The U.K.'s Dire Straits became one of the world's most popular rock bands the old-fashioned way, through songwriting and musicianship. When "Sultans of Swing" broke through on both sides of the Atlantic in 1979, the sound suggested Bob Dylan backed by J.J. Cale. It sure didn't sound like anything else on the radio. Mark Knopfler's gruff singing and exquisite guitar playing were critical to the group's sound. The next two records cemented Dire Straits' reputation and bolstered its popularity. 1985's BROTHERS IN ARMS became one of the biggest sellers of the decade. After the band dissolved, Knopfler (who had already done some well regarded soundtrack work) embarked on a solo career, opting for a more low-key approach.

Listen to Dire Straits at Finetune.

• (2005)  Kingdom Come
• (2005)  Millionaire Blues
• (2000)  Making Movies
• (2000)  Dire Straits
• (2000)  Brothers In Arms
• (2000)  On Every Street
• (2000)  Communique
• (1998)  Sultans Of Swing - The Very Best Of Dire Straits
• (1984)  Alchemy, Dire Straits Live: Part Two
• (1984)  Alchemy
• (1982)  Love Over Gold

• Sultans of Swing
• Money For Nothing
• Walk of Life
• Brothers In Arms
• Romeo and Juliet

• Eric Clapton
• Phil Collins
• Sting
• Chris Rea
• The Police
• Pink Floyd
• The Boomtown Rats
• Bob Dylan
• Robert Palmer
• Steve Winwood
• Bonnie Raitt
• Bruce Hornsby
• Traveling Wilburys
• Randy Newman
• Robbie Robertson
• Graham Parker
• T-Bone Burnett
• Rolling Stones
• Led Zeppelin
• Eagles

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• noah05 on 2009-09-30 21:27:57.957:
  By far, my most favorite song that they ever did was "Skateaway". Gosh!, I fell in love with that song. At first, I didn't like their first hit, "Sultan's Of Swing". Because the part in there about when someone didn't care they were there are not, because they had a daytime job and was doing alright. Was not my attitude about employment. Then of course, who couldn't love "Money For Nothing" or"Solid Rock", "Expresso Love" or "Romeo And Juliet".
• ruiminde on 2007-10-07 13:18:03.153:
  Brothers in arms is just magnific
• ruiminde on 2007-10-07 13:18:01.623:
  Brothers in arms is just magnific
• VALlewellyn on 2007-10-03 16:01:05.903:
  Romeo and Juliette. Brilliant song. Never get tired of it.
• alanwood on 2007-09-20 08:58:50.793:
  dire straits is my best rock band ,and will be aslong as i live.especialy money for nothing.rock on dire straits. alan wood.
• VALlewellyn on 2007-08-28 11:08:13.983:
  Dire Straits are one of the most brilliant, original and enduring bands ever. Period.