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 06/2011

    BRANDI CARLILE
    Live At Benaroya Hall With The Seattle Symphony

  • reviewed 09/2011

    POKEY LAFARGE AND THE SOUTH CITY THREE
    Middle of Everywhere

  • reviewed 04/2010

    HOLLY GOLIGHTLY & THE BROKEOFFS
    Medicine County

  • reviewed 06/2006

    BACK FORTY
    Down Home Funkgrass

  • reviewed 02/2008

    JIM WHITE
    Transnormal Skiperoo

  • reviewed 03/2010

    AMY COOK
    Let The Light In

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.