Mark Knopfler – Golden Heart (1996)

Well, of course, Mark was the lead guitarist and singer with Dire Straits.  He had already written the soundtracks for a handful of films but decided on a solo career as Dire Straits were in almost semi-retirement and a bit past their triumphant best.  This album was indeed superb; a complete change of style – or rather styles, as it is very varied.  It feels as if Mark felt that now he had nothing to lose and could just play and write and sing whatever he fancied; a bit more folky, a bit more indie sounding – but still that great voice and guitar.   Favourite tracks of mine include the title track, ‘Darling Pretty’ and ‘Vic and Ray’, ‘Cannibals’ and‘ Rudiger’ – but this is one of those actually quite rare albums where there isn’t a poor track on it.  And with 14 tracks, several over 5 minutes long this is both great value for money, but if anything a bit too long.  I still quite like those early vinyl albums which were less than 20 minutes a side, some even coming in at 32 minutes in total – so you instantly wanted to hear it all again….whereas at 70 minutes or so you are quite exhausted and just want to hear something else.