Sunburn

Today's song is taken from Catatonia's 1998 album International Velvet which was on my CD player for weeks at a time as a teenager. It has some great songs, but my absolute favourite is Don't Need the Sunshine.

I was reminded of it this week as our weather turns colder, but my sunburn shines brightly on. It opens with the lyrics 'It's a most peculiar feeling, like sunburn in the evening...' which was so true this week. Outside, watering the garden in the shiveringly cold air, with my skin still radiating heat did feel very odd.

Catatonia, for those who don't remember them, are a welsh band, fronted by Cerys Matthews. They originally chose the name 'Sweet Catatonia' believing Catatonia to mean extreme pleasure and sleep, but upon discovering it was actually a psychiatric condition they dropped the 'Sweet' part.

The band were fairly successful until Matthews started suffering with anxiety attacks and nervous exhaustions, which resulted in tour dates being cancelled regularly and the deterioration of relationships within the band. It seems some people just are cut out for the pressures associated with fame, even if they do have the talent to get there. The band dissolved in 2001 and although Matthews continues a solo career, it's a quieter one than Catatonia enjoyed with less promotional activities.