The band formed iteratively around Sweeney between '92-'94. They released Gone Glimmering in '95 followed by Ride The Fader in '96, both on Matador.
Sweeney, a longtime friend of Smashing Pumpkins' Billy Corgan, has also played in Corgan's side-project, Zwan, and more recently in a duo with Will Oldham on their Superwolf album.
Pitchfork recently reviewed the new Chavez compilation which also contains some nice observations about their sound and its context.
After a lengthy hiatus between 1999 and 2006 they have recently begun playing extensively around the New York area.
Ever Overpsyched
Chavez Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Smiling wide
Ever up and ever overpsyched
On every single count he won
Scott tried to let him know
On the phone
I (rung?) out to take the overflow
It didn't matter he won
Said I learned
From my sunburn
No misunderstanding
?
It's over now
Until you wore the (pride?) you won
The song "Ever Overpsyched" by Chavez is a rather intriguing piece that seems to revolve around the victory of the person being referred to in the lyrics. The opening lines - "What's up is he alright, Smiling wide" - seem to suggest that the person in question has won something and is ecstatic about it, with his happiness reflected in his face. The next line - "Ever up and ever overpsyched" - in particular, drives home this point, as it suggests that the person is always up and energetic, with his victory only adding to his already psyched-up demeanor.
The song then goes on to describe how "on every single count he won," despite Scott trying to "let him know" on the phone. This line, in particular, is quite intriguing as it leaves us guessing as to what exactly Scott was trying to tell him. Nonetheless, it seems that whatever Scott's message was, it didn't matter in the end, as the person we're listening to had already emerged victorious.
The song then takes a rather philosophical turn, with the lines - "Said I learned from my sunburn, No misunderstanding" - suggesting that the person has learned something important from his experience (perhaps his victory) and wants to ensure that there's no misunderstanding about his newfound wisdom. The song ends on a rather cryptic note, with the lines - "It's over now, Until you wore the (pride?) you won" - suggesting that the victory is now over and the person must move on until he can wear his pride once again.
Overall, "Ever Overpsyched" is a fascinating song with a lot of interesting themes and ideas to unpack. It's a song that seems to celebrate victory and the euphoria that comes with it, while also acknowledging the transience of such triumphs and the need to move on in life.
Line by Line Meaning
What's up is he alright?
Checking on the well-being of someone
Smiling wide
Genuinely happy and excited
Ever up and ever overpsyched
Always enthusiastic and energetic
On every single count he won
Being successful in every aspect of life
Scott tried to let him know
Someone attempted to advise him
On the phone
Means of communication
I (rung?) out to take the overflow
Offered to help or provide support in case of need
It didn't matter he won
Success overshadows any criticism or negativity
Said I learned
Acknowledging a lesson learned
From my sunburn
Physical pain led to personal growth
No misunderstanding
Clear and concise communication
?
Unable to interpret this line without more context
It's over now
The situation has ended or resolved
Until you wore the (pride?) you won
Continuing to showcase and feel proud of one's accomplishments
Contributed by Mia I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.