Dire Straits - Dire Straits (Limited Edition, Numbered, 180 Gram, 45 RPM, 2LP, Mobile Fidelity)
Dire Straits - Dire Straits (Limited Edition, Numbered, 180 Gram, 45 RPM, 2LP, Mobile Fidelity)
Format: LP
UPC: 821797246613
Release Date: 12/06/19
Condition: N
Low stock: 2 left
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Dire Straits' Self-Titled 1978 Debut Distinguished by Jazz-Inflected Mix of Folk, Blues, Country, and Rock: Guitarist Mark Knopfler Displays Uncanny Precision, Intricacy, and Texture
Mastered from the Original Master Tapes and Pressed at RTI for Optimal Sound: Mobile Fidelity 45RPM 2LP Set Engages With Natural Tones, Superb Balances, Reference Imaging, Sterling Clarity
Breakout Dire Straits Album Includes "Sultans of Swing" and "Down to the Waterline": Band's Shuffles, Boogies, and Ballads Spark With Crispness, Soulfulness, Coolness
1/4" / 15 IPS analog master to DSD 256 to analog console to lathe
Dire Straits' arresting self-titled debut arrived in the midst of punk's reign but couldn't have been further removed from the era's slash-and-burn style. Recorded in West London in February 1978, the band's tasteful, jazz-inflected set embraces folk, blues, and pub rock while also tracing a direct line back to the beat-oriented sound of early rock n' roll. Country and roots accents further distinguish the British quartet's stripped-down music from any 1970s peers, as does the transparent production, which has remained revered among audiophiles the world over – and which has never been better than on this meticulous pressing.
Mastered from the original master tapes and pressed at RTI, Mobile Fidelity's 180g 45RPM 2LP version of Dire Straits features natural tonalities, superb balances, you-are-there imaging, deep-black backgrounds, and pristine clarity. Even if you've heard this album hundreds of times before, you've never experienced it with such lifelike sonics and premium richness. This numbered-edition collector's set immerses you within the smoky, laidback atmospherics of every song. This is how all vinyl should sound.
Crucial to every arrangement, Mark Knopfler's winding guitar lines emerge with supreme transparency and multi-hued textural detail. His intricate playing comes across as if it's being transmitted via his 60s-era Fender Vibrolux amplifier placed right before you. The cleanliness, dimensions, and live feel are that good. His bandmates, too, benefit from the extra groove space afforded by this 45RPM edition. Rhythms skate and swirl; percussive effects resonate with crispness and attack; the leading edges of notes naturally decay.
Dire Straits' strong, well-edited batch of original material further enhances the overall enjoyment and makes the record one whose pleasures go far beyond the organic sonics. Just as Knopfler's narratives pour forth with poetic and surrealist texts, the musical settings – an intoxicating combination of easygoing shuffles, back-hall boogies, and pop-honed ballads – mirror the old-fashioned soulfulness inherent in the classic recordings of the late 50s and early 60s. The lyrics are equally captivating.
Drawing from his time as a youth in Newcastle, Leeds, and London, Knopfler invests tunes with an autobiographical slant and emotional connectivity that become obvious the moment he opens his mouth to sing. "Down to the Waterline," "Wild West End," and "Lions" all feature colloquial touches that add to their reach. By extension, "In the Gallery" functions as a tribute to Leeds sculptor Harry Phillips (father of future Knoplfer collaborator, Steve Phillips) while the record's breakout smash, "Sultans of Swing," pays homage to struggling bar bands.
Through it all, Dire Straits performs with a subtle cool and clever poise that no band ever matched. Just how good is the chemistry? Bob Dylan heard the quartet and invited Knopfler and drummer Pick Withers to play on Slow Train Coming. But even Dylan himself didn't hear Dire Straits sound this magnetic back in its original heyday. Now, everyone can.
"If you are a fan, you'll want to upgrade to this. If you're not, it's still worth considering if just as a demo test record to help determine your system's transient precision and clarity and especially its bass and mid-bass performance. You might even start to enjoy the music. Much to my surprise I did."
– Michael Fremer, Analog Planet, 10/10 Sonics
"In a world full of questionable, cash-register-driven reissues, Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab's dead-quiet, ruler-flat, 45RPM version of Dire Straits is nothing less than the sonic restoration of a masterpiece, and it's worthy of the spotlight in any passionate music-lover's vinyl gallery."
– Vance Hiner, The Audio Beat, 5/5 Music and Sound
"Listening to these classic albums in an entirely new way is an experience that I won't forget too soon. Having heard these songs in various different formats over the years – including hi-res digital – I have to say that on my system at least, nothing comes close to vinyl done this way."
– David Price, Stereonet, Applause Award
SHIPPING & RETURNS
SHIPPING & RETURNS
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RETURNS
Items may be returned within 60 days of the delivery date.
If not defective, any product returned must be in the same condition in which customer received it and in the original retail packaging.
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Customer assumes all responsibility for duties and taxes associated with international shipments.
GRADING
GRADING
Yellow Racket assigns condition based on the Goldmine Standard for grading records.
New (N) (Not typically included in the Goldmine Standard)
New records are purchased directly from the label, distributor, or registered wholesaler. Records are still sealed. Jackets may have slight shelf wear, but media has never been played.
Mint (M)
Still sealed. Never played. No observable flaws. Items have been purchased secondhand.
Near Mint (NM)
A Near Mint (NM) record will play perfectly, with no imperfections during playback. The record should show no obvious signs of wear.
The cover (and any additional packaging) has no creases, folds, seam splits, cut-out holes, or other noticeable defects.
Very Good Plus (VG+)
A Very Good Plus (VG+) record will show some signs that it was played and otherwise handled by a previous owner who took good care of it.
Defects should be more of a cosmetic nature, not affecting the actual playback as a whole. Record surfaces may show some signs of wear and may have slight scuffs or very light scratches.
The disc and LP cover may have slight signs of wear, and may be gently marred by spindle marks, paper scuffs, wrinkled corners, etc.
Very Good (VG)
Many of the defects found in a VG+ record will be more pronounced in a VG disc. Surface noise will be evident, but will not overpower the music. Disc may have light scratches (deep enough to feel with a fingernail) that will affect the sound.
Labels, jackets, and inserts will have visible cosmetic flaws such as wrinkles, cut-outs, slight splitting, etc. However, it will usually have less than a dozen minor flaws.
Good (G)
A record in Good condition can be played through without skipping. But it will have significant surface noise, scratches, and visible groove wear. A cover or sleeve will have seam splits, especially at the bottom or on the spine. Tape, writing, ring wear, or other defects will be present.
While the record will be playable without skipping, noticeable surface noise and "ticks" will almost certainly accompany the playback.
Poor (P), Fair (F)
The record may be cracked, badly warped, or won't play through without skipping or repeating. The picture sleeve may be water damaged, split, or heavily marred by wear and writing.
