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 07/2011
RICKY SKAGGS
Country Hits Bluegrass Style
reviewed 02/2010
JOY KILLS SORROW
Darkness Sure Becomes This City
reviewed 10/2015
The Waxies
Down With The Ship
reviewed 03/2008
Chatham County Line
IV
reviewed 07/2004
Seth Bernard
Constellation
reviewed 12/2010
BOB DYLAN
The Best of the Original Mono Recordings

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.