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 09/2009

    MALCOLM HOLCOMBE
    For the Mission Baby

  • reviewed 05/2006

    Troll For Trout
    Lesgo, Lesgo, Lesgo!!!

  • reviewed 09/2007

    LARA EWEN AND THE UNSTRUNG ORCHESTRA
    Ghosts and Gasoline

  • reviewed 10/2008

    Bruce Robinson
    - The New World

  • reviewed 12/1969

    Jon Foreman
    Fall/Winter EPs

  • reviewed 09/2008

    GIANT SAND
    Provisions

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.