What strikes me most about modern Mark Knopfler albums is his tendency to sing about topics that are specific, obscure, and unusual. Songs that often seem unremarkable or even goofy at first turn out to be incredibly evokative and unique when you hear it for the 20th time and finally the lyrics click for you and you get what it’s about.
Take 2007’s “Punish the Monkey,” which is not in fact about animal abuse. Rather, it’s actually about being the fall guy in a corporate scandal. On the same album is “The Fizzy and the Still,” a song about failure that is so poignant that I remember exactly where I was (the kitchen) and what I was doing (cleaning the kitchen) when I suddenly understood the story it was telling.
“Privateering”, which is currently available in the US only as an import, contains a handful of these puzzles. “Haul Away” is clearly about someone or something falling or being escorted overboard, but I’m still working out who or what. I’ve narrowed it down to either the singer’s wife, the singer’s wife’s lover, or a bottle of beer. The standout “song with an obscure topic” on this album is Disc 2’s “After the Beanstalk”, which explores the untold sequel to Jack and the Beanstalk. Hint: Not everything is improved with golden eggs and riches.
I bought the two-disc version of the album, which is also available in extended 3 and 4 disc versions. I found it to be a very balanced combination of the aforementioned “oh my god, this song is so weird” style mentioned above, more laid back and subdued blues and ballads, and upbeat foot stomping tunes that mostly kick in with “Got To Have Something” on Disc 2.
“Privateering” is a great example of why I think it’s challenging but important to keep up with newer releases from more seasoned artists. You likely won’t hear anything from “Privateering” on the radio, but it’s some of the best music I’ve heard this year. This album did leave me wondering though — is Privateering’s “Corned Beef City” a sequel to Sailing to Philadelphia’s “Baloney Again”?