I would say that there is only really one solo song that I would determine classic: Speedway. Lots of songs I love, but only one classic. From DS years there was at least one on each album.
I agree that Speedway is a masterpiece, but I don't think at all it is the only one.
In fact, had the STP album worn a "Dire Straits" sticker on it, I'm quite sure it would have been considered as one of the best DS albums ever.
Sure, lots of songs are predictable, starting with the SL album; yet, some songs became classics to me. To name a few and to compare them with DS classics:
- Speedway, yes, not on par with TR, but coming quite close for the end solo;
- Why Aye Man would have been a classic in the DS days, think of the 2002 great live version with an "almost DS" line-up;
- What it is and Silvertown blues would have been great live successes in the OES days, I'm quite sure.
- HFB comes close to TOL for the end solo (albeit shorter).
- I dug up a diamond is one the best live pieces of music I know of - great video !
- Border Reiver comes close to Sultans or Down to the Waterline... great opener, I hope to get it again this year !
- Piper to the End is such a masterpiece... the end solo is very touching, to me it's (almost) on par with BIA.
- Yon two crows really reminds me of DS... should the solo be a little longer, think how it would have been welcomed in the OES days !
- Same for Kingdom of Gold, I'm quite sure it would have been as succesful as You and Your Friend.
- And... Marbletown, it's so original and different, I love it, even if I kwow you don't
Cheers