Reviewing the latest Mark Knopfler album is problematic. To give him justice, you have to forget the fact that he was the main force behind Dire Straits, responsible for such great songs as Sultan of Swing, Brothers in Arms and the gorgeous Romeo and Juliet. This is no easy feat, for Mark Knopfler the solo artist bares no resemblance to these roots. He feeds us  melancholic celtic melody with a touch of the blues and the haunting guitar he has made his signature. Songs that you can feel safe putting on the stereo first thing in the morning to listen to while you drink your coffee, or late at night when you need something to put you to sleep. It is hard to fault his perfect guitar playing but is it enough?

It was with these thoughts in mind that I approached Get Lucky. There’s no mistaking the Celtic  tone here. The opening and closing tracks could easily have been lifted from River Dance. Hard Shoulder seems to mirror the old hit from Gerry and the Pacemakers – Don’t Let the Sun Catch you Crying. The lyrics are hardly worthy mentioning:

I’ve got latches for windows
Handles for doors
Grinders and scrapers
And sanders for floors

 Rake for the gravel
Chains for the snow
Always got the shovel
You never know
I neverthought you’d go

  In You can’t Beat the House it is unclear whether Knopfler is  trying to be Dylan or Clapton. Before Gas and TV is his attempt at nostalgia followed by Monteleone another dated number. In Cleaning my Gun the guitar rules again and we’re back in recognizable Knopfer territory. Finally a good track. With The Car Was the One, Knopfer is still in the element, but then we fall on Remembrance Day and this one is truly too much. I know that since 9/11 everyone has to have a go at a homage but it’s pushing it a bit when he adds the full choir in the background. Luckily the  song offers a distict guitar solo. As a whole the album is a must for Knopfer fanatics. Fans of Dire Straits would do well to stay away and wait for a reunion.  *****
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