I Want To See The Bright Lights Tonight

Solid folk music. A lot more riffage going on then I would have thought, and each song sounded like two opposing forces trying to compromise. One wanted rock the other wanted folk. I read some reviews before listening, and some were like, hold on to your hats for those first two songs! I held onto my hat and only felt a gentle breeze. But maybe that's on me for expecting a hurricane from folk music

first off: amazing album cover. I enjoyed this entire album and would gladly listen to it all the way through multiple times a year. I can hear how it influenced a lot of my favorite artists, and yet it stands for itself.

What a nice discovery. I'd never heard of either Thompson before today, nor this album and this was right up my alley. Groovy, although it comes with a "folk" label this comes with some rockier numbers in addition to the more traditional folk numbers. Sounds at points a good deal like more modern alt-rock which was really interesting. Opens incredibly, the first five tracks were excellent, then took a bit of a step back with "We Sing Hallelujah," and "Has He Got a Friend For Me." Both still solid, but more traditional-folk sounding. I think it's four-stars, would've been five but I do think it loses some replay value in the back-half. Still fun songs, but just not as strong as the first few.

I like Fairport and I like later Richard Thompson… this in-between thing just doesn’t quite work.

Fav: The Little Beggar Girl Least Fav: Down Where The Drunkards Roll Any album using an accordion must be respected and appreciated

not for me. im tired of music from the 70s bruh release me

A bit different but this was really lovely. When I get to the border, I want to see the bright lights, and down where the drunkards roll are great.

Ah, another nice and warm sounding recording. Nothing like the ‘70s to envelope you in its analogue methods! I’m only a little bit familiar with Richard Thompson and always heard about his albums with Linda so it was great to finally get a chance to hear one. Having spent some time with the albums of Sandy Denny a few years back this album really put me back in that sort of vibe. Once again I don’t usually gravitate to folk based music but I really enjoyed this one as well. There’s a sort of nostalgic sentiment to these songs in the lyrics, vocals and chord progressions over a lot of slow and steady tempos. I’m guessing that there’s some sort of a British folk sound here in the way the songs are written and performed. Definitely going to check out their other albums and though I’ve heard of Fairport Convention I haven’t spent much time with that band either so here’s hoping there’s one coming in the pipeline but if not I do hope to get there one day as well.

Nope. Didn’t do it for me at all. Nope.

when this first started I wondered how I was going to get through an hour of this, but as the album progressed, I hated it less. Beyond the stereotypical "hippie" sound, there was some Jethro Tull/ Jefferson Airplane light elements to it. great harmonies. PS: I love this album cover.

This was a pretty good album, and I imagine it would be amazing if they had more money for the recording. The live bonus tracks on the streaming services are my favorites.

Class album.

Guter Folk

Not exactly my style of music, but intriguing nonetheless. Living for the roulette of which instruments are gonna turn up in the middle of a song to surprise you, and the wonderfully upbeat lyrics, including such gems as 'a man is like his father cause he can't effing wait to die' and 'listen up, literal baby, as I tell you how awful and not worth it the world is.' Who hurt these people lol. Quite astounding levels of depressing. And all rounded off with a beautifully haunting song about... a tightrope walker? Ok then

love it og folksy 6.5/10

I Want To See The Bright Lights Tonight // 2.5/5

I am a huge fan of *Shoot Out The Lights* which is a haunting painful divorce album. This album lacks of the emotional gravity, but it's still a great collection of powerful sings. I really enjoy their style of Celtic infused folk. (8.85) ★★★★

Devastating lyrics, nice folky instrumentation. The beginning is better than the ending. 4 stars

This is a cool album. "The Calvary Cross" and the title track are the big standouts here and both contenders for the best songs of 1974. Some of it drifts too much into folky territory, but still a great album. Richard's guitar work is terrific. 4 stars.

4.5

Nice dark knobbly grim drunken 70s angst folk. Richard vocals aren’t good but track 1 has a gauntlet of good guitar riffs n bits. There are some cool medieval vibes with the cromulent crumhorn plus some rom pom pom brass on title track for more old timey feels but it’s mainly the Linda vocals on the songs that she’s on that really lifts them into good territory. Best songs title track and Down Where The Drunkards Roll

100% relisten

Yes

A cultural icon for a reason. The honesty and rawness with which it discusses the unearned challenges faced by millions of Americans every day is sobering. The simple, acoustic accompaniment only goes to highlight Tracy Chapman’s beautiful voice and the message of her songs. Although the musical tone isn’t always my personal style, I can appreciate the artistry and skill behind the execution.

Really mellow folk country. Linda has a very beautiful and somewhat haunting voice that lends so nicely to the music. The rhythms flow smoothly in sequence across the record and the production is very well executed. Each track is a pleasure to listen to.

I wasn’t expecting much. But came out of it pleasantly surprised. A very good folk rock record. And the title track is now added to my favourites.

A pleasant but unremarkable folk album.

Fantastic album. I listened to all of it just now. The feel I received from it had a mix of folk music, country, blues, with space to add a gospel choir to at least one of the songs! Tryly relaxing, enjoyable!

Rough start but I thought I could get into it. However, by about halfway I was internally screaming “shut up! shut up!” at every song.

This is the kind of album I'm here for. Never would have found this on my own and (with the exception of a coupe tracks) this is a fantastic album.

семейная идиллия, хоть и скучная

Irgendwie hat es mir gefallen. Der Titeltrack hat was.

pretty decent ig

Mira solo he oido una canción, la más famosa y tampoco me dijo demasiado

Didn’t feel great upon seeing this selection but wow was I wrong.. made it through twice without hesitation, really loved the variety. Unsure if this is an outlier from the singer/songwriter genre to me, or hit on a good day, or whatever else but this was great.

on first listen, I found this quite annoying, but it grew on me. It's quite emotional in parts and has good lyricism. Linda's voice shines throughout

Nice enough

Boring

Nothing too offensive, just found it rather dull.

Some relaxing folk with enjoyable vocals compared to some of of the prior albums

Classic from seventies

This definitely isn't my thing. I dislike the parts that were more celtic or country sounding a lot. The folky parts were ok.

Ami folkrock 1974

I'm not good at writing reviews, but listening to this album made me feel nostalgic. Very light, smooth, sometimes sad notes. Overall, I liked the album.

