Nothing like good covers of southern rock to give your heart a balm in these times of melancholy, especially when efficiency takes precedence musically as well as production not being lacking. This beautiful toned and racy work is the work of the great vocalist Ron Keel. Ron Keel, who has a consistent discography, always well inspired, which brings together several musical styles: Southern Rock, Country Rock, Outlaw Country, Hard Rock, Metal, especially with his group IRON HORSE who had dazzled us with his second opus "Bring it On "(2004) where"Dixie Highway" sat in state with the participation of Henry Paul. This cover album is in fact the second album under the name Ron Keel Band, following the album "Fight like a Band" released last year filled with a beefy "Southern Rock". This South X South Dakota should delight a good number of them with these covers that are fairly consistent with the originals, with a very good introduction to the "Train Train" by Blackfoot followed by the "Rockin 'into the Night" by 38 Special. The Rossington Collins Band is in the spotlight with "Don't Misunderstand Me" illuminated by the voice of Jasmine Cain mixed with that of Ron Keel. Then follows "Red White and Blue" by Skynyrd, a surging version of "Flirtin 'with Disaster" by Molly Hatchet, to arrive at a "Southern Country Rock" phase which begins with "Ramblin' Man" by Dickey Betts, chiseled. Follows the Marshall Tucker Band's "Fire on the Mountain", and a good surprise to hear the "Mammas don’t let your babies grow up to be cowboys" popularized by Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson. After the fact, back to basics with a superb version of "Homesick" from the Atlanta Rhythm Section, as well as a ride in order with the "Ghost Riders in the Sky" version Outlaws. The album ends with a live medley dedicated to the Creedence Clearwater Revival. One small disappointment, Charlie Daniels is lacking : his "The South’s Gonna Do It Again" would have been for good measure.

Jacques Dersigny