Dire Straits - Communique

Artist - Dire Straits

Title - Communique

Format - 2x 180-gram 45 rpm Vinyl LP with Gatefold Jacket

Label - Mobile Fidelity

Mastered and Lacquer Cut by Krieg Wunderlich

Pressed at RTI

UPC - 821797246712

Knopfler's mesmerizing guitar textures and composed vocals appear as if they're right in front of you, holding court amidst expansive soundstages and deep-black backgrounds. Details, imaging, and presence are on a level associated with the finest audiophile recordings. You'll be hard-pressed to find another LP with cleaner, pinpoint-accurate tones.

More than 40 years after its original release in June 1979, Communique rightfully takes its place as the group's most underrated record - a nine-track set spiked with engaging storytelling, relaxed vibes, and deceiving simplicity.

Mastered from the original master tapes and pressed at RTI, Mobile Fidelity's 180g 45RPM 2LP set of Communique elevates Dire Straits' sophomore album to an even higher plane. The songs benefit from a laidback approach that makes guitarist/vocalist Mark Knopfler and company's stellar playing seem even more fluent - particularly when experienced on this collector's 45RPM version, on which the wider grooves allow for more detail retrieval and deeper musical insight.