[ ]   [ ]   [ ]                        [ ]      [ ]   [ ]
Dire Straits — Tunnel of Love
Album: Making Movies
Avg rating:
8.2

Your rating:
Total ratings: 4116









Released: 1980
Length: 7:59
Plays (last 30 days): 2
Getting crazy on the waltzers but it's the life that I choose
Sing about the six blade sing about the switchback and a torture tattoo
And I been riding on a ghost train where the cars they scream and slam
And I don't know where I'll be tonight but I'd always tell you where I am

In a screaming ring of faces I seen her standing in the light
She had a ticket for the races just like me she was a victim of the night
I put my hand upon the lever said let it rock and let it roll
I had the one arm bandit fever there was an arrow through my heart and my soul

And the big wheel keep on turning neon burning up above
And I'm just high on the world
Come on and take a low ride with me girl
On the tunnel of love

It's just the danger when you're riding at your own risk
She said you are the perfect stranger she said baby let's keep it like this
It's just a cakewalk twisting baby step right up and say
Hey mister give me two give me two 'cause any two can play

And the big wheel keep on turning neon burning up above
And I'm just high on the world
Come on and take a low ride with me girl
On the tunnel of love

Well it's been money for muscle another whirligig
Money for muscle another girl I dig
Another hustle just to make it big
And rock away rock away

And girl it looks so pretty to me just like it always did
Like the Spanish city to me when we were kids
Oh girl it looks so pretty to me just like it always did
Like the Spanish city to me when we were kids

She took off a silver locket she said remember me by this
She put her hand in my pocket I got a keepsake and a kiss
And in the roar of dust and diesel I stood and watched her walk away
I could have caught up with her easy enough but something must have made me stay

And the big wheel keep on turning neon burning up above
And I'm just high on the world
Come on and take a low ride with me girl
On the tunnel of love

And now I'm searching through these carousels and the carnival arcades
Searching everywhere from steeplechase to palisades
In any shooting gallery where promises are made
To rock away rock away from Cullercoats and Whitley bay out to rock away

And girl it looks so pretty to me like it always did
Like the Spanish city to me when we were kids
Girl it looks so pretty to me like it always did
Like the Spanish city to me when we were kids
Comments (415)add comment
This is such a great song and album. I love the addition of Roy Bittan on keyboards.
Just realized... the songwriting here reminds me of early Springsteen a la Greetings from Asbury Park.
 SgtBeefheart wrote:

Bet that is the first (and only) mention of the UK's Cullercoats and Whitley Bay in a rock song.



Don't forget Spanish City, loved it there as a kid.
Super 
I remember when this band first came out.  I thought it was Bob Dylan. 
Yeah, MK is a great guitarist, and DS is a great band, but really, how many times a day do they have to come up in the RP rotation?  I love RP too, but a little more variety would be so nice.  
An example of what it's like when in full thrall to the experience of the thrill side of life.  Just be mindful of what it's all like once the sparkly neon lights are turned off and there on the horizon peeks the sunrise, preparing to reveal to you all the grit.  A vampire life doesn't long survive the transition; it's a gift best done only when young.   But that's okay life, overall, goes on.   Here, let me loan you some shades.   
Highlow~
 reallylost wrote:

Why is this rubbish being played in the midst of an otherwise great RP set.  Dated as elephant flares.  One of the worst bands ever. 



Your user name fits you perfectly.
I just legit got the chills listening to this.  Saying it is a classic underrates this unbelievable piece.  What a masterpiece.  Knopfler is a gift to humankind.  May you live forever Mark!
Un must, j'avais 17 ans quand ce titre est sorti
Bet that is the first (and only) mention of the UK's Cullercoats and Whitley Bay in a rock song.

Simply brilliant and timeless👍
Pick Withers!  
 idiot_wind wrote:

some of the best guitar work ever...on this here song




Strew, but compared to the drumming, it's almost terrible.

