LP - NEW/NEW - DIRE STRAITS, Dire Straits (Vertigo; 3752902, Europe 2020 Reissue, Inner), , Dire Straits' arresting self-titled debut arrived in the midst of punk's reign but couldn't have been further removed from the era's slash-and-burn style. Recorded in West London in February 1978, the band's tasteful, jazz-inflected set embraces folk, blues, and pub rock while also tracing a direct line back to the beat-oriented sound of early rock n' roll. Country and roots accents further distinguish the British quartet's stripped-down music from any 1970s peers. - 1416443C *** In Stock In Our Crouch End Shop ***