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 03/2007
Greg Johnson
Me & Joanna
reviewed 04/2012
DRY THE RIVER
Weights and Measures [EP]
reviewed 10/2009
HOPE SANDOVAL & THE WARM INVENTIONS
Through the Devil Softly
reviewed 09/2006
VARIOUS ARTISTS
Mews Too
reviewed 10/2012
THE WOOD BROTHERS
LIVE VOLUME TWO NAIL & TOOTH
reviewed 11/2010
HANA MALHAS
Shapeshift

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.