Mark Knopfler - Local Hero (1983)

Artist:  Mark Knopfler
Title:  Local Hero (Soundtrack)
Release:  1983
Format:  LP
Label:  Vertigo Records
Catalog#  811038-1

“Local Hero” is Mark Knopfler’s soundtrack album for the 1983 film Local Hero, produced by David Puttnam, written and directed by Bill Forsyth.
Dire Straits leader Mark Knopfler’s intricate, introspective fingerpicked guitar stylings make a perfect musical complement to the wistful tone of Bill Forsyth’s comedy film, Local Hero. This album was billed as a Knopfler solo album rather than an original soundtrack album, with the notation “music…for the film.” Knopfler brings along Dire Straits associates Alan Clark (keyboards) and John Illsley (bass), plus session aces like saxophonist Mike Brecker, vibes player Mike Mainieri, and drummers Steve Jordan and Terry Williams. The low-key music picks up traces of Scottish music, but most of it just sounds like Dire Straits doing instrumentals, especially the recurring theme, one of Knopfler’s more memorable melodies. Gerry Rafferty sings the one vocal selection, “That’s the Way It Always Starts.”


Side one
1.  The Rocks and the Water  (3:30)
2.  Wild Theme  (3:40)
3.  Freeway Flyer  (1:50)
4.  Boomtown (Variation Louis’ Favourite)  (4:10)
5.  The Way It Always Starts  (vocals: Gerry Rafferty)  (4:08)
6.  The Rocks and the Thunder  (0:40)
7.  The Ceilidh and the Northern Lights  (4:07)

Side two
1.  The Mist Covered Mountains  (5:13)
2.  The Ceilidh: Louis’ Favourite/Billy’s Tune  (3:42)
3.  Whistle Theme  (0:51)
4.  Smooching  (5:05)
5.  Stargazer  (1:31)
6.  The Rocks and the Thunder  (0:40)
7.  Going Home: Theme of the Local Hero  (4:55)

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