Lovely album, a great surprise for me since I didn't knew nothing about it nor the artists. 5/5, couldn't be any other way

This and Shoot Out the Lights (their marriage crumbling in real time in the studio with the latter) are staggering advancements in portraiture of complicated people living complicated lives and finding tragedy and beauty in it. The Lord invented the electric guitar so Richard Thompson could one day play it on the opening for "Calvary Cross" and how you don't fall in love with Linda on the title track is beyond me.

It’s dark and brooding, a mixture of folk, country and minstrel songs. Linda Thompson has a wonderful voice. It sounds strikingly similar to Sandy Dennis from Fairport Convention, Richard’s former band (especially on “The Little Beggar Girl” and “Withered and Died”), but rootsier. I’m guessing this album was a big inspiration for Jason Molina of Songs: Ohia fame. All good reference points. I'll probably be revisiting this one.

Oh man, I had the title track of this album on one of my seasonal playlists I thought? and I always wondered how old that song was, and now I know, which is great but holy shit you say there's an entire album attached to that title track? And it's good? With timeless album art? I mean that's not the big important thing, but ... heck yeah. Okay so "Little Beggar Girl" feels a wee bit like an irish jig? And on second listen I'm less excited about [gestures] all of this. Alas.

Not my style but I see why critics love this.

My favourite R&LT album

Great folk rock. Great songs. Everything is great about this album which I have loved for quite some time now. Always enjoyable and an enduring piece of art from Linda and Richard. Stands the test of time.

This was a great album to start my Monday morning with. I’ve always had a weakness for that working class British folk rock sound, especially when it evokes imagery of the English countryside. The baroque and Celtic influences on this album really play into that atmosphere and bring the whole thing to life. It was recorded in a tight time frame and on a very low budget, but I honestly think that worked in its favor. The stripped down and dry production adds a raw charm and intimacy that makes the whole album feel even more grounded and personal.

Serial shagger and put upon wife. What a combination. You can see how the songs pan out. Linda's voice is interesting for a few minutes but Richards is a hard listen. It is a worthwhile endeavour though as you can find decent songs if you are willing to make the effort. Best thing about the album is the excellent cover art.

Meh

I know that this has been a positive surprise and a hidden gem for many of those going through the list of 1001 albums. I’ve listened to the album many times now, but I still haven’t really connected to it. It’s fine, but not amazing by any means

Whoa!

It starts out strong and I was liking it, but then in the middle it kinda loses steam for me but then circles back at the end to being good again.

bah

01) When I Get to the Border - 7,0 02) The Calvary Cross - 7,0 03) Withered and Died - 6,0 04) I Want to See the Bright Lights Tonight - 7,5 05) Down Where the Drunkards Roll - 6,0 06) We Sing Hallelujah - 6,5 07) Has He Got a Friend for Me - 6,5 08) The Little Beggar Girl - 6,0 09) The End of the Rainbow - 6,0 10) The Great Valerio - 6,5 TOTAL: 6,50 (65/100) Current ranking: 478/687

This was better than I expected. The title track is especially good.

I hope I never have to listen to this ever again.

Fave Track: The Calvary Cross (live version) 3.7/5

Un peu répétitif, pas rentre dans les paroles, et la folk c'est pas trop mon delire

Au début j’avoue m’être dit « oh non, encore un truc de folk rock country américain… » mais finalement c’était pas si mal que ça

Gear: ZiiGaat x Hangout.Audio: Odyssey 2 Artwork: 🪞🛁👆 Production: 🔔🤨⁉️ Music: 👩‍🌾🔁🎸 Rating: 🫧(🫧)/5

Not sure why but this is pretty great. Maybe it’s the voices (nowadays mainstream singer/songwriter music have terrible application of voices) Also like the production and use of different instruments!

I didn’t have any expectations going into this and found myself really enjoying this. A really solid collection of songs. I don’t think I’d listen again but I’m pleased that I’ve heard this. A solid 3.5 stars for me.

Very Jason Molina coded. Loved those tracks.

Not my style of music. ★★

This is by Richard Thompson and Linda Thompson. As I write this review her name isn't listed. I have asked for it to be corrected.

It was enjoyable to listen to.

Initially I was a little disappointed, thinking it was not as good and not as coherent as Fairport Convention, but the songwriting is super strong, and it's still good

I enjoy the variety of instruments, and there's a few really good songs on here, but this mostly didn't really do anything for me at all. Great guitar playing though

Не має якихось претензій до музики чи виконань, але не відгукується взагалі.

Переважно доволі нудний альбом, але дві пісні мені дуже сподобались - The Calvary Cross і остання The Great Valerio.

сорі, я люблю фолк, але конкретно це тематично мені здалось нецікавим. можливо я звикла до чогось більш казкового в цьому жанрі....

The kind of album one would listen to when they wanna be on a roadtrip by themselves

4- Stars (10/15)

I've owned this album since my late 20s/early 30s when I was beginning to follow less new music. I'd forgotten one or two of the more traditional folk-y songs on here and now I'm older they are still not really my thing. The restraint and ethereal guitar playing on The Calvary Cross is great, and The End of the Rainbow is so despondent that it makes me misty eyed every time.

Wish I could do 3.5. But screw it, I’m in a generous mood so I’ll round up. The highs are gorgeous. Some memorable, emotional folk. “The Calvary Cross” is one of my favorite folk-rock songs ever. Just a couple skip over tracks, and knowing this isn’t my favorite Thompson album drops it a tiny bit.

Some type of folk record with a mix of fairly interesting and quite boring tunes. Glad I heard it. Will never listen to it again

A nice folky album but didn’t blow me away.

Big fan of a few songs, but it all started to sound the same. Not a huge fan of their voices, although I do like some of his stuff.

A very nice folk album with a lot going for it, the track "The Calvary Cross" is the star here but the album is pretty solid throughout. This one probably ekes into the top rating.

I liked a few songs but idk if I will listen to any again. Easy listening but kinda monotonous at some points. 4.5/10

I like the instrumentation on this record. Production is raw and gritty in a good way. Songwriting is wry and bleak. It’s definitely a pretty mellow sounding, slow-paced album. Probably not gonna get your blood pumping, but not everything has to. Linda’s voice is the heart of this record—very pleasant and classic. The use of various instruments and vocal ranges to create varied and interesting textures is really the standout of this album. Makes it standout from just a standard folk-rock album. There are lowlights; some songs are a little cheesy and some tracks just get lost with uninteresting melodies and rhythm. I am glad I hear it 6.5-7/10 Standouts: Down Where the Drunkards Roll The Great Valerio

Dismal. I'm sorry for whatever happened that made you feel this way. Important in some circles but really a grind.

