Dojo Workhorse - Weapons Grade Romantic

2009 solo release from the Dudes' Dan Vacon (AKA Dojo Workhorse). Since the early rough Dojo Workhorse demos, Dan Vacon has delivered sweet R&B and Soul, with a rugged twist that feels like a blue-eyed Sam Cooke fronting a gloriously sloppy version of the Band, set to a precious low-fi backing track. Weapons Grade Romantic brings together the best of Vacon's demoed material and, with the help of Juno award winning producer Russel Broom, delivers an album that maintains the haphazard charm of the early home recordings, while adding a more universally accessible sheen. Far more affecting than just a 'Dudes side project', with string sections, horns, and some of Vacon's favorite Canadian musicians filling out the sound of this unique album, It's balance of rough edgy heart with palatable sounds of Soul and acoustic Pop is undeniable. Load.