This debut album was recorded at Basing Street studios in Notting Hill, London in February 1978. Produced by Muff Winwood, it was first released in the United Kingdom on Vertigo Records. Many of the songs on the album reflected Mark Knopfler's experiences in Newcastle, Leeds and London. "Down to the Waterline" recalled images of life in Newcastle; "In the Gallery" is a tribute to Leeds sculptor/artist Harry Phillips (father of Steve Phillips); "Wild West End" and "Lions" were drawn from Knopfler's early days in the capital.
