I Want To See The Bright Lights Tonight

My one complaint about this album has always been that it's not long enough.

I think this might be around the pinnacle of this era and genre of neo-folk. My one objection is that it comes in so strong, with When I Get to the Border and The Calvary Cross, that it's tough for the still very good remainder of the album to quite match it.

Nice, folksy, and calm. Linda Thompson's name should also be included in the Artist name here.

Now that's the reason I started with the project - finding unknown classics. I have not heard at all about this album, yet I recognized its influence on more recent albums. Some songs sound very similar to Neutral Milk Hotel which I really like. Great album!

I think this album is amazing. One of the most emotionally intense folk albums I've ever heard. I love it all but "Calvary Cross" is the one that really hits me hardest. Also one of my favorite album covers of all time.

Bit of a masterpiece really

folk music.......................good melancholic, kinda sleepy album. good fit since im tired rn and am usually vaguely sad if poked the right way. not much else to say. nice to have a more ""normal"" album after weird proto everything white light white heat and minimal weirdo pop non stop erotic cabaret. just Folk 9/10

Surprised to find this is from a former member of Fairport Convention, a band I've been lukewarm on through this list (being generous). I don't think these tracks do anything super new, but I do think they are super well written and just overall great tunea. Reminds me of Frightened Rabbit, a little, especially the wonderful downer of "The End Of The Rainbow". Favorite tracks: "When I Get To The Boarder", "The Calvary Cross", "I Want To See The Bright Lights Tonight", "The End Of The Rainbow"

Very nice album. Charming and heartwarming. Could imagine hearing them in a cosy pub with a beer and an open fire. Some very emotionally charged tracks, slightly haunting in places. Very well written and arranged.

I don't know these people but I really like the reverb guitar, gentle background vocals, and occasional falsetto on The Calvary Cross. The title track is very catchy. The rest of the album is pleasant for a listen, except for "The Little Beggar Girl" like who green-lights songs like this. The last track was a royal bummer.

To discover 'I Want to See the Bright Lights Tonight' before you die is one of the advantages of being alive.

"The Bright Lights Tonight" has been warm company over a weekend of heavy rain. I know folk music through my dad, one of the many Brit-blues believers who jumped to folk during the schism when Led Zeppelin lead the charge to heavier, distorted grub. Folk has seeped into me, but I'm suspicious of its archaisms. What’s so great about the imagined past? What are they hiding? On the other hand, I saw John Renbourne play in a tiny community centre in Poynton and he casually slew faces and was fun with it. There’s a playfulness on this album, a happy willingness to rock when fits, instruments duelling, sad songs followed by boogies, all held together by those two lead voices. The title track’s one of several bangers; I wish they had just one more to break up the bleak last two.

Another opportunity to praise folk-rock and ramble about my Dad, and I'll take it! Pretty much flawless from start to finish, with some of the Thompson's greatest moments (although check out live versions of The Calvary Cross for even more splendid guitar). Subconsciously takes me back to a wet and tense summer holiday exploring the castles of Northumberland in about 1981, although I could be engineering that memory a bit; would have been the perfect soundtrack regardless. Also a favorite of our extremely-bearded old labmate, Mark. It does strike me as a bit weird to have such strong nostalgia for the music tastes of a paternal influence that was both mild and short-lived (as regular readers will recall); a testament to the power of music and memory, I guess. Predictable 5*

I wasn't sure what to think of this at first other than being impressed by the instrumentation. After a while, it gets into you in a strange and beautiful way.

I’m not even done with it, but I love every second. my cup of tea.

"The Calvary Cross" is basically Songs: Ohia 20 years early. Absolutely essential listening front to back.

