Richard Thompson, Richard Thompson, Richard Thompson... For years I was convinced he was destined for international stardom. Blessed with one of those instantly recognizable voices, Thompson was also a gifted writer and an amazing guitarist. In spite of years of critical acclaim (from both English and American writers), it never happened...
One of the founding members and creative mainstays of the original Fairport Convention, Thompson left the band in 1971. The multi-talented Thompson spent the next year sharpening his chops with a series of studio sessions for the likes of Sandy Denny and John Martyn. Late in the year he signed a recording contract with Reprise, releasing his solo debut "Richard Thompson: Starring as Henry the Human Fly". Prominently supported by backup singer Linda Peters (soon to become Mrs. Linda Thompson), the album featured a professional if somewhat pedestrian collection of folk-rock efforts. Unfortunately, precious little of Thompson's songwriting or guitar skills were on display. In spite of favorable reviews, the album failed to attract much of an audience leading Reprise to quickly drop him from it's recording roster.
I Want To See the Bright Lights Tonight: First off, I'll be upfront and tell you this is one of my all time favorite albums... I normally don't hype albums, but here's an exception. Signed to Chris Blackwell's Island Records, 1974's "I Want To See the Bright Lights Tonight" found Thompson and new wife Linda officially collaborating as a duo. With Richard responsible for all ten tracks, musically the set contained some of his all time classic songs. Lyrically, material such as 'The Cavalry Cross', ‘Withered and Died' and 'Down Where the Drunkards Roll' was typically dark and depressing (hard to imagine Richard was only 25), though roughly half of the set was wrapped in memorable up tempo melodies. The real surprise here was Linda. Blessed with a wonderful voice that was easily a match for the late Sandy Denny, she effortless plowed her way through Richard's material. Equally at home with mournful ballads (Has He Got a Friend For Me), or injecting a dark sense of humor into her performances (The Little Beggar Girl), Linda's crystal clear voice provided a perfect balance to Richard's deep and somber delivery. Personal favorites, Richard's blistering guitar on ‘When I Get to the Border’ and Linda's wicked delivery on the title track. Sadly, the album didn't see an American release until the mid-1980s. From: http://badcatrecords.com/THOMPSONrichardLINDA.htm
