Thursday, 15 January 2004
Arts
Cockahoop
- Exclamation, expression of joy
- The title of Cerys Matthews' debut solo album
Around the time of its release I read many wonderful reviews of Cockahoop. But having been slightly disappointed by the past couple of releases from Cerys' previous band Catatonia, I didn't buy it until I saw it in the HMV sale on Saturday.
And now I wonder what took me so long!
It's a delightful collection of three-minute songs. Joyous melodies and rootsy Americana arrangements cross with classic hymns and Welsh poetry. At the centre of the album a thunderstorm is caught in wide stereo as a violin improvises a tune. Cockahoop is a surprisingly wonderful eclectic mix.
Posted by pab at 23:55