I Want To See The Bright Lights Tonight

Not quite as good as Richard's work with Fairport Convention, obviously, but still feels worth your time! I hadn't realized how versatile Linda was as a singer, somehow. On some songs, she's singing melodies that you could easily imagine being done by Sandy Denny, but on others, it sounds like she's doing her best attempt at Richard's voice. She's probably the highlight of the album, even if she's not quite to the same level as Sandy.

A bit preachy for me

Grew on me fast. Saved only a few songs but the album is well done. Gonna be on the generous side and give this a very low 4. Lyrics and delivery and the catchiness is legit on some of these.

Great album, with some really strong songs, drawing on folk traditions from England (and Ireland?) and can recognise a lot of bands that have been influenced by it.

heard a lot of modern artists in this

This is another album that is fairly familiar. I picked up a cheap used copy a number of years ago because Elvis Costello covered a couple songs in the '80s (Withered and Died and Nothing at the end of the rainbow). This record isn't as immediately exciting as Thompson's work with Fairport Convention, but it is still a very good record. It oscillates between more rock sounding material to more folk sounding material. It's largely guitar, bass, and drums, but occasionally brings in other instrumentation to good effect, such as the use of horns in a song, mandolin, accordion and others, I believe. The songwriting oscillates between slice of life songs and songs that are obviously drawing from the folk tradition. I really like the way the record switching between Richard and Linda Thompson's vocals as well. The last song is bleak and fantastic.

Not so good

Yawn

Really dug this one, especially the title track

When I read up on this and saw he had been a member of Fairport Convention I had low expectations. I hated Unhalfbricking lol. Fortunately this was a massive improvement. This was one of those albums where I liked every track on it, without there being anything that blew me away. It probably ranks towards the low end of my four stars but still a good listen. Top Track - The Calvary Cross

Some of it was fine. Some kinda annoying

Some of this got a little hokey but there’s also some real artistry here. A good mix of American and Scottish folk.

This wasn't bad at all! Pleasant folky/country album. Both the singers have very nice voices. I don't think the songwriting here is anything fantastic but a totally fine listen overall. Top Songs: When I Get to the Border, I Want to See the Bright Lights Tonight, The Little Beggar Girl

For an album that didn't sell well, was critically ignored, and wasn't released outside the UK until nearly 10 years later, this was a surprisingly good folk rock album. That said, it does lose a little steam by the end and I'm not sure if I'll ever return to this one.

excellent folksy stuff...

yeah, its sounds 2.5/5

No me pareció muy bueno, bastante normalito.

This is pure genius. Richard Thompson is an amazing songwriter and one of my favourite guitarists, and Linda Thompson has such an amazing voice.

I like this, I think. It’s like a less twee and more dismal Fairport Convention. The songs seem simpler too. Is it less folky even? I will return to this one.

Pretty decent folk rock.

I enjoyed but would not relisten, did not do much new or exceptionally well.

2.3 3x short but not really my thing

Brilliant stuff!

Folk de respeito. Thompson é um ótimo guitarrista, e Thompson possui uma linda voz. As canções são ótimas, é fácil perceber. Mas o gênero em si não me agrada totalmente, e acabo sentindo um pouco de apatia em diversos momentos do álbum. Legal, mas não me conquistou. 2.5/5

Didn't do much for me, but it was fine. The title track was my favorite song. 2.8/5.

In my opinion, Richard Thompson can do no wrong. I've seen him twice in concert and he is the Neil Young of Great Britain. Half of his shows are acoustic and the second half is fiery electric guitar. One of the greatest songwriters ever. Linda Thompson has a beautiful voice and is a fine songwriter in her own fashion.

A big, classical, typical THREE3️⃣

I’ve liked some of the British folk rock albums on here but this is not one of them

하하.. 그시절이 생각나는 앨범입니다

70s folk not my thing but alright

Cool sound but every versions I listen to sounds horrendous. I don’t know who mastered this but just loud and distorted. I am sure they were great live but this was a hard listen.

Some fun folk

Pretty standard folk rock, but Fairport Conventions sound is instantly recognisable

Interesting sort of Irish modern folk, sort of twee. Another one where I liked the title track best.

m m m m m m miiiiiid but soothing

Super agréable. Oserai-je dire qu’elle est vachement plus interessante que lui ? Oui.

Never heard this before and quite liked it especially the tracks with the folk reels.

*I Want To See...* gets an extra star for Richard Thompson's occasional guitar pyrotechnics, but that's the most this fairly conventional folk album is going to get credit for. Neither singer has a particularly interesting voice and the songs follow overly familiar paths (except for the menacing chord progression of "The Great Valerio").

I appreciate this and like it a lot. And I respect its inclusion on this list, even as I don’t expect to spend a whole lot of time with it down the road. All of those things are true.

Lovely folk album

I started off thinking this album was going to be a surprise gem. Unfortunately as the album went deeper the less I liked it. The Calvary cross was an amazing song that reminded me of Songs:Ohio

Not my style, but nice and fitting for saturday morning.

Pretty, only got few a few tracks as was busy yesterday but liked what I heard. Will revisit.

Folk is currently showing as my favourite genre in my 1001 summary by a long way. As I’m nearing the end of the process I can’t see this changing. Whilst I like folk music I wouldn’t exactly put it at the top. Must be something to do with the way the list gathers stats from Wiki maybe? Anyhow having listened to this album which was completely new to me, the folk stats will only increase. These songs owe their influences to traditional English folk music and the album’s existence will ensure that this essentially British music will continue down the years. 3/5 15/8/26

This is the kind of album I'm doing this challenge for: don't know it, but love it, and it's the kind of album I was never going to come across without being led to it by this list. The second one so far with Richard Thompson's guitar being one of the main reason I love it. There's a good diversity of tracks here, but for me "The Calvary Cross" is the high mark. The live version is amazing. On the short list of albums I need to add to my library.

