South - Blackie and the Rodeo Kings

Canada's roots-rockers Blackie and the Rodeo Kings have outdone themselves with their latest album. It's a solid piece of work from three of this country's most gifted musicians. Colin Linden provides his trademark southern-fried slide guitar, Stephen Fearing's gifted songwriting and his earthy baritone vocals are mesmerizing, and Tom Wilson adds his kickass rocking sensibilities to make sure the band doesn't take itself too seriously. The album is a good mix of ballads and uptempo roots. It's the band’s most acoustic release and I think it's their best-produced album so far. Standout tracks include the ballad "I'd Have to be a Stone" and the ode to Canadian winter "Drifting Snow."[rating:4]-Gerald Graham