This record from a former Fairport Convention member and his wife is a precious offering, in all senses of the word. "Precious" because some of its British Folk-inspired cuts are admittedly quaint (yet not fully devoid of charm). But also "precious" for the memorable gems you can find in it, going from rock and country-adjacent ballads ("When I Get To The Border", the title-track), to a delicate acoustic vignette about late-night misfits, both picturesque and heartfelt ("Down Where The Drunkards Roll"), or to the mysterious, moody and hypnotic tunes closing the proceedings, filled with off-kilter chord changes ("The End Of The Rainbow", "The Great Valerio"). Interestingly, the most striking highlight gathers *all* those qualities in one song: it's the second track "The Calvary Cross", whose slow ominous pace, guitar work and dark harmonies make it an instant outlier. Yet it's not because there are no other songs like that in the album that the rest shouldn't be cherished. All in all, a very endearing record. And the amazing artwork for its cover gives it the 0.5 bonus it needs to make it appear in my "gallery"/"summary". 4.5/5 for the purposes of this list, rounded up to 5 9.5/10 for more general purposes. Number of albums left to review: 175 Number of albums from the list I find relevant enough to be mandatory listens: 361 (including this one) Albums from the list I *might* include in mine later on: 206 Albums from the list I won't include in mine: 262

Awesome album cover, awesome guitar playing. “Bright Lights” is an excellent collection of folk/rock songs that feels ahead of its time. If someone had told me when I started this list three years ago that Fairport Convention (of which Richard Thompson was a member) was going to be one of the most rewarding musical discoveries through the list, I would have laughed and maybe not had taken part in this in the first place. But here I am, three years later, continually impressed by the Fairport Convention and its members. There’s an emotional and musical depth to these songs that I suspect will reward repeated listens.

Liked this album a lot. Pretty haunting and moody throughout, simple instrumentals and great vocals.

I thought I'm gonna force myself to listening to this album, but it was actually really good. Not my type, but I enjoyed it. Very good.

Think I preferred them went they went "nu-wave" with the likes of "Hold Me Now". But if I was looking to entice some strumpet of a farmers daughter into a hay loft by getting her tipsy on cider - this would absolutely be the soundtrack I'd use.

I loved the title track. Vocals are nice. The album is a bit down tempo and too sad for my taste. Luckily I listened to it during a night trip and was gonna feel daunted and depressed in the morning anyways.

It's alright, some of the less dull old folk we've had on the list

This was so bad lmfaoooo

Pants.

Least favorite so far, maybe I'm just a country hater but I don't know why I'm supposed to listen to this album

Not my cup of tea

Nope

The most 70’s folk album to ever 70’s folk album…and not in a good way.

Sorry, this is lost on me. Dull. Not dreadful. Just no.

Poop

Vibes of country music, folk singing, was there a sea chanty? Linda Thompson’s voice was the highlight. “The End of the Rainbow” has lyrics that are utterly despondent. Wikipedia has it listed in some top 500 albums. 🤷‍♀️ but why?

Absolutely terrible, who’s deciding on these albums?

My least favorite so far, there were 2 decent songs. Not my cup of tea.

Live version of The Calvary Cross is actually quite good, but doesn’t make up for the 45 minutes of drudgery I had to endure before it.

Folk music but not for me. Ambient yes but too much discrete instrument moments made it non-ambient.

F**k music. Can’t stand it. It always sounds like someone caricaturing themselves, with the vocal mannerisms particularly. Nothing about this grabbed me. I tried.

Had this on in the background whilst working, and the first time I listened to it made no impact on me whatsoever. The second time I tried to listen a bit harder, and it still didn't do a lot for me. The site describes it as 'never commercially successful and critically ignored outside of its release', and that seems fair to me. The folk isn't done artfully enough to be properly good, there's not enough cleverness in the lyrics, and when they add the brass backing it just sounds a bit comical. 1/5.

Morris dancers sing Don McLean. Dire.

Unexpectedly really liked this. Great early pop folk music. Will most likely return to it on chill nights!

This was a stunning album for me. Folk songs with range, depth, and beauty. I loved both the vocalists and can’t wait to revisit this and listen to the lyrics again.

