Song of Co-Aklan

Song of Co-Aklan is the sixth and final solo album by the Irish singer / songwriter Cathal Coughlan. It was recorded in London just before the COVID-19 pandemic and released to critical acclaim in 2021. The album was preceded by a limited edition cover of Van Morrisson's "Come Here My Love."

The lyrics are written from the point of view of Coughlan's alter-ego Co Aklan. According to critic Neil Hodge the listener is drawn in "from the opening bars of the albums title track....into the world of Co Aklan [with] perfectly obtuse lyrics with a deeper meaning, alongside Coughlan’s welcoming dynamic vocal."

The album was widely praised on release and is considered the peak of his solo career.

Track Listing
01. Song Of Co-Aklan	                                                                                                                                          (3:43)

02. Passed-Out Dog	                                                                                                                                              (3:11)

03. My Child Is Alive! (3:29)

04. Crow Mother	                                                                                                                                                  (3:48)

05.St Wellbeing Axe	                                                                                                                                              (2:38)

06. Owl In The Parlour	                                                                                                                                          (4:15)

07. Let's Flood The Fairground	                                                                                                                                  (3:33)

08. The Lobster's Dream	                                                                                                                                          (4:48)

09. The Copper Beech	                                                                                                                                          (4:14)

10. The Knockout Artist	                                                                                                                                          (3:25)

11. Falling Out North Street	                                                                                                                                  (3:32)

12. Unrealtime	                                                                                                                                                  (3:39)

All songs written and deranged by Cathal Coughlan

Personnel

 * Cathal Coughlan – vocals

Nick Allum - Drums and Percussion (all tracks except 9)

Audrey Riley - Cello (2,3,4,6,8,11)

James Woodrow - Electric & Acoustic Guitar (1,2,3,5,6,7,8,11)

Rhodri Marsden - Bass Guitar (3,4,6,7,8) Bassoon (3)

Luke Haines - Bass (1,2,5) Baritone Guitars (1) Acoustic Guitar (7) The Synth (1,2)

Jonathan Fell - Bass Guitar (10,11)

Sean O'Hagan - Bass Guitar (12) Vocals (12) The Synth & The Turnaround Chord (10)

Eileen Gogan - Vocals (12)

Aindrías Ó Grúama - Frictive Guitar (5)

John Bennett - Vocals (10) Silde Guitar (10)

Cory Gray - Wurlitzer Piano (11)