Dire Straits - Down Under Sydney Broadcast 1986 Volume One

Dire Straits - Down Under Sydney Broadcast 1986 Volume One (Printed 2020)
Limited Edition 2LP Vinyl

Released in 2020, Down Under Sydney Broadcast 1986 Volume One is a limited edition vinyl release that captures a legendary performance by Dire Straits at the Sydney Entertainment Centre on March 19, 1986. This concert, part of their Brothers in Arms Tour, is one of the standout live performances from the band's mid-80s peak, shortly after the massive success of their album Brothers in Arms (1985). The album offers fans a chance to hear Mark Knopfler and the band in their prime, delivering powerhouse versions of their hits and more intimate, atmospheric moments.

Originally broadcast live on Australian radio, the recording was meticulously restored for this vinyl release. It showcases the band's ability to take their studio hits and re-interpret them in the live setting with additional depth and intensity. This release is an important part of the ongoing wave of live recordings from the 1980s, offering fans the rare opportunity to hear the band in full concert mode, with the electric energy that defined their live performances.

Track Listing:

Side A:

1. Intro (Live)
2. So Far Away
3. Money for Nothing
4. Walk of Life
5. Your Latest Trick

Side B:

1. Why Worry
2. Brothers in Arms
3. The Man's Too Strong

Side C:

1. Tunnel of Love
2. Private Investigations
3. Solid Rock

Side D:

1. Sultans of Swing
2. Two Young Lovers
3. Southbound Again (Live)

Musical Performance:

During this 1986 performance, Dire Straits delivered a finely tuned, dynamic set that showcased the range and depth of their catalog. The band was known for its tight, professional live shows during this period, and this recording is no exception. The performance is a perfect mix of technical proficiency and emotional engagement, with Knopfler’s distinct finger-picking guitar style taking center stage.

• Mark Knopfler provides a masterclass in guitar playing, alternating between fluid solos and mellower, finger-picked passages, creating a musical landscape that spans from vibrant rockers like “Money for Nothing” to haunting, introspective tracks like “Private Investigations.”
• The rhythm section of John Illsley (bass) and Pick Withers (drums) delivers a steady, powerful backbone, while Alan Clark’s keyboards add atmosphere and layers to the performance.
• The crowd is an integral part of the experience, with their energy becoming part of the sonic fabric, particularly during the anthemic choruses of songs like "Sultans of Swing" and "Money for Nothing."

The band’s improvisational skills are also on display, particularly during extended instrumental sections of songs like "Sultans of Swing," where Knopfler allows his guitar to stretch out and explore new territories.

Key Highlights:

• "Money for Nothing" – The crowd’s response is immediate, and Mark Knopfler's iconic guitar riff shines through in this live rendition, giving the song an even more raw, visceral energy. The track maintains its anthemic power but adds a layer of improvisation that brings a new flavor to the familiar hit.

• "Sultans of Swing" – A highlight of the concert, this classic song is given a fresh live treatment. The extended guitar solos and improvised flourishes give it a looser, more spontaneous feel compared to the studio version.

• "Brothers in Arms" – This solemn track, known for its deep emotional resonance, takes on even more weight in the live setting. Knopfler’s voice and guitar work combine with the band’s sympathetic performance to create a moment of musical introspection.

• "Private Investigations" – A standout track in the set, "Private Investigations" builds tension and atmosphere with its sparse, moody instrumental breaks and Knopfler’s storytelling lyrics. The live version adds even more drama, with a more dynamic arrangement than the original studio cut.

Vinyl Edition:

This 2LP vinyl edition is pressed on 180-gram vinyl, ensuring excellent sound quality. The album comes in a gatefold sleeve, offering a visually striking presentation, and includes a full-sized booklet with liner notes, photographs from the tour, and additional background information. The packaging and design reflect the vintage 1980s aesthetic, aligning with the period of the performance and making it an attractive item for collectors.

The Legacy of the 1986 Sydney Concert:

The Sydney Broadcast 1986 concert captures Dire Straits at a pivotal moment in their career. By 1986, Brothers in Arms had propelled them to international stardom, and the band’s live performances were refined, polished, and hugely popular. The Brothers in Arms Tour is widely considered one of the band's best, marked by flawless performances and the perfect blend of studio hits with live improvisation.

In the 1980s, Dire Straits was one of the few bands able to seamlessly combine technical proficiency with emotional storytelling, and this concert is a testament to that. The performance is tight, professional, and at times even intimate, capturing a sense of camaraderie between the band and the audience that made their live shows special.

Conclusion:

Down Under Sydney Broadcast 1986 Volume One is an essential live recording for fans of Dire Straits and Mark Knopfler. It presents the band at a time when they were at the height of their creative and commercial powers, offering a thrilling live experience with fantastic renditions of their most iconic songs. Whether you're a long-time fan or a newer listener, this release gives you an unmissable snapshot of Dire Straits' live prowess and the energy of the Brothers in Arms tour.

The 2020 vinyl reissue is a beautiful collector’s item, and the high-quality sound and packaging make it an excellent way to experience this live show from one of the greatest rock bands of the era.

The original packaging for this item has been opened in error. The album and the covering still remain in Minc condition