Since 1980, Icehouse has released seven albums, several compilations, and music from collaborations with other artists including dance companies. Their 1987 album 'Man of Colours' was released at the apex of their fame and international success. It is considered by many to be the band's magnum opus.
As 'Flowers', Icehouse built up a strong following as a live act around Sydney, Australia, noted for their distinctive cover versions of songs by a wide range of acts including T-Rex and Brian Eno. After signing to the independent Regular Festival Records label, they released their debut single, "Can't Help Myself", which hit the Australian Top 10 in June 1980. This was followed by their first album 'Icehouse', which also made the Top 10 and became one of year's biggest selling albums in Australia. The album made use of synthesisers, especially the Sequential Circuits Prophet 5.
Further singles "We Can Get Together" and "Walls" both hit the Top 20. A European single from this album, "Icehouse", created some interest in the U.K., partly because of a memorable music video. Sensing the possibility of international success, the band decided to change their name in early 1981 to avoid confusion with Scottish group The Flowers. As Icehouse, they spent most of 1981 touring the UK, Canada and US, where "We Can Get Together" hit #62. A single release, "Love In Motion", recorded by Davies alone but the first to be credited to the band's new name, duly hit the Australian Top 10 in November 1981.
In January 1982, the band's original line up split, resulting in Davies recording Icehouse's much-anticipated second album, 'Primitive Man', on his own, with assistance from Keith Forsey, who later worked with Simple Minds. Released in August 1982, Primitive Man was another huge Australian hit and became Icehouse's international breakthrough. The hit single "Hey Little Girl" reached the UK Top 20 and has remained their most regularly played song. Another strong track from this album was "Great Southern Land", which made the Australian Top 5 and was later featured in the late 1980s film 'Young Einstein'.
In 1985, Davies' musical standing was further enhanced when he was commissioned to compose and record the score for the acclaimed Sydney Dance Company production of Graeme Murphy's dance work 'Boxes'. Icehouse's third album, 'Sidewalk', was far more sombre and reflective, featuring the tracks "I Don't Believe Anymore" and "Someone Like You". After this album the band made further inroads into the U.S. market with their 1986 release 'Measure for Measure', which featured none other than Brian Eno as a listed band member.
Icehouse's next work, 'Man of Colours', was their best-selling album. It contained the hit singles "Crazy" and "Electric Blue" (a song co-written by John Oates from the band Hall and Oates). Both singles reached the US Top 20, with "Electric Blue" hitting the #7 slot. With this album, the band reached an international zenith, never surpassing this level of popularity and exposure again.
In 1995, Davies was again involved with the Sydney Dance Company's production of Berlin. The musical score is a collection of cover versions of songs by David Bowie, Brian Eno, Simple Minds, The Psychedelic Furs, Frank Sinatra, Lou Reed, Roxy Music, XTC, Talking Heads, The Velvet Underground, PiL, The Cure and Killing Joke, which saw him collaborating with pianist Max Lambert in the development of the music.
As well as recording the score to the ballet, Davies performed these songs live with Icehouse at each show. He was an intrinsic part of the ballet, in a role similar to the one in Boxes. Iva was extremely successful in creating a translation from the dancers to the audience. Berlin was an instant success and ran for two seasons. Both shows were the most commercially successful that The Sydney Dance Company have had to date.
On 16 August 2006, Icehouse were inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame along side acts such as Midnight Oil, Divinyls and Rose Tattoo. Also in 2006, Icehouse featured prominently on the Triple M Essential 2006 Countdown with 14 songs selected including:
*"Man Of Colours"
*"Electric Blue"
*"We Can Get Together"
*"Don't Believe Any More"
*"Great Southern Land" (which came in at number 12)
Glam
Icehouse Lyrics
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Dedicated to Glam
Dedicated to Glam
Dedicated to Glam
Dedicated to Glam
Dedicated to Glam
Dedicated to Glam
Dedicated to Glam
The lyrics to the song Glam by Icehouse consist of only one phrase, which is repeated nine times throughout the song: "Dedicated to Glam." The repetition of these words suggests a sense of devotion or admiration towards the concept of "glam," which likely refers to the style and aesthetic of the glam rock movement that emerged in the UK in the early 1970s. The glam rock movement was characterized by flamboyant fashion choices (such as glitter, platform shoes, and bold makeup), theatrical live performances, and an often androgynous approach to gender identity.
Icehouse's dedication to glam may be interpreted as a nod to this influential subculture and its enduring impact on music and fashion. The repetition of the phrase also creates a hypnotic, almost meditative quality to the song, as if inviting the listener to immerse themselves in this world of fantasy and excess.
Overall, the lyrics to "Glam" evoke a sense of nostalgia and appreciation for this influential cultural movement, while also celebrating its enduring legacy in contemporary music and fashion.
Line by Line Meaning
Dedicated to Glam
This song is a tribute to the style and culture of Glam rock.
Dedicated to Glam
The singer's admiration and respect for Glam rock is expressed by dedicating this song to it.
Dedicated to Glam
The repetition of this line emphasizes the importance of Glam rock and its influence on the singer.
Dedicated to Glam
The artist's commitment to Glam rock is reinforced by dedicating multiple lines to it.
Dedicated to Glam
The artist wants to make it clear that this song is exclusively devoted to Glam rock and its unique aesthetic.
Dedicated to Glam
This line serves as a reminder that the focus of the song is on celebrating Glam rock and its impact on music and fashion.
Dedicated to Glam
The repetition of this line also creates a sense of unity and solidarity among fans of Glam rock.
Dedicated to Glam
This line could be interpreted as a call to action for listeners to embrace and preserve the essence of Glam rock.
Dedicated to Glam
The use of the word 'dedicated' implies a strong emotional connection to Glam rock and a desire to honor it through this song.
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Ivor Arthur Davies
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
James Calley
This song is actually a tribute /dedication to the late Mark Bolan of T Rex. I remember Iva Davies talking about it in an interview around about when it came out.
Simon Burns
I remember listening to the extended 12 inch mix of this and being blown away with the bass nothing compares to Vinyl
Ivasgirl2
No, we in the US know quite a few of your bands, I've been an Icehouse fan since the 80's. Love Iva! :)
A Rees66
A firm favourite , still sounds great all these years later . I recall the original video featured Iva having a cigarette , the YouTube version has been re-edited .
Cathy Luxford
Awesome.always and forever brilliant icehouse and iva davies.never grow tired of hearing their music.
mark serainidis
This sound was way ahead of its time when it came out, Iva Davies best album....
Anos Dourados
One of their best songs
Claudia Vergara
Maravillosos 80'
Torroidal
Totally forgot this. Rediscovered this while listening to my old cassettes. :)
Peter Hayden
Same here :)