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.
JOE SWANK & THE ZEN PIRATES
HANK WILLIAMS DIED FOR MY SINS
BRIANNA LEA PRUETT
GYPSEY BELLS
Johann Johannsson
Orphee
Various Artists
A Tribute to Joni Mitchell
Eddi Reader
Sings the Songs of Robert Burns
HUGH BLUMENFELD
DAD
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