Cockahoop

The ex-Catatonia vocalist’s solo debut is as far removed from the four albums released by the Welsh outfit as you might expect, given that it was recorded in Nashville, with Bob Dylan’s steel guitarist Bucky Baxter at the production controls in his newly built studio in the woods. Largely recorded live, with a bunch of local musicians handpicked by Baxter, it’s no conventional country album either.

The potent and passionate playing of the expert ensemble is a joy, especially on the most traditional tunes ‘Louisiana’, ‘Ocean’ and ‘If You’re Looking For Love’. As is the way Matthews’ deft song-writing abilities and powerful voice always shine through, not least on the infectious ‘Caught In The Middle’, the angst-ridden ‘The Good In Goodbye’ (where Matthews’ voice is reminiscent of Maria McKee) and the simply marvelous ‘Only A Fool’ (penned in one take after seeing Dylan live).

A couple of carefully chosen covers are also among the highlights. The moodiest contribution ‘Weightless Again’ came from alt-country mavericks The Handsome Family, while the thoroughly infectious opener ‘Chardonnay’ was penned by Roger Cook (who wrote Crystal Gayle’s seventies smash ‘Talking In Your Sleep’) and ex-Strangler Hugh Cornwell.

Cornwell isn’t the only punk icon to be found among the credits. Sadly deceased legend Joe Strummer co-wrote the music on ‘Gypsy Song’, a rousing ballad which precedes the closing ‘All My Trials’, a mournful tune with echoes of ‘An American Trilogy’.

A refreshingly honest, soulful and intoxicating melting pot throughout, Cockahoop is essentially a pop album that sticks two fingers up to the sophisticated sheen and FX-laden production trickery of most of its contemporary cousins.