In April 1974, “Island” label released “I Want to See the Bright Lights Tonight”, the second Richard Thompson album, and the first with his then wife, Linda as Richard and Linda Thompson. It was recorded in May 1973, at “Sound Techniques” in London and was produced by Richard Thompson and John Wood. In May 2012, “Rolling Stone” magazine ranked the album at number 471, in its list of the “500 Greatest Albums of All Time”.

Personnel:

• Richard Thompson– vocals, guitar, Hammered dulcimer,  mandolin,  piano, electric piano, harmonium, whistle
• Linda Thompson– vocals
• Pat Donaldson– bass guitar
• Timmy Donald –drums
• John Kirkpatrick– accordion, concertina
• Simon Nicol– dulcimer
• Brian Gulland –krummhorn
• Richard Harvey– krummhorn
• Royston Wood– harmony bass vocals
• Trevor Lucas- harmony vocals
• The CWS (Manchester) Silver Band
• John Wood- engineer

Track listing:

All tracks by Richard Thompson except where noted.

1. When I Get to the Border
2. The Calvary Cross
3. Withered and Died
4. I Want to See the Bright Lights Tonight
5. Down Where the Drunkards Roll
6. We Sing Hallelujah
7. Has He Got a Friend for Me
8. The Little Beggar Girl
9. The End of the Rainbow
10. The Great Valerio