On the Night - Dire Straits (CD 1993)

"On The Night" was recorded at Netherlands and France during Dire Straits 1991-92 world tour in support of "On Every Street".

The album features quite a few Dire Strait classics in addition to the 5 songs taken off "On Every Street". Its also one of the few albums which captures the energy and spontaneity of a live rock concert. Loaded with Mark's fluid guitar work and graced by his stately stage presence (even though this isn't a video) this album packs some punch.

The DS classics are there with some new twists added to spice up the live versions of the songs. The out-of-this-world sax intro to the all-time great "Romeo and Juliet" is a knockout! There's a hot bluesy lead guitar intro on "Heavy Fuel", that would whet the appetite of even the most starved guitar enthusiast. There's plenty of good stuff - "Calling Elvis", "Walk Of Life","Money For Nothing", "Your Latest Trick", "Brothers In Arms", "The Bug" (bonus track - available on some CDs), "You And Your Friend", "Solid Rock"(bonus track - available on some CDs), "Private Investigations" and "On Every Street'. Each of these songs is studded with some lovely improvisation by all musicians.
In particular, "Wild Theme (from Local Hero)"(bonus track - available on some CDs) was simply beautiful.


There was one thing I wasn't to happy with, because it seemed out place i.e. the pedal steel guitar solo on "Money For Nothing". Its a good solo but in the wrong song. In addition, the sound quality is not up to Dire Straits' usual high standard, but its still well above average.

Notwithstanding, this is still a powerhouse. Enjoy DS "live" in your living room when you buy the album!

If you've bought the album and like it , try "On Every Street" which has similar feel minus the "live" touch. And, if you don't already own "Brothers In Arms" - buy it, you'll love it.