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 05/2007

    THE SILOS
    Come On Like the Fast Lane

  • reviewed 05/2017

    Matt Urmy
    Out Of The Ashes

  • reviewed 10/2004

    Acoustic Syndicate
    Long Way Round

  • reviewed 05/2007

    Various Artists
    A Tribute to Joni Mitchell

  • reviewed 11/2009

    TUNE-YARDS
    Bird-Brains

  • reviewed 04/2009

    BRUCE COCKBURN
    SLICE OF LIFE

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.