Album of the Day

By the time of MAKING MOVIES' 1980 release, it was clear that Dire Straits had few peers when it came to literate, roots-informed rock. Singer-songwriter-guitarist Mark Knopfler was always the British band's focal point – even more so with the departure of brother David on this third album - but the frontman really rose to the occasion here. With arrangements as ambitious as its cover art is minimal, the Warner Bros. set features seven cinematically rich originals including “Romeo and Juliet,” “Tunnel of Love” and “Solid Rock.” The collection was co-produced by Jimmy Iovine, who called on old friend (and E Street Band member) Roy Bittan to add his distinctive keyboard work to the mix. Both passionate and poetic, the Platinum-certified MAKING MOVIES remains among Dire Straits' very best, and we'll give it another spin to wish bassist John Illsley a happy 75th birthday.