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 06/2006

    Pure Prairie League
    All In Good Time

  • reviewed 07/2004

    Dwight Yoakam
    Dwight's Used Records

  • reviewed 01/2007

    NATALIA ZUKERMAN
    Only One

  • reviewed 07/2017

    Well-Known Strangers
    ALIGNED

  • reviewed 05/2017

    Neil Nathan
    Flowers On The Moon

  • reviewed 07/2007

    EILEN JEWELL
    Letters from Sinners and Strangers

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.