Exclusive: Stream Jimmy Rankin’s New Curated Spotify Playlist

By: Staff –

To celebrate the release of Jimmy Rankin’s new album Harvest Highway, the noted Canadian folk artist curated a brand new Spotify playlist featuring a collection of songs and artist that have inspired him along his artistic journey.

On his new LP, Harvest Highway, Jimmy Rankin hits the road again, time traveling and traversing far-flung destinations — along with his native Nova Scotia, of course — through his singular brand of east coast folk-rock. The Cape Breton icon’s eighth solo album is rich in the narrative songwriting traditions that Rankin has been honing for nearly his whole life, filled with crackling yarns and poignant chronicles about feverish marriages in Thunder Bay, unmoored Newfoundlanders, lovers on the run, and fallen soldiers in France.

This collection of songs is a continuation from Rankin’s last record, Moving East – an homage to the coast. These are the first full-length records that he recorded in his home province with fellow Nova Scotian, Joel Plaskett. On Harvest Highway, they rounded out the fantastic crew of musicians including JP Cormier, Ronald Hynes, Dale Murray, and Jordan Murphy – an all East Coast cast.

“Hey there, I’m Jimmy Rankin, a singer-songwriter from Nova Scotia, Canada. You might remember me from the Rankin Family band, but today I want to share some personal stories behind my playlist. I’m from Mabou, a small town on the West coast of Cape Breton Island where musical roots run deep, steeped in Gaelic songs and Celtic fiddle tunes. That said, growing up, thanks to the radio and my older siblings, I got a taste of everything, from folk and classical to jazz, pop, rock, and world music. At the heart of it though, I’m a storyteller and at the end of the day, I gravitate to singer-songwriters.  So, here’s a glimpse into my playlist, which consists of songs from a handful of artists whose music I admire and am inspired by.”

“Harvest Highway” by Jimmy Rankin 

Before I get into my selection, to add a little dose of perspective I’m going to kick things off with “Harvest Highway”, the title track from my new album. This song draws inspiration from a road trip along the Bay of Fundy and Nova Scotia’s Annapolis Valley. I was cruising along this winding road, enjoying the scenery and reflecting on life when I started writing this song.

“Rollin’, Rollin’, Rollin’” by Joel Plaskett

When I made the move back to Nova Scotia from Nashville, I was looking for a local producer. Joel Plaskett’s “Rollin'” came on the radio, and that was my “aha” moment. We created “Moving East” – a true East coast folk rock album that’s a rootsy cousin of “Harvest Highway.” Joel’s a talented writer, producer and performer.  A rocker with one foot in the folk world. “Rollin’”makes me want to dance… great song!

“Jolene” by Ray Lamontagne

Over my 30-year career, I’ve penned songs about folks on the fringe of society. “Jolene” by Ray Lamontagne speaks to me on a deep level, reminding me of the struggles we see on the streets all across North America.

“Jolie Louise” by Daniel Lanois

I once shared a stage with Daniel Lanois at a JUNO songwriters’ circle in Newfoundland. He sang “Jolie Louise”. It’s a sad song about his Dad – very raw and honest. I love how song combines French and English lyrics with such grace.  

“Paradise” by John Prine

Touring with John Prine in Canada was one of the highlights of my career. Singing “Paradise” with him for an encore  every night was unforgettable. I had learned this song in my teens from another musician at a kitchen party. “Paradise” is proof of that age old tradition of passing songs along orally. Prine was a great American songwriter.  

“Heart of Gold” by Neil Young

Back in ’72, I remember hearing “Heart of Gold” and thinking, “What the hell is he singing about?” I was eight years old at the time and fascinated. I spent a long time pondering the meaning of those lyrics. “I’ve been in my mind, it’s such a fine line, that keeps me searching for a heart of gold…” had a lasting and profound impact on me. What more can one say about Neil Young – a great artist and Canadian too.

“Desperadoes Waiting for a Train” by Guy Clark 

In the 1990s, Guy Clark opened for The Rankin Family band for several shows. Years later, I found myself in Guy’s Nashville workshop where he crafted exquisite guitars and songs . That afternoon, over some Wild Turkey, we traded songs and discussed the similarities between Texan and East coast songwriters. Hearing him sing “Desperadoes Waiting for a Train” that day, is a memory I’ll always treasure.

“Song for Sonny Liston” by Mark Knopfler  

Sonny Liston is said to have been one of the greatest and most feared boxers of all time. I love the way Knopfler masterfully captures Liston’s tough life and career in the span of a song. “The civil rights people didn’t want him on the throne, and the hacks and the cops wouldn’t leave him alone.” So gritty, lonesome, and raw…

“I Lost It” by Lucinda Williams

Car Wheels on a Gravel Road is a masterpiece, and I got to see it live when it first dropped. Lucinda Williams is a poet and a trailblazer for female singer-songwriters “I think I lost it, let me know when you come across it” simply captures those days when we all feel a little lost.

“Mystery Train” by Steve Earle (Live in Nashville)

Steve Earle is a songwriter’s songwriter. Hearing him perform this album live with the same musicians who recorded it was an unforgettable experience. We even had a chat backstage about his tour on the East Coast of Canada. I love a great live album.  This track reminds me of the rowdy dance hall crowds I played to growing up in Cape Breton.