Every year I get older I think 'I should get into Fairport Convention'. And so now I hear this and dig it and check the wikipedia and see the guitarist for Fairport Convention and once again I'm thinking 'I need to get into Fairport Convention'. Anyway I thought this was great. It has a depth that feels a bit hidden in the simple arrangements. It does feel like this works best in the title track. Though surprisingly my highlight was the live version of Cavalry Cross from the extended album that added just enough complexity in the instrumental to elevate it hugely.

Folks and calm. Neo-folk? Not sure if I like or dislike the guitar lines. Kinda artsy and expressioning, then attempting for a string vs guitar dualing where the guitar repeats are just cringe.

very very nice, really up my street

Está bien, pero no me generó nada

Now THIS is good. Always happy to find an album like this that I had never heard of before.

This album turned out to be better than I expected. The late '60s- early '70s were one of the greatest moments in music history. From psychedelia to heavy metal to what today's album is. It takes a little while for "IWtStVBLT" to shine, but it's worth it. The title track needs some more love from music lovers. 4 stars for "I Want to See the Bright Lights Tonight".

I really enjoyed this in a way I didn't anticipate, and immediately texted my father to ask if he knew this album. He didn't but I hope he listens to it because the music on this album firmly fits into where the circles of my musical tastes and his intersect on a venn diagram. Standouts to me were "The Calvary Cross" (beautiful guitar reverb) and "The Great Valerio." I added the album to my library - it has two songs that are weaker to me but if I were listening to it I wouldn't skip them. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I wanted to give this 3 stars because it’s kind of endearing, but there were just too many songs that annoyed. Occasionally the Americana meets Irish though, and I feel these are good people

I don't care for country music, and this was delightful

#56 - Richard and Linda Thompson - I Want To See The Bright Lights Tonight ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I’ve never heard any music by Richard and Linda Thompson, and I’ve only encounter their names in passing. I had no frame of reference going in to this as to what I would be hearing. And what it is is somber, downbeat music (not really my style) and it’s amazing. These songs are so strong and emotive and they really pack a punch. I was super surprised.

Amazing listen!!!

It didnt grab me

I think Linda really steals the show here performance wise but Richard wrote the songs and plays guitar so his singing is just kinda ancillary. I didn’t really have much of a feeling about this until the last three songs but those three songs are really powerful. The songwriting shines when the subject is miserable, and Linda’s voice, especially in “The Great Valerio” is just perfect. I realize Richard is singing in “The End Of The Rainbow” and that is one that he’s well suited for, though I can’t help but wonder what it would sound like if his wife was singing. In any case, the last three tracks bump this up for me because they are really excellent songs performed exactly as they should. I just wish the rest was that good.

Side 1 is fantastic, side 2 dips a little. 4.5/5 This challenge needs the divorce album as well, Shoot Out the Lights

Not an album I’d normally go for but I gave it a few plays in the background whilst cooking and I enjoyed it. Would I play it again? Probably not

Muito pika

esse aqui é bem gostosinho a voz dela me lembra a da chappell roan (o contrário né)

I can feel there's something great beneath the folk-rock surface of this album, but this is not the time for me to discover it. It's also not certain such a time will ever arrive.

Very proficient playing for solid pub music

Absolutley incredible album! This one definitely needs more than just one listen. Also it begs the question from me, what would the Decemberists sound like without the Thompsons?

i was in the exact right mood for this, although linda should ditch her husband

Both bright and melancholic. Combines traditional folk sounds from the UK with 70s soft rock to great success. I was familiar with the title track (crazy banger) and was surprised that much of this album is mid-tempo and almost classical in its bent. Not surprised that Richard Thompson was in Fairport Convention. I love Linda’s voice. There’s real power there, but she’s never doing too much and uses her natural grit to her advantage. The album really lights up when she’s singing.

i try with this one every so often because 'the calvary cross' is absolutely perfect. the rest never held up.

A folk album I didn't hate? You have my respect

Yawn

That was really interesting. Initially, I was ready to call it a cross between Dylan and Jethro Tull, but I don’t that comparison holds up as the album evolves. I’ve always heard about what an outstanding songwriter Richard Thompson is, gotta say, this album is evidence of that fact.

I don't think I recognize this artist, album, or any of these tracks by title. So, let's hope for a pleasant surprise here. I suppose I just don't understand why this album is on this list. It's not awful, but I also feel like it could certainly be improved. It's mostly just meh.

375/1089 okayyy folk! loving the irish-sounding accordion/guitar bit at the end of the first track this album was good, it didn’t quite scratch my folky itch in the way i wanted it to but it was a nice listen little beggar girl was my favourite which is kinda unusual for my typical taste faves: The Little Beggar Girl, The End of the Rainbow, The Calvary Cross 57/100

Here’s an English husband and wife who put together a folk/rock album. Although I’m up on 1970s music, I never heard of them or their album. Anyway, the music was enjoyable and the lyrics generally were good. It’s a record that exceeded my [low] expectations, and gets a solid 3.5 stars.

Intriguing horror-movie album cover from... Hannibal records. (D:) Never heard of either of these people, but I like it! It's like the non-Celtic Pogues. Pretty, mopey, folksy. Highlight: 'We Sing Hallelujah' (been a minute since I've said this, but it reminds me of, you guessed it, "Children's Favorites"! (the sad ones, you know, like Clementine, This Old Man, and Grandfather's Clock))

More folk?! Just what we all needed. To be fair, Linda's vocals are on point throughout. "The Great Valerio" was a good one, but overall the album is just not my cup of opium.

It's an okay album. Some decent songs, but nothing really noteworthy. 3/5 Probably won't listen again

Tough call this one. Wasn’t wild about some of the melodies, but I really liked the vocals and lyrics.

Some cool songs but all in all unforgettable.

Beaucoup aimé la chanson titre. Sinon, je trouve ça drôle voir des Anglais utiliser la cornemuse (première track). C'est assez plat, j'en conviens, mais pas mauvais.

Ordine.

Despite its low-budget Horror B-movie poster-looking album cover, this is just a regular 70's folk album. I have no idea who Richard and Linda Thompson are, but I'd guess they were British phenoms little known elsewhere, as is the case with too many of the lesser known artists here.

