In 1978, the US saw the debut of one of the greatest guitar heroes of all time, Eddie Van Halen, However, across the pond another guitar god was releasing his first record as well - Mark Knopfler of Dire Straits. With his folksy songwriting, authentic vocal style and masterful, finger-picking guitar style, Dire Straits 1978 debut showed us what this little band from the north of England were made of.

Not as flashy as a Van Halen or maybe as intricate as a Steve Howe but every bit as passionate, Mark Knopfler established himself as one of the premier guitar players of his generation. Whether picking on his Fender Stratocaster or the steel acoustic Old National, Knopfler creates country, folk and rock soundscapes with inspired guitar work and a storytelling style that is very relatable.

You may not be able to hear this album and think that in 7 short years they'd have a worldwide success in Brothers in Arms but you can see the foundational talent that would allow them to grow into that kind of achievement. What kind of characters do you see walking around London? A drunken old sailor? A snobby watitess? A ten pence band with a million pound name? Knopfler's rich stories create images that transport you to another time and place yet allow you to relate to them on a very personal level.

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