I can hear Gillian Welsh being influenced by them. What love for music and talent for Americana. This is a keeper. 4.5/5

extraordinary album. like, extra ordinary. like weird. wyrd. death-obsessed and out there. with an all-time guitarist. i'm cuckoo about the first side of this thing, but i've always felt like the second side isn't as strong. softer. not as varied. more dated. funereal at times. the first side is stunning. an intoxicating mix of british folk and thompson's wily raga guitar fills. a great opener in "when i get"; blues rock stomp in "bright lights"; the moody "calvary cross" (thompson's opening guitar solo, holy christ). "withered and died" and "drunkards" slow things down, keep it balanced. beautiful songs. rooted at least half in the past musically, but timeless in their subject matter: death, of course (the border line). but also being sick and goddamn tired of work, living for the weekend, drinking on the weekend, getting hammered on the weekend, looking for love on the weekend, and dreading monday morning (which is also sometimes death). existential workingman's music. side two: "we sing": three string fiddles and "the old fashioned way." a good singalong. i love "has he got a friend for me." that's some good lovelorn achin', linda. great slice of life tune about desperation and dating. sounds current. where "drunkards" could depict any skid row from the 19th or 20th century, "beggar girl" feels older, more dated. the cockles and clams girl from game of thrones or something. that’s good folk though. end of the rainbow. jesus, that's dark. hey little baby, there's nothing to grow up for anymore. but really, what's he gonna do about it? man, "valerio" is a dirge, isn't it? the lyrics are great. that's just a hell of a note to end on. after 6 listens (its a short album!), it’s a 5. the lyrics are so good on side 2 that it merits it, even if i don't prefer it as much as side 1 instrumentally. and every song is a standout in one way or another.

What a delightful listen. Horns for days on the title track. The guitar work throughout this album it’s so fucking good. I’m a big fan of Steve Gunn and it’s so clear now that he’s so influenced by Richard Thompson. The Calvary Cross might as well be a Songs:Ohia tune (https://open.spotify.com/track/5Plx6OhvSukqCRdZ52wUXz?si=pUCvTyeXRzGTkc3zD4VWsw) The album jumps around genres, cultures and leaps from soft masculinity to fiery femininity. Fun fun fun!!! Love the Irish vibes.

Listening to this whole doing the dishes. I feel like you either gotta be driving or doing dishes. I know absolutely nothing about this band and album. Nothing at all. WHEN I GET TO THE BORDER has some really incredible guitar work. I love how it switches styles needlessly but it totally works. Guitar wants to kill your momma vibes. Love the spooky vocal harmonies on CALVARY CROSS. Richard Thompson vocals walked so neutral milk hotel vocals could belly flop on pavement. I WANT TO SEE BRIGHT LIGHTS TONIGHT is so fucking cool what the fuck. That steezy lil guitar and then the fucking trumpet what the fuck? who can’t identify with the lyrics. This sounds so waaay way ahead of its time. These guys basically invented indie B side is gorgeous sounding…but doesn’t take my breath away like A did. It settles in, which I think is ok. THE GREAT VALERIO is a haunting closer. And it ends so abruptly!!! I’m a sucker for folk rock and I can see how this album might have influenced bands decades later. It helped my attention for the whole duration. I’d love to own it. Solid 5 for me, despite the less compelling b side.

Я не знаю точно, почему, но мне очень хочется дать этому альбому 5 звезд. Лучшая песня - I Want To See The Bright Lights Tonight.

there’s something very sad about this album to me ngl, hits real hard emotionally. amazing stuff

Masterful

Yup. Def one you should hear.

This was great - emotional, smart, great music with great performances. One I will want to add to the collection.

This album would sound just as unique if it were made 51 years later. Great husband and wife combo making original music. Sadly they had to do the highly unoriginal divorce thing down the road.