Pick Withers is a phenomenon. 
When ever this comes on I immediately think it's "Jungleland".
This song, along with Romeo and Juliet are some of the greatest Rock songs ever!
 pkahl wrote:

MK's gotta be one of the most underrated guitarists of the modern era. Nevermind all the crowd-pleasing stuff he did with the latter-day Dire Straits - his solo efforts since then speak of a truly gifted, open and original musician. Check out his collaborations with Chet Atkins and Emmylou Harris in particular...




Who thinks Mark Knopfler is underrated?
Nice song, shame about the video...
One word - AWESOME
 pkahl wrote:

MK's gotta be one of the most underrated guitarists of the modern era. Nevermind all the crowd-pleasing stuff he did with the latter-day Dire Straits - his solo efforts since then speak of a truly gifted, open and original musician. Check out his collaborations with Chet Atkins and Emmylou Harris in particular...




I admire your courage for taking such a controversial stance.
 Fiddlefye wrote:

I wonder how many people recognize where the opening few measures of the song are quoted from? 



Oh, that's easy. It's from the Broadway musical (and movie): Carousel . A Richard Rodgers song,   
some of the best guitar work ever...on this here song
 Fiddlefye wrote:

I wonder how many people recognize where the opening few measures of the song are quoted from? 


I've been going round and round but I just can't think.
 JGM wrote:

Which album is that exactly?  Certainly not the one with "My Parties" and "Heavy Fuel" ?

...and "Calling Elvis", "Planet of New Orleans", "On Every Street", "Fade to Black", "When It Comes to You", and "You and Your Friend" among others.  Truly a great album in spite of your weak attempt to slag it by referencing some of the excellent, but more tongue-in-cheek, tracks on the disc.
This is one of the most majestic songs of the past 50 years.
Greatest track ever for me....always will be.
I wonder how many people recognize where the opening few measures of the song are quoted from? 
This album gets unfairly forgotten.  A departure from the purist first 2 albums but also not the near stadium rock they moved on to.  Thanks RP for keeping it rotating.   
Your guitar sounds like and feels like and courses through me like nostalgia in real time
I'm going to cast my vote for Dire Straits as the best segue band, ever.  I have yet to hear one DS song that did not fit perfectly after the preceding song.
 pkahl wrote:

MK's gotta be one of the most underrated guitarists of the modern era. Nevermind all the crowd-pleasing stuff he did with the latter-day Dire Straits - his solo efforts since then speak of a truly gifted, open and original musician. Check out his collaborations with Chet Atkins and Emmylou Harris in particular...




Is MK under-rated?

He's #44 on RS top guitarists of all time.  That seems pretty respectfully rated, no?
Oh my.......Pick Withers again....a drummer's drummer.  So neat, so much feel.
 reallylost wrote:

Why is this rubbish being played in the midst of an otherwise great RP set.  Dated as elephant flares.  One of the worst bands ever. 



So music lovers can enjoy it, and the "really lost" have another reason to gripe
1 too many bananas
 pkahl wrote:

MK's gotta be one of the most underrated guitarists of the modern era. Nevermind all the crowd-pleasing stuff he did with the latter-day Dire Straits - his solo efforts since then speak of a truly gifted, open and original musician. Check out his collaborations with Chet Atkins and Emmylou Harris in particular...



I am not a musician but his sound is amazing: Telegraph Road is nice for guitar solos.
I don't know...but this can be considered one of the great albums of the 1980s.  

And there ain't that many. 
 reallylost wrote:

Why is this rubbish being played in the midst of an otherwise great RP set.  Dated as elephant flares.  One of the worst bands ever. 


Well it’s 8 so people consider it a great song 
 Avaless wrote:
{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}MERRY CHRISTMAS 2021 the patriot thanks u for  HOPE


 phlattop wrote:

Brian Johnson of AC/DC interviewing Knopfler at the Spanish city in Whitley Bay: https://youtu.be/y_pav5sYs5s

Absolutely fantastic! I was perusing the comments thinking...what an awesome pleasure it would be, to spend perhaps, an afternoon chatting with this esteemed fellow! And, came across your post with that link! Thank you for sharing! God bless.

 rkt53 wrote:

I can always, always tell when MK is the guitarist.  Such a beautiful signature
Not to forget...his voice! Can pick his voice outta anywhere! Quite the talented artist!

 reallylost wrote:

Why is this rubbish being played in the midst of an otherwise great RP set.  Dated as elephant flares.  One of the worst bands ever. 




