- Portuguese Release
Dire Straits' eponymous debut 12" vinyl LP, released in Portugal, is a timeless classic that defies musical categorization. With its blend of rock, blues, and folk, the album captivates listeners with Mark Knopfler's soulful vocals and virtuosic guitar work. Tracks like "Sultans of Swing" propelled the band to international fame, cementing their status as musical legends.
Dire Straits' self-titled debut album, released as a 12" vinyl LP in Portugal, is a timeless masterpiece that continues to captivate music enthusiasts worldwide. Launched amidst a musical landscape teeming with disco and punk, Dire Straits emerged with a sound that defied categorization, blending elements of rock, blues, and folk with a distinctive guitar-driven style.
Originally released in 1978, Dire Straits' debut album made an indelible mark on the music scene. With its understated yet powerful compositions, the album garnered critical acclaim and commercial success, resonating with listeners hungry for authentic and emotive music. Mark Knopfler's soulful vocals and virtuosic guitar work, coupled with the band's tight musicianship, created a sonic tapestry that remains fresh and relevant to this day.
One of the defining features of Dire Straits' debut album is its timeless quality. Tracks like "Sultans of Swing" and "Down to the Waterline" showcase the band's ability to craft melodic narratives that transport listeners to vivid landscapes and poignant moments. The album's production, helmed by Muff Winwood, strikes a delicate balance between raw energy and polished finesse, allowing each instrument to shine while maintaining an organic cohesion.
Commercially, Dire Straits' self-titled debut was a resounding success, particularly in Europe and North America. Its blend of rock and roots music appealed to a diverse audience, earning the band a dedicated following and widespread acclaim. "Sultans of Swing," in particular, became a breakout hit, propelling Dire Straits to international fame and establishing them as one of the era's most promising acts.
What sets Dire Straits' debut apart from its contemporaries is its timeless appeal and musical integrity. While other bands chased fleeting trends, Dire Straits focused on crafting enduring songs that resonate across generations. Mark Knopfler's distinctive guitar style, characterized by his fingerpicking technique and emotive phrasing, became synonymous with the band's sound, influencing countless musicians in the years to come.
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Collector Notes: Rare Pressing from Portugal |
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Music Genre: 70s English Pop Rock |
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Album Production Information: The album: "Dire Straits" was produced by: Muff Winwood Recorded at Basing str Studios, London Photography Paddy Eckersley |
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Record Label & Catalognr: Vertigo 6360 162 (6360162) |
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Media Format: 12" Vinyl LP Gramophone RecordAlbum weight: 230 gram |
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Year & Country: 1978 Made in Portugal |
Band Members and Musicians on: Dire Straits S/T Self-Titled Portugal |
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Complete Track Listing of: "Dire Straits" |
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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 ).
Record Label Details: Vertigo 6360 162 (6360162)
"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 )