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Product Description
Amazon.co.uk Review
Up until now, Mark Knopfler seems to have had three separate modes of operation: there's been the moody rock style of Dire Straits, the quieter introspection of his soundtracks and the more boisterous lads-down-the-pub humour of his solo outings. With The Ragpicker's Dream, his third solo album, he indulges in all three, often to great effect. Naturally, the humorous tracks (the "King of the Road"-like "Quality Shoe" and Auf Wiedersehen Pet theme "Why Aye Man") are throwaway items. But when Knopfler mixes his two dearest loves--American roots music and the "real" life of the working-man--he produces some of his most heartfelt material to date. The title track is a sweet Christmas narrative, a downbeat "Fairytale of New York". "Marbletown" and "Coyote" are both Southern-style travelling songs, the latter being like an up-tempo "Ode to Billie Joe". Best of all, though, is the mournful and slightly loungey "A Place Where We Used to Live", in which the protagonist looks back on the poignant moments of a hard life. It's a beautiful song, almost matched by the delicate, and sorely troubled "Hill Farmer's Blues", the only track to feature major bursts of that trademark Dire Straits ambient guitar. Knopfler fans will love this album, and there's plenty for roots aficionados, too. --Dominic Wills
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
32 of 33 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
I was not a big fan of his 'Golden Heart' album and certainly preferred 'Sailing to Philadelphia'. However, this is certainly his best solo album yet. In this new album, there is a complete mix of all his styles from the electric blues guitar sounds of later straits tracks to acoustic country sounds. He has produced some wonderful new tracks and, as usual, seems to get the instruments talking between themselves, with superb build-ups starting with a quiet acoustic beat to a full blues electric guitar. All this linked together with some particularly good singing.
The only criticism that I would have is that there is not enough of it and the songs end too quickly. I miss some of those long guitar solo play-outs of old (Telegraph Road etc).....these will have to be witnessed live next year.
In conclusion, this is a must for anybody who appreciates true music.
The only criticism that I would have is that there is not enough of it and the songs end too quickly. I miss some of those long guitar solo play-outs of old (Telegraph Road etc).....these will have to be witnessed live next year.
In conclusion, this is a must for anybody who appreciates true music.
30 of 32 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
I lost interest with Dire Straits and Mark Knopfler pretty soon after "Brothers In Arms" but this solo collection was a pleasant surprise. It may not cause your jaw to drop but it's a really easy listen, immaculately played and produced and with enough little nuggets to warrant the investment (I bought the special 2 CD edition cheap here on Amazon which was a real deal.
Most of the tracks are laid back, rootsy blues and folk tunes with simple but effectrive arrangements that won't challenge but sooth. "You Don't Know You're Born" and "Coyote" are straight out of the J.J.Cale songbook, "Quality Shoe" wouldn't have sounded out-of-place on George Harrison's last album and there's a fair sprinkling of Geordie blue collar songs ("Why Aye Man" the theme from Auf Weidershen Pet is the only really upbeat track on the collection).
The mixture of North East folk and Americana works quite well, but some of the lyrics begin to grate for me after a while. At times it sounds a little like Springsteen -lite ("A Place Where we Used To Live")but overall it's a gentle, undemanding listen and quite refreshing compared to some of the more overblown corporate rock I began to associate with Dire Straits.
The Special Edition CD contains a live version of "Brothers in Arms" which still sends a shiver down my spine and is worth the purchase price alone.
If you like country blues, a bit of ragtime, a lot of J.J.Cale and some tasteful, un-pretentious guitar playing, this is a good buy. Don't expect to be blown away, play it on a Sunday morning reading the papers and you won't be disappointed.
21 of 23 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
Knopfler continues to write excellent melodies and will keep long time fans happy with the shades of blues not forgotten in his latest gift, the Ragpickers Dream. Listening to this album will remind you once again what drew millions to the Dire Straits of years ago. He shows us once again his brilliance for lyrics and his maturing sense of style that will tug at your soul. With a tale woven with music, he has captured the feeling of this theme with songs like "Why Aye Man" and "Quality Shoe". "The Ragpickers Dream" will forever be a favorite holiday song for me for years to come and "Coyote" is just a fun jam altogether.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Love the moods
I have to say that out of all of the albums I have by Mark this one is my favourite. I like the bluesy blue grass feel which matches his voice so well and have listened to this so... Read more
Published 2 months ago by C. J. Pointer
Fine music but over-indulgent
In this album, Mark knopfler indulges himself in playing many different types and styles of guitar, all of which he is exceptionally good at. Read more
Published 17 months ago by Comical Engineer
Knopfler's Best
One of Mark Knopfler's best solo albums. A folky feel but great variety too. Devil Baby, Why Aye Man, Quality Shoe, Daddy's Gone to Knoxville and the title track stand out but I... Read more
Published 19 months ago by Roger Partridge
Knopfler at his essential best
Knopfler returns to his essential best in this easy to listen to yet mind blowing rendition. I have it in the car for those long journeys. Read more
Published on 30 Jan 2010 by Mr. M. Armstrong
Missing the Mark
Apart from the opening track, `Why aye, man', which has all the elements a good song should have (at very least, enough lyrical deftness and musical hooks to make you want to... Read more
Published on 20 May 2008 by Confounder
Missing the Mark
Apart from the opening track, `Why aye, man', which has all the elements a good song should have (at very least, enough lyrical deftness and musical hooks to make you want to... Read more
Published on 20 May 2008 by Confounder
Quietly Beautiful
I only truly appreciated the quality of this album when I played it on a Sunday morning; it has that relaxed and easy feel to it, it's excellent lyrically and the music, especially... Read more
Published on 31 Mar 2008 by Michael Cater
Good old laid back rock and roll
You know what you'll get with this:Fine songs,lyrics-often with a twist,some brilliant moments of guitar playing and a slow-
laid back feeling all along. Read more
laid back feeling all along. Read more
Published on 3 Nov 2007 by I. S. K.
Keep on rolling, Geordie boy
It's no use comparing Knopfler's solowork with Dire Straits. The Straits are history, and they are relevant only to the extent that you can hear where Mark came from. Read more
Published on 8 Feb 2005 by Tigerrtje
Geordie meets the Deep South
Here is a man at peace with himself. Nothing to prove, happy to play simple, often quirky (eg. Why Aye Man and Quality Shoe) country-blues songs that appeal to him and blow what... Read more
Published on 28 Jan 2004 by Andy Millward
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