Ohh, Bless your heart.
Why is this rubbish being played in the midst of an otherwise great RP set.  Dated as elephant flares.  One of the worst bands ever. 
TRULY ONE OF THE GREATEST songs ever, and I love how it still sounds wild and unpredictable when listening closely under the spell of potent refreshments, just like it did blasting out of my tape deck in my first cars... I also love how the lyrics are so much more poignant to me now after so much water -- and a lot of other stuff, too -- has gone under the bridge. I find it to be such a heartbreakingly beautiful song -- jamming out in some parts, and rhapsodizing softly in others. The incredibly expressive guitar on this can still floor me! and I dig the lilting tilt on piano at the fadeout... It felt like a classic from the first and every time I ever played it -- because of course, it is!
A pure masterpiece, no doubt. I recently learned on RP that "the Spanish City" are an attraction park on north Great Britain, I've always took it litterally. To know that, makes the song more brilliant if possible, more nostalgic. And with time it echoes with personnal memories and i don't know if i'm going to cry, or to get out in street and jump with joy as a teen. Thank's Mark Knopfler for this inexhaustible fountain of youth.




 HillSlug wrote:

I've found out something about this song from, oddly enough, watching "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel."  There's a scene in one episode that takes place on a carousel, and the music that the carousel is playing sounded just like the opening to "Tunnel of Love."  My first thought was "How could a 1950s carousel be playing a Dire Straits tune?".  Luckily Amazon has those little informational sidebars so I was quickly disabused.

Likewise, I had been listening to "Romeo and Juliet" for years before I finally found out what "the movie song" is.



Yes, that music you hear at the beginning of this song is the theme from "Carousel", the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical from the early 50s. Turned into a movie later. Basic story of girl meets boy who works at the traveling fair, jealous rival of his complicates things.

Great piece of music like this song.
Brian Johnson of AC/DC interviewing Knopfler at the Spanish city in Whitley Bay: https://youtu.be/y_pav5sYs5s
 grant wrote:

The notion of this being dated is unfounded piffle borne of ignorance and ill consideration.

This is a sonic painting - inducing feelings, visions and memories.

It connects on visceral and intellectual levels.

It is perfectly timeless. 




7 years on and still so very true. MK writes some of the best lyrics and music I've ever heard, in my 60-odd years of being upright, breathing and listening. Was so very fortunate to see him play just before the shutdown. I closed my eyes for a few of the tunes and was propelled to a different time and place, if only for a few moments. Loved it.
eeee.-, kako sam fino nekada guzio uz ovu stvarku.,  :)
 SgtBeefheart wrote:

Can anyone explain what it is about MK's guitar sound that makes it so distinctive?


The shortest answer is he's a strat player that almost always plays w/ his fingers rather than a pick.  Conventional guitarists look to what amps/effects he uses, but unless they're copying his folk/country-adjacent approach to the instrument, they're missing the point.
 pkahl wrote:

MK's gotta be one of the most underrated guitarists of the modern era. Nevermind all the crowd-pleasing stuff he did with the latter-day Dire Straits - his solo efforts since then speak of a truly gifted, open and original musician. Check out his collaborations with Chet Atkins and Emmylou Harris in particular...



I get that this comment is from 2011, but what is with all these "MK is underrated" comments on his songs on RP?

I disagree - he is one of the most talented guitarists ever, and I think that a lot of people know that.
This one goes to 11....
Can anyone explain what it is about MK's guitar sound that makes it so distinctive?
I demoted this to a 9 just so I could bump it up to a 10 again!
Damn, this still grabs me.
A track that is surely in so many top 10s of all the great air guitarists.  Like myself. 
Being born and still emotionally attached to Whitley Bay (where the Spanish City was located and where I would spend many an hour at, when I was a child), this song will always be special to me. A great song from a great Geordie musician.
Just wonderful, and the Professor and Iovine give it an E-Street vibe(in spots).
 mjbaumann wrote:
 ShamanManu wrote:

2nd best for me and sharing that place with Communique, but on the heels of #1- that would  be their first album, Dire Straits

 I humbly disagree. The last Dire Straits album was the culmination of the project;  and the "best". Everything preceding from the group it was great, but only a prelude.

