Cerys Matthews - Tir

You regular readers probably know that I am indeed a native Welshman and usually end up with records by Welsh artists in my review pile. It's a sort of standing joke among the team. When I clocked this CD I was like "Here we go again" but on closer inspection to the gorgeous hardback sleeve I discovered that Cerys has made an album entirely of trad welsh music which excited me immensely. Wilfred Wilson wrote "To be born Welsh is to be born privileged. Not with a silver spoon in your mouth, but music in your blood, and poetry in your soul" and those are very special words for me. I really admire Cerys for recording this album and keeping the old music and native language alive. She has a gorgeous voice and sings the songs wonderfully. Literally ten seconds into the first track 'Sosban Bach' (translation: 'Little Saucepan') I was transported back to my childhood and early schooldays and literally had to wipe the tears from my eyes. I simply cannot remember the last time listening to a CD had this kind of effect on me. Track by track I'm becoming increasingly homesick for the land of my fathers. When I was a kid I always thought that Welsh history was just boring and I wanted to go to America because it looked so cool on TV. As I become older and wiser I've learned to realise the importance of roots and how they shape the person you are... This is a beautiful, wonderful album of pure roots/ folk songs that I will be sharing with my children. Of course if you are not a welsh speaker then you can still appreciate the glorious and timeless songwriting. The recordings feel very intimate and I can give this a massive recommendation for any listeners out there that enjoy folk music. Put Cerys' pop success to the back of your mind and enjoy these songs. This really took me by surprise and has really made my day. Comes with extensive linear notes with old photos, lyrics and translations. I Loves it!