Dire Straits published their first album on 1978. They were basically a guitar driven band with many blues rock influences at that time. The major one was probably J.J. Cale. If You listen to this wonderful rendition of "Water of Love"You will receive all the energy and chemistry that this group had at the beginning of the career.
After the second album called "Communiquè" Mark Knopfler chose to change direction and Dire Straits became more pop oriented reaching the great success. However He mantained the band integrity and never recorded a work only to sell and being commercial.
That said we'd love to focalize to the early period that is rich of blues hints!
Enjoy!