Dire Straits ~ Sultans Of Swing 1978 Extended Meow Mix

For some reason, Dire Straits has been popping up in my head, particularly "Sultans Of Swing" my first Dire Straits remix. Now, Dire Straits got started in 1977 with Mark Knopfler, brother David Knopfler, John Illsley and Pick Withers as charter members. The Knopflers were British born and raised, first known as Café Racers, then the name Dire Straits was adopted and they set about writing and recording some songs for demo play. Taking the demo to MCA, they were flatly but politely rejected so they approached BBC DJ Charlie Gillett for advice on how to proceed. Gillett was so impressed with the demo of "Sultans Of Swing" he added it to his playlist and that was the move that got them signed to Vertigo Records. Their debut LP "Dire Straits" contained the studio version of "Sultans Of Swing" was picked up by Warner Brothers Music for US and worldwide release after the band opened for the Talking Heads 1978 tour. The song came about after Mark Knopfler went to a club in London to hear a jazz band play to a practically deserted pub. As the band left the stage, the lead singer announced that they were the "Sultans Of Swing" and that lit Knopfler's creative flame. He composed the music, but was not totally satisified with the way it sounded until he obtained his first Fender Stratocaster, a 1961 model that made the song came alive. The single was released on February 10, 1979, the highest new entry at #47 eventually peaking at #4 and making stars of the soon to be platinum selling group. "Money For Nothing" is currently in the works....