Check out these new and used Dire Straits vinyl records LPs for sale. We recommend starting your Dire Straits vinyl collection with the essential albums Dire Straits, Brothers In Arms and Love Over Gold. Our inventory is always changing, so check back often, or browse our list of vinyl records for sale from rock musicians.

Dire Straits: Sultans of Swing and the Knopfler Legacy

Formation of a Musical Journey

Birth of Dire Straits (1977) Dire Straits, formed in 1977 by Mark Knopfler (vocals, guitar), David Knopfler (rhythm guitar, vocals), John Illsley (bass), and Pick Withers (drums), emerged from the pub rock scene in London. Mark Knopfler’s distinctive fingerstyle guitar playing and poetic songwriting set the band apart from their contemporaries.

Self-Titled Debut: “Dire Straits” (1978)

The Introduction of Sultans “Dire Straits” (1978), the band’s self-titled debut album, laid the foundation for their signature sound. The album featured the breakthrough single “Sultans of Swing,” a masterpiece that showcased Mark Knopfler’s virtuoso guitar work and storytelling prowess. The album’s blend of rock, folk, and blues resonated with audiences, setting the stage for Dire Straits’ meteoric rise.

Notable Tracks:

1. “Sultans of Swing”
2. “Down to the Waterline”
3. “Water of Love”
4. “Wild West End”

Building on Success: “Communiqué” (1979)

Continuation of the Knopfler Magic “Communiqué” (1979) continued in the vein of the debut album, featuring Mark Knopfler’s intricate guitar playing and introspective lyrics. While it may not have replicated the commercial success of its predecessor, the album solidified Dire Straits’ musical identity.

Notable Tracks:

1. “Lady Writer”
2. “Once Upon a Time in the West”
3. “Where Do You Think You’re Going?”
4. “Communiqué”

Breakthrough to Mega-Stardom: “Making Movies” (1980)

A Cinematic Musical Journey “Making Movies” (1980) marked a turning point for Dire Straits. The album showcased a more polished sound and featured the epic “Romeo and Juliet,” a song that exemplified Mark Knopfler’s storytelling ability. The album’s cinematic quality and emotional depth propelled Dire Straits into the mainstream.

Notable Tracks:

1. “Romeo and Juliet”
2. “Tunnel of Love”
3. “Skateaway”
4. “Expresso Love”

Synthesizing Jazz and Rock: “Love Over Gold” (1982)

Epic Soundscapes and Extended Jams “Love Over Gold” (1982) marked a departure with longer, more complex compositions. The album featured the atmospheric “Private Investigations” and the epic “Telegraph Road,” showcasing the band’s willingness to explore extended musical landscapes.

Notable Tracks:

1. “Private Investigations”
2. “Telegraph Road”
3. “Industrial Disease”
4. “It Never Rains”

A Commercial Peak: “Brothers in Arms” (1985)

Global Success and Technological Innovation “Brothers in Arms” (1985) catapulted Dire Straits to unparalleled commercial success. The album featured the iconic MTV-friendly video for “Money for Nothing,” a groundbreaking collaboration with Sting. With a perfect balance of rock, pop, and blues, “Brothers in Arms” became one of the best-selling albums of all time.

Notable Tracks:

1. “Money for Nothing”
2. “Walk of Life”
3. “So Far Away”
4. “Brothers in Arms”

Disbandment and Individual Pursuits

The End of an Era (1995) Dire Straits disbanded in 1995 after a remarkable career that spanned nearly two decades. Mark Knopfler embarked on a successful solo career, further showcasing his guitar virtuosity and songwriting prowess.

Mark Knopfler’s Solo Journey

Post-Dire Straits Achievements Mark Knopfler’s solo career, starting with “Golden Heart” (1996), demonstrated his continued musical evolution. His subsequent albums, including “Sailing to Philadelphia” (2000), “Shangri-La” (2004), and “Tracker” (2015), showcased a diverse range of influences and collaborations.

Legacy and Impact

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (2018) In 2018, Dire Straits was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, recognizing their profound impact on the rock music landscape. The induction celebrated Mark Knopfler’s enduring legacy as a guitarist and songwriter.

Musical Influence Dire Straits’ influence extends beyond their chart-topping hits. Mark Knopfler’s fingerstyle technique and melodic storytelling have inspired countless guitarists and songwriters across genres.

Live Performances and Farewell

Alchemy: Dire Straits Live (1984) “Alchemy: Dire Straits Live” (1984) captured the band’s dynamic live performances. The album featured powerful renditions of their classics, showcasing the chemistry and musicianship of the band members.

Final Farewell (1992) Dire Straits’ final studio album, “On Every Street” (1991), was followed by a tour in 1992. The tour served as a farewell for the band, leaving fans with memorable performances that highlighted their musical prowess.

Technological Innovations

Embracing the Digital Realm Dire Straits, particularly with “Brothers in Arms,” embraced the technological innovations of the time. The album was one of the first to be recorded entirely on digital equipment, contributing to its sonic clarity and serving as a landmark in the transition to digital recording.

