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Communiqué (Vinyl, 12", 45 RPM, Album, Numbered, Reissue, Remastered, Special Edition) album cover
Dire Straits – Communiqué
Label: Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab – MFSL 2-467
Series: Original Master Recording – , Gain 2™ Ultra Analog 45RPM 180g Series –
Format: 2 × Vinyl, 12", 45 RPM, Album, Numbered, Reissue, Remastered, Special Edition, Gatefold 180g
Country: US
Released: 13 Nov 2019
Genre: Rock
Style: Blues Rock, Pop Rock
Tracklist
A1 Once Upon A Time In The West 5:22
A2 News 4:11
B1 Where Do You Think You're Going? 3:50
B2 Communiqué 5:49
C1 Lady Writer 3:43
C2 Angel Of Mercy 4:32
C3 Portobello Belle 4:29
D1 Single-Handed Sailor 4:41
D2 Follow Me Home 5:47
Companies, etc.
Copyright (c) – Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab, Inc.
Mastered At – Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab
Manufactured By – Rhino Entertainment Company
Licensed From – Warner Records Inc.
Phonographic Copyright (p) – Warner Records Inc.
Published By – Straitjacket Songs Ltd.
Published By – Almo Music
Recorded At – Compass Point Studios
Mixed At – Muscle Shoals Sound Studios
Pressed By – Record Technology Incorporated
Credits
Art Direction [Original] – Alan Schmidt
Bass, Vocals – John Illsley
Design – Hothouse (2)
Drums – Pick Withers
Effects [Sound Effects Provided By] – Clack Inc. Sound Studios
Engineer – Jack Nuber
Engineer [Mix] – Gregg Hamm
Illustration [Cover Illustration] – Geoff Halpin
Keyboards – B. Bear
Mastered By [Assisted By] – Shawn R. Britton
Mastered By, Lacquer Cut By – Krieg Wunderlich
Photography By [Back Cover Portrait Photos] – Barry Schulz
Producer – Barry Beckett, Jerry Wexler
Rhythm Guitar, Vocals – David Knopfler
Tape Op – Thelbert Rigby
Vocals, Songwriter [Songs By], Lead Guitar, Rhythm Guitar – Mark Knopfler
Notes
Special Edition. Printed in the U.S.A.
Barcode and Other Identifiers
Barcode (Text): 8 21797 24671 2
Barcode (Scanned): 821797246712
Matrix / Runout (Side 1): MFSL 2-467 A Apollo 8 32411.1 (3)... kw@MoFi
Matrix / Runout (Side 2): MFSL 2-467 B Apollo 8 32411.2 (3)... kw@MoFi
Matrix / Runout (Side 3): MFSL 2-467 C5 31499.3 (3)... kw@MoFi
Matrix / Runout (Side 4): MFSL 2-467 D5 31499.4 (3)... kw@MoFi
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David Knopfler - vocals, guitar
Mark Knopfler - vocals, guitar
John Illsley - bass, vocals
Boby Bear - keyboards
Pick Withers - drums
Jerry Wexler & Barry Beckett - producer
Jack Nuber - engineer
Bobby Hata - mastering
Gregg Hamm - mixing
Erstveröffentlichung August 1978.
Kaum eine LP eignet sich so hervorragend zum Anlage Testen wie dieses fantastische Album, das nun bei MFSL als 45-rpm-Fassung remastert wurde. „Communique“ erschien 1979 als zweites Album der Dire Straits, nach dem Überraschungserfolg ihres selbstbetitelten Debüt-Albums. Die Besetzung der Band war im Wesentlichen die gleiche geblieben, und obwohl auf einigen Tracks Produzent Barry Beckett alias „Boby Bear“ in die Tasten greift, lebt auch „Communique“ in aller erster Linie von dem herrlich transparenten und auf den Punkt gebrachten Band-Sound des Quartetts. Mindestens genau so wichtig aber war Mark Knopflers lyrisches Songwriting, das auch auf dem zweiten Album eine ganze Reihe von Songperlen hervorbringt.
