This compilation repeats seven tracks from 1988's Money For Nothing anthology. Given that Mark Knopfler and crew have recorded one new album during the decade between best-of collections, how different could Sultans of Swing be? For one thing, CD dominance has made for longer compilations, and this one is fleshed out by singles, three tracks from 1991's On Every Street, and Knopfler's solo "Local Hero" theme, performed live. More importantly, the second track here is the band's terrific second single, "Lady Writer," previously only available on the otherwise dismal Communiqué LP. Five tracks from Dire Straits' huge Brothers in Arms LP appear here, but only two tracks surface from Making Movies, the group's pinnacle achievement. Ultimately, if you own Making Movies and this compilation, you own the essential Dire Straits. --Bill Holdship

2009-04-15 -- 2/5:: Very Best? Not Quite.
How can the "Very Best of" CD not conatin the Very Best Song...Skateaway from 1980's Making Movies LP. Long forgotten song that deserves way better treatment than it has received through the years.

2009-04-09 -- 5/5:: Sultans of swing: the very best of Dire Steaits
Excellent Dvd. My Husband has been looking all over for this piece, and Amazon had it at an excellent price. Thank You.

2009-01-23 -- 1/5:: Delivery not conform
Sirs
The record I asked for was SULTANS OF SWING - THE VERY BEST OF DIRE STRAITS and the one you sent to me was THE ULTIMATE YMA SUMAC COLLECTION. Since I,m not interested in this last one, I have to ask you for the inmedite change of it, or Pls. send my money back.
Regards
Ruben Amores

2008-09-24 -- 4/5:: Sultans of Swing: The Very Best of Dire Straits
Sultans of Swing: The Very Best of Dire Straits is a good compilation of a great rock band. Mark Knopfler is a great guitarist, lyricist and a gruff but alright vocalist. Robert Sandall has written a well-written and informative short synopsis/bio about the band. The cover is ok but a bit boring. The photographs are all very nice and well done especially the one shot of Knopfler as it captures his intensity as he plays his guitar. I definitely recommend this album. 4 stars indeed!

2008-09-09 -- 4/5:: Dissapointing Selection
Like a previous reviewer I am a huge DS/MK fan, have been since the early 80's. Out of the 3 dire straits/mark knopfler compilations this is probably the best one. However, quite a few early tracks have been missed out on all of these compilations. Wild West End & Down To The Waterline from the first album and Where Do You Think You're Going and News from the 2nd just to name 2. Industrial Disease from the Love Over Gold Album.
I hope one day they can get it right and release a best of remastered with these tracks included, perhaps leave a few of the latter ones off and throw in some B-Sides/Unreleased tracks on a bonus CD. And oh yes as someone else said, the original full length versions also please.