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 10/2006

    ANDERS PARKER
    Anders Parker

  • reviewed 03/2016

    Andy Ferrell
    At Home And In Nashville

  • reviewed 02/2006

    THE WOOD BROTHERS
    Ways Not to Lose

  • reviewed 01/2012

    DREW LANDRY
    Sharecropper's Whine

  • reviewed 08/2004

    The Avett Brothers
    Mignonette

  • reviewed 04/2009

    SUSAN WERNER
    CLASSICS

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.