"Once Upon A Time In The West" klingt so unnachahmlich dynamisch und räumlich, dass man aus dem Staunen gar nicht mehr herauskommt. Übrigens war das Lied in der DDR angeblich verboten, weil die Behörden dachten, der Titel bedeute, dass bei den DDR Bürgern irgendwann der Freiheitsdrang Richtung Westen geweckt werden würde. So enthält der Song ein Maximum an Dramaturgie. Dave Knopflers sauber gespielte Rhythmus-Gitarre verschmilzt kongenial mit de Solo-Gitarre von Mark Knopfler. Illsleys Bass kommt dank der hervorragenden Pressung voll zur Geltung. Er erscheint federnd präzise und versinkt doch gleichzeit in den Welten Poseidons. Das Schlagzeug von Pick Withers verfügt über eine erstaunliche Räumlichkeit, die die Dynamik erst richtig zum Aus-Druck bzw. Vor-Klang bringt. "Where Do You Think Youre Going" beginnt mit einer warmen Akustik-Gitarre. Einprägsame Hooklines legen sich in die Gehörgänge und verhindern so leicht das Vergessen. Eine zarte E-Gitarre verstärkt nochmal diesen Ton-Tiefgang. Das zweite, 1979 erschienene Album enthält mit “Lady Writer“ einen richtigen Welthit. So viel Groove, soviel Kraft steckt in diesem Song. Intensiv der Gesang von Mark Knopfler. Wie ein Uhrwerk funktionieren in harmonischer Symbiose Bassist John Illsley und Drummer Pick Withers. Schön der herrliche melodisch verwinkelte Titeltrack. Ein kraftvolles Honky Tonk Klavier spielt Barry Backet. Die beiden Brüder Mark und Dave Knopfler holen alles aus ihren Fender Stratocastern heraus. Durch die hervorragende Pressqualität, die fantastische Aufnahme und das Abspielen mit 45rpm klingt diese MSFL Produktion im wahrsten Sinne des Wortes in jeder Hinsicht unerhört. Dem Album zu lauschen, das auf 2-sauberst gepressten LPs erscheint, macht richtig viel Spaß. Satte Bässe, messerscharfe E-Gitarrenriffs, crispe Akustik-Gitarren-Sounds, warme Gesangsstimmen und ein mehr als präsent-räumliches Schlagzeug machen dieses Werk zum Meilenstein. Man hört jede Nuance, wenn Mark Knopfler die Saiten seiner Gitarre zupft. Die Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab Produktion ist schon wahrlich ein Klangwunderwerk. Dies hört man besonders intensiv bei dem balladesken "News". Nach diesen bitter-süßen Melodien wird man richtig süchtig. Und dazu kommt dann noch die absolut wertige Um-Mantelung. Ein definites Must Have mit kurzfristiger Raritäten Wertsteigerungs Garantie.
Das Album wurde durch Krieg Wunderlich für Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab remastert und kommt auf zwei 180g-schweren, audiophilen 45UpM-Vinyl-Scheiben im Klappcover und mit fortlaufender Seriennummer in streng limitierter Auflage.
"Communique" war das erste Album überhaupt, dem es gelang, innerhalb der ersten Woche nach seinem Erscheinen auf Platz 1 der deutschen Album-Charts zu landen. Zeitgleich war das Vorgänger-Album "Dire Straits" übrigens noch auf Platz 3. Weltweit wurde die Scheibe über 7 Millionen mal verkauft.
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* MFSL - Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab
*** Gatefold Cover
Mit ihrem zweiten Album »Communiqué« lieferten die Dire Straits erneut entspannte Rhythmen und komplexe Blues-Gitarren. Mark Knopfler und seine Musikerkollegen hatten diesen Sound mit ihrem Debüt etabliert und knüpften daran nahtlos an. Auch wenn »Communiqué« keinen mit »Sultans of Swing« vergleichbaren Hit enthält, ist es eine würdige Fortsetzung.
Das Remastering für diese Doppel-LP auf 180-g-Vinyl mit 45 RPM übernahm Krieg Wunderlich, assistiert von Shawn R. Britton. Die limitierte Auflage mit fortlaufender Seriennummer erscheint im Klappcover.
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180-gram 45 RPM double LP set pressed at RTI!
Communiqué reissue elevates Dire Straits' sophomore album to a higher plane!
