Ho Ro Mo Nighean Down Bh?idheach (Ho Ro My Nut Brown Maiden) - The Rankin Family, Traditional
Gillis Mountain - The Rankin Family, Rankin, Raylene
Fare Thee Well Love
Christy Campbell Medley: Lord Murray Strathspey/Lord Murray ... - The Rankin Family, Rankin, John Morris
Tramp Miner
Rise Again - The Rankin Family, Dubinsky, Leon
Grey Dusk of Eve (Portobello) [Leis An Lurgainn Remix] - The Rankin Family, Field, Dave
Fisherman's Son
Tell My Ma - The Rankin Family, Traditional
Turn That Boat Around
A delightful introduction to a marvelous group. Cookie Rankin sings the melancholy alto lead on the separation ballad, "Borders and Time;" Raylene lends her high soprano to the pastoral paean, "Gillis Mountain;" and Heathe... more »r belts out "Fisherman's Son." All three sisters are standout lead singers, and when they blend voices on the old Irish folk songs, "My Nut Brown Maiden" and "Tell My Ma," they're overpowering. Fiddler/pianist John Morris Rankin is the family's instrumental whiz who leads the way on a medley of reels. The group's most crucial talent, though, is Jimmy Rankin, who has written some of the finest folk-pop songs of the '90s, both love ballads like "Fare Thee Well" and working-class laments like "Tramp Miner" and "Orangedale Whistle." --Geoffrey Himes« less
A delightful introduction to a marvelous group. Cookie Rankin sings the melancholy alto lead on the separation ballad, "Borders and Time;" Raylene lends her high soprano to the pastoral paean, "Gillis Mountain;" and Heather belts out "Fisherman's Son." All three sisters are standout lead singers, and when they blend voices on the old Irish folk songs, "My Nut Brown Maiden" and "Tell My Ma," they're overpowering. Fiddler/pianist John Morris Rankin is the family's instrumental whiz who leads the way on a medley of reels. The group's most crucial talent, though, is Jimmy Rankin, who has written some of the finest folk-pop songs of the '90s, both love ballads like "Fare Thee Well" and working-class laments like "Tramp Miner" and "Orangedale Whistle." --Geoffrey Himes
"In a growing genre crowded with talent, the Rankin Family is arguably the best C3 (Contemporary Canadian Celtic) group around. And North Country is their best album. The song writing is inspired and the varied voices of the brothers and sisters, from husky to sweet, knit together beautifully to create a warm, richly textured hour of music. By the way, it's worth trying to catch the Rankin Family in concert. The sisters bang out a mean step dance."
Wonderful Canadian Celtic/Pop Fusion
Laura Haggarty | Northern KY USA | 02/06/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I first heard the Rankins when I was living in Canada with my husband (he's from Nova Scotia). I loved their music at first hearing, and this album only grows better with each listening. As a family with Irish blood all through, and with a husband who loves all things Arcadian, this is a classic for us. Don't hesitate, you'll love the lush harmonies and fabulous vocalizations!"
Lively
Laura Haggarty | 11/02/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This album really sets your feet tapping; these people have honed their skills before many audiences in Nova Scotia. I don't usually care for the English songs done by Capercaillie but the English songs of the Rankins are melodic and powerful. They need more tutoring with Gaelic language but they understand Gaelic music as they grew up in a region where thousands of Scottish Highlanders have settled."
Passionate music!
Laura Haggarty | 12/11/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I became a Rankin fan a few months back when I happened upon a PBS concert special on TV. What an incredibly talented family. Their music reaches your soul. This CD happens to be my favorite. I could play it over and over and over and over........ Buy it and fall in love. Unfortunately they are no longer touring together."
A beautiful, deeply affecting album
Andrew Poupart | Santa Clara, CA | 02/27/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is a suberb CD. The Rankins can lift you up, and can break your heart. I bought this CD after hearing the Rankins on a Chieftains CD. I'm so glad I did. "Rise Again", especially, almost always moves me to tears. Just beautiful."