Live at the BBC

"Live at the BBC" was the final album on Mark Knopfler's contract for Dire Straits, and it was the third completely live album to be released by the band (first being  Alchemy  and second  On the Night ). This album consists of eight songs, the first seven recorded in 1978 and the eighth in 1981.I must admit that I was not a fan of this album on first hearing, but I grow fonder of it with every listen. The performances are simply the songs from the studio albums, but they carry that live feel that Knopfler feeds off of - they aren't just lifted off the records and played over. I find these recordings to be particularly enjoyable due to Knopfler's shy and brief descriptions and introductions for each song. To hear Knopfler describe a song as a "strange idea" always makes me chuckle.The liner booklet is sans lyrics but includes a nice retrospective, two-page history of the band and brief information regarding these recordings, written by Charlie Gillett in 1995. It also includes one picture of each band member. The overall album art flows well, consisting mainly of sepia-tone and grayscale themes (if that's important to someone like you, or like me).My favourite tracks, out of eight, are "What's the Matter Baby?," "Wild West End," and "Down to the Waterline." "What's the Matter Baby?" was co-written by Knopfler's brother David, but it was never officially released on a studio album, which is a shame because it's a good song.Overall, this is a stripped-down recording, laid back and you could really picture any of these songs played in places that Knopfler has haunted over the years. It's not the greatest live album ever or the best release from Dire Straits but it provides a more intimate look into the then-four man band before they were famous.

I love this album, especially after listening to Dire Straits (the album) so often as of late. I will say that it appears that during this recording, they hadn't fine tuned their sound. I like that the guitar and bass sounds a bit raw and gritty, but if you listen to other live DS albums, it's obvious that this record was recorded before they really dialed in their sound. The one song I always skip is "What's the Matter Baby" which was co-written with David Knopfler. I've read that to complete their contractual obligations, they threw this album together and made it the last Dire Straits album to be release.

First I want to say I was delighted when my CD arrived much sooner than expected, and from Germany!Second, what a great album/performance! Incredibly rich sound and some of my favorite tracks from Dire Straits. The only thing that would be better would be a time machine to travel back and be at the show, but until I get my hands on one, this will do. Just fantastic.

This is a must-have for DS listeners. If you listen to cut#7 "What's The Matter Baby" it is an earlier version of "Expresso Love" and I think this progression is informative for musicians , to hear the maturity from this record to "On The Night' and "Alchemy" which are more complex versions of some song ideas.

If your a Dire Straits fan this is a must have CD. Super clean recording and a bit of a different take on each song, love number 4 Wild West End.

Early recordings for one of the most unique and talented bands of the modern era. The beauty of these recordings is that you can hear how good this band is, and how an exec walking into a club and hearing Dire Straits would flip out. A must-hear for fans. the live version of "Down to The Waterline" is worth the price of admission alone.

Excellent. Obviously, the songs are performed on stage rather than outside a recording booth. Yes, the acoustics are raw and the occasional missed note to be expected. Despite such shortcomings, the band delivers a more heartfelt and transcendent performance than you'll find in the studio.

Good but short album of fantastic live performances. Six of the album's eight songs are from the DS debut album and is really for die hard DS fans only.

The first 7 tracks captured the band in their early days and at their best. Every band member's contribution creates a sound we will never hear live again. John Illsley's muscular bass, Pick Withers impeccable playing. David Knopfler's rhythm guitar is clearer than in the studio and Mark's lead guitar is incredible. One every Straits fan should own. An added bonus was the brother's track What's the Matter Baby which I'd never heard. Tunnel of Love is also a live classic. Buy it!

Every now and then a record comes along that just blows you away. The first record that had that effect on me was 'That'll Be The Day' by Buddy Holly. It was totally unique at that time and the same applies to Dire Straits 'Sultans Of Swing'. When I first heard it on a jukebox in a London pub back in the late 70s I just had to find out what the record was and go and buy it, which I did. The band wasn't at all showbizzy but attracted huge crowds wherever they played. The reason for this was that they were one of the few bands around, then or now, that could actually play, in my opinion, better live. This CD is a great early example of that. If you like Dire Straits you will love this CD. Great price too and the order was delivered before expected date.

Tracks from their first album, played in quite a low-key way, but with plenty of youthful energy that faded by the time they made Brothers In Arms. I agree with other reviewers that the last track is a waste of time. For some reason they tacked on a terrible recording of 'Tunnel of Love' from a few years later. It sounds like Mark's guitar is being played down a tunnel a hundred yards away. For many Dire Straits fans, Mark's guitar licks are the main draw, so it's baffling why anyone should think this recording would be appropriate here. But the rest of the CD is good.

Rarely am I moved to leave a music review but with this I make an exception. In my opinion this is one of the best live cds everIt is raw and real and the reproduction is amazing especially on a good hi fi system, so much so you feel you are actually there in the front row.Amazing tracks and live performance.

If you like Dire Straits when they were good - ie pre 'Brothers in Arms/Stadium gigs' then you'll like this.Mark Knopfler's introductions are a little 'unsophisticated' - but the music makes up for it.This is when the band had soul - Pick Withers on drums - one of the most underrated, talented, pocket-players ever.Nice recording - all the early classics on there.