As we celebrate the 10th anniversary of the release of Tracker, Mark Knopfler's eight solo album, let's revisit some highlights from this complex, heartfelt record.
Laughs and Jokes and Drinks and Smokes
As I've said before, I enjoy how much Mark Knopfler incorporates his personal history into his work. Reflecting on early days living in London, it was a simpler, more foolish time for him, yet he was still happy. His ability to weave little details into the song, such as the fact that the light in the stairwell leading to his flat didn't work or holes in the walls, brings a vividness to the lyrics. He's able to traverse space and time, and reflect how his perspective has evolved over the course of his life.
Basil and Beryl
With both Basil and Beryl, Mark pays tribute to two artists that he felt didn't get the recognition they deserved. Moreover, his description of Basil Bunting provides insight into his time as a reporter for The Chronicle before Dire Straits. This is deeply philosophical too, as he says Basil "[has] time to think about time" and metaphorically "goes out into the dark" since he can't find anyone to appreciate his poetry, his true passion.
Skydiver
Mark says this song is about the record industry, and his attempts to write music. I love the pacing of this song, and the beautiful harmonies with Ruth Moody. This stands out as different and unique from the other tracks on many of his albums with this subtle duet and it really is something special.
Lights of Taormina
Painting a beautiful picture overlooking the town of Taormina in Sicily, Mark borrows parts of this song from his friend Bob Dylan, who stood at the same viewpoint as Mark and saw this lovely city from above. In classic Mark Knopfler fashion, he weaves a story of lost love into the song too. While I'm not a big fan of the slide guitar, this is one of my favorites on the album for how the intricate details in the picture he paints bring Taormina to life.
Wherever I Go
This wonderful, well-balanced duet is another classic, albeit quieter, Mark Knopfler love song. Ruth Moody compliments Mark's voice here and provides the perspective from the other half of the relationship. While it it is slow, it's also very reflective: no matter how far apart this couple goes, they are always still connected to each other.
Heart of Oak
While only on the deluxe edition of the album, this short, simple song deserves a closer inspection. Clearly a precursor to Matchstick Man, Mark reflects on his own rise to fame in Dire Straits and how he's no longer the same as he once was. This brings us full circle to Laughs and Jokes and Drinks and Smokes, realizing that his perspective has changed fromw he was a young man.
Final Thoughts
A decade on, these songs are still as powerful as they were when Tracker was first released, and they have been enriched by merging with the Mark Knopfler tapestry that has emerged since 2015. His willingness to weave in parts of his own life, as well as powerful allegories, makes Mark Knopfler's music so beautiful and timeless.