Beautiful!! and Worth the Wait!!!!
JD Cetola | Omaha, NE USA | 11/22/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"David Knopfler, founder of the great Dire Straits has finally released his eighth solo album. Always a literate songwriter, David Knopfler manages to put thought-provoking and insightful lyrics to beautiful, acoustic music. The music (nearly 59 minutes worth) on "Wishbones" lives up to the stratospheric standard set on 1993's brilliant "The Giver" and the (until now) unprecedented magnificence of David Knopfler's last album, 1994's "Small Mercies" (Note: if you can find either of these cds, do yourself a favor and buy them--you won't be disappointed).The instrumentation on this album is much like the last two releases (by far his best in my estimation; although 1983's "Release" comes close)--and that's a good thing. Knopfler sings (and his voice continues to get better with age), plays piano (which is front and center), guitars, vibes, and mandolin. Back is the multi-talented Harry Bogdanovs on guitars, electric piano, banjo, bass (additional), and mandolin. Alan Clark shines on Hammond and Chris Rea adds his talent to the lead track, "A Clear Day (St Swithun's Day)"--a reference to the weather saint and just one example of Knopfler's literate songwriting skills. Eddi Reader contribues vocals for the album's weakest track (but by no means a weak track in and of itself), John Martyn's "May You Never" (the only track Knopfler didn't write although he co-wrote a couple tracks with Bogdanovs).Highlights include the Celtic-infected "Jericho", the brilliant "A Clear Day" (a great single if ever there's been one), the moving, haunting, jazzy "The Bones", the thought-provoking "If God Could Make the Angels", and my personal favorite, the poignant "The Snowscape Paperweight Girl". The bonus tracks (there are two) are no throwaways either. "Shadowlands" is a rollicking tune reminiscent of 'Double Dealing' from 1985's "Behind the Lines" and the acoustic version of "A Clear Day" is a worthy contrast to the electric version. This is an album full of beautiful melodies, brilliant lyricism, and showcases a tight band playing for the love of music. Music doesn't get much better than this. Very Highly Recommended."
David Knopfler's Masterpiece
Pat Brown | Round Rock, Tx United States | 01/13/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Almost 20 years ago I was in a record store in Dallas Texas and happened to hear "Release" spinning. Being a big Dire Straits fan I bought the album immediately."Release" was David's first solo effort and my favorite until today. Today I heard his finest CD "Wishbones".The first 5 cuts on this CD just blew me
away. Flawless production. Wonderful writing and his best Vocals I have heard EVER! The 6th cut was paying homage to Carla Faye Tucker who was given the death penalty in Texas. Just when you think the CD might be winding down a great track appears at the end. It was nice to hear David cover an old Clapton tune off of "Slowhand". The cut is "May you never" and it sent chills threw me hearing it. The bonus tracks are no throw aways either with "Shadowlands" being one of my favorite cuts.
Bravo to David Knopfler for this swan song CD."
Track Listings (14) - Disc #1