As a fan of Mark Knopfler for many years, I've always bought his solo albums. Each album has had stand out tracks, but sometimes they have had ones less engaging too. However, Privateering is different. After listening through, I've yet to find a track that makes me ponder about reaching for the skip button.



Mr Knopfler givesus on what can be described as a musical time capsule. He has long advocated hat he plays the kinds of music he likes and what he grew up with, Privateering is the epitome of this. Varied musical styles from ballads and reflective songs, through blues and rock and roll. So may times I feel I am listening to styles of music from the 50s and 60s, the era of Mark's youth...



Throughout the album there are the occasional chord change or riff that sends my mind back to earlier solo albums, its as if Mr Knopfler has drawn on his earlier experiences to make a more rounded, complete album this time. I recall an interview in the build up to his first solo album Golden Heart, that after Dire Straits he took a break and then began re-acquainting himself with his guitar skills, and to broaden his chordal knowledge. I feel this album provides a fascinating insight to how a musician never stops learning, with some sublime guitar skill and thoughtful songwriting.



If you are one of the people who cannot look beyond the Dire Straits era, think again, Mark Knopfler is going to re-educate you. If you haven't listened to this album yet, what's wrong with you?