Random
Only logged in members can reply and interact with the post.
Join SimilarWorlds for FREE »

“I Want Candy” – Bow Wow Wow

[media=https://youtu.be/JoXVYSV4Xcs]
This is the best cover of “I Want Candy”, in my opinion. It was written and first recorded by the Strangeloves in 1965.

The lyrics are basically R-rated Bubble Gum. It’s the guitarwork and Burundi-style drumming that make this a worthwhile song.

Bow Wow Wow’s version got heavy airplay on MTV after it was released in 1982. Surprisingly, it only reached #62 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, though it did make the top ten in the UK and Ireland. A reviewer on AllMusic described it as “an enduring new wave classic”.

The song was played during a particularly memorable scene in the raunchy (but sometimes funny) 1983 film, Private School.
Top | New | Old
RubySoo · 56-60, F
Malcolm pinched The Ants off Adam to become BowWowWow. .
I prefered 'Go wild in the Country myself.
I believe shes still performing....shes looking amazing!
Rutterman · 46-50, M
@RubySoo "Go Wild in the Country" was Bow Wow Wow's other big hit in the UK. For some reason, it either wasn't released in the US or it failed to chart there.

Yes, Annabella Lwin is still performing and has recorded some solo albums. I agree, she does look amazing.
Picklebobble2 · 56-60, M
Oh wow !
Annabella Lwin.
Controversial at the time it came out.
There aren't too many people from the 80's I wonder about how their lives turned out but she'd certainly be one of them !
The late 70's and early '80's were a wonderfully creative era producing some fantastic music; art; litterateur etc.
And sadly some didn't make it much beyond that period when they burned brightly but all too briefly
Rutterman · 46-50, M
@Picklebobble2 The controversy is understandable considering how young Annabella Lwin was at the time.

She is still performing and has released some solo albums.

Agreed. It was a period of great creativity and a lot of good quality work was produced back then.
SW-User
Another one to add to my list of songs I never knew were covers.
Rutterman · 46-50, M
@SW-User I only recently learned this was a cover and not the original recording. In fact, it wasn't even the first cover of the song.
SW-User
@Rutterman I heard Denise, by Randy and the Rainbows, on the radio the other day, and was completely taken by surprise

[media=https://youtu.be/xgqMW4CHClk]
Rutterman · 46-50, M
@SW-User I love this. First time I've heard it. Appreciate you sharing it here.
Fukfacewillie · 56-60, M
Any use of the Bo Diddly beat gets my thumbs up. Bought the 45 back in the day, lol.
Rutterman · 46-50, M
@Fukfacewillie Always gets a thumbs up from me too. 👍
calicuz · 56-60, M
Great song. Malcolm McClaren did a great job in putting that band together.
Fukfacewillie · 56-60, M
@calicuz what’s that other band he put together? 🤔
calicuz · 56-60, M
@Fukfacewillie

He managed the Sex Pistols, the New York Dolls, and Adam and the Ants as well.
He is a great artist in his own right.
Rutterman · 46-50, M
@calicuz Couldn't agree more with both of your statements.
StarLily · 51-55, F
Surprised to learn as well, that it only reached #62. A fun song!
Rutterman · 46-50, M
@StarLily It really is a fun song. Very catchy.
milkymum1 · 36-40, F
it was a good cover as she was just 14 but remember she was naked for the cover of the single and another
Rutterman · 46-50, M
@milkymum1 I think she was 15 when this song was recorded. Still very young, obviously.

The album cover photo you're referring to was controversial. It depicted the band in a recreation of Édouard Manet's painting, Le Déjeuner sur l'herbe. Though nude, Annabella Lwin didn't expose the body parts that are often censored in photos.
uncalled4 · 56-60, M
I remember that scene in Private School. Ha.
Rutterman · 46-50, M
@uncalled4 Lol. I remember it well. 😄
candycane · 36-40, F
That's my song🍭
Rutterman · 46-50, M
@candycane Ah, yes, of course. 🩷 😎
The girl was 15 when she recorded it, she said in an interview many years later she had no idea that she was singing about cocaine but actual real sugar candy.
Rutterman · 46-50, M
@NativePortlander1970 Another interpretation is that it's about sex. In any case, it's just as well she thought it literally was about candy.
@Rutterman She said in the interview that the producers told her parents it was about sugar candy to get their permission to record it.

 
Post Comment