Be One of Us #31 "Sultans of Swing"

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When I started compiling the tunes that make up this particular countdown, 50 songs with "of" in the title, I was hoping that some of you would be hoping for this one, and I aim to please! These are in no logical order, but they are numbered, and we are at #31: "Sultans of Swing" by Dire Straits. After they formed in London in 1977, Dire Straits recorded a five-song demo, of which "Sultans of Swing," a tune written by vocalist/guitarist Mark Knopfler after he witnessed a band called The Sultans of Swing playing in a near-empty pub, was one. Seeking only feedback, Dire Straits took the demo to BBC Radio personality Charlie Gillett, who liked it and began playing "Sultans of Swing" on his radio show. Two months later, the band was signed to Phonogram Records. This part is a little weird, if you have any understanding of the music industry at all. The single was not a hit, so Phonogram asked the group to re-record a less-polished version to play on the radio (which is completely contrary to the industry's usual "the more overproduced, the better" stance.) That version, the one that you know and love (at least, you SHOULD love) entered the Billboard Hot 100 in 1979, reaching #4. Due to the lyrics (not the content, but rather the sheer volume of words,) the BBC had refused to air the song, only relenting after the single's stateside success. #8 in the UK, Top 10 in four other countries, and Top 20 in yet four others, and narrowly missing that distinction in Canada (#26.) And it launched Dire Straits into a career that saw them sell over 100 million records worldwide, as well as induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Perhaps maybe, just maybe, record companies should start requesting less-polished product? Just saying. (Info verified by Wikipedia)