Kill To Get Crimson : Mark Knopfler : Review : Rolling Stone

Along with occassional soundtracks and All the Roadrunning, his winning 2006 collaboration with Emmylou Harris, Kill to Get Crimson is Mark Knopfler's fifth solo album, and it's a gem. Since the 1995 breakup of Dire Straits, Knopfler has dedicated himself to making music that blends the deep resonance of traditional folk with the off-kilter edginess he brought to his former group's most trenchant songs. Knopfler is best at deftly drawn character studies -- the failed actor in "The Fizzy and the Still," the aging painter in "Let It All Go" whose passion for color gives the album its title. A recovering guitar god, Knopfler plays superbly -- check out his haunting solo on "The Scaffolder's Wife" -- but always with instinctive restraint. He's an ensemble player, nestling in among the likes of accordionist Ian Lowthian and fiddler John McCusker to summon sonic images that subtly reinforce the moods of his songs. Kill to Get Crimson, then, is at once egoless and supremely accomplished, a testament to the rare talent that enables a master to say something simply and beautifully, and leave it exactly at that.

Anthony DeCurtis

(Posted: Oct 4, 2007)

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Give us your review of Kill To Get Crimson

Review 1 of 5

5of 5 Stars

Should be enjoyed by as many as possible.

Jun 25, 2008 16:47:17

Review 2 of 5

5of 5 Stars

Quite simply, This is MK's best solo release yet! "The Fizzy And The Still" "Heart Full Of Holes" "We Can Get Wild" "Behind With The Rent"
"Madame Geneva's" "In The Sky" These six songs
are my Favorites. But, all twelve songs are good. Very catchy tunes. You will want to listen to this one over and over!

Nov 8, 2007 02:00:58

Review 3 of 5

5of 5 Stars

Very honestly, in my 51 years, I haven't been affected by music the way this album hit me. Not only that, EVERY person I've told to "QUICKLY go and get this album" has had a fabulous experience with it. Mark takes you, with every song, on a journey, through a cast of characters, capturing mood, time and space, and even different eras. From the straightforward love ballad opening song: "True Love Will Never Fade", to the melodramatic "A Heart Full of Holes" with it's rising crescendo bridge, I consider this album an epic. Truly a masterpiece. It would not be out of line to compare it to any other classic album of the modern era. I'm a different person since I've heard this album. It's THAT good.

Oct 14, 2007 18:37:49

Review 4 of 5

5of 5 Stars

Once again the master has "painted" for us a deep and lusterous mural depicting all facets of life. Using his usual tools, his pen and his Pensa, Mark has brought his colorful characters to life. Thanks for the 30 some-odd years of excellant music Mark! As always...I look forward to the next MK release

Oct 13, 2007 17:36:34

Review 5 of 5

5of 5 Stars

Man what a beautiful, peaceful experience listening to "Kill To Get Crimson". Mark Knopfler evokes such emotions with his seafaring tales, 21st century madrigals and difficult childhood to adult experiences. Thanks Mr.K for everything from "Sultans of Swing" to this touching masterpiece! Now if only Led Zep could reach this level of impact with their reunion. Rockcyn

Sep 21, 2007 10:57:57

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