Dire Straits leader Mark Knopfler's intricate introspective fingerpicked guitar stylings make a perfect musical complement to the wistful tone of Bill Forsyth's comedy film 'Local Hero'. This album was billed as a Knopfler solo album rather than an original soundtrack album with the notation "music for the film."

Knopfler brings along Dire Straits associates Alan Clark (keyboards) and John Illsley (bass) plus session aces like saxophonist Mike Brecker vibes player Mike Mainieri and drummers Steve Jordan and Terry Williams.