Mark Knopfler: The Ragpicker's Dream

By GRAHAM REID

(Herald rating: * * * )

Former Dire Straits mainman Knopfler hasn't been in a hurry to reclaim any territory lately, whether it be the Anglofolk-rock of the Notting Hillbillies or his atmospheric soundtrack work, let alone his sporadic solo carer which shifts between Celtic rock and J. J. Cale's backporch. This is only his third solo album in the decade since DS evaporated.

Get past the opener Why Aye Man (from Auf Wiedersehen, Pet, with Jimmy Nail on backing vocals) and the perfunctory Devil Baby and he reveals himself again in thoughtful and often quiet songs (Hill Farmer's Blues, and the beautifully understated, quasi-chanson reflection on a failed relationship of A Place Where We Used to Live). Elsewhere he offers homely, journeyman tunes which raise a smile (Quality Shoe) or recall his soundtrack work (Fare Thee Well Northumberland), some excellent finger-picking (Marbletown) and shows that by lowering public expectation he is enjoying himself more and is able to explore his interests better.

Comes with a four-track live disc (Brothers in Arms one of them) and a CD-video of Why Aye Man.

(Label: Mercury)