The country-loving southern journeyman songwriter —“Uncle Mike” to those who know him — returns with a collection of the best songs he has written in recent years. Some songs were penned as far back as 2012; there are many co-writes here. Dekle has had his creations covered by the likes of Kenny Rogers (the No.1 hit “Scarlet Fever”) and Ricky Skaggs; he’s had Billboard hits dating back to the early 1980s. With these storied and compelling compositions, it’s evident why these stars seek out his songs. Melodic, hummable, and with memorable choruses that often punch you in the gut with their heartfelt honesty about relatable characters, these 18 originals carry an overall message we all could heed in these turbulent times: “the truth is the truth and a lie is a lie.” In the title cut, Dekle proclaims he is a “what you see is what you get kinda guy/ I dance with the devil with a bible in my hand/ I’m comfortable in camo, but own a suit and tie.”

Produced by John Keane of Keane Music studios in Athens, GA (who has worked with the likes of REM, Widespread Panic, and The Indigo Girls) That Kinda Guy lets Dekle’s songwriting talents shine. A few of the many standouts include: “Too Many Too’s,” “Like I Don’t Have a Care,” “PTSD” and the closer “Old Guitar in Heaven.” 

Dekle dedicates the disc to his wife Crystie, whom he met on a cold January night back in 1969 at The Bottom of the Barrel – a folk music speakeasy in Atlanta, GA. “I See a Song” is a gorgeous duet that speaks of this musicians’ muse for the past 50 years; Dekle sings: “When I think of you I see a song.” - David McPherson