David Knopfler, founder of the great Dire Straits has finally released his eighth solo album. Always a literate songwriter, David Knopfler manages to put thought-provoking and insightful lyrics to beautiful, acoustic music. The music (nearly 59 minutes worth) on Wishbones lives up to the stratospheric standard set on 1993's brilliant The Giver and the (until now) unprecedented magnificence of David Knopfler's last album, 1994's Small Mercies (Note: if you can find either of these cds, do yourself a favor and buy them--you won't be disappointed).The instrumentation on this album is much like the last two releases (by far his best in my estimation; although 1983's Release comes close)--and that's a good thing. Knopfler sings (and his voice continues to get better with age), plays piano (which is front and center), guitars, vibes, and mandolin. Back is the multi-talented Harry Bogdanovs on guitars, electric piano, banjo, bass (additional), and mandolin. Alan Clark shines on Hammond and Chris Rea adds his talent to the lead track, A Clear Day (St Swithun's Day)--a reference to the weather saint and just one example of Knopfler's literate songwriting skills. Eddi Reader contribues vocals for the album's weakest track (but by no means a weak track in and of itself), John Martyn's May You Never (the only track Knopfler didn't write although he co-wrote a couple tracks with Bogdanovs).Highlights include the Celtic-infected Jericho, the brilliant A Clear Day (a great single if ever there's been one), the moving, haunting, jazzy The Bones, the thought-provoking If God Could Make the Angels, and my personal favorite, the poignant The Snowscape Paperweight Girl. The bonus tracks (there are two) are no throwaways either. Shadowlands is a rollicking tune reminiscent of 'Double Dealing' from 1985's Behind the Lines and the acoustic version of A Clear Day is a worthy contrast to the electric version. This is an album full of beautiful melodies, brilliant lyricism, and showcases a tight band playing for the love of music. Music doesn't get much better than this. Very Highly Recommended.