Although it produced no hit singles, "Making Movies" is beyond question Dire Straits' masterpiece. Mark Knopfler's ripping guitar forms the backdrop for seven beautiful, haunting, fiercely personal cuts. Every song perfectly captures a deep human emotion, from the bitter heartache of "Romeo And Juliet" to the angry defiance of "Solid Rock" to the steamy lustfulness of "Expresso Love". There are no weak songs, though the bouncy and playful "Les Boys", which ends the album, seems a bit out of place compared to the six deadly earnest songs that precede it.

Yes, the album owes a heavy debt of gratitude to Springsteen, with many cuts building on the Boss's signature guitar/organ/piano framework. But, Knopfler's vocal delivery and deft guitar work, plus the band's sparser and cleaner arrangements, never allow you to forget that you're listening to Dire Straits. Only "Tunnel Of Love", which sounds like a cross between "Thunder Road" and "Sandy" strays a little too far into Bruce's territory but for that the boys can be forgiven.

One tip: this album must be heard in its entirety to be fully appreciated. It will take you on a rollercoaster ride of emotion, something that no greatest hits album can ever duplicate.

Mark Knophler's 1980 classic 'Making Movies' signaled a positive change in direction for this extraordinary guitarist and songwriter. David Knophler checks out on this one and is never missed. On this album, Mark Knophler moved away from the heavy blues influences that prevailed on the 'Dire Straits' and 'Communique' and created simply the greatest 5-song Rock'n'Roll Love Ballad ever recorded.

'Tunnel of Love' takes you to a familiar place with tasteful and riveting guitar interwoven with the message of love and passion. As if that is not enough, 'Romeo and Juliet' played entirely over a classical guitar melody brings to life the tale of two lovers vexed by time and circumstance. I can only think of Westside Story when I hear this again and again. There is no tiring of this song. 'Skateaway' and 'Expresso Love' continue this familiar lyrical theme with seductive harmonies and guitar licks at every turn. When I hear 'Solid Rock', you wonder if it really is Bob Dylan Singing!

The first 5 tracks on the LP/CD are arguably the most passionately executed love songs put to vinyl (or whatever) that I can ever remember. Maybe only Van Morrison rivals Knopler's ability to pen and play remarkable love ballads. If you are in love, this CD will move you to tears. If you are not, it will make you wish you were.

One often-forgotten notable on this LP/CD is Roy Bittan. His extraordinary piano accompaniment on each of these tracks is as integral as Knophler's guitar. If ever a session musician had a fundamental impact on the sound of a recording, it is here with Roy Bittan. Familiar to Springsteen fans, his piano accompaniment adds so much color to each track and compliments Knophler in a natural, beautiful way. To take him out of this recording, it would sound hollow and incomplete.

The only downer on this album is the final track 'Les Boys.' I am sure Knophler wishes he could have replaced this one with anything else. It completely does not fit with the perfection of the other 6 songs. Who knows what he was thinking with this song.

This album, while not initially a commercial success, has aged so well that it continues to be as fresh now as it was 20+ years ago.

If you've recently discovered the remarkable talents of guitarist/singer/songwriter Mark Knopfler through his recent solo effort "Sailing to Philadelphia," and have the urge to explore his earlier work with Dire Straits, "Making Movies" is a great place to start.

The band's third outing, released in 1980, is indispensable. Rolling Stone magazine ranked it among the most important albums of the decade, and it is often considered the band's-and Knopfler's-best work, and with good reason. It represented a spirit of experimentation in the songwriting that would carry over into much of the Straits' later efforts, as well as his own solo outings. It was the first time he played all the guitar parts himself (brother David left the band after "Communiqué," their second album), and it was also a first to have the substantial contributions of a keyboard player, the E Street Band's Roy Bittan.

Coproduced by Knopfler and Jimmy Iovine, the quality of the music is relentless. The stunning opener, "Tunnel of Love," is an epic on an almost classical scale. The song begins innocently enough with "The Carousel Waltz," which sounds just like its title suggests, and suddenly bursts open with Knopfler's signature riffs, Pick Withers' crashing drums, and John Illsley's thundering bass. The lyrics swirl a myriad of amusement-park imagery at the listener, the perfect setting for its tale of youth, love, and heartbreaking loss. Unlike many of the songwriter's story/character songs, this one feels oddly personal, as if Knopfler himself is overcome by the poignancy of these memories.

"Romeo and Juliet" is sweetly romantic, while "Skateaway" is just pure fun. Although the first three songs are lengthy, they literally seem to fly by, as the soaring, melodic guitar solos and rich textures make you forget about the clock on the wall.

"Expresso Love" and "Solid Rock" are both equally rollicking numbers, but "Hand in Hand" brims with sorrow at another relationship starting to dissolve. The closing track, "Les Boys," is a somewhat comedic slice-of-life tale about a gay nightclub in Germany, and proves that Knopfler can be inspired by just about anything.

A must-have for any fan of classic rock, stellar guitar playing, and fascinating songwriting, it is an essential addition to any CD collection. The music has lost none of its punch or relevancy over the years; it sounds as fresh today as it did then. The soon-to-be-released digitally remastered reissue should be a glorious listen for devotees and newcomers alike.

This wonderful, beautiful work is on my top five album list of all time. I have a confession: when all my friends were listening to Dire Straits in the early 80's, I could not STAND THEM! Well, then I heard Skateaway for the first time, & I am happy to admit how wrong I was. I picked up the album for the one song, and like everyone else here, could not stop listening...From the beginning notes of R & H's "CAROUSEL" (pure genius for crying out loud!),you knew you were in for a different experience. Tunnel of Love is amazing, and to repeat everyone else, I can listen to the ending over and over (and over). Romeo and Juliet brings me to tears with it's heartwringing message. I am a convert after this painstakingly beautiful album.

I have the first two CD's by Dire Straight and I think that you are either going to get Mark Knopler or you aren't. I enjoy his work but I would imagine, like most of his fans, I realize he doesn't have a great singing voice in a traditional sense. However, the way he works that to his advantage is what is so interesting about his work. Plus, he's a maestro on the guitar. I think that if you like the first album, you'll like this album and vice versa. I think I like "Skate Away" more than "Sultan's of Swing". "Solid Rock" is real spirited rocker and I don't think I will get tired of that one. All the other cuts on the second album are enjoyable if you can appreciate Knopler's clever songwriting. But, if you don't, he always has some nice guitar work to latch onto. But, if you don't like tasty guitar licks, then you probably won't enjoy Dire Straights.