This is on of the recent high quality record releases by warner Records. Mastered by Stan Ricker and pressed onto rather lovely 180grm vinyl biscuits it was always going to sound good.

Helpfully the copious liner notes(complete with full lyrics) let us know that this was recorded with amd opteron processors. I'm sure there should be a TM or two in there somewhere. Well what does that tell us if you're not geek inclined. It was recorded to standard PCs without the help of Intel (TM processors. Its a digital recording. Great.

That's not such a huge problem. Its well recorded and has a rich full basis. It doesn't have that delicious analogue warmth you can sink your teeth into but it will quite readily satisfy the demands of impressing your mates on a Friday night after a few beers. (Though you really should try an original Led Zeppelin II for that) (Not that I know as I only have a classic reissue which still sounds great).

I never really would have considered myself such a huge Mark Knopfler fan, but on the basis of recent albums, particularly the Rag Picker's dream, I'm becoming a fan.

He nevcer screams at me, never shouts and plays guitar in his own easy distinctive style. (Got any more TMs??)

Emmylou Harris adds her own beauty and style to the whole affair and brilliantly defining country twang. Emmylou is very American. Mark Knopfler thinks he is.

We have songs about beach combing and diamond mining. Last time I checked Newcastle on Tyne was not known for the quality of its diamonds. Then again neither is Hungary where Knopfler is a native of us. Then again that would be rag..err nit picking. Mark has taken to the US like thousands of Irish illegal immigrants.

In most of these tracks Mark ings the lead with support from Emmylou. On some tracks though its the other way around. You probably know what to expect. They each sing the way they always sing, but these voices are great. Musicianship is excellent and the sounds is, sure its only gorgeous.

For highlights try out rollin' on. like most of the songs here(in the world perhaps) its full of yearning and heartache. Mark sounds deadpan weary. Emmylou sounds like she's got the world on her shoulders. (such lovely shoulders) All teh roadruning is too appealing, another Harris led song. We end off the album on a slow note with smooth electric guitar in If this isn goodbye. There's a guitar solo but its a slow guitar solo. Not quite money for nothing but its definitely Mark Knopfler.

Appealing and pleasant. Hardly ground breaking.

Gatefold packagaing with inner picture sleeves. I'll replace them with plastic lined ones.
Excellent vinyl and pressing.