I have been reading about "The Straits" and I still haven't shaped an opinion. It is true that Dire straits were a vehicle for MK, without whom the story would be different, if written at all. But it is true that John Illsley, Alan Clark and Chris White were also members of this band. So what they say is totally legitimate. The whole matter comes down to three things:
a)If they give a nice, satisfying performance.
b) If a fan can accept anyone but MK performing these songs.
c) The reasons these musicians have to play the songs.
a)Now if reason a is true, we can pay little attention to the rest reasons. You are paying to see musician playing music you adore. If they are good, you have an added bonus that they were members of a band you like. A feature that is unique amongst all the other DS tribute bands. Unfortunately in order to shape an opinion you have to attend at least one show, and I haven't.
b)There are numerous cover versions of DS songs by famous artists. Joan Baez, The Judds, Everly Brothers, the Killers and so on. I, myself always preferred the originals, but you can't deny that every new interpretation of the songs is at least interesting and at the same time a sign of recognition or tribute to the genius songwriting of MK. But I am willing to accept plain, "not yet famous" fans to play these songs as well. I would give them a go if I could. Now if past members play those songs there is not much difference, is it?
c)I sense that the main objection come from the reason (presumed by the fans) these fellows gathered, under the specific name to play the particular songs. I say that is simple: money! Now where is the problem with that? As I stated in reason a) if the interpretations of the songs are good, I wouldn't mind, I would gladly pay for a ticket for a nice musical evening with a tribute band, so why not with the (almost) real thing. In artistic matters, ethics is a very peculiar thing. I mean that in the artists' world aesthetics are the alpha and the omega, nothing else matters.
By the way I do believe that the unique part of the DS sound was the MK contributions, guitar, vocals, production and song-writing wise. But it would be quite unfair to all other musicians to be denied their contribution and the very nature of their profession, which is playing music in front of a live audience. They happened to be a part of the band, and in any case you wouldn't expect them to do it for free, even if we all get the feeling that they take advantage of their names and their part in the band. But even John Illsely had healthy sales with his two (big-company) albums, due to the fact that he was a member of Dire straits. (both albums came with the sticker"founding member of Dire straits".) Of course I would like them to create something new, that would be good, but it is a whole different discussion. They would be probably be overshadowed, no matter how good, by the new Pink Floyd re-issues. And to cut a long story short MK could have them stopped if he wished.
I could be wrong, but I am almost certain that it doesn't worth the time or effort to write such a long post.
Hey Pottel, what do you think about the new Dark side of the moon Immersion edition?
And by the way, 3 weeks ago my wife gave birth to our second daughter. That might explain the less caustic tone when I wrote this post about the Straits. Because after all artistry and money don't mix together.
