The clever use of the Ghostrider-ish music beneath the lyrics is one in a long list of past Knopfler-isms. Up until this song, my favorite has always been the lyric (and musical) quote of "My Boyfriend's Back" in the middle of "Romeo and Juliet".
Much like the "what's better" question, the matter as to whether I think of Mark Knopfler as Britsh or American is also a non-starter. He takes elements from both cultures and turns out some unique art.
Heck, it doesn't even bother me when he pronounced it "Jag-U-Are". Heh.
(First posted on Mark Is Cranky)
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Article comments
1 - ClubhouseCancer
The funny folks at mcsweeneys.net have a little piece on "Sultans" that tickles (the other four in the series are also funny).
http://www.mcsweeneys.net/2004/7/20moe.html
I also love this new Knopfler, a guy I voted for somewhere in my all-time greatest guitar players poll. A friend's ability to play the solo and the outro in "Sultans" note-for-note used to amaze my stoned self in college to no end.
The solo Knopfler stuff is quite rewarding, too. And on Slow Train Coming and Infidels, that's him putting pretty stuff on Dylan's songs (his outro solo on "sweetheart Like You" is sweet.).
2 - Claire Robinson
Mark...I ordered this on the strength of your review. A great review, and thank you for mentioning Albert Lee, who is phenomenal (I might not have used chicken-pickin', but I know you meant in the kindest possible way :))
Claire
3 - Mark Saleski
ah yea...thanks CC for reminding me about Infidels. love that record.
4 - Mark Saleski
hope you like it claire.
5 - Josh lamont
Mark,
Maybe its not that all these guartists sound American, rather it could be that what you think of that "American" sound is actually the british sound.
Sound thing to think about
Cheers,
Joshua Lamont
6 - gayatri
dear mark, happy bday!
i jus wanted to say tht.......g3