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 07/2006

    WAILIN JENNYS
    Firecracker

  • reviewed 05/2009

    ERNESTO HERNANDEZ
    West Off Bridge

  • reviewed 05/2009

    CATHERINE MACLELLAN
    Water in the Ground

  • reviewed 06/2011

    EILEN JEWELL
    QUEEN OF THE MINOR KEY

  • reviewed 04/2007

    Vandaveer
    Grace & Speed

  • reviewed 03/2008

    Punch Brothers
    Punch

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.