6,7

There's a sharp contrast here between the lush, lively folk tunes and the stark, slow ones. It's a contrast that works well; many of the lively songs have a depressing undercurrent as well, and it makes for a more interesting album than if all the songs were of the same variety. It's all very intricate and well-played, with moments where the guitar is allowed to shine as well as some where other instruments take center stage. Both vocalists and great and their interplay adds even more variety. The best songs are the most strikingly sad ones, "Has He Got a Friend For Me" and "The End of the Rainbow" especially.

Beautiful! The Irish vocals are evocative and stirring, and the composition is simple yet soulful. My aunt and uncle had shown me some Richard Thompson music a few years ago and I had liked it in a coffee house-earnest sort of way, but listening to this album gave much greater depth and feeling to his/their music. I called my aunt and uncle after having listened to this to tell them I get it now!

This is one of those treats that makes me glad I started doing this. Excellent folk album that I'd likely never have heard of if not for this site. The music is really pleasant.

Looks like my newfound patience has run out already, cause I found this pretty boring. Album cover is mid as well. The songs were okay, nothing stood out to me but it was decent enough for me to give it a standard 3. I liked Withered And Died, We Sing Hallelujah, The Little Beggar Girl, and The End Of The Rainbow

So gar ned meis

Ich kann nicht sagen, ob ich es mag oder nicht, seltsames Album :D

sounds like farm

1974 I'm open to a bit of folk, and I'd not heard this before. It's OK, but I won't be revisiting, Bland and in places and a bit too much sky fairy references for my liking. The album cover is shit. Heard before ❌️ Listened this time ✅️ mostly Revisit ❌️ ★★☆☆☆ (4/10)

Can’t get enough of that first track, just so moving and incredible. Also loved the beggar girl one, and the last song.

Good

I did not like this 2

Some beautiful parts, but mainly boring

Cool folk album, raw music.

It sounds almost like something I would like but not quite there.

Always appears on these best of lists, but I've never listened until now. It's mostly dull folk-rock pop, as in pastoral English folk, and I can't say any of it really does anything groundbreaking or interesting so far as I am concerned. Very predictible, run-of-the-mill stuff.

As soon as the vocals began in a British accent, I knew I was going to hate this. My assumptions were correct. This is trash and I am in a bad mood because I listened to it

It had some promise at the outset, the first few songs were a mixture of electric rock and folk with cool arrangements and lyrics, but then it all went downhill and devolved into standard acoustic folk music. 3/5, mainly on the strength of the first three songs.

Oh man, “When I Get To The Border” is such an amazing song, and one that I think I want played at my funeral. I listened to it on repeat for awhile before moving on to the rest of the album because I was so enthralled with it. Unfortunately, the rest of the album was a bit of a letdown. The title track and “We Sing Hallelujah” were pretty good, and there wasn’t anything that stood out negatively, but nothing held a candle to the brilliance of “When I Get To The Border.” I wish I could rate this a 3.5, but despite how much I loved the opening track, I have to round down.

Intimate grandeur is the name of the game here. This album sounds like a living room concert of a newlywed couple who were doomed from the beginning. To me, this album sounds like a broken family. Richard is a stern father with his piercing voice, and Linda plays that haunting motherly figure, and the content backs that up. At first, the hits were my favorites: When I Get To The Border and I Want To See The Bright Lights Tonight, but as years passed, I came to love the slower tempo, and straight melancholic songs such as The End Of The Rainbow, The Great Valerio and The Calvary Cross. All flavors of folk are here for your choosing, and all of them are performed nicely.

Lots of nice guitar and plenty of haunting minor harmonies and dark melodies in the Celtic folk tradition. Favorites: cavalry cross, bright lights, rainbow

I do appriciate the instumentation here and each backing track is quite wonderful. Only issue is that the vocals leave so much to be desired. Proof that lyrics and vocal ability really do matter

The musical equivalent of 'Nuts in May'. I enjoyed the chord structure in 'The Calvary Cross'.

Never never never would have listened to this without this project- it was wonderful. Really moving in many places; it makes me want to grab a guitar and jam along. I’d love to hear some modern covers honestly. The low point for me was “Does He Have A Friend For Me”. Otherwise an unexpected really good album.

Yawn

Oh, sweet. This album. "I Want to See the Bright Lights Tonight" is a great name for an album, though I've no clue what sound that name would encompass. A live album? Big band? Guess I just need to crack this one open. Yeah, I should have expected something folky. This isn't bad, though I'm not much in the way of a folkehead. Linda's a pleasing vocalist, I like the intimacy of the husband/wife dynamic and the gaelic/medieval influence is quite interesting. There just isn't much about this which holds my attention in the long run "Withered and Died" is pretty good - I appreciate the mock-country sound. The title track has some nice punchy guitars and I like the musical embellishments, particularly the band segment and the trumpets during the chorus. "The Little Beggar Girl" is a fun jig. The lyrics are pretty good, and I enjoy the sweet accordion solo from midway through the track. Book time. There's a whole lot of nothing in this entry, though Wikipedia reveals that this album has been warmly received by critics in the years since release. I can cosign this inclusion. It's pretty unique for a folk album and appears to have a solid critic backing.

Yeah it's okay. Where's the wife's credit on the artist name here? Just largely forgettable 1/5 stars.

I’ve only heard the title track before, and if the rest of the album had been as good as that song, it would be an easy 5. Unfortunately the other songs aren’t that good. It’s still a fine album, but it really only has one stellar standout track

nah, nicht meins

Ein weiteres belangloses Album.

It's fine.

I didn't enjoy the voices in tandem, which is quite the issue for a duet. 2.

Not a genre of music I would gravitate to

It's Ok. Not something I would listen to normally. I do find it to be better than most folk I've listened to, but the woman singer leans into some classic folk tones and it sounds performative more than authentic. The guitars are decent and that's what raises it above common folk boredom. Not much that's bad or annoying, but nothing to grab me either. Did really like the guitar bit at the beginning of Calvary Cross, though. The least folk-y, best song is probably the title track. Prolly wouldn't listen to it again.

