Dire Straits | Making Movies | 1980

Dire Straits – Making Movies (1980) | Original UK Vertigo Vinyl LP | VG+/VG

An original **1980 UK pressing of Dire Straits' acclaimed third studio album, *Making Movies***, released on the iconic Vertigo label, catalogue number **6359 034**.

Featuring the distinctive orange and yellow Vertigo labels, this British pressing was manufactured by Phonogram Ltd. in England and carries the original 1980 copyright information.

The record features the classic **1Y//2 and 2Y//2 matrix cuts**, with the exact runout inscriptions recorded below.

The vinyl is visually graded **Very Good Plus (VG+)**, the original outer sleeve **Very Good (VG)**, and the original printed inner sleeve is present in **Very Good (VG)** condition.

### About the Album

Released in October 1980, *Making Movies* marked an important development in the sound of Dire Straits, moving beyond the understated blues-rock approach of their first two albums towards a more expansive, cinematic style.

Led by guitarist, vocalist and songwriter **Mark Knopfler**, the band delivered some of its most enduring recordings on this album, combining expressive guitar playing, vivid storytelling and richly arranged rock music.

The album was produced by **Jimmy Iovine and Mark Knopfler**, with keyboard contributions from **Roy Bittan**, best known for his work with Bruce Springsteen's E Street Band.

Among its best-known tracks are:

- **Tunnel of Love** – an ambitious opening track incorporating an introduction from Rodgers and Hammerstein's *Carousel Waltz*, followed by one of Knopfler's finest extended guitar performances.
- **Romeo and Juliet** – a beautifully written rock ballad, distinguished by its memorable resonator guitar introduction and evocative lyrics.
- **Skateaway** – a rhythmic, atmospheric recording that showcases the band's developing musical sophistication.
- **Expresso Love** – a lively, guitar-driven track reflecting the group's rock influences.
- **Solid Rock** – an energetic, direct performance that became a popular part of the band's live repertoire.

Widely regarded as one of Dire Straits' finest albums, *Making Movies* helped establish the band's reputation for sophisticated songwriting and exceptional musicianship.

### Pressing Details

- **Artist:** Dire Straits
- **Album:** Making Movies
- **Release Year:** 1980
- **Record Label:** Vertigo
- **Catalogue Number:** 6359 034
- **Country:** United Kingdom
- **Format:** 12-inch Vinyl LP
- **Speed:** 33⅓ RPM
- **Genre:** Rock / Classic Rock / Blues Rock
- **Manufactured:** Made in England
- **Production:** Jimmy Iovine and Mark Knopfler
- **Discogs Reference:** 5996839 (closest identified release; exact stamper variant not independently confirmed)

The labels feature the album title in quotation marks and correctly spell **“Carousel Waltz”** in the introduction to *Tunnel of Love*.

### Matrix / Runout Information

The following matrix inscriptions have been transcribed directly from the actual record:

**Side 1:** 6359034 1Y//2vE420 1 1 3

**Side 2:** 6359034 2Y//2vE420 12 10

These inscriptions identify the early UK-style Phonogram matrix configuration, with second-cut matrices on both sides.

The precise stamper combinations are supplied for collectors wishing to compare this copy with documented pressing variations.

### Track Listing

**Side One**

1. Tunnel of Love – 8:09
2. Romeo and Juliet – 5:47
3. Skateaway – 6:32

*Tunnel of Love* includes an introduction based on *Carousel Waltz* by Rodgers and Hammerstein.

**Side Two**

1. Expresso Love
2. Hand in Hand
3. Solid Rock
4. Les Boys

### Condition Report

**Vinyl – Very Good Plus (VG+)**

The record has been visually inspected and graded VG+ in accordance with the Goldmine grading standard. It is a well-preserved example showing only the signs of previous handling and use permitted within this grade.

**Original Outer Sleeve – Very Good (VG)**

The original outer sleeve is present and graded VG, reflecting visible signs of age, handling and general wear consistent with a record released in 1980.

**Original Inner Sleeve – Very Good (VG)**

The original inner sleeve is included and is graded VG. Its presence makes this a more complete example than copies supplied with generic replacement inners.

**Important:** All vinyl sold by Comfortably Spun Records is visually graded using the Goldmine grading standard. Records are **not play-tested**, and playback condition cannot be guaranteed from visual inspection alone.

### Cleaning, Packaging & Dispatch

The photographs accompanying this listing show the actual record and sleeves offered for sale, rather than stock images.

The vinyl will be carefully cleaned before dispatch and securely packaged in suitable protective record packaging.

Orders are dispatched within two working days of purchase, with UK orders sent via **Royal Mail Tracked 48**.

### A Classic Dire Straits Album

With its original 1980 UK Vertigo labels, documented 1Y//2 and 2Y//2 matrices, original inner sleeve and VG+ vinyl condition, this is an appealing, affordable copy of an essential Dire Straits album.

From the sweeping guitar passages of *Tunnel of Love* to the timeless storytelling of *Romeo and Juliet*, *Making Movies* remains one of the standout British rock albums of the early 1980s.

**An original UK pressing of a genuine classic, ready for its next collection.**