sunken cities, crashed gliders and cheese

May 23, 2018 1:25 AM

Gwenno Saunders aka 'Gwenno' is a Welsh singer, previously of The Pipettes. Her first solo album Y Dydd Olaf was sung in Welsh, her recent second album Le Kov is sung in Cornish.

The Pipettes - 'Pull Shapes'
The Pipettes - 'Your Kisses Are Wasted on Me'

'Môr Hud'
'Vodya'
'Ymbelydredd'

'Chwyldro'
'Amser'
'Patriarchaeth'
'Fratolish Hiang Perpeshki'

Introduction to Le Kov
'Tir Ha Mor' (on Later… with Jools Holland)
'Eus Keus?'

Interview
Gwenno Saunders walked us around her hometown of Cardiff
Why Gwenno has made the whole world listen to Cornwall
Arc Of Le Kovenant: Gwenno On Her Cornish Language Album
How an ex-Vegas dancer made the first Cornish-language psych-pop album

posted by fearfulsymmetry (11 comments total)

Given that my own ancestral background is predominantly a Welsh/Cornish blend (although, alas, dydw i ddim yn siarad Cymraeg, and neither do I know any Kernewek), I can't help but find the concept and background of Le Kov very intriguing. The Quietus interview about it (the last but one link) struck me as particularly interesting.

The music itself, such as I've heard, hasn't made as much of an impression on me, but, having now learned a bit more about it, I will strive to listen anew with fresh ears (albeit later, when I'm not at work). Thanks for the post, fearfulsymmetry!
posted by misteraitch at 4:23 AM on May 23, 2018 [1 favorite]

I loved The Pipettes. Thank you for this!
posted by elsietheeel at 5:16 AM on May 23, 2018

Wow - I remember seeing the Pipettes way back in London.. I'm a sucker for songs in Welsh, too, so I'll explore this. Thanks for the lin - I would never have found this by myself.
posted by running order squabble fest at 5:31 AM on May 23, 2018

Le Kov is an early contender for my album of the year. Thanks for posting!
posted by capricorn at 6:14 AM on May 23, 2018

For another great album of Cornish songs, check out some of the work by Richard James!
posted by FatherDagon at 6:34 AM on May 23, 2018 [1 favorite]

I haven't listened to Le Kov yet, but Y Dydd Olaf is phenomenal. The focus on the language has overshadowed the quality of the songwriting and her voice, and the intriguing production (a little psychedelic, some echoes from trip-hop).
posted by chimpsonfilm at 6:38 AM on May 23, 2018

The cheese video is FANTASTIC. Thank you for introducing me to a new artist I am already falling for!
posted by rtha at 6:58 AM on May 23, 2018

I love her and I'm often confused how one person can be that cool.
posted by darksong at 8:54 AM on May 23, 2018

Love the Pipettes, love Gwenno, thanks for the post.
posted by signal at 9:03 AM on May 23, 2018

Added both albums on Spotify. Thanks for the tip!
posted by the sobsister at 9:50 AM on May 23, 2018

I saw them way back supporting "The Go! Team" in a tiny club. Cracking gig, and really lovely pop songs (by both!)
posted by doozer_ex_machina at 7:51 AM on May 24, 2018 [1 favorite]