Collector's 45 RPM version wider grooves allow for greater detail, musical insight
The performances on Dire Straits' Communiqué are so smooth and effortless, they were originally criticized for replicating the blueprints of the band's breakout debut. Time, however, has a way of changing perspectives and exposing the truth. More than 35 years after its original release in June 1979, Communiqué rightfully takes its place as the group's most underrated record — a nine-track set spiked with engaging storytelling, relaxed vibes, and deceiving simplicity.
Mastered from the original master tapes and pressed at RTI, Mobile Fidelity's 180-gram 45 RPM 2LP set of Communiqué elevates Dire Straits' sophomore album to an even higher plane. Recorded in the Bahamas by Muscle Shoals veterans Barry Beckett and Jerry Wexler, the songs benefit from a laidback approach that makes guitarist/vocalist Mark Knopfler and company's stellar playing seem even more fluent — particularly when experienced on this collector's 45 RPM version, on which the wider grooves allow for more detail retrieval and deeper musical insight.
Knopfler's mesmerizing guitar textures and composed vocals appear as if they're right in front of you, holding court amidst expansive soundstages and deep-black backgrounds. Details, imaging, and presence are on a level associated with the finest audiophile recordings. You'll be hard-pressed to find another LP with cleaner, pinpoint-accurate tones. Mobile Fidelity's LP also brings into transparent view Knopfler's seemingly perfect intricate lines as well as the simpatico accompaniment from his band mates. Whole, lively, and balanced, the bass and drums arrive with a solidity rarely heard on albums of this era. Communiqué has truly never sounded better.
Of course, the audiophile sonics mean little if the artistic content is lacking. Needless to say, Dire Straits' technical perfectionism and creative elan prevail throughout. Knopfler's penchant for sketching cynical characters is further developed on moody tracks like "Where Do You Think You're Going" and "News," while Wexler's presence at the boards ensures the band keeps the rhythms extra tight. The quartet's low-key blues and swampy, Southern-styled grooves turn every song into an exercise in understated virtuosity.
Refusing to give into excess, magnetic tunes such as "Lady Writer" and "Angel of Mercy" split a fine line between insinuating and insisting. The group shows off a combination of control, virtuosity, and tunefulness that harkens back to a rock n' roll's classic period while also pointing the way ahead. Need indisputable evidence of Dire Straits' compositional strengths? Cue up the closing "Follow Me Home" on this pressing and get lost amid the peacefulness of the gentle surf and chirping crickets that frame the song. Heavenly.
1. Once Upon a Time in the West
2. News
3. Where Do You Think You're Going?
4. Communique
5. Lady Writer
6. Angel of Mercy
7. Portobello Belle
8. Single-Handed Sailor
9. Follow Me Home
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AAA 100% Analogue This LP was Remastered using Pure Analogue Components Only from the Master Tapes through to the Cutting Head
Mobile Fidelity - MFSL2-467 - 180 Gram Virgin Vinyl - AAA 100% Analogue
Mastered by Kreig Wunderlich from the Original Master Tape
Numbered Limited Edition - Pressed at RTI
Half Speed Mastered on the Mobile Fidelity The Gain 2 Ultra Analog System
Smooth, Effortless, Relaxed, Tuneful, and Deceivingly Simple: Dire Straits' Communique Teems With Technical Perfectionism, Southern-Styled Grooves, and Low-Key Blues
Reference-Level Detail, Depth, Soundstaging, Balance, and Presence: Communique Has Never Sounded Better Than on Mobile Fidelity's 180g 45RPM 2LP Version
Mark Knopfler's Mesmerizing Textures, Intricate Lines, and Crisp Tones Pair With Engaging Storytelling and Tight Rhythms: Every Song an Example of Understated Virtuosity
The performances on Dire Straits' Communique are so smooth and effortless, they were originally criticized for replicating the blueprints of the band's breakout debut. Time, however, has a way of changing perspectives and exposing the truth. More than 35 years after its original release in June 1979, Communique rightfully takes its place as the group's most underrated record – a nine-track set spiked with engaging storytelling, relaxed vibes, and deceiving simplicity.
