Dire Straits query.

Tight Git · 16-01-2006, 8:31 PM

(Sorry if this has been asked before, but I've done a long search on the Forum without luck.)

Could a Dire Straits fan please tell me if the FULL version of "Sultans of Swing" is available on CD?

I mean the version they play at concerts and lasts over 10 mins.

Many thanks.

Floodedstatue · 16-01-2006, 10:19 PM

There is a 10+ minute live version on the 'Alchemy' 2CD set.

I don't think there's ever been a 10+ minute studio version done before!?

per-Sony-fied · 16-01-2006, 11:47 PM

There are two studio versions. The Album and single version. The album version being better IMO being a straity fan. It is slightly more laid back and slower. The single version was probably given a bit of a kick up the arse to be successful. Neither being near the length you mention. The Album version is 5m47s

The only live version comes from Alchemy as stated but since it's a diabolical recording I'd steer clear of it.

Mark knopfler has always known to be creative with his songs and forever messing around with them and hence many of the songs on tour were, by the time Dire straits had finished touring, actually radically different to the studio pressings. I'd say just about everyone that got the Mark treatment ended up being leaps and bounds above the studio recordings. It's about time there was an upto date Live album.

FeisalK · 17-01-2006, 4:27 AM

just stay away from this one

its got a TRUNCATED SoS (end guitar solo fades after a few seconds) *GRRR*

Tight Git · 17-01-2006, 5:37 PM

Thanks to everyone who replied.

I have "Dire Straits at Wembley", recorded many moons ago off Ch4, which included the long version.

Needless to say, the sound quality is not up to much.

What I'm really after is a studio recording, as I prefer not to hear all the shouts and whistles from the enthusiastic audience.

Unless anyone else knows different, it would seem I'm out of luck.

per-Sony-fied · 18-01-2006, 12:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tight Git

What I'm really after is a studio recording, as I prefer not to hear all the shouts and whistles from the enthusiastic audience.

Unless anyone else knows different, it would seem I'm out of luck.

Yep there's no two ways about it you're out of luck.

There were only ever 2 studio recordings that NEVER got revamped.

1. From the album - Dire straits
2. The single release - Sultans of swing

It's possible but very very slim possible that at the time a 12" single version was released (dunno if they released one) that may have had a longer cut of it. However as this was from early days it seems unlikely they had thoughts in their mind to provide a extended studio version. I think your best bet is to hunt down a live version which is more likely to be boot legged.

If I remember correctly they played at Live Aid (they did!) and I'm sure they sung Sultans of swing there. Certainly not the best performance given the gear that they had to use but far better quality and drive than Alchemy.

Tight Git · 18-01-2006, 11:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by per-Sony-fied

If I remember correctly they played at Live Aid (they did!) and I'm sure they sung Sultans of swing there. Certainly not the best performance given the gear that they had to use but far better quality and drive than Alchemy.

You've jogged my memory and realised that Live Aid is where I first heard the longer version.

In fact I've got the recording somewhere up in the loft (on the old Phillips VCR Format!).

Of course, it's mono and no better than the VHS recording off Ch4.

Thanks again for your interest.

per-Sony-fied · 18-01-2006, 5:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tight Git

You've jogged my memory and realised that Live Aid is where I first heard the longer version.

In fact I've got the recording somewhere up in the loft (on the old Phillips VCR Format!).

Of course, it's mono and no better than the VHS recording off Ch4.

Thanks again for your interest.

Just go and buy the DVD. Why bother with an old relic

, unless of course ya just can't wait. Think my mate recorded it on his Akai Hi-Fi stereo VCR.... gawd knows where my mate is now tho'

Tight Git · 18-01-2006, 10:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by per-Sony-fied

Just go and buy the DVD.

What, for one song?

TG has his reputation to protect!

per-Sony-fied · 19-01-2006, 1:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tight Git

What, for one song?

TG has his reputation to protect!

But you're getting a Dire straits unique performance. Not just 1 song about 3.

Gee that's about 20 mins of extacy by my reckoning

C'mon those guys are genius's how could you deprive them royalty's for such a fantastic piece of work (although they probably get nowt in this case).

Don't forget you've also got the fantastic Who.

I'd buy it for that sole reason alone if I couldn't get it elsewhere. Sure due to it's age you could pick it up cheap somewhere too.

Tight Git · 19-01-2006, 1:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by per-Sony-fied

... due to its age you could pick it up cheap somewhere too.

Now you're talking my language!

I thought they were around £25.

Please point me in the right direction.

per-Sony-fied · 19-01-2006, 11:06 PM

After some perusing It looks like Ebay to be your best bet. Many have fetched at close of auction for around 10/12 quid. Get on the right bandwagon and you could come away with a real sub tenner bargain

Also came across "Live Aid 20 years ago" for £10 from Amazon and many places. Not sure what the difference is... clearly is a more upto date version, released in 2004.

newbie265 · 20-01-2006, 12:37 AM

It;s about time some Dire Straits concerts got the 5.1 treatment especially alchemy and the last gig in australia in 1986 BIA tour. Also the Mandela performance (I was there) with Eric Clapton was fantastic.