Search - Candy Butchers :: Play With Your Head

Erika L. from NORTHPORT, NY
Reviewed on 1/4/2009...

Power pop

There's No Sophomore Slump Here!!!

Erik J. Fortmeyer | Brooklyn, NY USA | 03/16/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Mike Viola and the Candy Butchers live! It's been two and a half years since the debut release of "Falling Into Place" and the wait has been WORTH IT!The album cover to "Play With Your Head" shows Mike Viola sitting alone in a movie theatre looking at the screen showing the names of the tracks to this album. It is very appropriate. Pete Donnelly plays bass and Michael Levesque bangs on the drums but, this CD is basically Mike Viola's baby. He wrote, produced, sang, and played the excellent guitars on this eleven track 37 minute offering. By the time I was halfway through a second listen to the whole CD, I could tell this CD was a keeper!I was a fan of New Wave back in the early 1980s, before it became trendy, and took a liking to the work of Graham Parker. Mike's singing voice and inflections are noticeably similar so, this gave me a slightly favorable bias initially. There are plenty of great hooks all over (reminds me a little of the Strokes) and it is quite obvious that these guys are pretty decent musicians. "Ruby's Got A Big Idea" has 'hit song' written all over it! It is infectious, full of great harmonies, fun, and distinctive while timing in at just over three minutes. "Tough Hang" could easily be a fine single as well. The lyrics to all songs are included and worth reading. Mike is quite good with the pen as well reminding me some of Elvis Costello and early Talking Heads. The sad Elvis ambiance is heard most in the near accoustic "Make No Mistake" lamenting disappointment in a selfish friend. "All eyes are fixed on you; Fade in your past crashes in waves on the lawn; Fade out your last laugh lasts a little too long; In your contract there's a clause so you better save your applause; When I play; Make no mistake". Shades of David Gray can also be heard on "Call Off the Dogs". Don't let these allusions to other musicians mislead you though. They are only reference points for the newcomer. The Candy Butchers have their own sound; they are no cover band that happens to be putting out original muzak. And they have a FUTURE!Definitely give this CD a try. The first play will need another before it really begins to sink positively into you. After that, you will be hooked! Highly recommended."

Cool!

BobotheChimp | Shorewood, IL USA | 06/21/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I recently saw Mike Viola when he came to Chicago as an opening act for Robyn Hitchcock. I heard the acoustic guitar versions of these songs then, and liked them so much I decided to purchase the album. What a surprise that the songs really rock out with the other two members! My 12 year old was at the concert, and I don't think he was much interested then, but he really digs the album with its harder guitar and bass workouts. Plus, what could be cooler than hearing "I want to kiss a suburban girl" as the opening line of the album."