Unplugged and Unmatched

Unplugged Brilliance (1993) In 1993, Mark Knopfler and Dire Straits participated in MTV’s “Unplugged” series. The acoustic setting showcased the timeless quality of their songs and Mark Knopfler’s unrivaled guitar skills.

Conclusion of a Musical Odyssey

The Resonance of Dire Straits Dire Straits’ musical legacy endures through the resonance of their timeless songs. Mark Knopfler’s storytelling, combined with his unique guitar style, created a body of work that continues to captivate audiences across generations.

A Journey Beyond Sultans Dire Straits, with Mark Knopfler at the helm, ventured beyond the sultans of swing into diverse musical landscapes. Their exploration of rock, blues, folk, and even jazz left an indelible mark on the fabric of contemporary music—a mark that continues to be felt, appreciated, and celebrated.

1 by ONE High Fidelity Belt Drive Turntable with Built-in Speakers, Vinyl Record Player with Magnetic Cartridge, Bluetooth Playback and Aux-in Functionality, Auto Off

8% Off $239.99 $219.99 (as of April 30, 2025 01:38 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

[Exquisite Appearance] Built from wood and metal materials with a unique sense of layering; The streamlined corner design is truly atmospheric and stylish(Note: long hold the start button to turn the power on, and press again to start) [All in 1] Thi... read more

Audio-Technica AT-LP60X-BK Fully Automatic Belt-Drive Stereo Turntable, Black, Hi-Fidelity, Plays 33 -1/3 and 45 RPM Vinyl Records, Dust Cover, Anti-Resonance, Die-Cast Aluminum Platter

$169.00 (as of April 30, 2025 01:38 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

Experience the high fidelity audio of vinyl.Power consumption : 1.0 W, Signal-to-noise ratio > 50 dB (DIN-B) Fully automatic belt drive turntable operation with 2 speeds: 33 1/3, 45 RPM Anti resonance, die cast aluminum platter Redesigned tone arm ba... read more

Sony PS-LX310BT Belt Drive Turntable: Fully Automatic Wireless Vinyl Record Player with Bluetooth and USB Output Black

7% Off $299.99 $279.99 (as of April 30, 2025 01:38 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

EASY OPERATION: Effortlessly enjoy your favorite records with one-step auto start, stop and return.Power source: ‎Corded Electric TWO SPEEDS: 33 1/3 rpm and 45 rpm, with the 45 rpm adaptor stowed neatly in a slot beneath the deck HIGH QUALITY AUDIO: ... read more

Audio-Technica AT-LP60XBT-BK Fully Automatic Wireless Belt-Drive Turntable (Black) (ATLP60XBTBK)

$239.00 (as of April 30, 2025 01:38 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

High fidelity audio with bluetooth wireless technology.Wow and flutter : < 0.25% (WTD) at 3 kHz. Connects wirelessly to speakers and other devices equipped with bluetooth wireless technology or to wired audio systems and powered speakers via included... read more

1 by ONE Belt Drive Turntable with Bluetooth Connectivity, Built-in Phono Pre-amp, USB Digital Output Vinyl Stereo Record Player with Magnetic Cartridge, 33 or 45 RPM

37% Off $159.97 $99.99 (as of April 30, 2025 01:38 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

Bluetooth Connectivity: Pair with Bluetooth speakers or headphones for an amazing, wireless experience; Even better, no receiver needed Magnetic Cartridge Stylus: The diamond-tipped stylus cartridge is designed to produce rich sound and outstanding c... read more

Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB-BK Direct-Drive Turntable (Analog & USB), Fully Manual, Hi-Fi, 3 Speed, Convert Vinyl to Digital, Anti-Skate and Variable Pitch Control Black

$379.00 (as of April 30, 2025 01:38 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

Experience the high-fidelity audio of vinyl Direct-drive, DC servo motor with selectable 33/45/78 RPM speeds. Damped base construction for reduced low-frequency feedback coloration Fully manual operation featuring adjustable dynamic anti-skate contro... read more

Victrola Nostalgic 6-in-1 Bluetooth Record Player & Multimedia Center with Built-in Speakers - 3-Speed Turntable, CD & Cassette Player, FM Radio | Wireless Music Streaming | Mahogany

41% Off $159.99 $93.70 (as of April 30, 2025 01:38 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

6-in-1 ENTERTAINMENT CENTER – With vintage looks on the outside & modern features inside, listen your way; vinyl records, CDs, cassettes, AM/FM radio or stream music from your smartphone via Bluetooth or 3.5 mm Aux/headphone jack.Motor type : AC Moto... read more

Vinyl Record Player 3-Speed Bluetooth Suitcase Portable Belt-Driven Record Player with Built-in Speakers RCA Line Out AUX in Headphone Jack Vintage Turntable

38% Off $79.99 $49.99 (as of April 30, 2025 01:38 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

【Retrolife INDIVIDUAL SUITCASE RECORD PLAYER】A satisfying combo of modern and vintage elements. Black classic PU leather outlook with retro bronze metal screws and nets, you can take it everywhere with its solid handle. Be ready to create your own mu... read more