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)
The Beat's Alive
Glass Candy Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm empty as a desert land
I feel a vast vibration in my head
The touch of light the feel of sound
A force erupting up from underground
I'm empty as a desert land
The touch of light, the feel of sound
A force erupting up from underground
I can run, I cannot hide
The beat's alive
I cannot force, I cannot fight
The beat's alive
A long time going 'til I found my pace
And the cool wind blowing on my face
Long lost to the midnight stride
I found the soul no use for pride
Long dark shadows move across the land
Yeah, they can move but here I stand
A cool wind blowing through my mind
I can't turn back for one last time
To tell a lie is the only crime
The beat's alive
To believe a lie is the only crime
The beat's alive
Telling one more lie is my only crime
Believe a lie is the only crime
The beat's alive the beat's alive
The song "The Beat's Alive" by Glass Candy has an energy that is almost tangible. The song begins with the command "Hey you, rock that body!" which sets the tone for the rest of the song. The lyrics speak to the power of music and its ability to move us physically and emotionally. The first verse talks about feeling empty, but that emptiness is filled by a "vast vibration in my head" which is the music itself. The "touch of light, the feel of sound" is a sensation that can only come from music.
The chorus is the most powerful part of the song, as it declares that the beat is alive and that it cannot be fought or forced. This speaks to the raw power of music and how it can take over our bodies and minds. The next verse talks about finding one's own pace and being true to oneself. The lyrics reference "long dark shadows" which may represent the hardships and struggles that we all face, but even in the face of adversity, the writer stands tall in the cool wind blowing through their mind.
The final verse speaks to the importance of honesty and the dangers of lying. The writer declares that telling a lie or believing in a lie is the only crime one can commit. This is a powerful message that suggests that honesty and truth are essential to living a fulfilling life. The song ends with a final declaration that the beat is indeed alive, and it will continue to move us all.
Line by Line Meaning
Hey you, rock that body!
Encouragement to dance and move your body to the music.
I'm empty as a desert land
Feeling emotionally unfulfilled and alone.
I feel a vast vibration in my head
Sensing a powerful energy or inspiration.
The touch of light the feel of sound
Sensory experience of music as light and sound waves.
A force erupting up from underground
Feeling a strong surge of energy or emotion from deep within oneself.
I can run, I cannot hide
Acknowledging the irresistible power of the beat.
The beat's alive
The music is pulsing with energy and life.
I cannot force, I cannot fight
The beat cannot be controlled or resisted.
A long time going 'til I found my pace
Struggling through personal challenges before finding one's rhythm.
And the cool wind blowing on my face
Sensation of freedom and liberation.
Long lost to the midnight stride
Feeling disconnected from one's true self and passion.
I found the soul no use for pride
Discovering one's true essence and letting go of ego.
Long dark shadows move across the land
Facing obstacles and difficulties.
Yeah, they can move but here I stand
Standing strong and resolute despite challenges.
A cool wind blowing through my mind
Feeling a sense of clarity and peace.
I can't turn back for one last time
Unable to go back to old ways of thinking or being.
To tell a lie is the only crime
Emphasizing the importance of honesty.
Believe a lie is the only crime
The consequences of self-deception and delusion.
Telling one more lie is my only crime
Exposing the artist's personal struggle with honesty.
The beat's alive the beat's alive
Reinforcing the central message of the song that the music is alive and powerful.
Contributed by Samantha J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.