2,5

Top heavy, with great folk rock tunes in the first half and dorky ren faire ballads lumped together at the end

Correcto

60s British folk meets 70s singer/songwriter meets an occasional energy drink. Opening track and title track were two favorites. They tried at the end to get me to dock them a star, but I skipped past those slower tracks so I could still give them… 4/5

I want to see the bright lights, but listening to them is also a treat! I don't know what it is, but when good folks from the UK dabble in music, they find a way to make it better. I would never say that America owned folk music, but I love that in the wake of the great music created in USA we get this duo from the UK that just knocks it out of the park. I kept thinking it would get too sentimental, but it walked the line with sublime tact. It is an honest, unpretentious take that sounds fantastic.

WONDERFUL.

This is very nice to listen to. Sounds a lot like the music of its era, but unique and interesting. Got some Decemberists vibes from the vocals at times. "I Want to See the Bright Lights Tonight" is a definite stand-out.

It wasn't horrible and I suppose that any list of 1001 anythings you need to do before you die needs to have a number 764.

Fucking awesome! Wow some of these songs blow me away. They are so so so damn good. Production has aged like fine wine as well. Shoutout great Valerie. Shoutout Dave mattacks on drums who plays on xtc’s nonsuch. Shoutout Linda your voice is stunning. Shoutout Richard Thompson my second favorite guitarist ever. 4.5/5

Great great stuff! Nice treadmill walk accompaniment. Just some pretty folky rock songs.

det här var väl inget vidare kul? 2 slow 2 rock and roll

nice, calm and folksy, good vocals and good song chemistry, enjoyed it overall

I wanted to love this. His deep sonorous english voice and their folk ethos steeped in story telling. I thought it was good but didnt spot its greatness over 2 listens. Maybe like the rest if the world i'll take time to get into it

The credit on the generator seems to be an error. This is a co-production with Linda Thompson. They were an important sing-writing folk power duo. The music is fine and was influential. But modern British bar ballads are not my thing. It’s a 3.

Just overall kinda boring

Not generally a fan of folk, but I liked this.

Is this the soundtrack to the worst Renaissance Fair movie?

I liked this one. Although, I must admit I found it a little disorienting. "We Sing Hallelujah" sounds like a medieval folk song being sung at a hog roast and then "Has He Got a Friend For Me" starts with a reference to a silent Saturday night doorbell. It felt like involuntary time travelling. That aside, enjoyable if a little samsey.

This was pretty enjoyable folksy music that doesn't err too far into being country. The opening to The Calvary Cross was really nice, probably the highlight song of this album. Love the spacey/psychedelic feel of the background instrumentals. Withered And Died was good, especially the intro of the female vocals. The title track was also really catchy and fun. The rest fell into the background, but I was into it the whole time while I was working. Landed at 3.5 stars for this but will skew towards a Low 4 since this was a reprieve from some of the shitty/mediocre music we've had lately. Plus, I might come back for more listens.

Gotta say, I thoroughly enjoyed this listen. Both vocalists are quite capable and the arrangements are varied. This is an album that has a sort of calm energy about it that I savor. Calvary Cross is a pretty song -- love the piano + bass pairing and distantly-mixed vocals. Withered and Died is some high quality calming folk-country. If I didn't know better, I would believe that the title track (I Want To See The Bright Lights Tonight) is a Grateful Dead song. It has a delightfully roots vibe to it and a guitar tone that runs parallel Garcia's. Love the horn support -- funny that they swapped for accordion in the live version. The End of the Rainbow is delightfully melancholy; love this one. The Great Valerio is a fine song, but a bit of an anticlimactic closing track. Its quite sparse and sort of just allows the album to fade away. All said, a nice listen for this Wednesday morning. Will be back. Solid 4.

Kinda country, not the worst, but I was certainly bored by the end of it all. High 2? Idk it wasn't bad

Nice singing with the male and female alternating and harmonizing sometimes. Really easy listen that just flew by. The guitar tones were all really nice. Quite a high 3

Definitely had a folksy vibe to it. The title track kinda reminded me of Fleetwood Mac. Not really something I'll probably come back to but it was pleasant enough.

Rating: 6/10 Pretty good country album, no standouts but consistently good throughout.

Pretty good album. Don’t think it’s anything special. But at least a decent listen

A bit too folky for my taste. Decided to give it away. I really only like the first two tracks.

Shoot Out the Lights will always be my favorite of Richard & Linda's, but it's hard to argue with this one. 4/5

Extra star for Buck Owens cover.

"There's crazy people running all over town..." Listened to B4? No Tracks Already Saved on Spotify: None Standout Tracks: When I Get to the Border, The Calvary Cross, I Want to See the Bright Lights Tonight, The End of the Rainbow, The Great Valerio (90/100)

Now this is decent timing, generator. I saw RT two days ago, and he played a couple of songs from this album. I personally think the best was still to come from him, as a solo artist; listening to this it’s clear how much his voice matures later on, and how he’d lean into the ‘rock’ side of folk-rock much more with later releases (this sounds quite distinctly and quaintly ‘folk’ throughout - though that’s no slight, just not my personal preference.) But I recognise that his early stuff with Linda and Fairport were more influential than any of his solo albums and IWTATBLT is rightly considered a classic. The songwriting is, as always, masterful, and Linda’s voice adds a haunting quality to many tracks - especially The Great Valerio. 4.5

Irish folk rock. Very chill, cool combinations of folk instruments and core rock band stuff

Almost enough silly moments to get a second star but nah, that was not enjoyable

Could've been the day for me but besides thinking this sounded nice I couldn't find a ton to grab into. Clearly singing of what they knew and did a good job with it. That's about all I could note.

Eye catching album cover. I like The Calvary Cross and I want to See the Bright Lights Tonight. This really has the potential to grow on me. That's the thing, doesn't grab you right away but has potential to grow. I'm going to round up to a 4.

So boring, musically. It sounds as though Richard was a humorless man with a taste for Quaaludes and decided to write an album of children’s music.

Enjoyable folk music.

A lovely surprise. No standout track but a chilled and laid back folksy album that I will listen to again.

