Dire Straits - Brothers In Arms [Full-Length]

The Definitive Full-Length Edition: Dire Straits' Brothers In Arms Complete at Last

This 2014 Back To Black Series reissue of Dire Straits' Brothers In Arms represents the definitive album presentation, featuring the full-length studio recordings previously unavailable on vinyl. Released on 180-gram premium vinyl and pressed at the legendary MPO facility, this remaster masterfully captures the warmth, detail, and dynamic range of the original 1985 recording. Unlike the original LP which featured edited versions of four key tracks, this complete edition restores the album to its intended full-length form, revealing previously unheard passages and the full emotional arc of Mark Knopfler's production vision. Mastered from the original analog and digital masters by the legendary mastering engineers Bernie Grundman and Bob Ludwig, this pressing showcases one of rock's most commercially successful and critically acclaimed albums in pristine audiophile quality. The album's sophisticated blend of bluesy signatures, jazz-rock motifs, clever storytelling, and organic arrangements—anchored by the iconic "Money for Nothing" featuring Sting's unforgettable "I want my MTV" refrain—stands as an era-defining masterpiece that continues to captivate listeners decades after its original release.

Features

• Full-Length Studio Recordings: Complete versions of all tracks (not edited versions from original LP)
• 180-Gram Premium Vinyl: MPO pressing for superior sound quality and durability
• 2014 Back To Black Series Reissue: Vertigo/Phonogram reissue line
• Mastered by Bernie Grundman & Bob Ludwig: From original analog and digital masters
• MPO Pressing Quality: Manufactured at the legendary MPO pressing facility
• Includes MP3 Download Voucher: Digital version of the complete album
• Grammy Award Winner: Multiple Grammy Award recipient
• Commercial Milestone: One of the world's best-selling albums (30+ million copies)

Full-Length Track Restoration

• \"So Far Away\" - 5:12 (original LP version was 3:59) — 1:13 additional material
• \"Money for Nothing\" - 8:26 (original LP version was 7:04) — 1:22 additional material
• \"Your Latest Trick\" - 6:33 (original LP version was 4:46) — 1:47 additional material
• \"Why Worry\" - 8:31 (original LP version was 5:22) — 3:09 additional material
• Total Album Length: 55:07 (original LP was 47:21) — 7:46 of previously unavailable studio material

Musicians

• Mark Knopfler: Guitar, Vocals
• David Knopfler: Guitar
• John Illsley: Bass, Vocals
• Alan Clark: Keyboards
• Guy Fletcher: Keyboards, Vocals
• Omar Hakim: Drums
• Terry Williams: Drums
• Guest: Sting (Vocals on \"Money for Nothing\")

Tracklist

• Side A
  1. So Far Away (5:12)
  2. Money for Nothing (8:26)
• Side B
  1. Walk of Life (3:57)
  2. Your Latest Trick (6:33)
• Side C
  1. Why Worry (8:31)
  2. Ride Across the River (4:30)
• Side D
  1. The Man's Too Strong (3:29)
  2. One World (3:59)
  3. Brothers in Arms (5:56)

Recording & Production Details

• Original Release Date: May 17, 1985
• Reissue Date: May 19, 2014
• Record Labels: Vertigo, Phonogram
• Album Series: Back To Black (audiophile reissue line)
• Recording Studios: AIR Studios, Montserrat (recorded)
• Mixing Studio: Power Station, New York
• Mastering: Bernie Grundman & Bob Ludwig from original analog and digital masters
• Mastering Location: The Sound Clinic & Masterdisk
• Producers: Mark Knopfler & Neil Dorfsman
• Engineers: Neil Dorfsman (lead engineer), Bruce Lampcov, Dave Greenberg, Steve Jackson
• Lacquer Cut: Chris Bellman at Abbey Road Studios

Vinyl Pressing Specifications

• Format: 2 x Vinyl LP, Album, Reissue, Stereo
• Vinyl Weight: 180 grams per LP (360g total)
• Pressing: MPO (Manufacture Plastique Operations) - France
• Plating: GZ Digital Media
• Country of Manufacture: EU (Made in Europe)
• Catalog Numbers: LP1 - 3752908, LP2 - 3752909
• Barcode: 602537529070

Awards & Recognition

• Grammy Awards: Best Engineered Album, Non-Classical (1986)
• Brit Award: Best British Album (1987)
• Commercial Achievement: First album certified 10x Platinum in UK
• Global Sales: Over 30 million copies worldwide
• Chart Performance: 9 weeks at #1 US Billboard 200, Global chart-topper
• Rolling Stone 2020: #418 on \"500 Greatest Albums of All Time\"

Notes

• The full-length versions included in this reissue were not widely available on vinyl, making this a significant release for collectors seeking the complete studio recordings
• The additional 7:46 of material across four extended tracks reveals new dimensions and fuller arrangements than the edited LP versions
• \"Why Worry\" benefits particularly from its extended length—the additional 3:09 of material showcases the song's full emotional journey
• \"Your Latest Trick\" gains 1:47 of additional saxophone work and instrumental development
• Bernie Grundman and Bob Ludwig's mastering captures exceptional clarity and warmth from the original recordings, showcasing the sophisticated production of this 1985 masterpiece
• The MPO pressing facility, combined with Bellman's Abbey Road mastering and cutting, ensures high fidelity and minimal surface noise
• Includes a voucher for MP3 download of the complete album, allowing digital access to the full-length versions
• The 180-gram vinyl weight provides superior stability and reduced warp resistance compared to standard 120-gram pressings
• An essential acquisition for serious collectors and audiophiles seeking the definitive vinyl presentation of this era-defining album with its complete, unedited studio recordings