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Conversation: Mark Knopfler
Mark Knopfler. Photo (c) Zariah
Posted by Jeffrey Brown , September 18, 2009

"Before gas and TV, before people had cars, we'd sit round the fires, pass around a guitar, remembering songs," sings Mark Knopfler on his new album, "Get Lucky" -- conjuring a distinctly different era from his 1985 Dire Straits hit 'Money For Nothing', with its famous chorus, I want my MTV. On his new solo album "Get Lucky," the Grammy-award winning singer/songwriter and guitar great takes an almost nostalgic look at the people and places he encountered growing up in Britain, painting their portraits through a blend of rock, blues, and folk. "Get Lucky" was released earlier this week, which was when he spoke to us from his home in London.

Below is Mark Knopfler's video for "Cleaning My Gun," from the album "Get Lucky":

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Comments

  • Posted:
    09/18/09 at
    06:08 PM
    Richard : Mark Knopfler is my very favorite guitarist. Cal, The Princess Bride... Dire Straights... all of it. he's incredible. "Serve the song." Great. Thanks for the interview Jeffrey.
  • Posted:
    09/18/09 at
    06:58 PM
    Clintonstain : Note to the webmaster: it would be great if you included samples of the songs in the interview,samples or links to the samples somewhere on the same page in your next similar article. It helps to put the interview in context. Good interview.
  • Posted:
    09/18/09 at
    07:09 PM
    Doug C. : One the greatest song writers and guitarists of the last century. As a song writer and singer he is right up there and equal to Bob Dylan, Paul Simon, Bruce Springsteen, Willie Nelson and Brian Wilson. As a guitarist he has no peer. His tone is amazing. And the quality of his CDs seems to be improving with every new issue, the arrangements and side men providing just the right environment for the songs. Of the six slots in my car stereo, three are always Knopfler.
  • Posted:
    09/18/09 at
    07:15 PM
    Kim : Great interview. I am a long time fan and appreciated hearing The Man speak about his work.
  • Posted:
    09/18/09 at
    07:39 PM
    Art Beat Editor Author Profile Page : Clintonstain, that is a very, very good point. We've added a video to the post. Thanks.
  • Posted:
    09/18/09 at
    08:37 PM
    zelmo : I love Mark Knopfler's "Ragpicker's Dream" especially the title song (written in 3/4--you don't get that much from modern day songwriters). This was an excellent interview with a bona fide legend who just keeps playing, exploring, and coming up with solid songs that go way beyond the scope of what most songwriters even attempt. I look forward to the new cd.
  • Posted:
    09/18/09 at
    08:41 PM
    john maloney : Mr. Knopfler only gets better as he continues to hammer out another masterpeice. For anyone who has not had the opportunity to listen to some of his earlier (post-dire straits) efforts, give them all a listen. Whether it's Sailing to Philadelphia, Shangri-La, Ragpickers Dream, Kill to get Crimson. Rich melodies, wonderous lyrics, excellent guitar work and married to everything around it. Truly one of the greatest musicians, songwriters we've had the pleasure to listen to.
  • Posted:
    09/18/09 at
    10:15 PM
    Jean-Pierre : I was an undergraduate at the University of Ottawa when the eponymous "Dire Straits" was released, a similarly themed album featuring portraits of individuals from Knopfler's London. The first time I heard Sultans of Swing, I was shooting pool in the Student's Union building at the U of O and the sound system in the room was tuned to a local rock station. Everyone else in the room at the time did what I did: we stopped and listened to this amazing new guitarist. I have been a fan ever since. Thank you for the interview.
  • Posted:
    09/19/09 at
    12:23 AM
    wavymouse : Wonderful idea, but I see no interview. I see a video and a speaker link for listening. If I had speakers, this would be great! As it is, it is only sad and Knopflerless... what about us readers?
  • Posted:
    09/19/09 at
    02:37 AM
    kathy : I am anxiously awaiting the new cd. I love Mark Knopfler's unique song writing, his brilliant guitar playing. His has a way of looking at the world that is honest, poetic, and the way he puts it to music is a one-of-a-kind gift to his listeners. Good interview and thanks for the song.
  • Posted:
    09/19/09 at
    04:08 PM
    Sunny : Great interview of a great guitarist I'm just now discovering after 30+ of loving and performing as a musician. Mark Knopfler has a signature sound that draws you in and creates a musical and emotional space most other artists neglect altogether or are not able to approach. I will look forward to his new CD.
  • Posted:
    09/19/09 at
    04:57 PM
    Mark Ryan, Dallas : Mr.Knopfler's Money For Nothing inspired me to write a country version I call Hunk In A Hat.
  • Posted:
    09/20/09 at
    01:37 AM
    jojo : How did Dire Straits/MK ever come up with the Money For Nothing video, so surreal, so modern. Way beyond the era Reminds me of Marshall MacKuin The media is the message, but darker
  • Posted:
    09/21/09 at
    01:27 AM
    Audrey : The song is king and MK is such a storyteller, It will be lovely to see him again!!!
  • Posted:
    09/21/09 at
    01:18 PM
    Kathy : Great video, but the interview seems to have disappeared.
  • Posted:
    09/21/09 at
    01:39 PM
    Art Beat Editor Author Profile Page : Kathy, Just click the "Listen" icon just above the video.
  • Posted:
    09/21/09 at
    10:25 PM
    kainwindsor : Album of the year? An aging rocker that is gracefully showing us the way as baby boomers enjoying current life and a retrospect of the past.
  • Posted:
    09/22/09 at
    03:31 PM
    Sharon : So what is an Albion?
  • Posted:
    09/26/09 at
    05:29 PM
    Michelle : Mark is AWESOME! I'm one of his youngest fans! Each album keeps getting better and better! He is so gifted and his music is a blessing to us all! :)
  • Posted:
    10/ 1/09 at
    02:03 PM
    emcee : Sharon - An Albion is a make of truck. See one from the era described in the song here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/27204054@N07/3686386615/
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