"WTF?" I hear you say.

But I was thinking the other day that (despite being at complete opposite ends of the musicial spectrum) there's a few similarities between the bands. And before I start, I realise that dire straits wound up a long time ago.

1) the album covers of both don't show the band (except lowlife)
2) the songs of both bands tend to be long with big endings
3) both bands have had different line ups but the lead singer is the main constant (although the bass player of dire straits and Steve are too)
4) the lead singer of both bands are a bit controlling as well as being the main songwriters of their respective bands
5) both bands guitarists have their own unique styles of playing that are recognisable
6) both bands have singers for which singing isn't their strongest point (or could ever be classed as great singers)
7) both Mark Knoffler and Bernard are working class guys who never lost touch with their roots
8) both bands had their biggest success with their respective 5th albums
9) both bands subsequent 6th album releases weren't as good as their 5th and the bands called it a day (or in new orders case went on hiatus for a good few years)
10) erm....they both sang songs about love and money and war

Ok, so it's been a slow day and I know this is all a bit tenuous and that I should get out more, etc. But I thought it might amuse. If anyone has a better suggestion for a band that has more in common with new order, feel free to say.