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.
The Sword of God
Quasi Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Jumped up on the stage to mumble empty words.
A walking anachronism; a real museum piece -
A drug-dazed Argonaut, without the Golden Fleece.
Just then the Sword of God sppeared out of thin air...
Meanwhile everyone was lining up to see
Sheep in wolve's clothing dancing on TV.
Stars in their eyes - or are they dollar signs?
Again the Sword of God appears out of thin air...
The opening lines of Quasi's song, The Sword of God, present a scene of rebellion against the status quo, with a stray from the herd standing up on stage to spout meaningless words. This character is described as a walking anachronism, existing out of time, and a museum piece, suggesting that they are old-fashioned and out of touch with the present. However, their state of mind is revealed to be drug-dazed, giving them the air of the mythological Argonauts, who searched for the mythical Golden Fleece. Just as this character seems lost in a haze, the "Sword of God" appears out of nowhere, as if summoned by the chaos and confusion.
The second verse connects with the previous themes of rebellion and resisting conformity. The use of the phrase "sheep in wolves' clothing" suggests that those in power are not what they appear to be, and are using their influence to keep the masses under control. The mention of stars in their eyes, or dollar signs, highlights the idea of being seduced by fame and money, and the pressure to conform to society's expectations. However, the final line reveals that there is an enemy lurking in the shadows, showing that even those who appear to be going against the grain may not be trustworthy. Once again, the "Sword of God" materializes, suggesting that it is a symbol of hope and resistance against the corrupt forces at play.
Line by Line Meaning
Against the grain, a stray from the herd
Going against the norm, a nonconformist.
Jumped up on the stage to mumble empty words.
Sudden public outburst of nonsense talk.
A walking anachronism; a real museum piece -
Being outdated, a rare antique specimen.
A drug-dazed Argonaut, without the Golden Fleece.
The person is under the influence and aimless.
Just then the Sword of God sppeared out of thin air...
A supernatural intervention occurred.
Meanwhile everyone was lining up to see
People were eager to watch and observe.
Sheep in wolf's clothing dancing on TV.
People pretending to be someone they're not while being broadcasted.
Stars in their eyes - or are they dollar signs?
People's motives and intentions are unclear.
An unsuspected enemy, deep behind the lines.
There's a hidden threat within the group.
Again the Sword of God appears out of thin air...
The supernatural intervention reappears.
Contributed by Max M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.