Dire Straits fans often gush over the first, self-titled album, Brothers in Arms, and On Every Street.
Years ago, when their sophomore effort, Communique hit the record racks, it quickly became a favorite. It’s one of those records that didn’t have a big hit single, yet is consistently excellent from start to finish. Where the original S/T album is more about acceleration, with “Sultans of Swing,” and “Down to the Waterline,” Communique is about pace. “Lady Writer” is the only track that begins to approach the exuberance of the tracks on the first album, but that’s ok.
Communique is one of those albums that pass you by before you know it. The entire record is wide open and spacious, with layer upon layer of great guitar work, and a soundstage that fills the room. If you haven’t spent any time with this record, perhaps a quick stream to refresh your memory will convince you that a higher resolution copy is needed.
The MoFi LP remaster has a much quieter backdrop than an original pressing, but it is currently out of stock. For now, you can put your fingers on the MoFi SACD here. If you have an SACD player, this is worth adding to your collection, even if it’s only to tide you over until you can get your hands on the vinyl.
