Music Reviews

Album Review: Mark Knopfler – ‘Kill to Get Crimson’

By Jeff Swindoll Sep 26, 2007, 17:17 GMT

Three decades after Dire Straits broke onto the scene with their remarkable debut, Mark Knopfler remains an iconic figure in popular music, his graceful guitar playing equaled only by his genial baritone and a novelist\'s ability to create distinct characters and themes in his songs. His fifth solo album since he pulled the plug on the band in 1995, Crimson reflects on a torrent of narratives, from the gracefully aging ...more

Mark Knopfler rose to fame as the lead singer and guitarist of the group Dire Straits, which he founded in 1977.  Rolling Stone called Dire Straits’ first hit “Sultans of Swing” one of the 500 songs that shaped Rock and Roll. 

The band dissolved in 1995 and Knopfler set out on a solo career as well as appearing on albums by Bob Dylan, Eric Clapton, and other famous names.  Not that Knopfler left his Straits bandmates behind since keyboardist Guy Fletcher appears on most of his solo work and drummer Danny Cummings appears on ‘Kill to Get Crimson,’ Knopfler’s fifth solo effort. 

The album is a lyrical delight and has a definite folk rock influence.  My favorite tune might be “Heart Full of Holes.”  I also liked “Secondary Waltz” which has an almost sea shanty quality to it (though the lyrics don’t really sound like it). 

“Behind with the Rent” has a reggae flavor that I found appealing.  I wasn’t too familiar with his solo efforts, but that was my loss since he’s quite the talent.

‘Crimson’ is a fine album with a great laid-back, lyrical, poetic style that borders on folk music.  A highly recommended effort from a fine artist and here’s a glass raised to the next one.