As Much As You Can Stand

Mike Viola is releasing the original version of the Candy Butchers' self-titled album from 1996 in its original form. Here's the crazy backstory on the album along with a couple of samples. Man, the music industry really sucks. Thankfully Viola has his own label that allows him the flexibility to dig deep and release such gems. Man, the music industry sucks a little less.

The album features some tunes you may have heard before, but these are "NOT the ones you’ve heard before. These are raw. These are stripped down and dirty. These are the Candy Butchers."

Pre-order the vinyl and CD here

You Will Be the Soundtrack of My Summer

Electro De Perfecto is the newest album from Mike Viola, one of our time's premier popsters. It should be out this spring or summer, just in time to make it the soundtrack to your summer. Judging by the first track he's released for our gracious consumption, it will undoubtedly be mine. Check out Sound Of My Summer on his Facebook immediately to start feeling that sunny warmth.

Official Site (if you're a big fan of vinyl, be sure to pick up his Candy Butchers' masterpiece Hang On Mike on vinyl for a limited time - this is the first time I've seriously considered an out-of-control vinyl habit)
iTunes
Amazon MP3

Lurch

Mike Viola (he of Candy Butchers and overall pop goodness fame) is releasing Lurch next year.

The album features 13 brand new tracks. This is a limited edtion (sic). Only 1,000 copies pressed. There will be worldwide distribution in 2008.

Pre-order it now by clicking here. Bundle it with Just Before Dark and get both for just $20 here.

Already I'm Miles Away In My Head

Mike Viola and his Candy Butchers have a couple interesting releases coming out October 16. Making Up Time is an album that was originally cut a decade ago but was shunned as they were navigating the hell of major labels. “Making Up Time is really the album Todd and I wanted to make in the first place before we got lost in the system,” says Viola. The Candy Butchers have put out some great music since this, but it's always interesting to hear a great artist in the early days (think Matthew Sweet's To Understand).

The other release is not really new either. Just Before Dark has been available on iTunes and vinyl for some time, but on Oct. 16, you'll be able to pick it up on CD if that sort of "technology" still interests you. This album is a live acoustic performance of brand-new tunes. So, if you think some of Viola's previous releases were a bit too tinkered with in the studio, this might be the release for you.

If you're looking for an excellent introduction to the Candy Butchers before you experiment with these new releases, you can't go wrong with 2004's ode to the 70s Hang on Mike. It's superb.