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 10/2011
BOOKA AND THE FLAMING GECKOS
The Not So Meaningful Songs in the Life of Jeremy Fink
reviewed 03/2010
THE STEEL WHEELS
RED WING
reviewed 02/2007
The Last Town Chorus
Wire Waltz
reviewed 09/2008
LAMBCHOP
OH (ohio)
reviewed 10/2008
MARK ERELLI
– Delivered
reviewed 06/2004
Brother Henry
Come On, People

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.