Complete List Of Cate Le Bon Albums And Songs

Feature Photo: Sterling Munksgard / Shutterstock.com

Cate Le Bon, born Cate Timothy on March 4, 1983, in the quaint town of Penboyr, Carmarthenshire, Wales, has steadily carved a distinctive niche in the modern music world. Her approach, characterized by an enigmatic blend of art rock and psych-folk, has not only defined her career but has also positioned her as a pivotal figure in contemporary indie music.

Le Bon’s musical journey began in earnest when she supported Gruff Rhys of the Super Furry Animals on his 2007 UK tour, providing her with a platform that introduced her ethereal voice and introspective songwriting to a broader audience. Her early work included backing vocals on Richard James’s debut solo album, The Seven Sleepers Den, and her presence continued to expand with appearances on subsequent albums.

Her initial solo release, the Welsh language EP Edrych yn Llygaid Ceffyl Benthyg (Looking in the Eyes of a Borrowed Horse), came out in 2008 under Peski Records. The title reflects a Welsh idiomatic expression equivalent to the English “to look a gift horse in the mouth,” which hinted at the introspective and often surreal themes that would pervade her later work. This release, coupled with the self-published singles “No One Can Drag Me Down” / “Disappear,” marked her departure from conventional music production and distribution, showcasing her independent spirit.

Le Bon’s debut album, Me Oh My, arrived in 2009, setting the tone for her unique soundscapes that blend haunting melodies with deeply lyrical content. Her subsequent albums, Cyrk and Cyrk II, released in 2012, further established her reputation for crafting meticulous, layered compositions that feel both vintage and avant-garde. By the time she released Mug Museum in 2013, after relocating to Los Angeles, Le Bon had refined her production skills, working alongside notable producers like Noah Georgeson and Josiah Steinbrick. This album featured collaborations that brought additional textures to her sound, reflecting her evolving artistic maturity.

Le Bon has not only excelled in her solo career but also as part of the experimental music duo DRINKS with Tim Presley. This collaboration has allowed her to explore more abstract musical territories, pushing her creative boundaries further. As a record producer, she has worked with a diverse array of artists including Deerhunter, John Grant, and Kurt Vile, which has further enriched her musical versatility.

Her influence extends beyond her own releases. Le Bon has contributed to the works of others, providing guest vocals for Kevin Morby and Manic Street Preachers, and her production fingerprints can be found on albums from a range of indie darlings.

CATE LE BON STUDIO ALBUMS

Me Oh My

Released 2009

Me Oh My marks Cate Le Bon’s debut studio album, introducing her unique blend of psychedelic and folk influences. The album was recorded at various locations in Wales and produced by Krissy Jenkins. It features Le Bon’s distinct vocals and guitar, supported by a minimalist yet poignant arrangement of instruments.

CD Track Listings:

“Me Oh My” – 4:06
“Sad Sad Feet” – 3:12
“Shoeing the Bones” – 3:28
“Hollow Trees House Hounds” – 4:19
“It’s Not the End” – 3:43
“Terror of the Man” – 4:15
“Eyes So Bright” – 4:17
“Digging Song” – 3:22
“Burn Until the End” – 3:26
“Out to Sea” – 4:08

Cyrk

Released 2012

Cyrk was released to critical acclaim, showcasing a richer, more developed sound. Recorded in West Wales and produced by Cate Le Bon herself along with Noah Georgeson, the album features intricate melodies and a deeper exploration into her avant-garde pop sensibilities.

CD Track Listings:

“Falcon Eyed” – 2:47
“Puts Me to Work” – 3:54
“Cyrk” – 3:13
“Julia” – 3:45
“Greta” – 3:47
“Fold the Cloth” – 4:53
“The Man I Wanted” – 3:02
“Through the Mill” – 3:19
“Ploughing Out Part 1” – 2:31
“Ploughing Out Part 2” – 3:56

Mug Museum

Released 2013

Mug Museum was recorded in Los Angeles, California, and produced by Noah Georgeson and Josiah Steinbrick. This album is noted for its thematic focus on relationships and the passing of Le Bon’s grandmother, which influences its introspective lyrics.

CD Track Listings:

“I Can’t Help You” – 3:36
“Are You with Me Now?” – 4:21
“Duke” – 3:20
“No God” – 3:32
“I Think I Knew” (featuring Perfume Genius) – 4:04
“Wild” – 3:54
“Sisters” – 4:06
“Mirror Me” – 3:54
“Cuckoo Through the Walls” – 2:24
“Mug Museum” – 3:53

Crab Day

Released 2016

Recorded in Los Angeles and produced by Noah Georgeson and Josiah Steinbrick, Crab Day represents a departure into more abstract and experimental sounds, reflecting Le Bon’s continuous evolution as an artist.

CD Track Listings:

“Crab Day” – 3:20
“Love is Not Love” – 3:55
“Wonderful” – 3:15
“Find Me” – 3:27
“I’m a Dirty Attic” – 2:44
“I Was Born on the Wrong Day” – 2:53
“We Might Revolve” – 3:54
“Yellow Blinds, Cream Shadows” – 3:36
“How Do You Know?” – 3:39
“What’s Not Mine” – 5:35

Reward

Released 2019

Reward is an album that saw Le Bon stepping further into the role of producer, crafting songs in the Lake District of England and finishing production in Joshua Tree, California. The album was praised for its vivid songwriting and lush instrumentation, earning a Mercury Prize nomination.

CD Track Listings:

“Miami” – 5:02
“Daylight Matters” – 4:16
“Home to You” – 5:29
“Mother’s Mother’s Magazines” – 3:14
“Here It Comes Again” – 3:27
“Sad Nudes” – 3:24
“The Light” – 4:45
“Magnificent Gestures” – 4:31
“You Don’t Love Me” – 3:07
“Meet the Man” – 4:10

Pompeii

Released 2022

Recorded amidst the global pandemic, Pompeii was self-produced by Le Bon in Cardiff, Wales.

CD Track Listings:

“Dirt on the Bed” – 3:51
“Moderation” – 4:05
“French Boys” – 3:34
“Pompeii” – 3:44
“Harbour” – 3:30
“Crime of Passion” – 3:58
“Crying in Public” – 4:03
“Interlude” – 2:12
“Wheel” – 4:02
“Remembering Me” – 4:09

As part of the duo Drinks with Tim Presley

Hermits on Holiday

Released 2015

Hermits on Holiday is an album by DRINKS, the collaborative project of Cate Le Bon and Tim Presley. Released in 2015 by Heavenly Recordings, this debut album captures the experimental essence of the duo, blending elements of psychedelic pop with abstract and whimsical song structures. Recorded in various makeshift studios while the duo was on holiday, the album carries a distinct lo-fi aesthetic that complements its experimental vibe.

CD Track Listings:

“Laying Down Rock” – 3:55
“Focus on the Street” – 4:06
“Cannon Mouth” – 5:10
“She Walks So Fast” – 4:12
“Hermits on Holiday” – 4:15
“Spilt the Beans” – 3:27
“Tim, Do I Like That Dog” – 3:04
“Cheerio” – 4:23
“Time Between” – 5:12

Hippo Lite

Released 2018

Hippo Lite is the second album by DRINKS, released in 2018 on Drag City. For this project, Cate Le Bon and Tim Presley decamped to a small, remote village in France, where they immersed themselves in a creative incubator free from distractions. This setting influenced the album’s minimalist, idiosyncratic style, which is marked by its stark, unadorned arrangements and a playful approach to songwriting.