Highlights: Haul Away, Privateering, Radio City Serenade, Dream Of The Drowned Submariner
It’s telling and rather
sad that the first thing you want to say about the new Mark Knopfler album is
that it doesn’t have one bad song on it (and for a double, 20-track LP, that is
certainly quite impressive). However, it’s all about another question: just how
great is the whole thing? Well, not too great, of course (Knopfler doesn’t do
those). As expected, Privateering is yet
another thoughtful, well-written, profoundly good Mark Knopfler album. As cozy
and reliable as the chilly, drizzly November rain outside your window.
So I guess it all comes
down to just how much edge Mark’s latest has. No surprises here either: the
usual amount. Doesn’t quite compare to Kill
To Get Crimson (still my favourite album of his), but with some serious
editing Privateering could be a minor
classic. Drenched in his laidback, effortless guitar playing, velvety voice and
tasteful melancholy, the album has enough solid material to make it
indispensable for anyone with a remote interest in the man. Gorgeous ballads
are among his all-time best: songs like “Seattle” or “Radio City Serenade” are
as weary and understated as they are poignant and heartbreaking.
Interestingly, the
problem with Privateering is too much
blues. And one could of course argue that Mark Knopfler’s songs have always had
that bluesy (sometimes waltzy) flavour to them… So what’s the big deal this
time? Well, this time at least one half of these songs are just straight-up,
totally anonymous blues numbers that could have been composed by anyone. They
are tasteful and expertly played, granted, but where’s the identity?
Still, there’s just too
much good stuff here to be disappointed. So even if I do want to cut this thing
in two – I still give Privateering its
beautiful, well-deserved 7 without any doubts or second thoughts. Another worthy addition to Knopfler's worthy catalogue.
7/10
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