UAWIL #12: Alchemy - Dire Straits

Recorded in 1983 at Hammersmith Odeon, Alchemy captures Dire Straits at their tightest and showcases the extraordinary talents of Mark Knopfler as a guitar hero.  They slow it down with classic tracks like Romeo & Juliet but rock out on Solid Rock.  They also stretch out some songs to give all band members a chance to shine, sometimes slowing things down only to build into a crescendo on Sultans of Swing.  This double live masterpiece offers the epitome of what Dire Straits offered as a live band thanks to the talent of Knopfler.