Dire Straits | Love Over Gold | 1982

## Dire Straits – Love Over Gold (1982) | Original UK Vertigo LP | MASTERDISK HW/RL | VG+/NM

An excellent original **1982 UK pressing of Dire Straits' acclaimed fourth studio album, *Love Over Gold***, released on Vertigo Records, catalogue number **6359 109**.

This particular copy is especially interesting to vinyl collectors, featuring **MASTERDISK mastering inscriptions on both sides**, with **HW (Howie Weinberg) on Side One and RL (Robert Ludwig) on Side Two**.

The exact matrix and runout inscriptions have been carefully checked against Discogs, confirming **Release 1024257, Runout Variant 2**.

The vinyl is visually graded **Very Good Plus (VG+)**, while the original outer sleeve is in outstanding **Near Mint (NM)** condition.

### About the Album

Released in September 1982, *Love Over Gold* marked another major step in the musical development of Dire Straits, showcasing Mark Knopfler's increasingly ambitious songwriting, intricate guitar arrangements and exceptional production.

Moving beyond the more straightforward rock sound of the band's earlier recordings, the album embraces longer compositions, atmospheric arrangements and a remarkably detailed sound.

Produced by **Mark Knopfler**, the album features five tracks, including two of the band's most celebrated recordings.

**Telegraph Road** opens the album with an extraordinary fourteen-minute composition, combining delicate piano passages, vivid storytelling and some of Knopfler's most expressive guitar playing. Its gradual build towards an exhilarating instrumental conclusion makes it one of the defining recordings of the band's career.

**Private Investigations** is a haunting, atmospheric piece built around restrained instrumentation, dramatic changes in dynamics and Knopfler's distinctive spoken-style vocal delivery. The song became a major UK hit.

**Industrial Disease** introduces a more upbeat, satirical approach, with energetic guitar work and sharp observations about modern working life.

**Love Over Gold**, the title track, is a beautifully arranged composition featuring delicate melodies and subtle instrumentation.

**It Never Rains** closes the album with an extended performance that develops from its understated opening into a powerful guitar-driven finale.

With its combination of sophisticated songwriting, superb musicianship and meticulous recording techniques, *Love Over Gold* remains one of the most highly regarded albums in the Dire Straits catalogue.

### Pressing Details

- **Artist:** Dire Straits
- **Album:** Love Over Gold
- **Release Year:** 1982
- **Record Label:** Vertigo
- **Catalogue Number:** 6359 109
- **Country:** United Kingdom
- **Format:** 12-inch Vinyl LP
- **Speed:** 33⅓ RPM
- **Genre:** Classic Rock / Progressive Rock / Art Rock
- **Producer:** Mark Knopfler
- **Manufacture:** Made in England
- **Mastering:** MASTERDISK, New York
- **Mastering Signatures:** Howie Weinberg (HW) / Robert Ludwig (RL)
- **Discogs Release:** 1024257
- **Runout Identification:** Variant 2

The record features the distinctive orange and yellow Vertigo labels, with the original 1982 Phonogram copyright information.

### Matrix / Runout Information

The following inscriptions have been checked directly against the actual record and correspond to **Discogs Runout Variant 2**.

**Side One**

Stamped matrix: `6359109 A//2 ▽ 130 1 13`

Etched inscription: `6359109-A-UK-1`

Stamped: `MASTERDISK`

Etched mastering initials: `HW`

**Side Two**

Stamped matrix: `6359109 B//3 ▽ [obliterated inscription] 130`

Etched inscription: `6359109-B`

Stamped: `MASTERDISK`

Etched mastering initials: `RL`

The deliberately obliterated inscription on Side Two is also documented in the Discogs Variant 2 entry.

These markings identify a UK-manufactured pressing using MASTERDISK lacquer cuts associated with two highly respected mastering engineers.

**Howie Weinberg (HW)** has mastered recordings for numerous internationally recognised rock artists, while **Robert Ludwig (RL)** is widely regarded as one of the most influential mastering engineers in recorded music.

The combination of HW and RL inscriptions makes this a particularly interesting edition for collectors who appreciate the mastering and manufacturing history of classic vinyl records.

### Track Listing

**Side One**

1. Telegraph Road – 14:18
2. Private Investigations – 6:46

**Side Two**

1. Industrial Disease – 5:50
2. Love Over Gold – 6:17
3. It Never Rains – 7:54

All tracks written by Mark Knopfler.

### Condition Report

**Vinyl – Very Good Plus (VG+)**

The record has been carefully visually inspected and graded **VG+** in accordance with the Goldmine grading standard.

The vinyl retains an attractive appearance, with signs of previous handling and use consistent with its assigned grade.

Both playing surfaces have been visually examined, and the exact matrix inscriptions have been checked to establish the pressing identification.

**Original Outer Sleeve – Near Mint (NM)**

The original outer sleeve is in **Near Mint condition**, an especially pleasing feature for an album dating from 1982.

It presents exceptionally well, with only the minimal signs of age or handling permitted within the NM grading standard.

**Inner Sleeve**

The inner sleeve is not separately graded or described as original, as its condition and originality have not yet been confirmed.

### Important Grading Information

All vinyl records sold by Comfortably Spun Records are visually graded in accordance with the internationally recognised Goldmine grading standard.

**This record has not been play-tested.** The condition grades refer to visual inspection only, and no guarantee is made regarding playback performance.

Please examine the photographs carefully, as they show the actual record and sleeve being offered for sale.

### Cleaning, Packaging & Dispatch

Every record sold by Comfortably Spun Records is carefully cleaned before dispatch.

The vinyl will be securely packaged using suitable protective record packaging to help prevent damage during transit.

Orders are dispatched within **two working days** of purchase.

UK orders are sent using **Royal Mail Tracked 48**, with international delivery available where offered at checkout.

### A Desirable UK MASTERDISK Pressing

*Love Over Gold* is widely regarded as one of Dire Straits' finest albums, celebrated for its ambitious compositions, atmospheric production and outstanding guitar performances.

This original UK Vertigo pressing is particularly appealing thanks to its **confirmed MASTERDISK HW/RL runout combination**, matching Discogs Variant 2, together with its VG+ vinyl and exceptionally well-preserved NM outer sleeve.

An excellent opportunity to add a carefully identified copy of this classic 1982 album to a Dire Straits, Mark Knopfler or classic rock vinyl collection.

**Dire Straits – Love Over Gold. Original UK Vertigo pressing, MASTERDISK HW/RL, VG+ vinyl and NM sleeve.**

*Comfortably Spun Records – Where Rock Lives on Vinyl.*