We eventually settled on "Skateaway," partly for sentimental reasons, as it was the first song that we heard from the album. Coincidentally, it was the only single from Making Movies to chart in the U.S., reaching #58, while the LP hit #19. The song is classic Dire Straits, with a great beat, cool lyrics and interesting, artistic guitar work by Mark Knopfler.
The song was inspired by a girl on roller skates in New York City, and the somewhat dated video (featuring "it girl" Jayzik Azikiwe) does reflect the story line. We liked that the band is barely present in the video, and when they do appear, it is a humorous, awkward moment. (We especially liked that the Stratocaster gets better lighting and more air time than the band).
Dire Straits would go on to have tremendous success with the somewhat more commercial-sounding Brothers in Arms, but in my opinion Making Movies was their masterpiece.
I would rate Love Over Gold higher...
ReplyDeleteLove Over Gold is an outstanding album; I would rate Making Movies higher, but there is definitely room for debate on this. Thanks for the comment.
ReplyDeleteits a toss up. i like love over gold because of the memories
ReplyDeleteI like Making Movies for the same reason. Nearly brings tears to my 57 y.o. eyes to listen to this. They knew how to lock into something deep.
ReplyDeleteOne of my favorites. Cool art, not nasty. Remember when it first came out.
ReplyDeleteI recall this video on "The Rock Show", a 30-minute video show pre-MTV, and absolutely loved it, the song (now my favorite from Dire Straits) and the band. I do agree they have a strong catalogue of music, but individual songs/videos such as "Skateaway" are sentimental. "Toro, toro taxi ..."
ReplyDeleteI feel the same way -- Making Movies was my first Dire Straits LP back in the day. Just about wore out the grooves. It is amazing how much atmosphere is in their music, just really good stuff. Thanks for stopping by.
DeleteDIRE STRAITS.!! ROCKS welcome to the 80's cafe... I play those old but wonderful CD's all the time. ......."the city's been so rude to her"
ReplyDeleteTracy -- I totally agree. Feel free to have a look around ERV; we're all 80's all the time here!
DeleteThis is one of the most awesome songs ever done. Mark Knopfler is a sexy voiced genius guitar player. The whole shadam shalay just works and works.
ReplyDeleteWell said.
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