Very good

#659. This doesn't really do it for me. It started off fine, but the longer it went on, the more I just wanted it to be over faster. 2/5: meh

Folksy and fun

Better than I expected

Surprisingly good

It’s a good album. I doubt I’ll replay it much. The best song was the first on the album, “When I get to the Border”

Another blinder album let's go. If I had to describe this album in one phrase it would be easy listening, with an good mixture folk and blues influences, whether it bluesy licks backed with brass on the albums title track or the organ matched with acoustic chords and licks in the albums opening track, some tracks even implementing an almost eastern European/Asian sound them noticeable on The Calvert Cross. Both Richard and Linda's vocal and lyrical world stay consistent throughout the album, especially the use of choir like backing vocals throughout the album. Overall it ticks all the boxes for a fun, easy going album, probably something I'd pick up again. 2.5/5 MTW I love any kind of folk related music, so I feel a bit disappointed that I’ve never listened to this in full. I knew the title track going into this but that about it, and now that I’ve sat on the album, I think it’s good. Linda Thompsons voice is outstanding all the way through this album, the way she changes her voice throughout it’s outstanding going from almost a McCartney like tone in the title track, so a more somber, Nico like drone in some of the quieter songs. Dynamically, it’s pretty basic, there’s good brass instrumentation and solid guitar playing. This is a good album, but that’s it really, and there’s no issue with that. I’d definitely listen to this again, but it sadly doesn’t have the same vocal power as a Crosby, Stills & Nash piece, or a Joni Mitchell. It’s absolutely fine. 3.2/5 FTW Sorry for no in-depth review for this one. Was a big part of my childhood but not one I've listened to much in my adult life so was nice to revisit. JF 3/5

Really good but it didn’t grab me

Enjoyed.

3⭐️/5 [07.27.2025] 01.12.2026

Nothing too special or out of the ordinary, but I quite enjoyed it. Mellow kinda folksy music, good vocals and simple instrumentation. Standouts: The Calvary Cross, I Want To See The Bright Lights Tonight, The End Of The Rainbow Rating: 3.9/5

Loved the album cover, not something I usually notice. As expected the guitar playing on this is fanstastic. Didn't care so much for the songs, strayed about too folk/country for my tastes but lots of this was great.

I don’t think I like Linda’s voice very much

I loved this!!!!

Elevated well above most other folk/rock because of the excellent songwriting and Richard's guitar playing. I'm always in two minds about his voice (like with Billie Bragg - there is an un-musicality about it). I think I like some of his later work better but still as far as folk and folk rock goes it's very good.

Two Fairport Connections albums in the last 100 and now some solo work. I was pretty excited after the first couple songs here. When I Cross the Border and The Cavalry Cross are both great. I especially like dueling instruments at the end of the opener. The rest is ok, some nice duets between Richard and his wife Linda, but nothing crazy memorable. I also liked The Great Valerio.

Good early stuff

I think the most interesting thing I’ve learned about my musical taste in going through this list is that I really can’t stand folk music. Not Dylan, certainly not Joni Mitchell, and the English permutations of it from the various members of Fairport Convention leave me cold. I can appreciate that Richard and Linda Thompson have talent, but this is just not for me. At best, it’s forgettable background music. 2.5⭐️

Very folky.

Boring album, feeling like alot on this list is going to be like this

Kind of good not my favorite but I enjoyed jt

this was okay, maybe slightly boring in parts but it was okay if you’re after 70’s easy listening on a sunday morning

Pretty fun! Started off strong

at first i thought it was a generic folk album, but the songs grow on you and i dont think ive really listened to something like it before. Very simple songs but not much like it.

I need to listen to this more frequently. The artwork always felt so modern.

That beat drop in Calvary Cross was heavenly. Incredible album

I feel like this album is responsible for The Decemberists’ entire career. It’s good! Really good folk music. Traditional sounding, well performed, a variety of different tones and moods, all sincere. Must-listen #175.

Interesting

Forgettable folk. Lame, tame and nothing to ever want to hear again.

Some gas old folk. Passionate yet heartbreaking songs. Unreal vibe. Have heard this before but now I have it saved and will be adding it to my regular rotation

Like it 3/5

This was OK I liked it better than expected. Very folky.

That was some real nice folk music. My favourite was the opening track

Definitely a vibe record that can fit a rainy day, however not something I found particularly enjoyable.

I really liked this, great album cover aswell. Both of their vocal contributions add a lot to the differente songs, lyrically aswell I felt this had quite a lot to say. It also hit different feels well, the soft, mellow folky songs like the end of the rainbow, the cavalry cross and withered and died; the more poppy rock sound from the first song and the title track and a more kind of orchestral sound from the last song. All of which are my standouts. A great album overall with great instrumentation aswell I would like to add. Overall 7/10.

Definitely very solid, with some nice vocals and soft instrumentals. Still it doesn't leave much of a mark on me personally, though I can appreciate quite some of it.

Very few people know that the real reason their marriage broke down was the charm of Len Houmous. Lynda couldn’t get him out of her head. Nothing happened, or so Len says! 4.1 4/13 I want to see the bright lights tonight

J - 2/5 Best Track - "I Want To See The Bright Lights Tonight" F - DNL

It's as Ann as the nose on Plain's face.

The first (and in many ways only) exposure I had to Richard Thompson was listening to "1000 Years of Popular Music" that a friend lent me many years ago, and I was intrigued by his obvious interest in music and (likely more important) lyrics over the spans of centuries. Although we won't get that album/show in this collection, it feels like this album from many years earlier channels a similar sentiment, and both Richard and Linda pull it off really well. I'm also impressed at how well this was recorded/produced, given when it came out (and also sad that it didn't even get released outside the UK until nearly ten years later). I also enjoyed the mix of distinctive but traditional-folk-oriented tunes like "Cavalry cross" and "Down where the drunkards roam", and more modern sounding tunes like the title track. (There are a few duds along the way, like the pub-song-style "We sing Hallelujah".) Unlike the Fairport Convention albums in this collection, or even really "1000 Years of Popular Music", this album makes me think Richard Thompson is a kindred spirit to the likes of Leonard Cohen or Nick Cave, and I mean that in a positive sense. Not very happy tunes, admittedly, but not as bleak as they might be (with an exception for "The end of the rainbow", which pretty much defines unremitting bleakness).

prefer shoot out the lights but still pretty good

A masterpiece. Title track one of the best of all time.

What a crazy heartbreaking collaboration. There voices and songs make my heart weep.

A couple of good spots that are overshadowed by some pretty dull soft rock. I wanted to like this more than I did.

Not too bad.

2 1/2 Stars: This album sounds like the color beige.

This was a lovely record. I quite enjoyed it and I had never heard of this duo. It feels nostalgic, yet ahead of its time. I almost think it was just barely too short which isn't something that's common on this list. I listened to it a couple times and it's one that I want to revisit in the future.

