Dire Straits - Sultans Of Swing

Sunday, time for a classic!

"Sultans of Swing" is a song by British rock band DIRE STRAITS from their eponymous debut album, which band frontman Mark Knopfler wrote and composed. Although it was first released in 1978, it was its 1979 re-release that caused it to become a hit in both the UK and U.S.

The song was recorded at Pathway Studios, North London, in July 1977 and quickly acquired a following after it was put on rotation at Radio London. Its popularity soon reached record executives, and DIRE STRAITS were offered a contract with Phonogram Records. The song was then re-recorded in February 1978 at Basing Street Studios for the band's debut album. The record company wanted a less-polished rock sound for the radio, so an alternative version was recorded at Pathway Studios in April 1978 and released as the single in some countries including the United Kingdom and Germany.

The music for "Sultans of Swing" was composed by Mark Knopfler on a National Steel guitar in an open tuning, though Knopfler did not think very highly of it at first. As he remembered, "I thought it was dull, but as soon as I bought my first Strat in 1977, the whole thing changed, though the lyrics remained the same. It just came alive as soon as I played it on that ’61 Strat which remained my main guitar for many years and was basically the only thing I played on the first album and the new chord changes just presented themselves and fell into place."

The inspiration for the song came from witnessing a jazz band playing in the corner of a practically deserted pub in Deptford, South London. At the end of their performance, the lead singer announced that they were the "Sultans of Swing", and Knopfler found the contrast between the group's dowdy appearance and surroundings and their grandiose name amusing.

Today's tune "Sultans of Swing" is a fully-formed, blues-drenched tune that set the musically standard and trademark for the band. Today's version is Alchemy Live, Recorded at the Hammersmith Odeon in London on 22–23 July 1983. Enjoy!



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Official Mark Knopfler Web

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Eric Clapton - After Midnight

Thursday, time for a cover. As we did J.J. Cale last Sunday, lets play Eric Clapton's version.

"After Midnight" is a rock song by J.J. Cale, first released in 1966. Eric Clapton later covered it for his eponymous album, released in 1970. Clapton's rendition became a success, prompting Cale to re-record the song for Cale's 1972 album Naturally. In 1988, Clapton later re-recorded the song for a Michelob beer commercial and then released the re-recording as a single. "After Midnight" is considered one of Clapton's signature songs throughout his career. Other artists cover the song in later years.

The tune can be found on "Eric Clapton" is the debut solo album from British rock musician Eric Clapton, released in August 1970 under Atco and Polydor Records.

After being successful with bands including THE YARDBIRDS, JOHN MAYALL & THE BLUESBREAKERS, CREAM and BLIND FAITH, Clapton recorded an album under his own name in late 1969 and early 1970. The album cover shows Clapton sitting in a room which is going to be decorated and in which a ladder, a chair and some carpets are placed. Clapton holds a cigarette in his right hand and has his Fender Stratocaster Brownie electric guitar with him.



Eric Clapton and Mark Knopfler performing live during Claptons 25th Anniversary Tour in Shoreline Amphitheatre, Mountain View, San Francisco, USA - 21st September 1988.


Eric Clapton and Steve Winwood - After Midnight (Live from Madison Square Garden 2008)



More info @

Official Eric Clapton Web

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