North Country

The Rankin Family

Product Details

• Audio CD (March 7, 1995)
• Original Release Date: March 7, 1995
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Angel Records
• ASIN: B000002UK5
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Audio Cassette
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #94,037 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
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

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The best of the best, June 27, 2000

By A Customer

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.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful Canadian Celtic/Pop Fusion, February 5, 2000

By	Laura Haggarty (Northern KY USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

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!

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Lively, November 2, 1999

By A Customer

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.