DIRE STRAITS Vinyl LP Albums Gallery & Discography

Discover the timeless musical journey of Dire Straits through their 1980s vinyl LP albums. This web-page showcases high-resolution album cover photos, record label details, and in-depth descriptions of each release. Immerse yourself in the artistry and evolution of this iconic rock band as you explore their discography

Dire Straits Band Description:

Dire Straits was a British rock band formed in London in 1977 by guitarist and vocalist Mark Knopfler, his brother David Knopfler on rhythm guitar, John Illsley on bass, and Pick Withers on drums. Blending rock, pop, and blues with an unmistakably clean, melodic sound, the band rose from modest pub gigs to become one of the most successful acts of the late 1970s and 1980s.

Their self-titled debut album, released in 1978, introduced the world to Sultans of Swing — a song that combined intricate storytelling with Knopfler’s fluid, fingerpicked guitar style. It became an international hit, charting in both the UK and the US, and established the band’s trademark sound: understated, technically brilliant, and emotionally direct.

Through the early 1980s, Dire Straits refined their craft with albums such as Communiqué (1979), Making Movies (1980) — featuring Romeo and Juliet and Tunnel of Love — and Love Over Gold (1982), home to the cinematic Telegraph Road. Each release expanded the band’s scope, both musically and lyrically, blending narrative songwriting with jazz and progressive rock influences.

Their 1985 album Brothers in Arms became a global phenomenon. Driven by the hits Money for Nothing, Walk of Life, and the haunting title track, it was one of the first albums recorded fully digitally and among the earliest best-sellers on compact disc. It remains one of the defining albums of the 1980s, both for its production and its timeless themes.

Despite massive commercial success, Dire Straits maintained a reputation for quiet professionalism. They avoided excessive media exposure and flashy visuals, letting their music — built on subtle craftsmanship and lyrical depth — speak for itself. Mark Knopfler’s calm stage presence contrasted sharply with the era’s glam and spectacle, earning the band respect across genres.

After releasing On Every Street in 1991, the band disbanded following their final tour in 1992. Though Dire Straits never officially reunited, their influence endures. Songs like Sultans of Swing and Brothers in Arms continue to resonate as examples of intelligent, emotionally grounded rock, reminding listeners that restraint can be just as powerful as grandeur.

DIRE STRAITS Vinyl Albums Discography and Cover Gallery

The Dire Straits album pages in this collection trace the band’s climb from smoky London pubs thick with the smell of beer and after-hours chatter to the bright glare of world stages. Each record in thisvinyl records discography captures that same working-class pulse — guitars that whisper more than shout, lyrics that sketch city nights and worn-out hearts. It’s a chronicle of restraint and rhythm, of songs aged well because they were never chasing style. What follows brings that slow-burn rise into clear focus, one clean chord at a time.

DIRE STRAITS - Alchemy Live (Three European Versions) 12" Vinyl LP
DIRE STRAITS - Alchemy Live (Three European Versions) album front cover vinyl record

"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)
DIRE STRAITS - Brothers in Arms (Two Versions) 12" Vinyl LP
DIRE STRAITS - Brothers in Arms (Two Versions) album front cover vinyl record

'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)
DIRE STRAITS - Communiqué (Three Versions) 12" Vinyl LP
DIRE STRAITS - Communiqué (Three Different Versions) album front cover vinyl record

"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)
DIRE STRAITS - Self-Titled Debut Album (4 Versions) 12" Vinyl LP
DIRE STRAITS - Self-Titled Debut Album (4 Different Versions) album front cover vinyl record

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)
DIRE STRAITS - Lady Writer b/w Where Do You Think You're Going? (1979, Germany) 7" Vinyl Single
DIRE STRAITS - Lady Writer b/w Where Do You Think You're Going? (1979, Germany) album front cover vinyl record

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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DIRE STRAITS - Live Promo Warner Bros (1979, Germany) 12" Vinyl LP
DIRE STRAITS - Live Promo Warner Bros (1979, Germany) album front cover vinyl record

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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DIRE STRAITS - Love Over Gold (Netherlands and West-German Releases) 12" Vinyl LP
DIRE STRAITS - Love Over Gold (Netherland and West-German Releases) album front cover vinyl record

"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)
DIRE STRAITS - Making Movies (German , Holland and USA Releases) 12" Vinyl LP
DIRE STRAITS - Making Movies (German and Holland Release) album front cover vinyl record

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
DIRE STRAITS - Money for Nothing (1988, UK) 12" Vinyl LP
DIRE STRAITS - Money for Nothing (1988, UK) album front cover vinyl record

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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Updated Dire Straits - On Every Street 12-inch Vinyl LP Album Holland pressing front cover https://vinyl-records.nl
Dire Straits – On Every Street

Dire Straits’ final studio album, On Every Street (1991), blends refined rock craftsmanship with introspective songwriting. This Holland pressing stands out for its 40-page world tour booklet and official merchandise leaflet, making it a must-have vinyl for collectors and fans of Mark Knopfler’s signature sound.

DIRE STRAITS - Telegraph Road Promo (1982, France) 12" Vinyl EP
DIRE STRAITS - Telegraph Road (1982, France) album front cover vinyl record

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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DIRE STRAITS - Twisting By the Pool ExtendedancEPlay ( French and Netherlands Releases ) 12" Vinyl LP
DIRE STRAITS - Twisting By the Pool ExtendedancEPlay ( French and Netherlands Releases ) album front cover vinyl record

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 )