This was a damn near perfect folk rock album. Its old, current, and timeless all at once. The instrumentation is unique, but never siloed to acoustic instruments. The songwriting and storytelling is superb: songs of love, desperation, heartache, social, political. I first heard Richard Thompson when I was really into The Decemberists, because he is such an inspiration for that band. Though, admittedly, I couldn't really get past his voice. It felt like the goofier version of The Decemberists. Years went on, and as I've started to really explore bluegrass, I found that Richard Thompson is cited and covered a lot. So in recent years, I've listened to more of him and have grown to appreciate his songwriting magic. This album was great! I had never listened to it. I love the back and forth between Richard and Linda. How they compliment each other and how this record just feels really round.

Better than Coldplay

Another great surprise from the list. Really enjoyed most of this one. 4.5

Oh I know the story behind Richard and Linda, yada yada. But I don’t know this feels like a critic’s darling situation to me. I’ve just never been able to get hold of whatever was been sold.

I liked it. I could see myself listening to a couple of these tracks again but will most likely forget. 3.2 stars

Surprised me with how much I enjoyed it. Knew nothing about them prior, just really hit a nice note for me

Really just a masterpiece, definitely should be on the list. Incredible songs, great vocals and Thompson’s guitar playing is excellent throughout

The title track is so good, I'm giving it a 5 after only 1 listen.

Listened to this on the train to london this morning and i think the english folkyness was a good soundtrack. More electrification than expected from fairport convention guy. First half is the strongest. Lyrically gets pretty bleak in the latter tracks. Linda has a great voice.

Nice enough jangle heavy folk. Not very memorable though.

Not entiley my thing some aspect with the array of instruments was fantastic and the tempo and voices are good. It just has that combine harvester wurzles feel about it that niggles me a bit.

Don’t predict I’ll return but really enjoyed this. 3.5

Have always been a fan but haven't listened to this one as often as other records. Linda's vocals are beautiful and Richard renowned as a great guitarist shows it off in spots here. Wonderful record

★★★½

There's some really fun upbeat songs on here and a bunch of really melancholy singer/songwriter stuff. I prefer the former as the latter lulled me to sleep.

Not a fan

Can't say I'm a fan of the folk genre and this album didn't do much to sway my opinion. But there were some songs that I did enjoy hearing. The first half of the album was the better portion and included some of the songs I thought were pretty good. When I Get to the Border, The Calvary Cross and I Want to See the Bright Lights Tonight were the songs I liked the best. The album started to lose me in the 2nd half, but for the most part, I thought it was decent. I generally rip these folksy albums and I can't say I would come back and revisit, but this one was alright. 3

3 Apparently this is the lead guitarist and songwriter of Fairport Convention with his wife. I’ve liked some of the Fairport Convention stuff we’ve heard on this list, but I think their music is carried heavily by singer Sandy Denny. Not that Richard (or his wife) are bad singers, but their voices certainly don’t captivate me like hers does - nor does really any of their music here. Still, I found most of this decent, though there’s not really anything that’s particularly great or standout either. It also has that ren faire-esque sort of quality to it that a lot of British folk groups from this era seem to have that I’m not overly fond of. In this particular instance, there’s a certain charm to the alternating male/female vocals, and the songwriting borders on catchy at times with When I Get To the Border and the title track, but overall it ultimately seems to boil down to a same-y amalgamation of Richard’s past work with FC and their contemporaries. Not bad, but probably not the kind of thing I would go out of my way to revisit. While I’ve certainly heard worse versions of this kind of sound, I’ve certainly also heard better. That said, I feel like this could be a vibe if heard live in a British pub. Hell, I may have that opportunity soon.

It’s ok but I thought folk was dead by ‘74

Very British

A very sweet balm 2 soothe the sensitive soul... first 5/5 I've never heard so far :) !

Mixed feelings about this one. Some songs are too singer-songwriter folksy for me and some have a more fun Irish-sound. Could’ve fallen on either side of the 2-3 line for me.

Somehow feels ahead of it's time and of the era at the same time. Great folk album, can see a straight line drawn from albums like this to albums like Rogue Taxidermy.

Yeah I like this. This is my kind of jam these days. Good balance of easy listening folk style music with a few rock style songs thrown in. Lyrics are as good as the music, well written. Definitely have a listen. I'll be adding this to my physical collection.

Country.

It's a pleasant album to put into background, and I can understand why someone would find it much nicer, but I think it's very much depending on someone's personal preferences a 3-5. It can always be not enough, or your favourite album.

Pure folk rock is a rarity on this list, so you better appreciate it when it pops up! I Want To See The Bright Lights Tonight is a treat with catchy melodies and vivid imagery, and it's a shame that the genre feels somewhat underrepresented on this list.

Beautiful. Just beautiful. 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.

honestly this was a lot more compelling than i was expecting from a 70s folk married duo. the title track is good!

NOPE

I didn’t think it was terrible.

Chill

Brutal. Just no.

Nice little Folk-Album, had never heard of it, before. I think „mostly harmless“ describes it pretty good. Fav: The Little Beggar Girl

Pretty good, but nothing that blew me away. Nice folk pop from the 70s with some great traditional music details incorporated.

Country-folk. I'm sure it does something for some people. Not for me.

Yeah not too bad

There's something about this album that has a timeless feel, with well constructed lyrics and truly magnificent production. I can't say I'm going to blast many of the tunes here on repeat, but I would strongly recommend this for anyone looking to enjoy some great folk that maybe we don't have enough of.

Charming British folk featuring lovely arrangements, textures, and vocal interplay.

I do not know these two but this was good. I really liked a couple of them.

Not my type of thing

Okay

Not as bad as I expected. When I saw husband and wife fold duo from the 70s I feared the worst. But it wasn't the worst. Maybe the UK slant made it a bit more palatable. The Bob Dylan influence was strong.

Once again, i would like this a lot more were it an instrumental album.

I liked this album! It’s a weird merge of 70s rock and folk. I had heard the title track before but I enjoyed several songs. Would listen to album again

Folk isn’t generally my genre, but a lot of this worked for me. Good album

Didn't click with me. I did hear some talent but it didn't move the needle for me. Not my favourite genre either.