I really didn't know what to expect from this one. The description of it being a country/folk album had me concerned. But I'm very pleasantly surprised by this one. There is some fantastic songwriting here, which clicks now that I realize Richard Thompson was a member of Fairport Convention. He's clearly taken a lot from that experience into this release with a fair number of Celtic inspired elements. But this album really goes beyond simple English folk music and could have really held its own against the contemporary music of the mid-70s. I say could have as it was a sadly neglected album upon its release, taking another decade before being released outside of the UK, which undoubtedly hurt its longterm legacy. But there's something kind of magical about the idea of the overlooked masterpiece, like a prized secret within the collections of people in the know. I'd say it's high to reevaluate this one. But in the meantime, I'm glad to have discovered it today.

I LOVE IT HERE GOAT OBVIOUSLY

Simply just some Very Great folk. 4.5 bumped up to 5.

I’m at a 4.5 that I’ll bump up to a 5. I’m learning that I’m a sucker for vivid imagery in folksier singer-songwriter albums like this, but more than that, I’m a sucker for when the world reveals itself within a track. I love focusing on slices of life sometimes, but when a line just *clicks* and reveals so much beyond what’s being presented in the lyrics, those are the aha moments that stick with me and make me appreciate the quality of the songwriting. This album does that plenty of times, and it’s probably why I’m really, really into it – it certainly helps that they pair that with great instrumentation that feels befitting and adds onto the atmosphere of each track instead of just being there for the sake of qualifying as music. It also helps that Linda Thompson sounds a lot like Emmylou Harris & her vocals harmonize brilliantly with Richard’s. I’m really stunned he has the first name basis on the album cover, since she has way more of a spotlight. It’s not a perfect album; I do think this leans into sad themes a few too many times, which sort of contrasts with the brighter soundscape in a way that lends itself to quicker burnout potential. When it’s on one though, it’s a fantastic album – stuff like “Withered and Died”, “Down Where the Drunkards Roll” and especially “The End of the Rainbow” are heartrendingly sad, but so well written, composed & performed that I think it’s impossible not to admire them. Hence, the 5, because I admire too much of this album to not give it that bump – the only track I’m down on is “Has He Got A Friend For Me”, simply because modern cynicism over guilt-driven manipulation makes that track read much differently now than it would’ve read in 1974, and even then, that might just be a personal thing. I think the rest of it is really good; a few tracks might lean into that “first minute” syndrome, but the quality of the performances and the imagery override any complaints I could bring up. It’s a really recommended listen; for me, it’s no less than a 4, and pretty easy to bump up to a 5.

Solid folk rock. Richard's guitar playing and both of their voices make this one a delight. Gonna give it the ol' 4.5 rounded up because imI want to give it another couple listens ASAP

This is an album I had on cassette having taped it from a friend. Those were the days when the budget limited what could be bought and there would be an agreement on which album to buy and those to copy. Having seen them tour the album it was played for some time until the inevitable happened and he tape twisted that no end of pencil twiddling could repair. Many many years late fate intervened and when out geocaching one day the CD of the album was found in a geocache and duly swapped with something of dubious quality. Despite being in a container exposed to the elements the album was listened to in the car on the way home. It has been a staple ever since. A more than fine example of stretched english folk with strong songwriting, sparkling harmonies plus some scalding guitar.

Not often that you can point to an album and say without a second thought this is the best ever. This is the best folk-rock album ever made. It's 100% rock and 100% folk at the same time, thus deserving of 10 stars. The version I have on CD - also the current Spotify version - has the 10 minute version of Calvary Cross which is the song then six minutes of awesume RT shredding. So add 100% axe hero to the mix too. Linda is also the best folk-rock vocalist who's not Sandy Denny, but the songs here just so much stronger than Liege and Lief. there's still Krummhorn and accordion, but less of the clogs and finger in the ear vibe than Fairport.

This album is so Scottish

Such a great album, and perfect for the fall. Definitely listen to Life of the Record podcast on this one, it’s fantastic.