Track 2, "The Calvary Cross", is timeless and has such a great tone. I genuinely can't get enough of it. I don't think anything else on here rises to its height. The title track is also quite good, but the rest of the album, despite being well-arranged/produced, was a bit dark and sombre.

Some decent folk songs I guess!

Spirited and pensive this album is an eclectic mix of folk traditions that mash up so effortlessly and naturally that it shows the genius behind it all.

Another discovery for me. Good, but not one I really get why it is on the list

Don't know what happened to this, it started out ok but it was just annoying me by the end. At least it was short?

Dewey Cox-ass sounding album

Decent listen.

Charming folk album 3.7

I could see how some people enjoy this, and I liked a few songs, but I'm just not as much of a fan of Irish sounding ballads/folk. Some of the songs were enjoyable but several had old sailor simple chord progressions. Faves: I Want to See the Bright Lights Tonight

me gustó, aunque me perdí la mitad del disco porque me quité el casco

I found this album to be super uneven. It started off strong for me, and some songs I really like. Other songs and ideas I thought were horrible. The Linda led songs with her singing are miles better than the Richard songs. Kind of wish she just sang on the whole thing

overrated

Pretty nicely styled folk - except the ballady stuff.

This might be the best music that’s classified as folk that I’ve heard so far on this project. Would listen again. Plan to.

One of my all time favs already

pior que eu curti vibe de fossa do caralho que a única resposta por alguns minutos é deus e depois passa e vc nem lembra qq aconteceu

ou, tinha tudo pra eu odiar. mas sei lá, achei simpático. tem uns instrumentos bacanas, umas guitarrinha de boa. as letras são bem boas, inclusive. bem emocionais e até meio tristes. enfim, eh um album que não machuca ninguém e eh divertido. btw que capa bonita hein

Yeah no

1001 albums generator won't credit the woman. Interesting. Shocked I liked this so much - 70s Neil Young guitar + Medieval bard singer guy + awesome 70s rock singer girl.

I’ve never warmed to Richard Thompson. He always seems a bit po-faced. But he’s written some great songs and he’s no slouch on the guitar.

It was fine. Some nice instrumentation.

Really loved this one. I somehow knew the first song already and the rest lived up to that. On some of the slower songs I could hear and appreciate their harmonies more which I enjoyed, and the more energetic songs had a real catchiness to them that will definitely keep me coming back to this one. Fav tracks: When I Get to the Border; The Calvary Cross; Withered and Died; I Want to See the Bright Lights - Live

Don’t know how to feel about enjoying this. Am I maturing, softening or is my taste fucked? Mostly great. Less enamoured with medieval feel Little Beggar Girl and We Sing Hallelujah. 4.

Not bad but there was little more than a vestigial trace of the things - the drone folk- I liked most from Fairport Convention - and definitely missed Denny!

If I were to draw a Venn diagram of the kind of people who listen to this album, the common centre would look like this Partakes in Morris dancing / Burns joss sticks and smokes Rollup cigarettes / earns undeclared income from the sale of crystals from a market stall. The music itself isn’t that bad, so s two star review might be considered harsh, but it really did very little for me.

Very good album. 10 songs and less than 40 minutes. That's how it should be. It is a bit "too folk" for my personal taste and, for some reaaon, I prefer when Richard sings. Some songs I enjoyed: "When I Get To The Border" (probably my favourite), "The Cavarly Cross" (nice guitar), "Down Where the Drunkards Roll", "Has he got Friend for me", "The End of the Rainbow", or "The Great Valerio" (nice outro). Overall, I think this deserves a solid 4 star rating.

Pretty chill country

Unremarkable. Why? This book blows.

A lot of Decemberists in here. Pretty good.

Solid tunes. I like all of the different influences included in this album.

Thoroughly enjoyed this. I had no idea what to expect. The closing track is a little self indulgent, but it's on brand for the genre!

Very fun, I especially enjoyed the title track! 3/5

At first I was skeptical but I really like this album

The melodies are wonderfully crafted and the vocals, especially when they both join in, are as good as they get within the genre. Just sit back and enjoy.

I dont have much to say about this album. This album sounds like, at times, frolicking in the forest, resting in a field and yearning. I dont think theres a really bad thing I can say about this album, theres nothing that holds it back, production wise or lyrically. There are moments I wished packed a bigger punch or the exact opposite where they pulled back a bit. 8.5/10

Another perfectly pleasant album, but not ground shaking is it.

It was good I'd have to give it another listen

I didn’t hate it as much as I thought I would a husband wife combo. She actually has a better voice than him. The music was above average behind the vocals.

Not bad....kinda like Carpenters and indie 60s

This was fine. 70s folk rock. I had more fun learning about them and their history.

This duo produced some brilliant sounds and should be heard by anyone for whom intelligent music is a need.

it was fine. not really my thing. i seem to be in the minority, looking at the top reviews. oops!

Excited to get this one. This is an album and artist that I discovered in the midst of COVID randomly, and I remember it getting me through some tough days. Love the artistry and the songwriting. This is sooooo influential to 2000s era folk and indie rock. You can hear traces of so many bands, but I especially hear The Decemberists and Songs: Ohia. Really love this album.

Listening session: july 5th, while chilling at home Listened to before: no Thoughts: I like some of the folk songs but this album didn’t do much for me Favourite track: Withered And Died

Never heard and not available via Apple Music.

Guys, I think I used up all of my "actually thinking somewhat deeply about an album for once" energy for that Disintegration review yesterday. I'm struggling to think of interesting things to say about this album. That's not a fault of the album though, because if it was, that would imply that I don't care for this album, which is certainly not true. I actually really enjoyed I Want to See the Bright Lights Tonight, but there also isn't anything super unique I can say here. It's just a really nice 70s folk rock album. The album straddles the line of folk and rock pretty well. Both Richard and Linda Thompson have good singing voices. The songwriting is pretty good. I like all of the songs on here, though I do think that the album is a little front-loaded, with the first half having the album's best songs like "When I Get to the Border," "The Calvary Cross," and the title track. 1974 is usually seen as a pretty bad year for music, but albums like this prove that it wasn't all bad for the music world in 1974. I enjoyed this album. Decent 4/5.

