“Once Upon a Time in the West”
My favorite track off of Dire Straits second album Communique happens to be Once Upon a Time in the West. Then while researching what video to use I come across this video and the first thing that pops into my head is Cincinnati Baby. Everyone who has read his blog knows that he has a weak spot for classic western films. So CB I’m sure that you have seen this video before but anyways this ones for you.
There is nothing fancy about Once Upon a Time in the West Just a nice slow almost 6 minute long song that showcases Mark Knopfler’s magnificent writing skill and slow guitar picking style that made him famous. The final component that makes this song complete (like all of Dire Straits songs) is the rest of the band that consisted of Mark’s brother and fellow guitarist David Knopfler, bass player John Illsley and drummer Pick Withers. Communique was produced by the late Jerry Wexler and the late Barry Beckett who also supplied keyboards when needed on the record and was part of the famous Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section.
“Some people get a cheap laugh breaking up the speed limit
Scaring the pedestrians for a minute
Crossing up progress driving on the grass
Leaving just enough for room to pass
Sunday driver never took a test
Oh yeah, once upon a time in the west”
Forgotten Rock Classics 
Great choice. I think this was such an overlooked LP, Follow Me Home and Single Handed Sailor are brilliant tracks.
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Thanks! You couldn’t have picked a better tune.(I had never seen the video but it is very cool. Seen thee flick many times) Dire Straits nod to Ennio Morricone and Sergio Leone. Great tune. DS first two albums are pretty good (under statement). The only problem with posting this is, I want to watch the film again. CB does enjoy a good “Duster” once in a while. Thanks again!
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I don’t think the song has anything to do with the movie CB. But once I saw that video and thought of you I couldn’t resist using it.
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It’s perfect. I would guess that Knofler maybe was influenced in some way, just the sound of the song. If not it sure influenced the person that put the video together. Appreciate the thought. Bottom line it’s a really cool tune! (You are kinda foreshadowing CB’s next take with the western theme).
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CB Looking forward to your take with a western theme.
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A Brando western.
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Enjoying the little Dire Straits splash this week. Both this and 1537’s piece. Might even play some this morning!
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1537 does a great post about that album that I tend to agree on. I stuck with the older albums this week while preparing for this post and since.
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Good song. I get a kick out of all the Western imagery in the video when it’s really not about that. Or is it?
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Jim
I couldn’t find anything about what Mark was thinking about when he wrote it. But I don’t believe it has to with the wild west at all. Maybe about somewhere in London?
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Yeah, no biggie, just curious. Knopfler is certainly the master of a certain kind of song and I totally mean that in a good way.
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Jim
I’ll do some more digging and find out. Now you got me more curious.
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Well, get with it, man! No eating or sleeping over here till this mystery is solved! 😀
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Jim I just can not find anything by Mark on what the song is about. I did find this from a fan true or false who knows?
The title “Once Upon a Time in the West” is just a homage to the film. It’s about London’s West End in the late 70s, using the American “Wild West” as an allegory
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Sounds as good as anything else. Thanks.
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