Oh, yeah. That’s the shit. I’ve heard it before. I’ll listen again. Linda shines through on this one.

so good. i LOVE folk omgomg

This belongs up there with the albums we’ve gotten on this list so far from Carol King, Paul Simon, The Cars, and a few others. It is PERFECT. Every song brings something subtle and wonderful to the table. It’s more proof that it’s not about how loud a song is that determines how powerful it feels. Each track is an expert display in mood and contrast and harmony. Every song feels like a journey and it’s one of those albums that makes me so glad I’m listening to this list because otherwise I might never have heard this. Everything was spectacular, but my personal haunting favorite was The Great Valerio.

I’m surprising myself and giving this a 5. It really grew on me over several listens. Even the more kooky folksie numbers. Another great find from the generator. One reviewer compares this with Frightened Rabbit and I hear it

Kind of hard to define it against any one genre. Some beautifully natural and in the pocket guitar playing that sounds like it's been played on a guitar that's been very well worn in. Some other crazy instrumentation scattered throughout, could've sworn I heard some (very tasteful) kazoo, or at least a kazoo synth-preset. Incredible chemistry between the male and female voicing. Melancholy but never truly sad stories, all in a wonderful Wednesday walk companion.

Ah, I love Richard and Linda Thompson—I'm excited to see they made it on the list. Linda’s lovely voice combined with Richard’s gutsy guitars makes for a winning combo. This specific album aligns with my ardent admiration for miserable music. 'Withered and Die' floats by with an ostensibly careless air, yet the lyrics reflect a weary and depressed resignation from life. 'The End of the Rainbow' is just as bleak as can be. Indeed, with such darkness all around, a desire to see bright lights tonight makes some sense.

Nostalgie purer Sound.

p326. 1974. 5 stars. Magnificent 70s Brit folk rock. Great vocals, great guitar work. Not a weak track on this.

Wow, gorgeous

Wow

50 years old, and most of it sounds like it could have been written yesterday. The way their voices work together reminds me of Exene and John Doe from X 10 years later.

This is what country should be. Amazing folk. Just spectacular production, lyrics and themes. Perfection.

Oh this is fantastic Wonderful folk tunes and some great guitar work

This was a wild find. never heard it before and i dug it. Very 70s.

Keep going back to this lovely understated album. Quintessentially English and a breath of fresh air.

Stunningly beautiful album. Wonderful songs, performed brilliantly.

9/10 Liked this one a lot, completely new to me Great idea, well executed: do a Celtic folk album with aspects of the contemporary 70s rock, country, even prog Very good production, loved the choices and deployment of the traditional instruments, great musicianship throughout Vocals were at their best when both were singing Preferred the uptempo stuff to the ballads This is the first album in a while from a genre I don’t know that was an obvious classic Best: I Want to see the bright lights tonight

The title song has been stuck in my head since I first listened to it a couple years ago. So warm and nostalgic.

Pretty good country / folk album! Catchy tunes mixed in with sadder and more emotional songs. I couldn’t tell which I prefer, haha. The pacing, the writing, the instrumentation, it’s all great. This just really good, honestly.

Folk dueling vocals, sharp lyrics and timeless melodies. A winner then and a winner now.

I first heard this on another list of great albums and remember enjoying it. That didn’t change this time. Very good listen.

Highlights: The Cavalry Cross I Want to See the Bright Lights Tonight Withered and Died

Beautiful album.

I really liked the album, it had a slower melancholy feel to the songs that I enjoyed. I liked Has He Got A Friend For Me and The Great Valerio the best.

Lovely stuff. Timeless

None of my favorite Thompson songs are on this album (Beeswing, 1952 Vincent) but it's still fun. The variety of styles and harmonies are really beautiful.

Lovely stuff. 5 stars.

Great fun :) I like this kind of stuff, just a good vibe. I would definitely immediately get this album if I see it in a second hand store ^^ Perfect to turn on when doing some light household tasks.