Oh yes, this is so far up my street it's knocking on my door. It feels so much more modern - even 'alt' than their previous guises on the project, and at times really brings to mind much more modern artists, even including Frightened Rabbit (why Midnight Organ Fight isn't on this Project is beyond me by the way). I think it's in the vocal delivery of Richard, which is really raw and very untreated. Linda is a little more traditionally folky, but the juxtaposition of the two is nice to hear. One or two songs - Little Beggar Girl and The Great Valerio especially - let it down a touch, but all told, this has been a really great discovery.

if I heard this in red dead I wouldn't be mad

Not Pour quoi

dont careeeeeee

načelno solidno, lijepo i fino, ali nedovoljno zanimljivo i izvanredno da bi me zaintrigiralo ili impresioniralo

The best word I can think of for this is "pastoral". It's *very* English sounding folk music with all sorts of accordion and whatnot, and it is really pleasant. I would need to listen more to find out if this really has the depth I want, but it seems like it *might*. Also, for whatever reason, I have found that I much prefer the live tracks here to their corresponding album cuts, so make of that what you will. This does suffer from being a folk album at a time that was *very* saturated with folk albums, but the detail and the breeziness does make it stand out. It's very enjoyable!

Enjoyable and easy-listening folk music. Nothing life changing, but a good listen. The last track was atmospheric as hell, though, really enjoyed that.

This is the saddest fucking album in the world and I absolutely love it. In “Withered and Died” at 25 seconds Linda sings “tells” in a way that just absolutely breaks my heart. Same thing when she sings “it only costs a pound” one minute into “Down Where the Drunkards Roll”. Chills. Literal chills. Linda Thompson’s voice is so sad and so beautiful. Richard Thompson is one of my all-time favorite guitarists and plays with a level of emotion and expressiveness that I can’t really think of someone comparable. The sequencing is also really well done. They ease you in a bit with the opening track which is depressing but also kind of fun; then Richard goes HAM on guitar with “Calvary Cross;” and then when you are about to kill yourself after “Withered and Died” they give you “I Want to See the Bright Lights Tonight” and “Down Where the Drunkards Roll” which are incredibly bleak, but fuck-it-let’s-get-drunk bleak, and so bring you up for the second side to break your heart good and proper by the time it gets to “The End of the Rainbow” a song where a baby is informed that life is nothing but misery and that it has nothing to grow up for. If I had to criticize this album for anything, I’d say that the second side starts off a little slow and “The Great Valerio” is not what I would have chosen for a closer. But those are quibbles. This album is great. Listen to it, get depressed, and have yourself a ball. Or a bawl. Or both.

I really want to know the story behind the cover. 4/5

Why do all the best albums have to be so short ;-; this is lovely. i love this. it's so spiritual and genuine and nice.

I'm not usually a fan of folk music but this wasn't terrible. There were bits of pub rock, country and Irish folk. This was a good breath of fresh air but a bit too slow for me

Good acoustic-style music. A few catchy songs. A solid 3 for me.

Really good album worldy Americana. Full band arrangement with unique instruments and great song writing. I can see how influential this could be on future generations of folk and Americana genres. But ultimately I didn't know of this and I don't feel all so strongly that this is a super important album to listen to before you die. You might be able to forgo it. But still worth a moment of your attention.

Марко 3,5 Сара, а класика, опет није слушала

Folk, 85 eme album =>1/5 Premiers morceaux un peu plus variés que dans la plupart des albums apparentés. J'ai faillis mettre 2/5. Mais non, les morceaux suivants sont terriblement ennuyeux ... d'où la note finale.

4/10 - hillbilly folk

Nice

This is brand new to me (I'm not familiar with either artist on their own either). I don't love Richard's voice but I do enjoy how it contrasts with Linda's. This is probably not something I'll revisit but I'm glad to have discovered it through this challenge! 3.5 stars rounded up for the one or two Linda-fronted tracks that really stood out to me.

199. boring

Chhujowe

I think the lyrics are probably doing the heavy lifting here. But alas I’m not much of a lyrics guy

This is the gritty indie movie everyone is telling you about but you just don’t want to watch.

I liked this alot - particularly the first few songs. Simple but varied instrumentation and straight-forward songs with nice melodies. Gets a little depressing toward the end. Felt like I was picking up a lot of Christian themes, but only the sad and foreboding ones and none of the hope? Which feels like the worst of both worlds. Still, that's an unusual vibe to even attempt and so I give them credit for the innovation, however misguided.

Overall, this album has some legs. The light and catchy guitar mixed with varied rhythms, beautiful vocals and random instruments made for a nice morning listen (I imagine the same vibe for a dinner party or campfire listen). It feels like Cat Stevens sometimes, but honestly, its pretty unique and sounds modern. Somewhere near 3.5 Favorites: I Want To See The Bright Lights When I Get To The Border

this has grown on me. Very melancholic, strong focus on the lyrics (English ain't my first language but you feel that in the music). You have to be in the right mood for this album, so if you're feeling bluesy - it's a perfect match. Nice mellow folk-rock sound, good singers' voices. Just maybe don't give it a listen on a beach day, will be odd

Kinda folk, kinda sea shanties. Not my fave.

Really nice album

If Fleetwood Mac was Irish 3/5

70

Pretty music. I liked it.

3.3

Not bad but not my thing. 3

Didn't stick

Why am I a little salty that Linda isn’t listed as one of the album artists? Anyway - opening track felt so familiar… like a predecessor, a less indie-whinging version of a band I’m having trouble naming. (The Decemberists????)

Moody folk, Western gothic kind of vibe.

Not bad

I can definitely see myself putting this record on as background music, but none of the tracks stood out in particular. 3.5/5

You're so embarrassing mum and dad!

Starts out as kind of a rock album in the vein of Fleetwood Mac, and slowly transitions into more of Irish folk album. I prefer the later on this one. Highlights: "When I Get to The Border" and "I Want to See The Bright Lights Tonight"

Solid. Would hit harder in Elie

троечка

An album you'll find in the catalogues of all the members of both Uncle Tupelo and the Pogues. Wonderful Irish-ish folk. Enjoyable.