 
Which album is that exactly?  Certainly not the one with "My Parties" and "Heavy Fuel" ?
 ShamanManu wrote:

2nd best for me and sharing that place with Communique, but on the heels of #1- that would  be their first album, Dire Straits

 I humbly disagree. The last Dire Straits album was the culmination of the project;  and the "best". Everything preceding from the group it was great, but only a prelude.

Pulls my heart all around my chest
 Hippostar wrote:
What would happen if the Tunnel of Love was flooded with Water of Love?
 
My daddy lay over my mummy
My daddy lay over mummy
My daddy lay over my mummy
And that is how I came to be...
Has Mark Knopfler ever done bad work?
Reading the lyrics, I was finding them to be very Springsteen-esque.  Then I remembered Bruce did his own Tunnel of Love song...   Gotta go check that one out later.

This song, and album are among my favorites.
Ooooh that solo at the end gets me every time
Slartibartfast wrote:
Just like Mark, I used to go to the Spanish City (subject of this song) when I was a kid. Quick Google has me sad to hear its now shut down and abandoned. Many a memory from almost half a century ago. "From Cullercoats to Whitley Bay"... man such an evocative line with so very few that will understand it. 
 
For years, I thought Mark meant he went to Spain like on holidays. It didn't go very well with what I knew of his background but I never thought too much about it. 
Now I discover Spanish City is (was) an actual place in England?! 
 pkahl wrote:
MK's gotta be one of the most underrated guitarists of the modern era. Nevermind all the crowd-pleasing stuff he did with the latter-day Dire Straits - his solo efforts since then speak of a truly gifted, open and original musician. Check out his collaborations with Chet Atkins and Emmylou Harris in particular...
 
I don't think he's underrated, everyone knows his unique sound. 
 Avaless wrote:
{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}
 
We regret to inform you that you have exceeded our 100-banana limit.
Further correspondence regarding punitive action forthcoming.
- The Management
just banged it up to a 10, just brilliant, Knopfler is a genius
Knopfler is incredible. Evocative of a place and time.
 pkahl wrote:
MK's gotta be one of the most underrated guitarists of the modern era. Nevermind all the crowd-pleasing stuff he did with the latter-day Dire Straits - his solo efforts since then speak of a truly gifted, open and original musician. Check out his collaborations with Chet Atkins and Emmylou Harris in particular...
 
Absolutely agree on all counts!  I got that Chet Atkins CD in some bargain bin for $1 at Kiss the Sky, the (unfortunately former) local record store.   What a find!  It is not only a great record, but a lot of fun listening to those two collaborate.   
Nostalgic lyrics... 

Yeah girl it looks so pretty to me, just like it always did
Like the Spanish city to me, when we were kids

Classic, majestic, sublime...gonna bump this to a diez
 Emwolb wrote:
could be as close to a perfect album as any recorded...Tunnel, Romeo, Skateaway, Expresso, Hand, Solid and Les are all able to stand alone but in totality makes for one incredible album

my favorite DR album
 
2nd best for me and sharing that place with Communique, but on the heels of #1- that would  be their first album, Dire Straits

Perfectly timed dancing! 


 
Avaless wrote:
{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}
 

 timmywilson wrote:
many of the songs from this album have this haunting, fleeting sense, like something good is slipping away and only the unknown waits. 1980, the year I graduated high school. Perhaps this is why this album resonated with me.
 
I graduated from high school in Jakarta in 1992 and listened to this album a lot. I can relate to what you are saying about the feelings it evokes.
One of the greatest songs and band tracks and guitar melodies.  Period. 
 tcseeley wrote:

I don't disagree, but I don't know why you say he's underrated. I've never heard anyone say anything bad about him. He's one of the most renown musicians in the world.
 
