learnedax: (sephiroth)
learnedax ([personal profile] learnedax) wrote2003-10-27 10:16 pm

(no subject)

Having just recently yet again argued this point, I went back and listened to the source material for re-analysis. So, if you think the Indigo Girls version of Romeo and Juliet is better than the Dire Straits one, I understand that it's a purely subjective choice, and I now see why you think that. But you're still wrong.

The benefit that IG imparts is a much higher level of vocal passion, and it is a fair criticism that Mark Knopfler is not the most expressive of singers. However, the advantages offered by DS are as follows: first, Mr. Knopfler actually manages to hit the notes cleanly, which gets him points over IG in my book. Second, the musical accompaniment in the DS version is unquestionably better; Mark's a guitar god and he is in fine form here. Third, and perhaps most important, the non-wailing laconic style that DG employes captures the worn-out melancholy of the song vastly better than the emotional breakdown that IG offers.

Yes, it does seem pedantic to beat this to death here, but given how many people seem to disagree with me I thought I'd centralize.

[identity profile] learnedax.livejournal.com 2003-10-28 11:45 am (UTC)(link)
I've noticed that non-guitarists frequently don't notice how amazing his playing is. It's one of the most striking things to me, but I guess that's because I pay attention. My WPI roommate used to love this song in part because neither of us could play it worth a damn.

The thing about the dinosaur rocker (http://www.vh1.com/artists/news/1438575/01262001/knopfler_mark.jhtml)'s singing voice is that he tends to sing most of his songs in very much the same style. As I pointed out, though, this isn't a real problem because he's writing songs for which it's the exact right way to sing them.

[identity profile] its-just-me.livejournal.com 2003-10-28 01:50 pm (UTC)(link)
Don't misunderstand me - I'm not poo pooing the guitar - it's the voice and lack of conviction.