El Chicano's Viva Tirado not only helps excavate the roots of brown-eyed soul, the group and 1960s scene reveal the complexity of the period in which brown-eyed soul flourished.

And this was open rebellion. This was hoisting the skull and cross-bones.

And hearing your high majesty is touch’d With that malignant cause wherein the honour Of my dear father’s gift stands chief in power, I come to tender it and my appliance With all bound humbleness.

“I be bussin' these niggas asses in Scrabble, so that shit is gon' help my game, you feel me?” “No doubt, I know damn well you be bussin' them niggas' asses, […] ”