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 03/2013

    ART GOMPEREZ BAND
    A Different Story To Tell

  • reviewed 10/2009

    THE PANTONES
    Inside the Sun's Wild Flame

  • reviewed 04/2007

    Mary Chapin Carpenter
    The Calling

  • reviewed 01/2006

    JOEL ARANT
    To Whom it may Behoove

  • reviewed 10/2012

    MILLION SELLERS
    Music City USA and Other Ghost Stories

  • reviewed 11/2006

    DAMIEN RICE
    9

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.