Mastered from the original master tapes and pressed at RTI, Mobile Fidelity's 180g 45RPM 2LP set of Communique elevates Dire Straits' sophomore album to an even higher plane. Recorded in the Bahamas by Muscle Shoals veterans Barry Beckett and Jerry Wexler, the songs benefit from a laidback approach that makes guitarist/vocalist Mark Knopfler and company's stellar playing seem even more fluent – particularly when experienced on this collector's 45RPM version, on which the wider grooves allow for more detail retrieval and deeper musical insight.
Knopfler's mesmerizing guitar textures and composed vocals appear as if they're right in front of you, holding court amidst expansive soundstages and deep-black backgrounds. Details, imaging, and presence are on a level associated with the finest audiophile recordings. You'll be hard-pressed to find another LP with cleaner, pinpoint-accurate tones. Mobile Fidelity's LP also brings into transparent view Knopfler's seemingly perfect intricate lines as well as the simpatico accompaniment from his band mates. Whole, lively, and balanced, the bass and drums arrive with a solidity rarely heard on albums of this era. Communique has truly never sounded better.
Of course, the audiophile sonics mean little if the artistic content is lacking. Needless to say, Dire Straits' technical perfectionism and creative elan prevail throughout. Knopfler's penchant for sketching cynical characters is further developed on moody tracks like "Where Do You Think You're Going" and "News," while Wexler's presence at the boards ensures the band keeps the rhythms extra tight. The quartet's low-key blues and swampy, Southern-styled grooves turn every song into an exercise in understated virtuosity.
Refusing to give into excess, magnetic tunes such as "Lady Writer" and "Angel of Mercy" split a fine line between insinuating and insisting. The group shows off a combination of control, virtuosity, and tunefulness that harkens back to a rock n' roll's classic period while also pointing the way ahead. Need indisputable evidence of Dire Straits' compositional strengths? Cue up the closing "Follow Me Home" on this pressing and get lost amidst the peacefulness of the gentle surf and chirping crickets that frame the song. Heavenly.
The sequence serves as additional proof that Communique remains one of the best-sounding rock records ever made. Secure your lowest-numbered copy
Musicians:
Mark Knopfler, lead guitar, lead vocals
John Illsley, bass, vocals
David Knopfler, rhythm guitar, vocals
Pick Withers, drums
Selections
1. Once Upon a Time In the West
2. News
3. Where Do You Think You're Going?
4. Communique
5. Lady Writer
6. Angel of Mercy
7. Portobello Belle
8. Single Handed Sailor
9. Follow Me Home
Dire Straits - Communique - 45rpm 180g 2LP
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GAIN 2 Ultra Analog™ is a proprietary cutting system built and designed by legendary design genius Tim De Paravicini, with consultation from one of MFSL’s founding fathers – Stan Ricker, an audio engineer responsible for many of MFSL’s most heralded past releases.
The GAIN 2 Ultra Analog™ system is comprised of a Studer™ tape machine with customized reproduction electronics* and handcrafted cutting amps that drive an Ortofon cutting head on a restored Neumann VMS-70 lathe. (*It is worth noting that independent studies have confirmed that the GAIN 2 Ultra Analog™ system can unveil sonic information all the way up to 122kHz!)
First and foremost, we only utilize first generation original master recordings as source material for our releases. We then play back master tapes at half speed enabling the GAIN 2 Ultra Analog™ system to fully extract the master’s sonic information. Our lacquers are then plated in a specialized process that protects transients in the musical signal. (Due to this process, there may be occasional pops or ticks inherent in initial play back, but as the disc is played more, a high quality stylus will actually polish the grooves and improve the sound). We further ensure optimum sound quality by strictly limiting the number of pressings printed for each release. These limited editions, in addition to being collectors’ items, ensure that the quality of the last pressing matches the quality of the first.
As you can imagine, all these efforts involve a tremendous amount of time, technology, cost and effort. The introduction of GAIN 2 Ultra Analog™ maintains Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab’s position as the world’s leading audiophile record label, where a passion for music with extraordinary sound quality matters most.
https://store.acousticsounds.com/images/FormatIcons/180gram.jpg RTI 180 HQ Vinyl
Record Technology is a world class record pressing plant located in Camarillo, California. We have been operating since 1974, pressing for most audiophile record labels and for many quality minded independent and major record labels from around the world.
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