CD REVIEW: MARK KNOPFLER-- SHANGRI-LA (8 OUT OF 10)
Mark Knopfler has been around. Since his days with the influential and often-hailed rock group Dire Straits who disbanded in 1991, guitarist-singer-songwriter Knopfler has been involved in all aspects of the music business, from writing soundtracks for popular films (Wag the Dog, The Princess Bride) to collaborating with musicians like Eric Clapton and Bob Dylan. His fourth solo album, Shangri-La, released on September 28, further proves Knopfler’s worth in the world of rock n’ roll with subdued ballads, mellow rhythms, clever lyrics, and his signature guitar work.
Written and produced by Knopfler, the album showcases a more mature side of the man responsible for the popular MTV anthem, “Money for Nothing.” The mellow tone of Shangri-La is established early on with the clean sounds of the opening lullaby, “5:15 a.m.” The listener is immediately pulled in by the simple beat and Knopfler’s soft voice as he sings about the misadventures of a lonely bandit.
The following track, “Boom, Like That,” picks up the pace with its straightforward guitar-driven rock while the hired help, consisting of Richard Bennet (rhythm guitar), Glen Worf (bass), Chad Cromwell (drums), Jim Cox (piano), and Guy Fletcher (organ), lend their skills in creating simple rhythms and calm melodies. It’s refreshing to hear musicians that don’t feel the need to show off. Knopfler’s collection of players is perfect in this case. The respect and chemistry that they display in their playing is maintained throughout the album making it unlike most other solo efforts.
The calming flow of Knopfler’s music pours gently out of the speakers as the album progresses towards the soft rock of “Our Shangri-La,” a song of lost love. Other highlights include the blues-heavy “Song for Sonny Liston,” and the Spanish flavor of “Postcards from Paraguay.” His versatility in songwriting can be seen through the variety styles each song touches upon. While songs like “Don’t Crash the Ambulance” show influences of surf-rock, others like “Donegan’s Gone” owe much to country artists.
With four Grammy awards under his belt, Mark Knopfler is no slouch when it comes to his craft. This is an experienced musician who knows what good music sounds like and wears his influences proudly. Although he is a man who is notorious for his skill with the electric guitar, don’t expect any self-indulgent guitar solos or intense riffs, because Shangri-La offers none. What it does offer is straightforward rock n’ roll for anyone familiar with the work of similar artists like Tom Waits and Brian Wilson. It’s soft and it rocks, and luckily it won’t make you feel like you’re 40 years old if you enjoy it.
