straits. When he steps away from the Straits though, he takes a calmer, more laid-back attitude towards his music. Playing with Chet Atkins on "Neck and Neck", and the Noting Hillbillies exposed us to his country and folk flair. "On Every Street" from the Straits was a combination of all these forms of music, and now he takes it one step further with the release of "Sailing to Philadelphia". Knopfler starts off the album with a rocking tune with a large country-ish twist to it, complete with fiddles on "What It Is". This upbeat feel is continued on "Who's Your Baby Now." "Do America" is tongue-in-cheek rendition of touring the States with a great solo in the middle that shows Knopfler still has his chops. Although the majority of these songs are much slower, they are not any less good. "Speedway of Nazareth" begins slow and picks up as Knopfler solos over the last half, increasing the intensity several times. Van Morrison stops by to do a beautiful duet on "The Last Laugh", and James Taylor lends his voice on "Sailing to Philadelphia".
There is a lot of different material here, but its all good. Knopfler shows that he is still a robust guitarist with his rhythms and solos. His talent does not stop on the strings though. He is also a great lyricist and storyteller. If you like Knopfler's post Dire Straits stuff, this is definitely worth picking up, because it's his best.
Free Music Review: How many ways can you praise an album?
Hit: 5 Stars
Simply awe inspiring. My wife and I have just spent an entire Saturday night just listening to this album over and over. I keep discovering amazing lyrical excellence blended with unique instrumentations that promise to never bore.The song, "Sailing to Philadelphia" is truly emotional - telling the story of how men from different classes/castes came together to chart the American wilderness. James Taylor lends a vocal talent that blends well with MK's guitar and lyrics.
"Nazareth Speedway", on the other hand, tells the story of an American Indy Car driver's year. It tells of his struggles from coast to coast and, maybe more importantly, is a joy to listen to.
Every song has true impact - from the anti-racist "No Baloney" to the story of a gambler's remorse in "Sands of Nevada".
And there are songs with "pop" hooks. "Do America" has hit written all over it. "Silvertown Blues" also has hit potential (but what station will play MK - aren't they all busy playing Britny Spears? - but that's another story).
Please note that I use the term "album" as opposed to CD. This is truly an album created by a craftsman of sound, akin to what Ansel Adams did for photography.
Lastly, the album is produced with the highest degree of professionalism, and will truly show off your audio system to friends and family.
Free Music Review: The #1 musican
Hit: 5 Stars
As an old Chet Atkins fan from the early seveties I came accross Mark Knopflers excellent guitar work when I bought the MK/CA CD Neck to Neck about 10 years ago. From that day I started to collect all his work from screen playing music to all of the Dire Straits recordings. And I learned to appreciate MK's gifts more and more during the years to follow. The release of his solo work Golden Heart was a great effort, very underestimated, and in my opinion even better than any of the DS recordings. So with great expectations I run to buy his last solo recording. And yes, as soon as the last tone came out of the speakers and the cd stopped I knew it: Sailing to Philadelphia is as great and wonderful as I had expected! This is just great music from one of the best musicans and guitar players in the world. And the lyrics are nothing but excellent! From What It Is to One More Matinee the songs and music is 4 and 5 stars exccept Who's Your Baby Now, the only 3 star tune. I could have appreciated more of this mans Guitar playing on this record, but on the other hand the guitar sounds so neat and smooth and fit the lyrics and the rest of the music so well that I really shouldn't say something. Run and buy the best CD of the year folks! This is nectar to a music lovers ears compared to all the scrap that's flooding out of the music industry this days. Thank's a lot Mark!Free Music Review: Soulful, mature and cozy, this fine collection
Hit: 5 Stars
of songs is as well written, produced and played as any since Dire Straits' Brothers In Arms. That record was significant on a number of fronts, capturing a huge audience new to the sound quality of the compact disc and in tune with a broad radio and video-tv audience. Sailing To Philadelphia shares all the aesthetic qualities of that illustrious predecessor, but it is hard to believe that it will reach a fraction of its audience today. That is a shame, perhaps, but hopefully a few old Straits enthusiasts will be coaxed out of retirement to buy. Amongst the joys to be found here are the two duets - the title track with James Taylor and The Last Laugh with Van Morrison. So in tune is Knopfler with the Celtic soul of The Man, that this song could have been written by him for one of his late 90's albums. Then there is the guitar. Totally distinctive but not identical in tone to earlier records, this is still one of the most evocative sounds in rock music. No-one who has ever loved the guitar solo could deny Mark Knopfler his place among the finest plankspankers of the rock era. In today's business, it may only evoke times gone by, but this is a great 'rock' record that will make many 'old' music fans very happy and perhaps turn a few of todays rock fans on to something altogether more tuneful and musically rewarding than most contemporary fare.Free Music Review: I've been converted.
Hit: 5 Stars
I'll be the first to admit that I've never cared much for Knopfler... his previous stuff never really caught my attention. Then I heard Sailing to Philadelphia and it converted me to a permanent Knopfler fan. It has one song after another that show an awesome range, clever guitar work, crooning lyrics and surprisingly good teamwork with Van Morrison and James Taylor. The song Prairie Wedding is haunting and beautiful and will remind everyone who's ever taken a chance on love just how terrifying it is to put your emotions on the line. Speedway at Nazareth, Who's Your Baby Now and Junkie Doll are impossible to listen to without moving some part of your body (head bob, foot tap, butt wiggle, etc). The guitar work in Speedway at Nazareth is particularly sharp, almost hypnotic.
In short, this CD is perfect for any extended activity, work or play, where you need some great music to play in the background. A friend called it "a great CD to play while sailing the ocean with a beer in your hand." I think I'd call it "a great CD to play at a barbecue _or_ while you're tearing apart a leaky sink _or_ while you're cleaning out the garage _or_ while seducing your lover." It's got great range for just about any activity.
If, like me, you never cared for Knopfler's earlier work I urge you to give this CD a chance. You won't regret it.