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 04/2009

    BRUCE COCKBURN
    SLICE OF LIFE

  • reviewed 09/2006

    JAKE SHIMABUKURO
    Gently Weeps

  • reviewed 03/2008

    Various Artists
    Our Side of Town: A Red House Records 25th Anniversary Collection

  • reviewed 10/2011

    BOOKA AND THE FLAMING GECKOS
    The Not So Meaningful Songs in the Life of Jeremy Fink

  • reviewed 04/2007

    ASLEEP AT THE WHEEL
    Reinventing the Wheel

  • reviewed 12/2005

    JOHNNY CASH
    The Legend of…

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.