I admit that I am a Knopfler fanatic. But, with music like this, why wouldn't you be? Knopfler may be one of the most talented, most respected guitarists in the world, but he is really a storyteller. His lyrics haunt the soul. Heart Full of Holes is eloquent, personal, and sad, but vague and left open for interpretation. The swell of the accordion towards the middle of the song gives me goose bumps every time I listen to it. Secondary Waltz is light, but not without honesty. Let It All Go is about a failed painter telling the up and comers to give it up while they're still ahead. Madame Geneva's, The Fish and the Bird, and In the Sky are all beautiful, and upsetting at the same time. Mark uses several old time instruments to give the songs a rusty, antique feeling. The only thing this album is lacking is one good rollicking song. There aren't any songs on this album that are like What It Is (Sailing to Philadelphia) or Why Aye Man (Ragpicker's Dream). I can only hope that Mark will give us a song or two that showcases that swinging style that he has perfected over the years in his next outing. This is not a complaint, though. This album is perfect.
