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"I have to admit there's a strange tale between us," sings James Keelaghan at the start of "Sinatra and I," a song from Home. It's only after a couple of verses that the Juno-winning folkie lets on he's talking about a four-legged companion--the Sinatra of the title. Sinatra is named for his eyes, although it "Turns out as well/He's a pretty good singer/Though he tends more to blues/Than to strangers at night." A talented storyteller, songwriter, and guitarist, Keelaghan fills his sixth solo album (he also released a collaboration with guitarist Oscar Lopez in 1997) with stories and songs about home, nature, and politics. Some are achingly beautiful, such as "Red-Winged Blackbird" and "Sing My Heart Home"; others are whimsical, such as "Sinatra and I" and the closing love song "You Know Me." A couple of cautionary tales and the traditional "The Flower of Magherally" bring some sober moments to the disc. For the most part, the songs use minimal backing; the album crests with the jubilant violin of "October 70" while Keelaghan backs up his anti-rhetoric statement "Nothing" with harsh, windy electric guitar. Throughout, the Calgary native's voice is even and sturdy, his words poetic ("My best laid plans gone like chaff upon the wind"), and his playing graceful, making Home a warm, comforting place to visit. --Shawn Conner