"Skateaway" by Dire Straits

Song#:  0443
Date:  12/20/1980
Debut:  90
Peak:  58
Weeks:  10
Genre:  Rock



Pop Bits:  Formed in 1977, the band featured two brothers, Mark and David Knopfler, and got off to a big start with the #4 hit "Sultans of Swing" (1979). Their self-titled debut album peaked at #2 and earned them a Grammy nod for Best New Artist. Their third album, "Making Movies," signaled a change for the band as Mark and David had differences that lead to David leaving the band, and the LP's songs were also lengthier and more intricate, which didn't make for good singles. This first release from the album would be the only one to get on the chart and although it didn't perform well, the album obtained platinum status.

ReduxReview:  It's like Bruce Springsteen crapped out a Jim Steinman song. I just have no connection to Dire Straits' music at all. Obviously, they are terrific musicians but I've never been a fan of anything they have released. Probably "Sultans of Swing" would be the only song of theirs I'd choose to hear. Other than that, I respect them as a band but just don't care for the music. Although I will say this is one of the better tunes I've heard from them.

ReduxRating:  5/10

Trivia:  I mentioned above that the sound seems reminiscent of Springsteen and after I wrote that I discovered why. Ends up Mark Knopfler sought out Jimmy Iovine to work on the album. Iovine had already worked for Springsteen and he also brought in E-Street keyboardist Roy Bittan to play on the album. So it seems the idea was to capture some of the cinematic elements of Springsteen's productions to Dire Straits. If that was the case, it certainly worked.

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