The Dojo Workhorse – Weapons Grade Romantic

Whether you’re a big music person or not, music engrains itself into your life. Songs you hear in passing, on tv, or at the mall, remind you of someplace, or something, or most often someone. If you’re a big music person, some albums, or songs become part of daily or weekly routine. I know if I’m having a bad day, a quick run through “Bombs Over Baghdad” by Outkast sets me straight in no time. Daily listens to “O” by Damien Rice, and Cursive’s “Domestica” both got me through my big heartbreak.

Now, as a (very) amateur critic, I listen to a lot of music, and there are some records come through that, while they’re great, don’t become part of that routine, or part of my life. Two records lately have. First, was the new The Dudes record. I reviewed it a while back. It’s fantastic. I still listen to it at least 5 times a week. But Dan Vacon has put out a side project record. The Dojo Workhorse is the exact opposite of a Dudes record. It’s not as heavy. It’s not as boisterous. One person described the gap as the Dudes being the party record, and the Dojo Workhorse being the hangover record.

Vacon touches on some things on Weapon’s Grade Romantic that everybody goes through, but talks about it with some wit, and some excellent wordplay. “Ohio” is my favourite example of that where he opens the song with;

My sweet Angel
If you’re near me
Spread your wings
and get us the F out of here

He’s a clever man with razor sharp words, and a voice that’s more R&B than R&R, but he’s managed to make it work. This record sits in my car. If I’m not listening to Fisher Price Little People, I’m listening to Weapon’s Grade Romantic. While I drive to the grocery store to get diapers.

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