Chagall Guevara by Chagall Guevara (CD, Jan-1991, MCA (USA))

I, like Shinyhead, love this CD, but I have to disagree on the meanings of a few songs. To get the real meaning- you'd probably have to ask Taylor, Perkins or Nichols, but for what its worth- here's my opinion.

Play God: Hard to pin down, I agree. Theres some venom there- I bet the back story is interesting. Sounds like someone who thinks pretty highly of themselves really torqued off the writer of this song. "Blinded by your own light" Brilliant!

Monkey Grinder: I disagree with the evolution theory- though, I admit, its an interesting one. I think it plays out like this: Big, fat man: Corporate America/ The "Man" & the monkey: the working man- made to dance for the fat man & beg for the nickels tossed his way, snatching them greedily from those who offer. The boa: hard to guess- maybe the government that feeds off the fat man & eventually devours him as well? If thats correct- I'm guessing the little dog would be the money/savings/taxes of the average person?

Violent Blue: I disagree with the reincarnation theory. Look at it this way & see if you agree? The song is about 2 people who knew each other in younger days (college maybe?). The one man is now nothing like his younger, idealistic self. He no longer stands tall ("You were wide-eyed & green, & a little bit taller"), seems hard & his eyes reflect that (the title refers to his eyes). His friend is marveling at how his old friend has become so different & asks if it all happened at once, or slowly over time. He reminds him that they had hopes, dreams & aspirations, but he changed & became angry("We were headed for somewhere but that was before you traded in your peace sign for a finger"). I agree that he does say we don't get to blame our inequities or sins on the troubled foundation of our past or the hand of fate. I wonder if the short choruses (not sure they are choruses) are eluding to God changing us- if we let Him- "Lay down" (our sins?) "Strip it off" (the ways of the world, our anger or pride?) "And lose yourself" (hand your life to God?).

All in all, brilliant songs, thought provoking, morals challenging & just plain fun to sing (ask any recent prisoner, err.. I mean, passenger, in my car.

Long out of print, the sole full-length CD release by Chagall Guevara puts militant passion with aggressive rock and roll, without watering down intelligence and whimsy in the lyrics. The distinct voice of Steve Taylor anchors everything down, while the dual guitar swirls of L. Arthur Nichols and Dave Perkins paint more colors than can be found on most LCD computer monitors. For seasoned veterans at the time, the music sounds as fresh and inventive as a hot young band in their prime, but with the added knowledge that age and experience brings.

If you find a copy of this, in good shape, you'll be doing yourself a favor in picking it up.