Cerys Matthews

Cockahoop

2004-11-23

Cerys (Kare-iss) Matthews was the lead singer for the Welsh pop/rock band Catatonia which recorded four successful albums in the 90's. Matthews went through the familiar rock star routine of fame-fast livin'-substance abuse-breakdown-recovery. Searching for a new focus, she went to Nashville in 2002 and collaborated with Bucky Baxter, lap steel guitarist for Dylan and Ryan Adams. Baxter served as producer for Cockahoop, Matthews' first solo release.

Matthews' unique voice leads the way through the set. It's rather thin and frail, but, at the same time, it's very expressive, intense, and full of passion. The album contains original songs, covers, and some traditional Welsh folk songs. The marriage of pop/rock, Welsh tradition, and Nashville soul make for a highly original and outstanding piece of work.

Quick Links:

More reviews tagged #Folk

  • reviewed 10/2012

    THE WOOD BROTHERS
    LIVE VOLUME TWO NAIL & TOOTH

  • reviewed 06/2006

    The Del McCoury Band
    The Promised Land

  • reviewed 03/2007

    Martin Sexton
    Seeds

  • reviewed 03/2010

    AMY COOK
    Let The Light In

  • reviewed 10/2007

    BLUE RODEO
    Small Miracles

  • reviewed 10/2008

    JD SOUTHER
    - If the World Was You

Compiled by the WYCE Journalism Club

The opinions expressed in these reviews are those of the individual volunteers that submitted the article and do not necessarily reflect the views of WYCE or GRCMC; nor its staff, donors, or affiliates.