I agree - its possibly similar to 'critically acclaimed' vs. 'commercial success' (or visibility).  cf JJ Cale or Richard Thompson who were/are under the 'everyone's heard (of) them' radar.
 pkahl wrote:
MK's gotta be one of the most underrated guitarists of the modern era. Nevermind all the crowd-pleasing stuff he did with the latter-day Dire Straits - his solo efforts since then speak of a truly gifted, open and original musician. Check out his collaborations with Chet Atkins and Emmylou Harris in particular...
 
I don't disagree, but I don't know why you say he's underrated. I've never heard anyone say anything bad about him. He's one of the most renown musicians in the world.
 Avaless wrote:
{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}Holy Dancing Bananas Batman! BAM....POW!
 

 Proclivities wrote:

I'm not sure who Knopfler is "under-rated" by, but among most guitarists and other musicians, he's considered to be among the best.
 
People talking about 'under-rated' usually just mean 'You should like and appreciate this artist as much as I do'
The guitar work at the end of this song, is pure bliss. 
 Rockit9 wrote:
Great stuff. Too bad he is just an OK singer...or does that make the group?  Let's ponder.
 

 pkahl wrote:
MK's gotta be one of the most underrated guitarists of the modern era. Nevermind all the crowd-pleasing stuff he did with the latter-day Dire Straits - his solo efforts since then speak of a truly gifted, open and original musician. Check out his collaborations with Chet Atkins and Emmylou Harris in particular...
 
I'm not sure who Knopfler is "under-rated" by, but among most guitarists and other musicians, he's considered to be among the best.
 pkahl wrote:
MK's gotta be one of the most underrated guitarists of the modern era. Nevermind all the crowd-pleasing stuff he did with the latter-day Dire Straits - his solo efforts since then speak of a truly gifted, open and original musician. Check out his collaborations with Chet Atkins and Emmylou Harris in particular...
 
I can always, always tell when MK is the guitarist.  Such a beautiful signature
I've found out something about this song from, oddly enough, watching "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel."  There's a scene in one episode that takes place on a carousel, and the music that the carousel is playing sounded just like the opening to "Tunnel of Love."  My first thought was "How could a 1950s carousel be playing a Dire Straits tune?".  Luckily Amazon has those little informational sidebars so I was quickly disabused.

Likewise, I had been listening to "Romeo and Juliet" for years before I finally found out what "the movie song" is.
Great stuff. Too bad he is just an OK singer...or does that make the group?  Let's ponder.
I gave only a "8", years ago? How can it be? It's a perfect 10 and more. The more i listen to this song the more i like it. In the 80's, people used to think that Mark Knopfler was a great guitarist and a nice but minor songwriter. With the time he appears for what he is : a great artist and songwriter.
 cavemanleong wrote:
{#Dancingbanana_2} x air guitar-ing in the office = Not appropriate. But hey, I don't care. Loving the tunes!
 
{#Smile} same here
{#Dancingbanana_2} x air guitar-ing in the office = Not appropriate. But hey, I don't care. Loving the tunes!
could be as close to a perfect album as any recorded...Tunnel, Romeo, Skateaway, Expresso, Hand, Solid and Les are all able to stand alone but in totality makes for one incredible album

my favorite DR album
many of the songs from this album have this haunting, fleeting sense, like something good is slipping away and only the unknown waits. 1980, the year I graduated high school. Perhaps this is why this album resonated with me.
{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}
How I played that LP to death in 1983, and it still grabs me from the first notes. Masterful music and storytelling.
 mojcamojca77 wrote:
ah, so young I was, when I bought this LP {#Daisy}

  
Indeed.  But even now you're nowhere near as old as you're gonna be some day (heh).  And even then I suspect this tune will still sound fresh. 

Highlow
American Net'Zen

 Tomasni wrote:

Yes  Tunnel of Love is a WIN on PSD 

MORE  MORE       Dire Straits !!!

