Album Reviews

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:

all reviews | all folk reviews

More reviews tagged #Folk

reviewed 07/2010
PETER CASE
WIG!
reviewed 01/2007
KEITH SYKES
Let It Roll
reviewed 12/2008
ROSE POLENZANI WITH SESSION AMERICANA
When the River Meets the Sea
reviewed 03/2012
AZTEC TWO-STEP
Cause & Effect
reviewed 06/2006
PSAPP (“Sap”)
The Only Thing I Ever Wanted
reviewed 10/2008
TOM MORELLO, THE NIGHTWATCHMAN
The Fabled City

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.