1985 - May: Dire Straits “Brothers In Arms”

Although they had been steadily growing in popularity since their debut in the mid-70's, Dire Straits would become a household name with their fifth studio album, Brothers In Arms.  Between the catchy hooks accessible on both rock and adult contemporary radio, and the video-driven appeal of the group on MTV, DIre Strats became an arena group in 1985.

This album found Dire Straits composed of John Illsley on bass, Terry Williams on drums, Alan Clark on piano and organ, Guy Fletcher on synthesizer, and of course the primary driver, songwriter, and co-producer for the album was Mark Knopfler.  Additionally, Jazz drummer Omar Hakim was brought in to re-record much of the percussion work, though Williams remained the drummer for the band.

Knopfler was quite the perfectionist when it came to sound, and this album would be the first to be recorded entirely digitally.  It is listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the first compact disc to sell a million copies.

The success Dire Straits had with this album may have led to the groups undoing.  Knopfler was uncomfortable with the fame, thinking that people were coming to the shows for the celebrity rather than the music.  The group would take a hiatus following the "Brothers In Arms" tour, and would produce one more studio album before disbanding.  Knopfler would go on to produce solo work as well as collaborate with other artists including Eric Clapton , Thomas Dolby, and Bob Dylan.  Dire Straits was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2018.

 

So Far Away This is the opening track on the album and the lead single in the UK, released in April of 1985, ahead of the album.  It would be the third single in the US where it hit number 9 on the Billboard Hot 100.  It is about carrying on a long-distance relationship.

Your Latest Trick A melancholy deep cut, this song features Randy Brecker on trumpet and Michael Brecker on saxophone.  It is clearly referencing prostitution, but it has a feel of loneliness and emptiness.  Some say it is about a relationship and some say it is about society in general.  The night is over, everyone is going home, and the guy is left alone wondering what happened.

One World Another deep cut, and more blues-oriented.  "Can't get no remedy on my TV, it's nothing but the same old news.  Well, they can't find a way to be one world in harmony.  Can't get no antidote for blues."  Tony Levin was brought in to play bass on this one. 

Walk of Life This hit almost didn't make the album.  Co-producer Neil Dorfsman voted against its being included, but the band outvoted him.  It made it to number 7 on the US charts, and was one of their biggest commercial hits in the UK, peaking at number 2 there.  It is about the street musicians in London playing standards in the subways.

 

ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

This is Not America by Pat Metheny and David Bowie (from the motion picture The Falcon and the Snowman) This show about American kids turned Soviet spies was in the theaters in February 1985, and this song was on the charts in May.

 

STAFF PICKS:

Obsession by Animotion Wayne kicks off our staff picks with a synth pop hit that was a staple of every dance floor in 1985.  Animotion covered this song, originally performed by Holly Knight and Michael Des Barres in 1983.  The song was developed at first thinking about the obsession of drugs, but it transformed into an obsession with a person when it was done. 

Smuggler's Blues by Glenn Frey Brian's staff pick was well known at the time from Miami Vice.  "You be cool for 20 hours and I'll pay you 20 grand."  One of the things that made Miami Vice such a popular draw was its use not just of cool actors in Miami, but also using cameos from the music world.  Glenn Frey appeared as a smuggler in the episode where "Smuggler's Blues" was played.

Sussudio by Phil Collins Rob's staff pick is the lead track from Collins' third solo album "No Jacket Required."  The drum machine and horns made this a polarizing song, with lots of people loving it and lots hating it.  It was a big hit in the summer of 1985, and Phil Collins has mentioned that this song is the one most often sung to him when strangers approach.

Marlene on the Wall by Suzanne Vega Bruce closes out the staff picks with a song inspired by Marlene Dietrich.  Singer songwriter Suzanne Vega heard Dietrich responding to a controversial statement, "You have lead many men to death with your body." with the perfect response, "Give me a kiss."  This was the lead track off Vega's debut album, dealing with loneliness and a strained relationship.

 

INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:

The Lady In My Life by Stanley Jordan Jazz guitarist Stanley Jordan covers a deep cut from Michael Jackson's Thriller album to close out this week's podcast.

Thanks for listening to “What the Riff?!?”

NOTE: To adjust the loudness of the music or voices, you may adjust the balance on your device. VOICES are stronger in the LEFT channel, and MUSIC is stronger on the RIGHT channel.

Please follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/whattheriffpodcast/, and message or email us with what you'd like to hear, what you think of the show, and any rock-worthy memes we can share.

Of course we'd love for you to rate the show in your podcast platform!

**NOTE: What the Riff?!? does not own the rights to any of these songs and we neither sell, nor profit from them. We share them so you can learn about them and purchase them for your own collections.