 



 
I think you mind meld plagiarized my post, damn you, Spock!
 
man this one is deep, I just 10'ed it cause now, just like when I first heard it so long ago, Knopfler's playing is mesmerizing

I can do some historical exploration into Cullercoats and all, and still, this is one of those pieces of music that defies fading and gets stronger with age
Wish I knew why we never hear anything from Alchemy, their live album. I think it's brilliant, and some pieces sound better than their album counterpart. I suppose Bill or Rebecca don't like it? Pity, though. 
ah, so young I was, when I bought this LP {#Daisy}
 Slartibartfast wrote:
Just like Mark, I used to go to the Spanish City (subject of this song) when I was a kid. Quick Google has me sad to hear its now shut down and abandoned. Many a memory from almost half a century ago. "From Cullercoats to Whitley Bay"... man such an evocative line with so very few that will understand it. 

 
Dracula fans know Whitley Bay!
 NoEnzLefttoSplit wrote:
That opening fairground organ really creeps me out. Dunno why, but it gives me the willies.

 
Indeed, it gives my willy the willies.
Fortunately, followed by such a feelgood track it regains its' sensibilities. 
A solid 9. 
 vicmicric wrote:
Just excellent Irate not 10 but 9.5 so 9+

 
Agree with that. This song a particulary the end is so good for the ears... a 9 for me too
Evocative, amazing guitar lines and that voice. Perfection for me and sounding so good on RP
Thanks 
Just excellent Irate not 10 but 9.5 so 9+
Just like Mark, I used to go to the Spanish City (subject of this song) when I was a kid. Quick Google has me sad to hear its now shut down and abandoned. Many a memory from almost half a century ago. "From Cullercoats to Whitley Bay"... man such an evocative line with so very few that will understand it. 
 ersolomanov wrote:
Страшно добра ствар

 

I had to translate this out of curiosity: "Scary good"? I must agree!
 
Radio Marc Knoplfer?  

This is the third song this morning featuring his song writing, his guitar and his vocals.   

I don't mind.  Curious though. 
One of the very few songs I NEVER get tired of hearing. It's extraordinary and evocative, a fabulous story told by a stupendous band. So good that I don't understand why the feeling is not unanimous. 
 
some of the most sentimental guitar work ever on this album...beautiful stuff.
This is tasteful. Dire Straits at its best. In my opinion, one of their best tunes.
 bluejay08003 wrote:

OK.  You don't like it. 

I'm not sure what "dated" or "timeless" mean.  I'll grant that this doesn't rock me like "Tomorrow Never Knows" still does, but for me it still grooves. 

And my view is that lots of stuff that "sounds" old still sounds great—it's a product of its time.  Examples include the Beatles, Led Zeppelin, The Cars, and a lot of U2 music to name just a few. 

Most people don't wear the clothes or hairstyles they did 30-odd years ago, even if we listen to a lot of the same music.  

There's at least one one parallel between Mark Knopfler and Phil Collins:  As each artist ventured into solo work, I am struck by how difficult can be to tell the difference between solo songs and group songs.

 
No, I *did* like it. Now it's ... just ok. 

"timeless" means it can be taken outside of it's era and still be fantastic, meaningful, like it was just crafted.

And many people DO still have the same clothes and hairstyles they did 30-odd years ago - the "timeless" ones - t-shirt, jeans, boots.  
But the ones that aren't still around clearly were "stuck" in their time.

Just like this song ... :P 
 ersolomanov wrote:
Страшно добра ствар

 
Good vocals from the Scotsmen. Next you will he telling me Rod Stewart is Scottish! 
 
Страшно добра ствар
 NoEnzLefttoSplit wrote:
That opening fairground organ really creeps me out. Dunno why, but it gives me the willies.

 
Probably a repressed memory from that county fair back in '73 - you know: the one with the five-legged, pygmy kangaroo and the dodgy tilt-a-whirl.
{#Wink} 
After 35 years, still some of the best guitar work out there. 
 Hippostar wrote:
What would happen if the Tunnel of Love was flooded with Water of Love?

 
BA-DUM-BUMP TCHCH!!
What would happen if the Tunnel of Love was flooded with Water of Love?
 kingart wrote:
Not to be too hyperbolic — but this is a great song.
 
I don't think that qualifies as hyperbole (merely a statement of fact).  ; )
Not to be too hyperbolic — but this is a great song.