Dire Straits - Dire Straits Dire Straits

Dire Straits' arresting self-titled debut arrived in the midst of punk's reign but couldn't have been further removed from the era's slash-and-burn style. Recorded in West London in February 1978, the band's tasteful, jazz-inflected set embraces folk, blues, and pub rock while also tracing a direct line back to the beat-oriented sound of early rock n' roll.

Country and roots accents further distinguish the British quartet's stripped-down music from any 1970s peers. Mark Knopfler's spare, tasteful guitar lines and distinctive vocals mark their self-titled debut album of bluesy tunes. Thanks to the Top Ten hit "Sultans of Swing," Dire Straits was a major success in both Britain and America.