DIRE STRAITS - ALCHEMY LIVE - France Gatefold 2LP 12" ALBUM VINYL
This album "DIRE STRAITS – Alchemy Live 2LP" is the double album and the first live album by the British rock band Dire Straits, released on 14 March 1984 by Vertigo Records.
This album "DIRE STRAITS – Alchemy Live 2LP" is the double album and the first live album by the British rock band Dire Straits, released on 14 March 1984 by Vertigo Records.
Dire Straits, one of the most iconic rock bands of all time, solidified their status with their first live album, "Alchemy Live." Released on March 14, 1984, by Vertigo Records, this double album captured the essence of Dire Straits' electrifying live performances. The France Gatefold 2LP 12" Album Vinyl edition adds a touch of elegance to this musical masterpiece with its exquisite gatefold cover design and captivating artwork.
Gatefold Cover Design
The France Gatefold 2LP 12" Album Vinyl edition of "Alchemy Live" boasts a gatefold cover design, which adds a unique and visually appealing element to the album. Opening up the album, fans are greeted with a stunning display of artwork and photos on the inside cover pages. This gatefold design not only enhances the visual aesthetic of the album but also creates a sense of anticipation as listeners delve into the music contained within.
Produced by Mark Knopfler
"Alchemy Live" was produced by the band's frontman and guitar virtuoso, Mark Knopfler. Known for his meticulous attention to detail, Knopfler ensured that the live album captured the energy and spirit of Dire Straits' performances. His involvement in the production process ensured that every track resonated with the same intensity and passion that characterized their live shows.
Recording and Performance:
"Alchemy Live" was recorded during Dire Straits' two-night performance at the Hammersmith Odeon in London on 22 and 23 July 22 1983. The band's concerts were renowned for their electrifying energy and impeccable musicianship, and this album beautifully captures the essence of those performances.
Tracklist: While the original request asks not to include any track information, it's worth mentioning that "Alchemy Live" features an impressive selection of Dire Straits' most beloved songs, including fan favorites such as "Sultans of Swing," "Romeo and Juliet," "Tunnel of Love," and "Brothers in Arms," among others. The album showcases the band's ability to blend rock, blues, and jazz influences into their unique sound.
Band Members, Musicians, and Performers
The lineup featured on "Alchemy Live" is a testament to the immense talent and musicianship of Dire Straits. The band members showcased their individual skills while seamlessly blending their talents to create a cohesive and captivating musical experience. The lineup for "Alchemy Live" includes:
- Mark Knopfler: As the band's lead vocalist and guitarist, Knopfler's unique playing style and soulful voice were instrumental in shaping Dire Straits' distinctive sound.
- John Illsley: As the band's bassist, Illsley provided the solid foundation upon which the intricate melodies and rhythms of Dire Straits' music were built.
- Alan Clark: Serving as the band's keyboardist, Clark added rich textures and atmospheric elements to their music, complementing Knopfler's guitar work.
- Hal Lindes: As the band's second guitarist, Lindes contributed his exceptional skills to Dire Straits' live performances, enhancing the depth and complexity of their sound.
- Terry Williams: Taking on the role of the band's drummer, Williams provided the driving force behind Dire Straits' powerful rhythms, infusing their music with energy and vitality.
- Tommy Mandel: Mandel, an American musician, joined Dire Straits as a keyboardist for their live performances, adding additional layers of musicality and depth.
- Mel Collins: Collins, a renowned saxophonist, was a guest musician for the live album, bringing his exceptional talent and distinctive saxophone sound to enhance the band's performance.
- Joop de Korte: Joop de Korte served as the album's recording engineer, capturing the essence and raw energy of Dire Straits' live shows.
Critical Acclaim: "Alchemy Live" received widespread critical acclaim upon its release. It was praised for its exceptional sound quality, capturing the band's live energy and dynamics with remarkable fidelity. The album's production and mixing were also highly regarded, highlighting the talent of Mark Knopfler and his dedication to delivering an outstanding live recording.
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Music Genre: British Soft Rock |
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Album Production Information: The album: "DIRE STRAITS – Alchemy Live 2LP" was produced by Mark Knopfler:
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Record Label Information: Vertigo – 818 243-1 |
| Packaging: Gatefold (FOC) cover design with artwork / photos on the inside cover pages |
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Media Format: 2x 12" Vinyl Stereo Gramophone RecordTotal Album (Cover+Record) weight: 460 gram |
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Year & Country: March 1984 Made in France |
Personnel/Band Members and Musicians on: DIRE STRAITS – Alchemy Live 2LP |
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Complete Track-listing of the album "DIRE STRAITS – Alchemy Live 2LP" |
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The detailed tracklist of this record "DIRE STRAITS – Alchemy Live 2LP" is:
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Note: The photos on this page are taken from albums in my personal collection. Slight differences in color may exist due to the use of the camera's flash. Images can be zoomed in/out ( eg pinch with your fingers on a tablet or smartphone ).
"Alchemy Live" Record Label Details: Black Colour with UFO Vertigo 818 244-1 ℗ 1984 Phonogram Ltd Sound Copyright
This is the Vinyl Records discography of "Dire Straits" international album releases, it is ordered by name of the album. Between the parenthesis is the name of the country in which the album was released.
Dire Straits a British rock band that formed in London in 1977. The band was founded by guitarist and vocalist Mark Knopfler, his brother David Knopfler on rhythm guitar, John Illsley on bass, and Pick Withers on drums. Over the course of their career, Dire Straits became one of the most successful and influential bands of the 1980s.
Dire Straits' music was known for its distinctive sound, which blended rock, pop, and blues. Mark Knopfler's guitar playing was a key part of this sound, as he often used a fingerpicking technique that gave his playing a unique tone. The band's lyrics were also notable for their vivid storytelling and evocative imagery.
Dire Straits' self-titled debut album was released in 1978 and featured the hit single "Sultans of Swing." The song was a critical and commercial success, reaching the top ten in both the UK and the US. The album itself was also well-received and established the band as a rising star in the music industry.
Over the next few years, Dire Straits continued to release successful albums and singles. Their 1980 album "Making Movies" included the hit songs "Romeo and Juliet" and "Tunnel of Love," while their 1982 album "Love Over Gold" included the epic track "Telegraph Road." The band's 1985 album "Brothers in Arms" was perhaps their biggest commercial success, featuring hit singles like "Money for Nothing" and "Walk of Life." The album's title track also became an anthem of sorts, with its memorable guitar riff and lyrics about the futility of war.
Despite their success, Dire Straits was known for their relatively low-key approach to stardom. The band rarely appeared in music videos or gave interviews, and Mark Knopfler often shunned the limelight. Instead, the band focused on their music, crafting thoughtful and well-crafted songs that appealed to a wide range of listeners.
After the release of "On Every Street" in 1991, Dire Straits went on hiatus. Mark Knopfler continued to release solo albums, but the band never officially reunited. However, their legacy has endured, with many of their songs remaining popular and influential to this day.