if your lasting memory of mark knopfler is that guy with the headband and sleeveless shirt playing in the mtv video of ‘money for nothing’, then you may have been unaware of his solo career since 1996. this album marks his ninth solo album (not counting soundtracks and side projects with other artists). mark knopfler is the kind of artist i like to keep track of. since my early introduction to dire straits in college, i have managed to buy just about everything he has recorded. yes, i love me some early straits, but i am also smitten with his solo work, especially his last 3 or 4. his new one came out a couple of weeks back, and it helps further establish his talent. yes, he is an incredibly able guitarist who can play nearly every kind of guitar and many different styles. and yes, he is a master in the studio and is also well known for producing other artists’ work.  but he is also a damn good storyteller, and crafts some beautiful arrangements. the production is as usual top notch, and was recorded at knopfler’s legendary british grove studio.

his new one almost feels like two different approaches. there are some more upbeat offerings with backup singers and horns and infectious rhythms, and then there are a handful of more intimate songs that almost have a jazz night club approach. as such it doesn’t have a good flow to it, but that is more of an observation and not a criticism. if you are new to his solo work, i might recommend 2015’s ‘tracker first, or 2012’s ‘privateering’, but this is a worthy listen as well.