Tune du Jour: “I Want to See the Bright Lights Tonight” – Richard & Linda Thompson
THE CLASH of Cover Tunes: Continental Drifters vs. Matt Pond PA vs. Mount Moriah
VOTE, COMMENT, then SHOOT OUT THE LIGHTS
CoverMeImpressed.com CoverMeImpressed.com CoverMeImpressed.com
A couple of drunken nights rolling on the floor, Is just the kind of mess I’m looking for …
The first time I heard this song I thought it was as brilliant as anything I had ever heard before. The sound was captivating, majestic, perfection! Well 20+ years later and it still sounds as fresh, majestic and brilliant as that evening long ago. And as is typical of a Richard Thompson tune, the lyrics are impeccable. Raw, emotional, desperate yet undeterred, resilient, defiant. A new weekend is upon us and as such the possibilities are endless. Friday on My Mind for a new, grittier generation.
The Original
Richard & Linda Thompson:
THE CLASH of Cover Tunes
Continental Drifters vs. Matt Pond PA vs. Mount Moriah
Continental Drifters:
Matt Pond PA:
Mount Moriah:
SPACE
Oh the disharmony! Much like Harlan County there are no neutrals here. It is your solemn responsibility to decide which cover song prevails. In other words … Which Side Are You On?!!?
Disclaimer: Votes cast from Florida may or may not be counted.
cover me impressed 
Unfortunately, the Continental Drifters version on YouTube is not available for those outside the USA. The other two certainly sound pretty good. But in general I don’t even think this is one of Richard/Linda T.’s best songs. So given all this I’m just gonna pass for today.
Richard Thompson is someone I like, but I don’t know all that much about. I have a few songs of his in my collection, although none with his ex-wife. I like the song a lot, and I liked all of the covers. I thought the Continental Drifters did a very nice version. I did love the cover of Matt Pond PA’s album, though. I could stare at that painting all afternoon.
All three of these bands knocked out impressive versions. As far as I am concerned this song is gold and, as such, you don’t touch it unless you know what you are doing (wish Ron Kavana would have heeded this advice). But as I said these three versions were all up to the challenge. My preference came down to the Continental Drifters and Mount Moriah simply because I think the song sounds better with a female lead. And I really had a tough time choosing between the two. Being a studio version, not surprisingly the Drifters’ version is of higher sound quality. They really nailed many details and intricacies of the song and for that I ultimately gave them the nod. But damn, the lead singer for Mount Moriah can sing! She really had the vocals down for this song.