Dire Straits is one of those bands I rarely listen to despite loving everything I’ve heard. The group never found its way into my regular rotation, but that doesn’t stop me from considering Making Movies and Brothers in Arms perfect albums.
I’ve never given Mark Knopfler’s solo career much consideration, either, despite adoring 2000’s Sailing to Philadelphia. That album is an absolute banger, one I would stack up against pretty much anything from either decade it straddled.
I was shocked to learn that Knopfler has released seven solo albums since then — seven albums that could be just as good. Maybe I’m due for a combined Dire Straits/Knopfler deep dive to remedy all of these blindspots.
I mention all of this because Knopfler is about to release his tenth solo effort. Titled One Deep River, it’s due out on April 12. I’m vowing to listen to this one, for blog content if nothing else.
First single ‘Ahead of the Game’ is a pleasingly laid-back affair that finds the 74-year-old in fine voice and laying down his usual tasty guitar licks. I look forward to hearing what else he has in store — and I mean it this time, I promise.
It’s nothing but the hits in a room downtown, they’re noisy as hell but nice
People don’t usually get to play in there more than a time or twice
You had you a regular spot, they were even advertising your name
Better than the usual thing you got, staying just ahead of the game, ahead of the game
[Verse 2]
And I can’t tell you one thing new about playing for the door
Some of my dreams back there too with the sawdust on the floor
We’re worn out and weary, all of us, but we know why we came
Banged up and battered like this old bus, staying just ahead of the game, ahead of the game
[Bridge]
The sky’s as big as nowhere
Which is where we’ve been
Left a dream behind there somewhere
You’ve got to have a dream
[Instrumental Break]
[Verse 3]
I gave your buddy a ride to the train, he was telling me he’d be back
It was a red light shining, love in vain when we rolled across the tracks
Barista-bartender selling beat-up car needs a ticket for a bus or a plane
Singer-songwriter heading for home staying just ahead of the game, ahead of the game
Meet Me In Montauk 
My depth of knowledge and appreciation for Knopfler and Dire Straits is similar to yours, so I would welcome that promised deep dive!