4 - Linda > Richard. Can see shades of mermaid ave in this but far lower quality

Got bored pretty easy

Very pleasant. Nice harmonies. The irish in me rose with some of the songs. Vibes.

Very creepy album cover

A pleasant surprise. Nice folksy music with some country twang to it. There's some depressing lyrics but great songwriting. 3

not for me

3 y media. me gustó bastante, fleewood Mac vibes tienee me guarde algunos temas

A truly great album. The title track is one of the best songs ever written about going out drinking on a Friday night

New to me, enjoyed and will listen again. Marble Arch was lovely

Found that my attention drifted a little with this one - would revisit but feel like it needs my full attention.

You are on absolute fire RPG❤️❤️❤️❤️ 4 stars!!!!!!!!

Gentle folk, had some accordion and vowed strings making me think slightly polka

When this appeared in the randomiser, I confess my heart sank slightly. Not because I dislike Richard Thompson. More because I have spent enough time around discussions of English folk music to develop a mild defensive reflex. There is a certain type of listener who can explain the significance of a ballad collected in 1893 with the zeal of an evangelical preacher, and I feared I was about to spend forty minutes wandering through a landscape populated by tragic maidens, doomed farmhands and men whose principal hobby is explaining modes. The surprise is that this album is hardly about any of that. What struck me most throughout was how modern it feels. Not modern in sound, obviously. Modern in outlook. The songs are populated by recognisable human beings rather than folk archetypes. They drink, work, dream, make mistakes, tell themselves stories, chase pleasures and occasionally confront realities they would rather avoid. The folk tradition is present, but it has already passed through pubs, dance halls and market towns. This isn’t England preserved in aspic. It’s England inhabited. The opening song, When I Get To The Border, initially seemed almost slight. A man talking about going somewhere else. Yet as it unfolded it became clear that the border in question is probably not a national frontier at all but the final crossing. The song’s quiet power lies in its refusal to dramatise death. It treats it as a journey already undertaken by those who mattered most. The destination is uncertain, but the longing is unmistakable. From there the album repeatedly returns to the question of how people live with uncertainty. The Calvary Cross wraps artistic obsession and emotional burden inside a hypnotic arrangement that feels oddly contemporary. The spectral percussion, the drone and the starkness of the performance create a mood that reminded me less of folk-rock than of the emotional directness of John Lennon’s early solo work. It isn’t interested in providing answers. It is interested in the weight people choose to carry. The title track arrives like a shaft of light through the clouds. Linda Thompson’s performance changes the song completely. Sung by Richard, it might have become an observation. Sung by Linda, it becomes a declaration of intent. She doesn’t sound like a character being studied. She sounds like someone who has worked hard all week and intends to enjoy herself. The presence of the CWS Band is inspired. It gives the song what I can only describe as a municipal romance. Not glamour. Not decadence. A town turning its lights on and deciding that life is worth participating in. That idea of participation runs through much of the record. The songs are rarely interested in exceptional people. They are interested in ordinary people attempting to negotiate ordinary existence. Workers in We Sing Hallelujah. Drinkers in Down Where The Drunkards Roll. Lovers, dreamers, opportunists and the wonderfully entrepreneurial protagonist of The Little Beggar Girl, who turns out not to be a victim at all but a professional operating a remarkably successful nationwide enterprise and taking evident pleasure in relieving snobs of their money. One of the most fascinating songs is Down Where The Drunkards Roll. It would be easy to hear it as a cautionary tale about alcohol. It is much more interesting than that. The song observes people pursuing what they believe will satisfy them. The boys in their finery. The lover seeking “the real thing”. The dreamers and self-mythologisers. Drink becomes less the subject than the mechanism through which illusion collides with reality. The refrain has a democratic quality. Whatever stories people tell about themselves, gravity eventually enters the conversation. The album’s reputation for bleakness rests largely on The End Of The Rainbow, and initially I thought that reputation was justified. Yet the more closely I listened, the less cynical the song appeared. Its target is not hope itself but false hope. The narrator isn’t telling a child that life is meaningless. He is telling them that the comforting myths adults tell children are unreliable. There is something almost startlingly contemporary about it. At times it brought Richard Dawson to mind: not because the songs are similar, but because both writers are deeply suspicious of sentimentality while remaining profoundly interested in human beings. That balance is one of the album’s greatest strengths. Thompson sees clearly. He notices weakness, delusion, disappointment and compromise. Yet there is remarkably little contempt anywhere on the record. Even the most foolish characters are treated as people rather than targets. The camera observes, but it does not prosecute. Which makes The Great Valerio such a perfect conclusion. Having stripped away illusions throughout the album, Thompson ends not with despair but with possibility. The image of people becoming “acrobats of love” is unexpectedly moving. We watch acrobats not because they deceive us but because they demonstrate what is possible. They expand our sense of the achievable. After an album full of hard truths, that feels like a quietly radical note on which to end. The final surprise came from the live bonus material. Hearing Richard and Linda tackle Buck Owens’ Together Again felt less like an appendix and more like a key. For all the album’s Englishness - its pubs, brass bands, communal rituals and market-town sensibility - its emotional DNA often feels closer to great country music than to the stereotype of folk-rock. The concerns are the same: ordinary people trying to navigate love, disappointment, work, hope and reality without losing their appetite for living. That, ultimately, is what stayed with me. This is not an album about tradition. It is an album about people. About the stories they tell themselves, the burdens they carry, the pleasures they pursue and the ways they keep going when life turns out to be less accommodating than promised. I spent most of the album waiting for it to become the record I feared it would be. It never did. Instead, it became something much rarer: a record that sees humanity clearly and likes it anyway.

