Love Over Gold
This Mark Knopfler-dominated release from Dire Straits (as if there were any other kind) features the ringing guitar work and clever lyrics we've come to expect from the band over time. The dark, moody gravel of Knopfler's voice mutters, mumbles, and muses through songs like "Telegraph Road" and "Private Investigations" and virtually giggles through the silly patter of "Industrial Disease." The title track and "It Never Rains" are solid, if unremarkable offerings from the band that has come to represent the epitome of one man's vision of good ol' rock & roll.--L.A. Smith