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 03/2012

    AZTEC TWO-STEP
    Cause & Effect

  • reviewed 05/2004

    Jim Lauderdale
    Headed for the Hills

  • reviewed 08/2009

    ANNIE & ROD CAPPS
    My Blue Garden

  • reviewed 12/2005

    MARTHA BERNER
    This Side of Yesterday

  • reviewed 05/2008

    Goldmine Pickers
    Lonesome Gone

  • reviewed 05/2009

    LONESOME JANE
    Once I Had

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.