Never heard of them but a husband and wife folk duo is pretty cute. I’m imagining Nuts in May, which may be unfair. Withered and Dried - Linda has a lovely voice - mate, I think I prefer your wife. I enjoyed the title track. I am also sick of working every day!! Very different approach musically but vibe wise almost identical themes to Arctic Monkey’s first album, as well as Hard-Fi’s seminal ‘living for the weekend’. God this is maudlin. It is technically good, but even the ‘upbeat’ ones are wistfully sad. Also, you never hear about ‘briar’ except in folk songs. ‘Little beggar girl’ could be subtler. The lyric ‘there’s nothing to grow up for anymore’ pissed me off. I guess I’ll just top myself then Rich, cheers for that mate.

If Folk Rock is your thing I highly recommend this album! Very beautiful music even if not something I would usually like.

The type of surprise I crave from this project — never heard of this record and I love it! Does NOT sound like it was recorded in 1973, so inventive while remaining straightforwardly beautiful at the same time, and I really enjoy both of their voices. Has me staring out the window wistfully when I meant to do some work. Going to keep my eye out for this at record stores.

Nice music and chill vocals. Love the folk sound. Linda's singing is definitely the highlight, but Richard holds his own. The music is wonderful. Overall an enjoyable album. Each song by itself is a 3, but overall I'll bump it up to a 4. Best song: I Want To See The Bright Lights Tonight

As I've repeated many times, older folk isn't a genre I reach towards. Most of it (and country too) can't make me feel much beyond a "This is nice I guess". However, it appears I might've found an exception; This album is a step up from their previous albums as a part of Fairpoint Convention, and a great bit of music to return to after my week-long break! Overall, it's a high 3, but still not enough to tip it over to a 4 for me. I (predictably) enjoyed the hints of rock mixed in there.

Alright folk to play in the background

A fine folk album by a husband and wife duo. Not great but a nice listen. Good lyrically.

I like it - especially the ones with that reeded instrument they play on recordings of Baroque-era songs.

not bad

I just dont have alot of things to say about this one. Its fine. I just dont get very much out of it. The female vocals are good. The music is fine but I will say one the deluxe or whatever they call it they have live tracks with drums. The drums breathe new life into these songs. It makes them much more interesting. Im still not that interested but its better thay way. The only song that had anything going for me was little beggar girl. It reminded me of working in an Irish pub as a kid. But even then eh... its fine but im just not thay into it. Thats that

Better than expected, calm and stable mood . But for me , no special songs except the last one! That one, the great Valerio, really kicked in ! Dark and religious harmony ... Really nice

This is comfy 70's vibes. Reminds me of Cat Stevens or Carol King.

That was a fun album. But I probably won't be revisiting it anytime soon.

When I started it I really dug the music… but then the dude started singing … ugh… do not like his voice. What does Linda see in him? Is he hung like a horse? I don’t know… I don’t get it. There is a version on Spotify that included some live songs - those were the highlights for me. 2.8

Folksy, calm, and a bit boring as a whole. Didn’t get a very careful listen, and my rating likely suffered as a result. But overall it was decently enjoyable. 6/10 Pretty Good

The final two songs are fantastic, the rest is too beardy Favourite tracks: The End Of The Rainbow (superb), The Great Valerio

I'm a big RT fan, but more often listen to his solo albums or early fairport, and less the releases with Linda. I just love a) his songwriting which feels like he's doing kind of modern interpretations of old English folk songs (as Fairport did under Sandy Denny's influence), but they're all penned by him. b) his arrangements. And this album has got some really cool things going on with brass, krummhorns, Kirkpatrick's accordian/anglo concertina etc etc. All cool. But it's the pared back nature of 2: The Calvary Cross that hits me between the eyes within the opening few bars (post the widdly guitar intro). ;The simple F, Am, G chord sequence in the verse charms me like a snake. Not bothered about the chorus but I forgive it for the verse. And Pat Donaldson's bassline. Other shortlist includes: 1: When I get to the border, 5: We Sing Hallelujah, which has shades of the old carol 'Jacob's well', and 8: the Little beggar Girl, which sounds traditional, and would also be great to dance to. Strong feelings of nostaglia for the title track 'I Want To See The Bright Lights Tonight' which was covered by one of our local folk/rock/ceilidh bands and have strong memories of hearing them playing it live as a kid in 1980's. Yeah some of the songs are bleak, but all good. Tempted to give this 5 stars, but though I live it, not quite. 4.5

I love this melancholy album and there’s something so earthy and English about Linda Thompson’s voice. She’s the aural equivalent of a bracing winter walk.

Nice warm album although would only listen to once

2.5

2.0

About time we had some proper folk type music, instead of the American twaddle. Although best known for his Vincent Black Lightening, this was a fair offering from Mr Thompson. But the best of the bunch by far was the title track performed by his wife. To have a song about going out and painting the town red done by a lady was pure genius. Good album all in all. (Still waiting for some Roy Harper though)

All a bit bland. Not enough emotion in the vocal style. Got way too folky for me in places too.

When this popped up I thought to myself 'who the hell is this?' and decided to not look at the Wiki and go in blind. Sadly temptation got the better of me and saw it was something to do with Fairport Convention. Not a good start. Stuck it on and was unsurprised by the early 70's folkiness of it. But the big surprise was that I didnt have any strange allergic reaction to it. Although I had to try not to cringe at the song titles and completely tune out the lyrics, the songs swung between pretty good and plain average. By the way I am being complimentary here considering its hippie burn the incense vibe. 'Calvery Cross' indeed. Just for that title I'll knock off 3 stars.

Really good! 3.5/5

Folk aus England

Music, like clothes and coffee has seasonal variations. And this is very much a winter album, the title track and its brass band is the soundtrack to a walk through December slush and Calvary Cross is a song of the fading light. Their voices are weary and downcast, but Richard Thompsons guitar offers little metallic slashes of respite. It’s bleak, but there’s beauty in it

The Good: We all wanna see those bright lights tonight! The Bad: Oh shit, I forgot about my photo-phobia…a The Ugly: Never nice to hear that such a lovely couple such as Richard & Linda have split-up… Then again, listening to this album… I kinda get why they split up. I doubt they were doing much to have each other see them afore mentioned bright lights… Interesting read on Wikipedia, who’ve been asking for money, that Dick managed to publish 20 odd albums… who in their right mind has the need to listen to Dick spit on 20 albums? Not me… Hope this album doesn’t bring down my 70’s average score too much… 3*

Pretty depressingly lyriced folk music.

