The Candy Song

Zoo Freaks, get ready to groove with the Zoo Crew as they spin "The Candy Song" by Masters of Reality from their iconic album, The Blue Garden. This track, a gritty blend of bluesy hard rock, carries a raw energy that fits perfectly with the band's desert rock vibe. One juicy piece of trivia comes from frontman Chris Goss, who hinted in a Songfacts interview that the song's lyrics were inspired by a late-night jam session fueled by the band's love for classic rock riffs and a playful nod to the indulgent side of life. The "sugar girl" in the lyrics, with her high-priced, sweet allure, reflects a tongue-in-cheek take on temptation, though Goss has kept the exact meaning cryptic, letting fans interpret it their way.

Another tidbit from the band's early days surfaced on a now-archived fan forum, where a user recalled a 1990s radio interview with Goss. He mentioned that "The Candy Song" was one of the first tracks recorded for The Blue Garden, laid down in a single take to capture its spontaneous, live feel. This raw approach became a hallmark of the album’s production, overseen by Rick Rubin at Def American. Fans on Masters of Reality’s official Facebook have also shared stories of hearing the song live during the band’s 1989 tour, noting how its driving rhythm and sultry guitar licks turned small venues into sweat-soaked dance floors. The song’s vinyl release, paired with "The Blue Garden" and "Kill the King," is a collector’s gem, with Discogs listings showing rare 1989 pressings fetching high prices among collectors.

Masters of Reality, the brainchild of Chris Goss and Tim Harrington, kicked off in Syracuse, New York, in 1981. Named after Black Sabbath’s Master of Reality album, the band was born from a shared obsession with heavy riffs, psychedelic grooves, and bluesy swagger. Goss, a multi-instrumentalist and producer, started as a guitarist and vocalist, while Harrington brought his own gritty guitar style. According to their bio on their official website, the duo began jamming in local clubs, blending influences from Cream, Led Zeppelin, and Neil Young. Their early gigs caught the ear of Rick Rubin, who signed them to Def American, leading to the release of their debut album, The Blue Garden, in 1989. The album’s unique sound helped lay the groundwork for the Palm Desert Scene, linking them to bands like Kyuss and Queens of the Stone Age.

The band’s journey wasn’t without hurdles. After their debut, they switched to Delicious Vinyl in 1990, which reissued The Blue Garden with new artwork and an extra track, "Doraldina’s Prophecies." Goss’s knack for production also shaped their path, as he later worked with other desert rock acts, cementing his influence. Fans can dive deeper into the band’s world through their official Instagram, where they post updates on new music and throwback photos, or follow their X account for real-time chats about upcoming releases, like their 2025 album teased on their website. For community vibes, check out the Masters of Reality Fan Group on Facebook, where Zoo Freaks can swap stories, trade vinyl, and celebrate the band’s legacy.