While the band's early work blended noise rock with electropop, their later work incorporates Italo disco. The band is known for evolving through the years since their original collaboration, and experimenting with various musical genres.
They have released a number of albums since the early 2000s, their most recent being 2008's Deep Gems.
Glass Candy was formed by Ida No, from Vancouver, Washington and Johnny Jewel, from Austin, Texas, in 1996. The two began working together in Portland, Oregon, just across the Columbia River from No's hometown of Vancouver, Washington. No describes their early work as "droney and weird." Their first two singles, which they self-released under the name "Glass Candy & the Shattered Theatre", were "Metal Gods" (2001) and a cover of Josie Cotton's "Johnny Are You Queer" (2002). They toured with The Convocation Of... in 2001, and released a live album that year on Vermin Scum. Their first studio album, Love Love Love, was issued on Troubleman Unlimited in 2003. A second full-length followed on Troubleman the next year. Jewel founded Italians Do It Better with Mike Simonetti as a subsidiary of Troubleman. In 2007 Glass Candy released their third album B/E/A/T/B/O/X on this label to considerable critical praise. In late 2008, a rarities, b-sides and remix album was released under the name Deep Gems. In a review of Deep Gems, Spin Magazine referred to the band as "an eccentric Portland pair" that "spook the dance floor".
Glass Candy songs were used for a Chloe runway show, as well as used by Karl Lagerfeld for the Spring/Summer '08 Chanel Haute Couture fashion show and the Fall/Winter one of '08/'09.
Recently Glass Candy's "Digital Versicolour" was used in the soundtrack to Nicolas Winding Refn's feature length film Bronson.
Current members
Ida No - vocals
Johnny Jewel (formerly known as John David V.) - drums, programming
Former members
Avalon Kalin - drums
Jimi Hey - drums
Dusty Sparkles - saxophone and drums
Discography
Smashed Candy (Vermin Scum, 2001)
Love Love Love (Troubleman Unlimited, 2003)
Life After Sundown (Troubleman Unlimited 2004)
Iko (Troubleman Unlimited, 2005)
"I Always Say Yes (12" Main)" (Italians Do It Better, 2007)
B/E/A/T/B/O/X (Italians Do It Better, 2007)
Miss Broadway (Vinyl, 12")" (Italians Do It Better, 2008)
Deep Gems (Italians Do It Better, 2008)
Miss Broadway
Glass Candy Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But somehow I know it's gonna affect my head
Wanna buy fine dresses and a fancy car
So I better go out looking for my lucky star
Money buys
Money buys
You got caught in the net by the underground
For fame and fortune you gave your body away
And you were forced into action the next day
Money buys
Money buys
If we're all in together won't you realize
If we want to break down we'd better compromize
Don't let days of small kind get loose
By makin' him the offer he can't refuse
Hey, Miss Broadway
Hey, Miss Broadway
Hey, Miss Broadway
Hey, Miss Broadway
Money buys
Money buys
Buy your ticket for a square yard in the sun
Buy your right of living far from a gun
Watch out 'cause if you make a wrong deal you'll see how it feels
You may miss out on your next meal
Money buys
Money buys
Aha, I like it, aha, I like it
Aha, I like it, aha, I like it
Aha, I like it, aha, I like it
Aha, I like it, aha, I like it
Aha, I like it, aha, I like it
The gambler won't get out before he's lost it all
The junkie always knows where to call
Hey, Miss Broadway, is your lover's money clean
You know what I mean?
Where is his connection with the underground scene?
So, so, so, money buys
Money buys
The song Miss Broadway by Glass Candy discusses the desperate need for money and the lengths people go to attain it. The lyrics talk about the singer needing to get a job to make ends meet, but fearing that the constant need for money will eventually affect his mental state. The desire for money stems from wanting to buy luxurious items such as fine dresses and a fancy car. The chorus "Money buys" repeats throughout the song, emphasizing that everything comes at a price.
The title character "Miss Broadway" represents the darker side of the entertainment industry. She is "walking up and down" the streets, caught in the "underground" scene, and forced into action the next day. The song implies that she has sold her body for fame and fortune, leading her down a dangerous path. The singer urges the listener to compromise and not let the lure of money outweigh their values. In the end, the song highlights the harsh reality that if one makes the wrong deal, they could end up missing their next meal.
Line by Line Meaning
Well, I'm gonna get a job 'cause I need the bread
I need money to survive, so I must find a job.
But somehow I know it's gonna affect my head
I know working will have an impact on my mental health.
Wanna buy fine dresses and a fancy car
I desire material possessions like designer clothes and luxury cars.
So I better go out looking for my lucky star
I need to find good fortune to obtain the things I want.
Hey, Miss Broadway, you're walking up and down
Talking to a woman who walks along Broadway.
You got caught in the net by the underground
You were entangled into the underground scene in Broadway.
For fame and fortune you gave your body away
You exchanged your body for fame and fortune.
And you were forced into action the next day
You were compelled to take action the following day.
If we're all in together won't you realize
If we are united, won't you recognize the strength of our collective power?
If we want to break down we'd better compromize
If we want to breakdown societal barriers, we must compromise.
Don't let days of small kind get loose
Don't let superficial setbacks derail your progress.
By makin' him the offer he can't refuse
By offering him something he cannot say no to.
Buy your ticket for a square yard in the sun
Purchasing property in a desirable location.
Buy your right of living far from a gun
Purchasing security and protection from violence.
Watch out 'cause if you make a wrong deal you'll see how it feels
Be cautious because the consequences of making a bad decision can be severe.
You may miss out on your next meal
You could end up without food to eat.
The gambler won't get out before he's lost it all
The risk-taker will continue to gamble until they lose everything.
The junkie always knows where to call
The addict always has connections to get their fix.
Hey, Miss Broadway, is your lover's money clean
Asking if the woman's partner's money is earned legally.
You know what I mean?
Do you understand what I'm saying?
Lyrics © CLAUDE CARRERE EDITIONS
Written by: Albert Weyman, Evelyne Lenton
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Jacquelinex Anne
I love the 70’s disco vibe in this song ❤️
Italians Do It Better Music
absolute classic banger xoxo
Irene M. Borrego
A masterpiece in my opinion. So well crafted and subtile at the same time...
Rubidium Rings
Here's hoping we get some more Ida in 2020. I regret only discovering her last year.
Eric Erikson
I love this song! Your whole label is dope but Glass Candy is my favorite!! Love to Ida No!
Michael Todd
Great album for driving...! Thanks for the comp disk Johnny! Love ida 🕺🕺
Deathculture
I rarely repeat songs, but when I do, I do it 4x+ with this track
TRIPLESEVENSIX
Glass Candy does it better!! Way fuckin' better! XXX. I fuckin' love it! Nice one folks....just wish I had some good ecstacy to get even more loved up!
vapewaves and subarus
Just discovered this song and it blew me away
Italians Do It Better Music
CLASSIC! xoxo