Sad English Folk from the 60s? Yes, please, especially if it's made by a couple with a doomed marriage. This is music to walk morosely across the Moors to and then hang yourself under and alderberry tree.

Best song, Little Beggar Girl. I dig the Irish style and her voice came down to a more pleasant tone. It’s a bit too shrill in the higher register for my taste.

Ikke hørt før. Falt i smak, og sistesporet spesielt var knall.

Positivt overraska! Kjempefint.

Hørte faktisk gjennom et par ganger. Fant ikke noe ekstraordinært noen veier, så havner midt på treet.

Fine saker. Tittelsporet e så bra at det dyttes opp til en firer

Ei plate man bør finne fram igjen når høstmørket senker seg.

Great Album. Had a great time listening to it. I really enjoyed the folk rock

Best in the first half, where it has some pretty fun and interesting-sounding songs until the Fairportism seeps in to lull you to sleep

This could really use some blast beats. 2.0/5.0: Disappointing

there were a couple of really good tracks on this album but the majority were just run of the mill folk songs

Decent folk/country rock album.

Eh

hi guys, me and my wife just achieved our life goal of creating the most mediocre album in history ft: calvary cross

Damn, 10 songs, 36 minutes!--drunk and withered never sounded so good. If things got any slower, time would reverse. As dim as the outlook gets, the delicate beauty of Linda's voice and the subtle magic of Richard's guitar, well, hallelujah it is.

Although I’ve known about Richard and Linda Thompson for a long time, I only really got into them about 25 years ago. And even then I could only dip in and out, without feeling nonplussed. But today, they hit me in the right place and I really enjoyed it. I can see me keep dipping in and out again. This is timeless and definitely deserves to be on the list.

This was captivating from start to finish. Low key but interesting and well crafted.

I wanted to like this more than I did. I used to own their follow-up to this and never really warmed up to it, either. The first two tracks were cool, though.

70s folk rock doesn't hit me like it used to. But I can appreciate this and a few decades ago I would have been spinning this all the time.

I was a little surprised by the album. It is good. Is it groundbreaking enough to be on this list? I haven't decided. It opens very strongly and struggles to maintain that vibe.

A really decent album that I enjoyed to listen to more than once. Good length and stylistically interesting. I really enjoyed Unhalfbricking when I got that earlier in the project and this has some similarities to that I think. Not quite the same level of joy perhaps, but then I **really** enjoyed that album. This wasn't quite up to that standard, but I'm likely to listen to it again, so it's a clear 4 stars

Melancholy folk with a medieval vibe.

A couple of little ear worms but not my type of stuff.

The Calvary Cross is one of my favorite songs of all time, and my guitar playing owes a lot to Richard Thompson. The rest of the album is great, but I can see how the sort of Village folk subjects and singing voices can turn people off.

Drone folk

Thematically all over the place, which was jarring at times. The Calvary Cross is lovely.

A good, chill time I could listen to on loop.

Absolutely yes, sweet and melodic + twang

Basically, let’s go out and get wrecked.

I quite enjoyed that, especially the first half. I liked the Fairport Convention albums so not surprised that this one is great in a slightly different way. Rating: 3.5

I saw the bright lights, when I accidentally drove into traffic.

There's one or two good songs on this. Otherwise it's kind of annoying Irish/English sounding folk.

It's a bit boring, even if it's kinda pretty too.

Hat zur Stimmung gepasst deshalb

Finely crafted - swinging, direct, and very powerful

Apart from teaching Hugh Cornwell bass and being in Fairport Convention, I knew nothing about Eitherr Richard or Linda Thompson. Reminds me of a folky Fleetwood Mac

One of my faves

Meh. Nothing special. Neutral.

Álbum gostoso de se ouvir, traz uma sensação maravilhosa… parece que tem alma própria

Richard Thompson is one of the great underappreciated guitarists in any genre, and this record makes that case quietly and consistently. The playing is inventive and expressive without ever drawing attention to itself — exactly the kind of musicianship that rewards close listening without demanding it. The Celtic instrumentation gives the record a specific texture that distinguishes it from more conventional folk-rock, and the horns that surface on one track are a welcome surprise, the kind of unexpected touch that briefly suggests a broader sonic palette. Linda Thompson’s voice is lovely without being transcendent — warm, authentic, and completely unaffected, but lacking the kind of commanding presence that makes you stop what you’re doing. It suits the material without overwhelming it, which is either a strength or a limitation depending on what you’re looking for. Here it lands somewhere in between. The darkness and emotional weight running through the record sit in a lineage that connects British folk-rock to the Americana tradition — you can hear the thread that runs toward music you love most, even if this particular expression of it doesn’t fully claim you. The influences are right, the execution is consistently solid, and the whole thing passes by pleasantly without quite reaching the emotional temperature that earns a four. A genuine three that sits toward the higher end of that tier — liked at times, respected throughout, not quite compelling enough for regular rotation.

Meh

Little bit too folky/whimsy in parts - verging on Christian folk. ‘Has he got a friend for me’, ‘the end of the rainbow’, ‘the great Valerio’ are all decent tracks though

they should let the girl sing more

Definitely a 70s Americana album.

eh

british but country music?

Folk rock classic, dark, hopeless The calvary cross I want to see the bright lights tonight The end of the rainbow The great valerio

Apple Music classified this as a rock album and it is a really boring and dull rock album BUT!!!!! It is really cozy, like mom and dad is singing to you, but they are singing really sad songs and an jig about how they don't like being poor. Also, put some respect on Linda's name!!! She carried the album and I LOVED how warm and cozy her voice is.

Low 4. I love folk music, this album felt just like a lullaby!! Good stuff, but definitely not the best of the best. I need to re-listen while actually reading the lyrics

Gem, one of the most vulnerable sounds I've ever heard, an album lost to time but shouldn't be

#relisten

Country music by way of some slight Scottish/Irish folk influence, it seems like to my ears? Not bad, but kinda bored me a bit.

