- Made in France for the Dutch Market
Communiqué is the second official full-length album released by the British Pop-Rock band "Dire Straits". This album is the Made in France for Netherlands release with an embossed front cover.
Dire Straits' sophomore album, "Communiqué," stands as a testament to the band's evolving musical prowess and their burgeoning impact on the global music scene. Released as the follow-up to their eponymous debut, this album encapsulates the band's signature blend of rock, blues, and jazz-infused melodies, setting them apart as pioneers in the realm of pop-rock fusion.
Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, "Communiqué" showcases the band's virtuosity and knack for storytelling through music. Mark Knopfler's distinctive guitar riffs and husky vocals, coupled with the band's tight instrumentation, create an immersive sonic experience that resonates with listeners on a profound level.
From the hypnotic groove of "Once Upon a Time in the West" to the soulful balladry of "Where Do You Think You're Going?" and the infectious energy of "Lady Writer," each track on the album exudes a distinct charm, showcasing Dire Straits' versatility and songwriting prowess.
Upon its release, "Communiqué" garnered widespread acclaim from both critics and fans alike, further solidifying Dire Straits' position as one of the most influential bands of the era. Its commercial success was undeniable, reaching audiences far and wide and cementing the band's status as chart-topping superstars.
What sets "Communiqué" apart is its seamless blend of genres, effortlessly transcending musical boundaries and appealing to a diverse audience. Whether it's the blues-inflected melodies or the infectious hooks, each song on the album possesses a timeless quality that continues to captivate listeners to this day.
As a Made in France release for the Dutch market, "Communiqué" not only showcases Dire Straits' global appeal but also highlights the band's ability to resonate with audiences across borders. Its embossed front cover serves as a visual testament to the album's artistic integrity and attention to detail, further enhancing its allure among collectors and enthusiasts.
The album: "DIRE STRAITS – Communiqué (France)" was produced by: Barry Beckett, Jerry Wexler
Sound/Recording Engineer(s): Jack Nuber
This album was recorded at: Compass Point Studios
Compass Point Studios, founded in 1977 by Chris Blackwell, the visionary owner of Island Records, stands as a pivotal and iconic institution in the realm of music production, particularly during the vibrant decades of the 1970s and 1980s. Nestled in the picturesque Bahamas, just outside Nassau, this studio emerged as a tropical oasis that not only offered a breathtaking setting but also fostered a distinctive creative atmosphere that left an indelible mark on the global music scene.
The 1970s and 1980s witnessed a plethora of influential albums recorded at Compass Point Studios, spanning various genres such as rock, reggae, funk, and pop. Artists like Bob Marley, Grace Jones, Iron Maiden Talking Heads, and The Rolling Stones all left their mark on the studio, contributing to its legacy as a hub of musical innovation.
Mixed At – Muscle Shoals Sound Studios by Gregg Hamm
Art Direction: Alan Schmidt
Design: Hothouse
Album cover photography: Barry Schulz
Illustration: Geoff Halpin
Classic Rock, Pop-Rock
Vertigo – 6360 170
Original Custom Inner Sleeve with large photos of the "Dire Straits" band-members,
Record Format: 12" Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record
Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram
1979 Made in Netherlands
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 ).
Four portrait photos of the DIre Straits band-members
Large full-page group photo of the Dire Straits band
Four photos of the DIre Straits band-members
"Communiqué" Record Label Details: Black Colour with Fender Stratocaster Logo VERTIGO 6360 170, Made in France ℗ 1979 Phonogram Limited London Sound Copyright
"Alchemy: Dire Straits Live" perfectly encapsulates the energy and musical virtuosity of a Dire Straits concert. The album was recorded during their 1983-1984 "Love Over Gold" tour
Alchemy Live 2LP (1984 France) Alchemy Live 2LP (1984 Germany) Alchemy Live 2LP (1984 Holland)
'Brothers in Arms' on 12" Vinyl LP is a sonic masterpiece produced by Mark Knopfler and Neil Dorfsman. This iconic album showcases the band's musical prowess and includes hits like 'Money for Nothing'.
Brothers in Arms (1985, Holland) Brothers in Arms (1985, West-Germany)
"Communiqué" is listed in three versions: European, German, and a rare Club Edition, each offering a unique experience on 12" vinyl LP.
Communiqué European Release Communiqué (1979, Germany) Communique Club Edition (1979, Germany)
The self-titled debut album of "Dire Straits" is available in four distinct versions, including the rare Portuguese edition, which is notably elusive to find.
DIRE STRAITS - Self-Titled (1978, England) DIRE STRAITS - Self-Titled Black Vertigo (1978, France) DIRE STRAITS - Self-Titled (1978, France) DIRE STRAITS - Self-Titled (1978, Portugal)
Vertigo 609 230 , 1979 , Germany
"Lady Writer" by Dire Straits is a captivating musical gem. Featuring the hit "Lady Writer" on one side and "Where Do You Think You're Going?" on the other, this release showcases the band's signature sound
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Warner Bros WBMS 109 , 1979 , USA
The rare promotional 12" Vinyl LP album, "Dire Straits - Live Promo - Warner Bros Music Show", offers a unique glimpse into the band's live performances.
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"Love Over Gold" the Dutch and West-German editions each having different coloured record labels , the West-German release mentions "Digital Recording".
Love Over Gold OIS (Netherlands) Love Over Gold (West-Germany)
The Dutch, German and USA release of "Making Movies" produced by Mark Knopfler and Jimmy Iovine and engineered by The Shelly Yakus, it features custom inner sleeves with lyrics and artwork. Recorded in July-August 1980
German Edition of Making Movies Dutch Edition of Making Movies Making Movies Genuine USA Edition
Vertigo INT 836 419 , 1988 , UK
"Money for Nothing" is a musical treasure with a mix of studio and live tracks. It features the iconic "Sultans of Swing", a live version of "Portobello Belle", and a remix of "Twisting by the Pool".
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Vertigo 510 160 , 1991 , Holland
"On Every Street" by Dire Straits is a rare find enriched with exclusive content. This edition includes an official merchandise leaflet and a 40-page booklet featuring color photos and details of the 1992 world tour.
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Vertigo 6863 201 , 1982 , France
The French Promo 12" Vinyl Maxi-Single of "Telegraph Road" by Dire Straits is a highly sought-after collector's item. Featuring a rare 14:37 version of the song, it predates the official release of the LP "Love Over Gold".
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The Netherlands release of the 12" EP "Twisting By the Pool" by Dire Straits features a concise tracklist. The Fren ch Edition also includes the bonus track "Badges, Posters, Stickers, T'Shirts"
Twisting By the Pool / ExtendedancEPlay (1983, France) Twisting By the Pool / ExtendedancEPlay ( 1983 Holland )