Canadian edition of the folk artist's 2003 solo album (The Rankin Family). Song Dog Music Co.
CD Reviews
Jimmy Rankin is still a purveyor of the craft of songwriting
M. Geiser | Anywhere, USA | 03/21/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Different than 1st solo album, `Song Dog'. Took a few listens to decide which songs truly resonated. If you're reading this & haven't heard any of his solo work, this album musically conjures up the following artists (in no particular order): Alison Krauss & Union Station (w/ male tenor instead of female lead), Fleetwood Mac, Keith Whitley, James Taylor, Gram Parsons, Steve Earle and John Denver. In the end, this honest effort of an album has become a favorite and is especially good for long road trips. Only regret is that he does not get more airplay in the U.S."
Poor
M. Geiser | 02/02/2004
(2 out of 5 stars)
"This cd is a very slow,boring recording from a very good singer songwriter. Jimmy Rankin is a great talent but he has seemed to lose his way on this recording.There are a couple of good songs Handmade,Sweet Wheels and Morning Bound Train are good but not what we expect from Jimmy. Stay the second song on the cd is mournful and just a terrible song. All in all if you want to hear great Jimmy Rankin pick up Song Dog his first solo cd. It is a much more solid effort and really shows off his songwriting ability.Hopefully Jimmy will get back on track with cd number 3."
One of Canada's most under-rated songwriters
M. Geiser | 01/14/2004
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I discovered Jimmy Rankin earlier this year. I saw a video of his on TV and picked up his first CD on a whim and it has barely left my stereo since then. There is something quite fine about this musician and his songwriting...If you are thinking The Rankins, don't. This is way beyond that. Mind you, so far I have liked his first CD more than the second, but the haunting 'Colorado' is as fine a song as you will ever hear."
Simplicity is not always simple
richard paulin | st roch de richelieu, Quebec Canada | 11/18/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I hesitated before buying jimmys second album from the mix bag of comments going around just as i was discovering song dog.What a pleasent surprise this album is,outdoing song dog with more subtilities and an incredibly talented bouquet of musician.As Rankin was aiming for an album where simple melody and lyric would prevail,he put together a bunch of gifted people who took this album into a category of its own but with jimmy's signature, without a doubt.The first widely shown video off of hand made was California and is not representative of the album.He is still Canada's best kept secret.I will be giving out Handmade for christmas"
Handmade is a Great CD!
Tricia | Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada | 02/10/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"WOW! This cd is absolutely amazing. True it isn't very upbeat, but it's overflowing with emotion. The lyrics are great and the music is so heartfelt. It is definitely on my list of favourites. I love the fact that Jimmy uses current situations (political) as an inspiration for his song writing. Jimmy is extremely talented and I love his raw voice. It's a great cd."
Track Listings (12) - Disc #1