Mark Knopfler - Shangri-La
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Free Music Notes for Shangri-La
Free Music Review: 5:15 a.m.
Hit: 5 Stars
This is, in my opinion, one of Mark Knopfler's best solo recordings. I rank it right up there with Golden Heart and Sailing To Philadelphia. There isn't a weak track on the CD, and "5:15 a.m." is an absolute masterpiece and one of the best songs he has ever done, including his Dire Straits material. To compare his solo material to his Dire Straits material is silly. Mark Knopfler WAS Dire Straits. He is one of the greatest singer/songwriter/guitarists of all time, bar none. If you yearn for the harder stuff, then by all means listen to Brothers in Arms, Communique, Love Over Gold, etc.! They are all fantastic! And for those reviewers who think that Mark Knopfler can't rock anymore, I must inform you that you are sadly mistaken. I saw him in concert last night in Munich, Germany, and he was incredible. He played many Dire Straits songs as well as his solo material, and he closed the show with "Going Home", a beautiful instrumental from the Local Hero soundtrack. Yes, he does soundtracks, too! Check out Local Hero and Cal, you won't be disappointed. Mark's music is a major part of the soundtrack of my life. I can't imagine life without it. Thanks, Mark, for your music.Free Music Review: Great album; some very topical songs
Hit: 5 Stars
I think this is by far Knopler's best solo effort. He's tuneful, professional, and a great song writer. I was really struck by how many of the songs are political in one way or another: "5:15" about the coal miners, "Boom, Like That," a critique of Ray Kroc, founder of McDonalds, "Sucker Row," a song about a kind-of pimp, but really an indictment of cowboy capitalism, "Song for Sonny Liston," about how he was crushed by the system, and the finale, "Don't Crash the Ambulance," all about the lusty cynicism at the core of American foreign policy. (This last one: is it my imagination, or could this be George Bush Senior talking to George W. Bush?) In all of these songs except "Sonny Liston," Knopfler very effectively employs the first-person approach to reprehensible characters that was so effective in "Money for Nothing." The topical songs are effectively balanced by some beautiful ballads, my favorite being "All That Matters." It's like a reminder that as screwed up as the world is, all that matters is the relationships you have with those you love.
Haven't listened to an album over and over again like I'm doing this one in a long time.
Free Music Review: Mark Knopfler is Mark Knopfler - Wouldn't have it any other way.
Hit: 5 Stars
A true companero and more than worth los dinero, even if you have to rob a bank to get it! Mark Knopfler is at the top of his gig here. There's no shortage of great guitar work, and like his other solo releases, the story telling is top notch!
Rock, blues, country, salsa, and more styles of music intertwine here than in any other album I've heard. You can't help but learn while being entertained by Knopfler's stories about ill-fated big-shot crooked gamblers, Ray Crock (the man behind the McDonald's fast food chain), go-go club owners, bank robbers, lovers, boxers, and presidents.
Shangri-la is a collection of great stories put to crisp, well produced, and certainly well played music. Fun, dramatic, touching and spirited songs from one of the music world's greatest original talents.
I read a review that said that Mark Knopfler's solo material is a far cry from Dire Straits. That's because Dire Straits is Dire Straits and Mark Knopfler is Mark Knopfler. Life is about change, experience, adventure and fun. Every CD by Knopfler is a step forward, and I enjoy making the trip with him.
Free Music Review: Great Album!
Hit: 5 Stars
I'm a fan of just about everything Knopfler has ever done, but that doesn't mean that I think all of his solo albums have been amazing. I still think that Goldenheart is his best work, and I was somewhat let down by both "Sailing to Philadelphia" and "Ragpicker's Dream". That said, both of those albums have grown on me over time, and Mark's vocals and guitar work is top notch. With "Shangri-La", I really liked the album off the bat. The first thing that I noticed is how terrific Mark's songwriting has become (it was always very good, but he's managed to improve). I dare anyone to find one album on the top 40 with half the intelligence and depth of even a single MK song. Coupled with superb rhythm and his usual flawless and soulful guitar hooks, "Shangri-La" is a wonderful listen. At the risk of sounding elitist, this isn't a work for everyone; the song themes are rather esoteric (Sonny Liston; Ray Crock) as is MK's habit, and "Sultans of Swing"-style solos are nowhere to be found. That said, this is one of the best, most mature albums I've bought in a long while.Free Music Review: Polished, melodic, showcases subtle guitar hooks
Hit: 5 Stars
Most of the other people supplying comments have hit this one on the head, a very good album, relaxed but not boring by any means.
The closest to a top forty you are going to see is "Boom like that" but so what. Solid album overall. I have all his solo work and feel this is the most solid effort. Some other albums had some killer songs but low spots as well. This is just solid material end-to-end on this one.
Very nice guitar work, songs flow well. Knopfler fans will listen to "Boom like that", and say, "Yep, he's still got it". "Don't crash the ambulance" has a feel of some older Knopfler and Dire Straits music, not a rip-off or copy of older stuff, and that is a good thing. "Sucker Row" is just good stuff, nice melody, same for "Back to Tupelo". Title song and "Postcards from Paraguay" stand out also.
If you like Mark's other stuff, like I do - - -
If you like talented musicians - - -
If you like albums produced well, with a lot of nice hooks - - -
- - - - - - - - you will enjoy this album.