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 03/2011
RON SEXSMITH
Long Player Late Bloomer
reviewed 01/2012
DREW LANDRY
Sharecropper's Whine
reviewed 02/2009
MISSY RAINES & THE NEW HIP
INSIDE OUT
reviewed 05/2011
ELIZA GILKYSON
Roses At the End of Time
reviewed 08/2017
Gloria Attoun
Go
reviewed 04/2013
TIM EASTON
BEFORE THE REVOLUTION THE BEST OF 1998-2011

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.