Dire Straits - Brothers in Arms

Brothers in Arms brought the atmospheric, jazz-rock inclinations of Love Over Gold into a pop setting, resulting in a surprise international best-seller. Of course, the success of Brothers in Arms was helped considerably by the clever computer-animated video for "Money for Nothing," a sardonic attack on MTV. But what kept the record selling was Mark Knopfler's increased sense of pop songcraft -- "Money for Nothing" had an indelible guitar riff, "Walk of Life" is a catchy up-tempo boogie variation on "Sultans of Swing," and the melodies of the bluesy "So Far Away" and the down-tempo, Everly Brothers-style "Why Worry" were wistful and lovely. Dire Straits had never been so concise or pop-oriented, and it wore well on them. Though they couldn't maintain that consistency through the rest of the album -- only the jazzy "Your Latest Trick" and the flinty "Ride Across the River" make an impact -- Brothers in Arms remains one of their most focused and accomplished albums, and in its succinct pop sense, it's distinctive within their catalog. [In 2005 Mercury released a 20th anniversary limited edition version of Brothers in Arms in the Hybrid/SACD format.] ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide

Name Credits Alan Clark Keyboards Andrew Prewett Design Bob Ludwig Mastering Bruce Lampcov Assistant Chris Myring Transfer Assistant Chuck Ainlay Mixing, Producer Dave Plews Horn Deborah Feingold Photography Graham Meek Transfer Assistant Guy Fletcher Keyboards, Vocals Jack Sonni ? Jimmy Maelen Percussion Jo Motta Project Coordinator John Illsley Bass, Vocals Jon Bailey Assistant Malcolm Duncan ? Mark Knopfler Guitar, Vocals, Producer Michael Brecker Horn Mike Mainieri Vocals (Background) Neil Dorfsman Engineer, Producer Neil Jason Bass Omar Hakim Drums Randy Brecker Horn Robert Sandell Liner Notes Steve Jackson Assistant Sting Vocals Sutton Cooper Sleeve Art, Design Terry Williams Drums Thomas Stever Artwork Tony Levin Bass