In 1990, Coomes, Weiss, and Brad Pedinov formed the band Motorgoat. The band released two self-released cassettes and one 7" single before dissolving in 1993. Quasi started recording as a duo in 1993. They played with various additional musicians in early live appearances, but eventually settled on playing live as a duo as well. They self-recorded and self-released a cassette and a CD in 1993. They recorded R&B Transmogrification in the Portland band Pond's basement recording studio and released it on Up Records in 1997. They released two more albums with Up: Featuring "Birds" in 1998 and Field Studies in 1999; both albums were recorded at Jackpot Studios in Portland, Oregon.
In 1998 and 1999 they toured the U.S., Europe, Australia, and Japan opening for and serving as the backup band for Elliott Smith (who Coomes had played with in Heatmiser) as well as touring on their own in the U.S. and Europe. In 2001 They home-recorded The Sword of God and released it on Touch & Go. Quasi had been somewhat political since its inception, but their opposition to the 2003 Invasion of Iraq showed through in a straight-forward way with the release of Hot Shit! in 2003, particularly in the songs "White Devil's Dream" and "Master and Dog." When the Going Gets Dark followed in 2006, released on Touch & Go in the U.S. and Domino Records in Europe, as with Hot Shit!.
In Spring 2009, the band announced that they had signed to the Kill Rock Stars label, and were due to release their already recorded next album in the latter half of the year. That album, entitled American Gong, was released February 23, 2010 to generally favorable reviews. It was their first and only album to feature third member Joanna Bolme. Following a tour of Japan, Europe, and the United States in support of the full length, Bolme left the band. A duo again, Sam and Janet are recording material for a new album.
From a Hole in the Ground
Quasi Lyrics
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You're quick to put it down, but you still want a taste.
& you're always asking for some sharp reply;
Except when you're asking for a smack in the eye.
You could never hurt me, if that's what you mean.
Between yourself & me, the biggest wall you've ever seen.
I know you're just doing what you think you're supposed to do -
You're still young enough to think you have some kind of clue.
Pass your little judgements on a world you'll never know.
The lyrics to Quasi's song "From a Hole in the Ground" explore the complex dynamic of a relationship between two people. The first line, "I might have been around, but you're not so chaste," suggests that the singer has more life experience than their counterpart, who is not as pure or innocent as they appear. Despite this, the second line reveals that this person is still drawn to the singer, and desires their attention or affection. The next two lines suggest that this person is constantly seeking confrontation or a reaction, but will back down when faced with actual physical violence.
The singer seems to understand this person's behavior, implying that they are younger and less experienced than themselves, and are still trying to figure out how to navigate the world. The final two lines, "Greener than the clover, whiter than the snow: pass your little judgments on a world you'll never know," suggest that this person is naive and ignorant about the true nature of the world and the people in it. Despite their flaws, however, the singer seems to have some level of compassion for this person, acknowledging that they're just trying to do what they think they're supposed to do.
Overall, "From a Hole in the Ground" is a song that explores the tensions and complexities of human relationships, particularly as they relate to issues of power, desire, and understanding.
Line by Line Meaning
I might have been around, but you're not so chaste.
I may have some experience, yet you are not innocent either.
You're quick to put it down, but you still want a taste.
You act critical, but you secretly desire to experience it.
& you're always asking for some sharp reply;
You provoke others to respond aggressively.
Except when you're asking for a smack in the eye.
You ask for it when you want to be physically assaulted.
You could never hurt me, if that's what you mean.
Your behavior cannot affect me as intended.
Between yourself & me, the biggest wall you've ever seen.
There is a vast divide between us that you cannot comprehend.
I know you're just doing what you think you're supposed to do -
You behave that way because you believe it's expected of you.
You're still young enough to think you have some kind of clue.
Your youth makes you believe you have a better understanding than you do.
Greener than the clover, whiter than the snow:
You are inexperienced and naive.
Pass your little judgements on a world you'll never know.
You offer insignificant opinions on a topic beyond your comprehension.
Contributed by Riley I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.