Nestled deep into the last album that Dire Straits ever made – 1991’s On Every Street - is a song that I consider as close to perfection as there is. The cornerstone of the song is the calm and gentle demeanor of Mark Knopfler in his vocal and instrumental delivery… I mean, who can pick a Fender Stratocaster with more beauty and eloquence?

In his work with Dire Straits and in his solo work since, Mark just has an innate ability to craft together beautiful &  sublime melodies: “Romeo & Juliet”, “Water of Love”, “Love Over Gold”, “Why Worry”,  ”Brothers in Arms”, “All That Matters”, “Shangri-La”, “Love and Happiness”, “If This Is Goodbye”… and the list goes on.

I’m a fan.

And then there’s “Ticket to Heaven”.  On the surface, a gorgeously crafted song about faith in eternal life. But digging in a little deeper, if you pay attention to the verses, it’s a scathing, tongue-in-cheek slam on tele-evangelism…

Now there’s nothing left for luxuries
Nothing left to pay my heating bill.
But the good lord will provide
I know he will.
So send what you can
To the man with the diamond ring.
They’re tuning in across the land
To hear him sing.

Still as true in 2009 as it was in the early part of the 90’s. They fan out across the country every Sunday, and every night on television I’m sure – preying on anyone with a doubt and a pocketbook.

Dire Straits – Ticket to Heaven (mp3)

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If you search on Youtube for a video of Dire Straits performing this song, you won’t find Knopfler and the Boys. What you will find, is Popeye. Whoa whoaaa there… don’t disparage Popeye. Don’t write him off at first glance. This tattooed, spirited Dutchman will put a smile on your face. Ignore the creep factor, and feel the essence, the essence of POPEYE!

Howard Stern and his gang were discussing their top guitarists the other day. Howard’s top three? #1: Jimi Hendrix. #2. Eddie Van Halen.  #3: Leslie West.  It’s pretty hard to argue against Jimi, but from there, all bets are off. Everyone’s got their opinion. Howard likes his Van Halen and he loves his Mountain from back in the day.

In my top 5 would have to go Mr. Mark Knopfler. His style of playing – those clean, distinct Strat solos – are, well, music to my ears. Think about it, how many times have you heard “Sultans of Swing” on the radio, and air-guitared along every time? Or finger-guitared in my case. I’ll shake my fingers around like I actually know what I’m doing. And those Dire Straits tunes, they never get old!

Looking back to 1992, it was the year after the release of Dire Straits’ final studio album, On Every Street, and their final tour was in full swing. This show could easily make it as a live album. Y’all will enjoy…

Dire Straits
Basel, Switzerland
June 28th, 1992
“Ticket to Heaven”

Part One (Zip)
01 – Calling Elvis
02 – Walk Of Life
03 – Heavy Fuel
04 – Romeo And Juliet
05 – The Bug
06 – Private Investigations
07 – Sultans Of Swing
08 – Your Latest Trick

Part 2 (Zip)
01 – On Every Street
02 – Two Young Lovers
03 – Telegraph Road
04 – Money For Nothing
05 – Brothers In Arms
06 – Solid Rock
07 – Theme From Going Home

This tour was in support of this album…