When I Get To The Border - 4/5 The Calvary Cross - 3/5 Withered And Died - 3/5 I Want To See The Bright Lights Tonight - 4/5 Down Where The Drunkards Roll - 4/5 We Sing Hallelujah - 3/5 Has He Got A Friend For Me - 3/5 The Little Beggar Girl - 5/5 The End Of The Rainbow - 4/5 The Great Valerio - 5/5 Average score: 3.8/5 (rounding up) a bit of a slow burn, but a lovely album nonetheless

Kinda boring, but not bad.

Unfortunately this started out very much at the Hey Nonny Nonny end of folk. Which immediately makes my ears roll. The sound is very good - feels like it could have been made 20 years after it was. But the songs are of a style that I just can't get into.

The Thompsons use traditional music but never sound sentimental. Great songwriting and music.

I’m starting to get the feeling folk isn’t for me cause this was a slog I was excited after the first song thinking this will it then it developed into the same snooze fest. The live songs at the end were great though so I don’t know what’s going on with me and folk

Schöni Stimme, 70er-Jahr lönd grüesse😂. Sehr ruhigi, fascht ächli Depri-Musig.

when i get to the border ischmer glaub chli zu schleppend, d flöte und so und s akkordeon sind no cool sehr irish. ou es hat gelöscht. find die erste 3 songs etz eeehner lame, sehr low tempo und hett chli meh erwartet vomne album wo es meisterwerk gnennt wird. de title track het etz zum erste mol sehr cooli gitarreparts und groovt chli ernsthaft. au seeehr schöni background gsäng. ok s album isch easy isch e 3. aber wirdi nie meh lose glaub? chöntmer zwor au vorstelle dasis suuuuper geil wür finde nochem 3. mol lose.

find er het sehr e beruhigendi stimm und z zweite töneds super hmm s solo am schluss hani vhli wack gfunde ohh the cavalry ross het seehr e schöni atmosphäre mite gitarre und de sanfte stimm leider passiert aber trz chli wenig ohhh sie chan au sehr schön singe!! we sing hallelujah findi megaaaa scheisse hahahahaha hmm au little beggar girl isch nöd so min jam joaaah es paar lieder findi sehrsehr schön, reduziert und beruhigend, anderi hani denn defur ener langwilig gfunde. guets 3

Was enjoyable.

Overall: 7/10 This was really good! As much as I enjoyed Linda's contributions, it was Richard Thompson's voice that made me enjoy this more than I would have. It has a soothing quality to it. Plus his songs were closer to folk whereas Linda's were more country. I prefer the folkier stuff. Fav Song: The Calvary Cross Least Fav Song: We Sing Hallelujah

Yeah no folk or country for my top anything.

Nice revival English folk

pass

Country like

Very pretty folk, nothing to complain about here.

Meh

Very good album. Enjoy it on my drive

This was okay! I like folk, but nothing here really caught my attention. Linda has a lovely voice.

Sounded better on the second listen

..

Sounds a lot like The Decemberists.

A bit too much renaissance fair energy for me.

I'll be the first to admit that I'm not a fan of folk music, and Richard and Linda Thompson's album didn't change my mind. I unfortunately found myself bored too often. But I will be honest: this mellow album was flow-y and was quite beautiful. While I enjoyed both Richard and Linda's harmonizing vocals, I liked Linda's vocals much more. The inclusion of horns or Celtic music gave this folk music some spice. For that, I'll round up my 2.5.

This band and album were completely new to me. Very folky, and at certain points it seemed a bit more modern than 1974. Additionally, I was intrigued that they seemed to bounce between a more American folk sound and English folk sound -- that's not something you hear everyday from folk artists. Individually, Richard and Linda both tackle lead vocals nicely, and when singing together, there was some nice harmony between them. I didn't love this album, but I did like it. As it started, I wasn't sure I was going to like it, but it kind of won me over by about halfway through! I can appreciate an album that is capable of doing that.

