For the self-titled album Dire Straits, the band went to Basing St. Studios in London on February 13, 1978, to now professionally record and mix the songs already recorded on the demo tape. Dire Straits was finally released on June 9, 1978. The album included the later single Sultans of Swing, which was the band's first major success. The album Dire Straits reached number two on the U.S. Billboard 200 in 1979, the single Sultans of Swing reached number four on the Billboard Hot 100 in the same year (Wikipedia) "Dire Straits" is the brainchild of a group of blues rockers who draw inspiration from jazz and country. Mark Knopfler's sparse guitar tones and husky, distinctive vocals are the driving force behind this debut album. Thanks to the hit single "Sultans of Swing," the debut climbed straight into the Top 10. The remastering for this hybrid SACD was done by Shawn R. Britton. The limited edition with consecutive serial number comes in a mini LP cover with an enclosed 12-page booklet.