Partly quite nice but not really my kind of music.

Strong 3,5

Pretty good album. The more traditional folk elements can be a bit much but the songs are all great.

Okayy

70s rock, has some good instrumentals Favorite track: The calvary cross (the live version) other picks: together again (the live version), I want to see the bright lights tonight

Country Americana sound weaves into British singer-songwriter, Joni Mitchell-like folk. It was good but at times slow. Solid 2.5, but don’t know if Incan go to 3. Upon researching, I think the rest of their catalog might be a little more rock.

Heavy Decemberists vibes with this one.

This was a cool album. Definitely something I’d listen to again. I feel like it’s going to take more than one listen to really appreciate. 4/21/26

Me encantó este álbum. No conocía este dúo, pero la química que tienen para hacer música juntos se nota muchísimo. No estoy muy metido en el folk, pero aun así disfruté cada canción que escuché. La voz de la cantante es muy linda y transmite un montón de sentimiento. En general, todo el álbum me pareció buenísimo, pero destacaría especialmente “When I Get To The Border”, “The Calvary Cross”, “I Want To See The Bright Lights Tonight” y, sobre todo, “Withered And Died”. En resumen: un 9/10.

Been begging for some Fairport Convention lore and I’ll take it, this is as close as I’ve been on here. Never heard this one before, but I did know going into it that Richard Thompson wrote one of my favorite songs of all time by FC “Meet on the ledge” As for this album, Thompson brings along a lot of the qualities I love from Fairport, but in a more modern way for the time. I think this record loses a lot of that mythical esque feeling I get with those early Fairport record. This one has a stronger rock back bone and more twangy feel to it, but it still feels like a cozy fall album to bump. Linda Thompson helps heavy here to play that needed Sandy Denny type role. Standouts: I want to see the bright lights tonight, The Calvary Cross

Linda is a more important part of this imo. Easy listening, not terrible but not that exciting either. I just feel like I have heard everything they do here. Which is not necessarily bad, just folk music sounds very similar. I think the front half of this is good, and the falloff is steep and not much saving. I am not including the live versions in this review either. Title track vocals are ripped from a carpenter's song harddddd. All in all I enjoy the songs I like and not the record as a whole

Will definitely listen again

lowkey got bops

Lovely stuff

Not bad

When I Get To The Border

Love the title track so much

Not all of this was annoying and whining, but a lot of it was.

Quality folk rick from the master guitar player and song writing. Elements edginess and very much continuing in the vein of airport convention.

Trash. Didn’t listen long as it was way too shitty ass country music for me. Nope

Apparently a good example of a genre I don't like. Extra star for that

#334/1001. I dig British Folk a lot, but I think this was the first time I listened to a whole Richard and Linda (why is she omitted from the artist title here?) Thompson album. Surprisingly the folkier songs are the weaker ones, generic convention stuff from some kind of a fairport, but the darker and moodier stuff is really haunting and mesmerizing. Definitely need to check out more.

It’s kind of a lovely album, but it kind of puts me to sleep which isn’t a bad thing but ya know that matters

Mid, pero está bueno para traerlo de fondo.

HIPPIES!

vibey

Admittedly this kind of music is not to my taste- his singing combined with the mandolin and ladida fiddle has something of the pogues that triggers me. However, the lyrics are actually excellent- embracing something about time passing, endlessness, being larger than oneself. Some gorgeous harmonies, when it leans more psychedelic it does something for me. There are moments of outstanding beauty on here, unexpectedly. Has some really gorgeous and sensitive, soulful guitar work

idk it's probably pretty good if you're into that sort of thing. pretty samey for me and drifts unpleasantly into the christianity zone.

Britisk folk rock fra ekteparet Richard og Linda. Melankolien er sterk her. Flott og behagelig. Top 3: I Want To See The Bright Lights Tonight, The End Of The Rainbow, Withered And Died

I saw Richard Thompson open up for Jason Isbell one time several years ago in South Carolina, and I sadly didn’t know exactly what I had witnessed. I noticed he played a very good guitar, but I didn’t realize how insanely gifted and honed his chops are on the instrument. He put on a fantastic solo acoustic set and I’m thankful I saw him. I Want To See The Bright Lights Tonight is also a fantastic record.

I think this was another case of someone’s favorite album being included for sentimental reasons. My dad loves Australia’s The Seekers, but I don’t think I would put them on my personal 1001. At first I thought this duo were also Australian, because they sound like the Seekers. I was a bit surprised (not really considering the 1001 origin) that they were British. Their melodies are nice together, much better than if I made an album with my wife. However, this was a bit too folky Medieval minstrel for personal tastes. The Little Begger Girl was a grit-your-teeth-and-listen, however Linda’s voice on The Great Valerie was angelic. If I had a favorite song it would be I Want to See with the Flamenco trumpets, German Oom-pha horns, and 1970s disco-folk vibe. In the THC experimental times of the mid ‘70s this album probably fit. I don’t know if I needed this album to be blunt, and will probably not remember listening to it in a month.

Random thoughts: * I listened to this a few times passively and it didn't really resonate or break through for me. * Obviously I need to really give it a proper listen sometime. * There were flavors of early indie in here. * But there were also flavors of that folk style that was of medieval style which is ugh. * I can see why this one is on the list. I'll have to give it another try but I didn't hate it.

Mér finnst þessi alveg frábær. Það er eitthvað tímalaust við hana, ekkert sem segir 1974, eða neitt annað sérstakt ártal ef út í það er farið. Lögin góð, útsetningarnar fjölbreyttar og báðar raddirnar flottar. Ég held ég hendi í fimmu.

A nice, soft and moody feel but with just enough underlying energy to not get boring

Great album, even the live tracks!

Great folk rock album from the 70s by ex Fairport Convention member Richard Thompson and his wife Linda. It is a beautiful album, written and performed masterfully and produced so well by John Wood. Anything Island records touched during those years were golden.