When I picked up my copy of the JI book I also bought Dire Straits-A Visual Biograpy by Laura Shenton(Wymer Publishing.)
It is quite expensive at almost £40 but is worth it.
It is a coffee table sized book with lost of lovely photos and reviews of DS happenings(albums,live shows etc)from the beginning to the end.
From well known publications(Rolling Stone magazine) to local press(Harrow Midweek anyone) this is a well researched book with some fascinating quotes from all band members.
The Record Mirror quotes from December 1980 have to be seen.
Here's an excerpt:"In fact,I'm sorry to say it,but in two hours only one song stood out as being different.Les Boys,a clever musical cameo based on a gay cabaret act in Germany with a Dietrich intro and strong melody content.It's comparable to Une Nuit A Paris by the old 10cc and is just as accurate,precise,clever and,well,different!DS are strictly a rock band,none of this pop nonsense for them.They are a proud anachronism,stubbornly travelling in a different time warp,carrying thousands along with them.The crowd like it(I think),no one danced in the aisles,there was no mass adulation.Everyone remained dutifully seated throughout and applauded in all the right places.It was strictly circa 1970 all over again and who am I to say that is a bad thing!However,they must eventually move on and if Les Boys is the direction they're heading then maybe there's hope,if not,DS could well become a predicament as well as a name."
The "reviewer" isn't named and it's probably safe to say his/her career in music journalism didn't last long.
I really enjoyed the Illsley book and this is also a very enjoyable read.I hope some of you find a copy under the tree this week or are able to pick up a copy in the forthcoming sales.
Happy holidays.
