Catatonia Albums (4)
'Equally Cursed & Blessed'
Release Date 3/28/2000
Tracks 13
Label Atlantic
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
Equally Cursed and Blessed is another breath of fresh pop air from Catatonia. Cerys Matthews' distinctive vocal roars and whispers are in full force throughout these tracks, and the blend of songs on this release surpasses all of Catatonia's prior collections. The first single, the weeping "Dead From the Waist Down" features a full string section, and the magnificent "Karaoke Queen" is backed by a disco beat and razor-sharp guitar hooks. Pure pop like "She's a Millionaire" helps color the album on the brighter side, while the dark, brooding "Bulimic Beats" adds depth. Closing the album is the excellent "Dazed, Beautiful, and Bruised" where Matthews sends off an abusive former lover. Equally Cursed and Blessed could easily be Catatonia's chance to break into the United States, because with music like this, you simply can't go wrong. ~ Jason Damas, All Music Guide
'International Velvet'
Release Date 1/1/1998
Tracks 12
Label Blanco Y Negro
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
Prior to International Velvet, Catatonia offered modest, lovely pleasures -- pretty, ringing pop songs filled with sweet and sour melodies. Apparently, the band was concerned that they were a little too precious, a little too similar to late-'80s indie pop groups like the Primitives, so they beefed up their sound, turned up the guitars and toughened up their attack for International Velvet, their second major-label album (the first to be released in America). It's a gambit that fails as often it succeeds. Part of the problem is that the hard rock sounds forced, never quite rocking with the abandon it should and keeping much of the album grounded. More problematically, Cerys Matthews has a captivating voice but a weakness for gimmicks -- "I Am the Mob" and "Mulder and Scully" have terrific hooks, but it's hard to get with their self-conscious pop culture references. Still, at least they bring memorable melodies to the songs. When their songwriting comes up short, there isn't enough attitude or snarl to the performances to make them enjoyable -- which is precisely what the sonic revamping should have given them. Even with the flaws, International Velvet has its fair share of pop delights -- it just doesn't deliver as many as Way Beyond Blue, which had a surplus of melody and grace. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Catatonia's major-label debut, Way Beyond Blue, is an infectious set of jangle pop, injected with the punkish attitude of indie rock. The guitars ring as if they were recorded in the late '80s, but it has a muscular backbone, and vocalist Cerys Matthews has a tough edge to her voice, which never makes the music sound weak. And a good majority of the songs -- from "Sweet Catatonia" and "You've Got a Lot to Answer For" to "Painful" and "Way Beyond Blue" -- are excellent, shimmering pop gems, making it an impressive debut. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide
