The first of two brand new records by prolific Winnipeg singer-songwriter Dan Frechette kicks off with Life Without Toys, a Joe Strummer-esque take on modern electronic gizmos, and only gets better from there. Frechette’s words are that of a man twice his age; Gentler Days is a great story song in the same vein as Johnny Cash, as is Evil Devil Bluze. The man’s gravely growl is never sweeter than on Get On My Knees Today, a lovely pine of a tune. Closing out with the beautiful Days of Old Times and slide guitar rocker Mystery Woman, Frechette’s deal is cut just right.

Published in Volume 66, Number 7 of The Uniter (October 12, 2011)