Steely Dan's 1980 Song with Mark Knopfler That Ended in Tears - "Time Out of Mind" and Brutal Perfection!

Steely Dan, masters of sonic perfection, invited Mark Knopfler (Dire Straits) to play the guitar solo on "Time Out of Mind" from the album Gaucho (1980). Impressed by "Sultans of Swing", they expected magic - but the sessions turned into a nightmare. Knopfler recorded more than 10 hours of takes, but only 15 seconds were used. Fagen and Becker criticized endlessly, demanding endless retakes. "It was a strange experience, like going into a swimming pool with lead weights in your boots," Knopfler said. Becker admitted that the guitarist got frustrated. Steely Dan's perfectionism generated masterpieces, but it came at an emotional cost. A lesson in art, ego and the price of excellence in the studio!