## In-Depth Review: *I Want To See The Bright Lights Tonight* by Richard & Linda Thompson ### **Overview** Released in 1974, *I Want To See The Bright Lights Tonight* marks the first full-length collaboration between Richard Thompson, a founding member of Fairport Convention, and his then-wife Linda Thompson. Though initially overlooked commercially, the album has since become a cornerstone of British folk-rock, lauded for its lyrical depth, inventive arrangements, and emotional resonance[5][7]. --- ## **Lyrics** The album’s lyrics are widely recognized for their bleak, poetic realism and psychological nuance. Richard Thompson’s songwriting on this record is often described as “rife with dark imagery,” establishing his reputation as a master of melancholy and existential reflection[1][5]. - **Themes of Despair and Disillusionment:** Tracks like “Withered and Died” and “Has He Got a Friend for Me” explore shattered dreams and profound loneliness. Linda’s delivery of “Withered and Died” is especially poignant, portraying a young woman devastated by lost love[1][3]. “Down Where The Drunkards Roll” paints a stark picture of life among society’s outcasts, while “The End of the Rainbow” is a father’s brutally honest warning to his newborn about the disappointments of life[1][5]. - **Escapism and Rebellion:** The title track, “I Want to See the Bright Lights Tonight,” offers a rare moment of exuberance, capturing the longing for release from the drudgery of working-class life through a night of reckless abandon. The lyrics celebrate chaos and the urge to reject social norms, set against the backdrop of a bustling, unpredictable city night[2][6]. - **Social Commentary:** “The Little Beggar Girl” uses a jaunty folk melody to highlight England’s class divisions, while “We’ll Sing Hallelujah” juxtaposes an uplifting chorus with verses that evoke the futility and vanity of existence, echoing the tone of Ecclesiastes[1]. - **Character Studies:** Many tracks are intimate character sketches, rendered in everyday language but elevated by their emotional honesty and subtle irony. This approach roots the album in the British folk tradition while addressing contemporary anxieties[4]. --- ## **Music** Musically, the album is a radical advance in English folk rock, blending traditional instrumentation with modern songwriting and arrangements[2][5]. - **Instrumentation:** The album features a rich palette: acoustic and electric guitars, accordion, mandolin, tin whistle, and even crumhorn. The arrangements are inventive yet never overbearing, allowing the songs’ emotional core to shine through[5]. - **Stylistic Range:** The record traverses a wide emotional and musical spectrum. “When I Get to the Border” opens with a rollicking, pub-style energy, while “Withered and Died” veers into country-inflected balladry. The title track’s driving rhythm and brass band accompaniment inject a sense of urgency and celebration[2][5]. - **Vocal Performances:** Linda Thompson’s voice is a highlight-haunting, expressive, and perfectly attuned to the album’s shifting moods. Her vocals are especially effective on tracks demanding both exuberance and bleak despair, often surpassing Richard’s more reserved delivery[3][4]. Richard’s guitar work is consistently inventive and empathetic, providing both melodic hooks and emotional shading[5]. --- ## **Production** The album’s production, overseen by Richard Thompson and John Wood, is notable for its clarity and restraint. - **Atmosphere:** The production creates an intimate, almost live feel, emphasizing the interplay between vocals and instruments. There’s little studio gloss; instead, the focus is on authenticity and emotional immediacy[5]. - **Balance:** The mix allows every instrument to be heard without crowding the vocals, supporting the narrative without distraction. The use of traditional instruments is never gimmicky, and the occasional addition of brass or slide guitar expands the sonic palette without breaking the album’s cohesion[5]. --- ## **Themes** Thematically, the album is a meditation on disappointment, escapism, social marginalization, and fleeting moments of joy. - **Darkness vs. Light:** The contrast between the yearning for “bright lights” and the pervasive sense of defeat and resignation is central. Even the moments of celebration are tinged with desperation, suggesting that joy is always provisional and hard-won[1][6]. - **Human Frailty:** The songs are populated by outsiders, dreamers, and the dispossessed-characters who find solace in fleeting pleasures or stoically endure life’s hardships[1][3]. - **British Identity:** The album’s lyrics and instrumentation are deeply rooted in British folk tradition, yet the stories are unmistakably modern, bridging past and present[4]. --- ## **Influence** *I Want To See The Bright Lights Tonight* is now regarded as a classic, profoundly influencing the development of folk rock and singer-songwriter genres. - **Legacy:** The album’s blend of traditional and modern elements set a template for later artists seeking to fuse folk authenticity with contemporary songwriting. Its unflinching emotional honesty and narrative richness have inspired generations of musicians[5][7]. - **Critical Acclaim:** Though not a commercial success upon release-partly due to a vinyl shortage-it has since been recognized as a landmark, consistently ranked among the best British albums of the 1970s[7]. --- ## **Pros and Cons** | Pros | Cons | |------|------| | Lyrically profound and emotionally resonant; songs are rich in character and narrative | The persistent bleakness may be off-putting to some listeners seeking lighter fare[1][5] | | Inventive arrangements and instrumentation; seamless blend of folk, rock, and other genres | Richard’s vocals, especially in comparison to Linda’s, can sound thin or unpolished on some tracks[3][4] | | Linda Thompson’s vocal performances are exceptional, conveying both strength and vulnerability | The album’s understated production, while authentic, may lack the polish or dynamic range of more commercial records[5] | | Richard Thompson’s guitar work is consistently creative and expressive | Initial lack of commercial success and limited early distribution may have delayed its recognition[5][7] | | Cohesive mood and atmosphere; every track contributes to the album’s overarching themes | The unrelenting darkness can make repeated listening emotionally taxing for some | --- ## **Conclusion** *I Want To See The Bright Lights Tonight* endures as a masterwork of British folk rock, celebrated for its lyrical sophistication, musical inventiveness, and emotional depth. The album’s unflinching exploration of life’s disappointments and fleeting joys, rendered through haunting vocals and evocative arrangements, makes it both timeless and deeply affecting. While its pervasive darkness and understated production may not appeal to every listener, its influence and artistry are undeniable. This is an album that rewards repeated listening, revealing new layers of meaning and musical detail with each encounter.

A very pleasent listen. Close to a 5.

2.2 realy boring

A rather generic but pleasant record. Can’t like them all - and I didn’t hate it - it’s just that a blend of country, sea shanties and Irish songs is not entirely up my street no matter how good it might be.

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.

Vapid.

Okay album. Americana in some spots, definitely hear Celtic influences in a few others. Interesting listen.

Mix of singer/songwriter and Irish ballads. But there also a dash of pop in there too. Anyway it’s a bit of an odd confection. There was one song I really loved. But the rest was fairly forgettable to me. 2.5/5

It was only fine.

Kind of an English take on country, neat! Might have to listen again but I didn’t really grab my attention. I certainly appreciate what it’s trying to do.

Love is a many splendored thing, as made evident in this often rollicking effort from Richard and Linda Thompson. Upon listening to this, it is not hard to see why listeners view I Want to See the Bright Lights Tonight as nothing short of a masterclass in songwriting and showmanship. The title track, in particular, would make casual observers want to learn more from one of the defining albums of the fallow years of the folk rock scene. Favorites: When I Get to the Border, The Calvary Cross, Withered and Died, I Want to See the Bright Lights Tonight, Down Where the Drunkards Roll, Has He Got a Friend for Me, The Little Beggar Girl, The End of the Rainbow.

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

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.

Good music. Catchy. May listen to more.

Too folkish for me, its very difficult to judge something that doesn't move you. Am I not understanding it? Am I spoiled with current modern music and am unable to see the value of the roots of folk? Stuck between a 2 and 3 for me, I'd rate a +2 since its better than other albums I've rated flat 2s at.

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.

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.

This was very good, though some of it felt choppy, like it was stitched together.

There is nothing fantastic about this album, but I did love it!

Good folk music, that’s all

The album starts with three great songs that really give you a clear sense of what kind of music is on the rest of the album cause like most country albums this album has almost no variety in sounds. Which is always a big problem for me personally, as well as the songs just being slow which I always struggle with. But the craftsmanship that went into this album is very evident and I honestly had a lot of love for the title track. Oh and I almost forgot, I think this was very eye opening for me, I didn’t like the production on the album. It’s way way way too clean for this music. That’s just a personal opinion obviously but I realized it when I got to the end of the album. There are three live recordings. One for a song that must have been a hit or a cover cause it’s not on the album, and two songs from the album. And those two songs are infinitely better live. While it’s a super clean and sharp live recording, you really hear how this music (country in general honestly) only works live. I don’t think I ever would’ve liked or come around to country if it weren’t for hearing country music live. It still pales in comparison to almost all other music, but I think live country has a little charm that you can only get live and it obviously exposes those who are not really gifted musically. But with my country music rant aside, the middle of this album, all the songs between the first three and the last three is not for me. It felt meandering and boring, edgeless. Honestly had this just been a short EP with the live tracks as the b-sides this could’ve been a near 5, not a perfect five but a strong 4.

I was not expecting this to be so good.