Not a big fan of country music style

Absolutely loved this. Great songwriting and the Thompsons add so much character to each song. I want to give this 4 stars because they’re British but I’ll let it slide this time.

Brass is exquisitely played in Bright Lights Tonight, vocals twist unexpectedly for something that seems straight forward. Very surprising. They couldn't be better matched to draw so much out of each other. No rush, just time for a song to be.

Might have just been in the mood for this but loved it, atmospheric folk 4.6

Brilliant singer songwriting, earthy and witty, even slaps on occasion, shows that the genre is not staid and repetitive. ‘A couple of drunken nights rolling on the floor Is just the kind of mess that I'm looking for’ is a terrific line.

Absolutely fantastic album, love it love it love it

Delightful. A ray of sunshine, with a bit of shadow. Just the way I like it.

I liked the exotic folksy feel of this album and Richard and Linda’s voices. Very nice!

Önskar att jag köpt Fairport och Thompsonplattor i stället alla Jefferson Airplane… sent skall syndaren vakna.

Great folk rock. Linda's strong voice perfectly complemented Richard's inventive guitar, and the songs themselves struck a nice balance of hope and hopelessness.

I Want to See the Bright Lights" is the second album by English singer/songwriter and guitarist Richard Thompson and the first with his then wife Linda Thompson. The album was not commercially successful and was not released outside the UK until 1983. Apparently, a vinyl shortage in 1974 contributed. It is now considered a classic of English folk rock. Yeah, lots to like here. Lyrically dark songs. Linda's haunting vocals and, of course, Richard's guitar. We started out rollicking with the pub-style "When I Get to the Border." Uplifting and great, great guitar. An accordion. A mandolin. A tin Whistle. Linda Thompson's backing vocals. And A Crumhorn. Yes! Oh, about a guy drinking himself to death. Linda takes the lead on "Withered and Died." The slide guitar takes this in a country direction. An abandoned woman at the end of her rope. Richard let's loose with he electric guitar on the rockin' "I Want to See the Bright Lights Tonight." Cascading horns. Work's over; it's time to party. "The Little Beggar Girl" sounds like a traditional folk song. Linda on lead vocals. Richard on backing. Mandolin. Acoustic guitar. I think disdain for the rich. You can barely hear Richard on the somber "The End of the Rainbow." Slow. A father telling a newborn of the disappointments that lay ahead. The album ends with "The Great Valerio." Stark with basically only Richard's guitar and Linda's vocals telling the story of toghtrope walker The Great Valerio and how the audience is not willing take a similar chance. This album is worth listening to just for Richard's guitar. The lyrics on this album are dark but brilliant. The music varies. A definite must listen. It's been awhile since I listened to "Shoot Out The Lights." I'll need to put that on soon.

Looking at today's album cover, and having no idea who Richard and Linda Thompson are, I wouldn't have guessed that I was in for a folk record, but that is what I got. Not only a folk record, but a phenomenal folk record that mixes country and blues sensibilities into its sound as well! Turns out Richard Thompson was the lead guitarist and songwriter for the band Fairport Convention, before he broke off and did his own thing with his then wife Linda. The harmonies they can achieve, and the music they created on this record is amazing. Linda has a beautiful voice, and it adds a hint of beauty to Richards bleak songwriting style. The End of the Rainbow is a particularly bleak, but beautiful song. Every song on this record is amazing in its own right. From the fast paced, upbeat I Want to See the Bright Lights Tonight to the slow ballad Withered and Died where Linda took the role of lead singer. Overall, thoroughly enjoyed today's album. So much so, that I listened to it three times cover to cover, and found something new to love about it each time. I will definately revisit this one, and will add it to my regular listening. Favourite songs: I Want to See the Bright Lights Tonight, We Sing Hallelujah, The Calvary Cross, When I Get To the Border, Withered and Died, Down Where the Drunkards Roll, The Little Beggar Girl Least favourite song: The Great Valerio 5/5