Kim Deal on "real" bass players

[TehGav]

[0:16]

DEAL: "Hey, hey, hey!"

COSBY (live action): Uh-huh, 'cause the Junkyard Band wrote a song about that, and if you're not careful, you'll learn something before it's done.

VOICEOVER CUE: A-one, anna-two, anna...

[Bass intro to 'Cannonball']

[LordSmas]

I. Love. Her.

[Hanesu]

I wish I was this cool.

[leiposuctie]

best guitar lesson i got in .....ever.......

[corebare]

Kim:  Marry me.

[ChevyFenderson]

re: Ms. Deal's opinion of "real bass players"...it all depends on the band. In a simple power trio, the bass has to do more than just straight quarter notes, or the song sounds empty. In a bigger band, it is imperative for the bassist to step back, or the song gets cluttered and jumbled.

I do agree with her though that too many bassists lack the self-control to play in the pocket.

[crisscorreag]

@ChevyFenderson I think this goes for every musician, even singers. Less is more and if the song doesn't need it, even if played by a 3 peace band. Just pedal through if THE SONG doesn't ask for it.

[thezachattack014]

THE PIXIES ARE FUCKIN AWESOME!!!!!!!! thats is all...

[thezachattack014]

as i look thru these comments that go back and forth.... from me to the asshole i sent them too and back again...all i can think is DAMN!!! doesnt anyone know when to shut the fuck up??? im bored with this shit.... cant they just be struck down by lightning or hit by a buss or something tragic(and very violent) like that.... maybe ill get lucky and a they will be hit by a Wave of Mutilation!!!!

[peakhouse]

Kim you are correct.The Basic problem is the bass players insecurity which compels them to prove that they are worthy by demonstrating their technical skill. Unfortunately this pre-occupation undermines their ability to perceive the OVERALL aesthetic of the song. This is problematic for the bass player because it means embracing deepest humility in order to define ones function. Break Balls by eye contact with Drummer: lock in, and PEDAL.If you don't cry you need to connect with HONESTY. xx

[rdrumm729]

she's drunk

[GodnotagainOh]

@rdrumm729 So am I. It's a side effect of quitting junk.

[rdrumm729]

@GodnotagainOh am I supposed to feel bad for you, you miserable drunk skank?

[thezachattack014]

@MrReidLynn ...yea i know.... im a real ass arent i??? damn... just sucks i couldnt meet you in person...i would love to see you walk down the street crying after i beat your fuckin ass...that is my only regret.... this will be my last reply to you... im done wasting my time on such a stupid fucking idiot like yourself...PEACE BITCH!!!!

[thezachattack014]

pixies still rock!!!!!!!

[Drahgoon]

@thezachattack014 The pixies are for gay pretentious douchebags

[thezachattack014]

@Drahgoon.... then what the fuck you watchin this vid for asshole?????? are you a gay douchebag?????? must fuckin be!!!!!!..... you stupid fuck!!!! go blow bieber!!!!

[Drahgoon]

@thezachattack014 I am watching this video because i want to informe people and tell them DA TRUTH!!!! and make them realise there own faggotry. I hate doing this to people but people need to learn the truth and sometimes the truth hurts.

[NotASpatula]

@Drahgoon So your goal is to get upset at everyone who likes different music than you?

[Drahgoon]

@NotASpatula No its to make them relise how gay they are.

[GodnotagainOh]

@Drahgoon Oscar Wilde just passed you a note. Outed Sir!

[Drahgoon]

@GodnotagainOh who the hell is that faggot?

[thezachattack014]

@MrReidLynn.... by the way... how is having a girlfriend not cool at all....we can all see that you like to suck your dads dick... but dont infringe on the rest of us with your sickness.... you need some prozac or zoloft or some shit...then maybe you will quit wasting my time.... so...you ready to end this yet... i can make you look stupid all day long buddy...PEACE!!!!

[fightinandirish]

Sometimes simplicity is all it takes.

[dussin23]

I wish I could find a bass player with some fucking common sense. It's okay to be fancy sometimes. Sometimes it sounds great to be fancy. But there are a lot of times that you just need to lay down the bottom. I'm a guitar player/song writer who leaves a lot of space in the music, and "musicians" tend to want to fill every bit of it.

[bonzzo15]

so what the hell is the problem with wanting to be heard even as a bass player? whore..

[thezachattack014]

@bonzzo15 there is no problem with wanting to be heard..... just dont expect it all the time....thats why the pixies broke up to start with....egos and jealousy and bullshit like that...... that gets in the way of making real music... btw....Pixies rock... and Kim is a Pixie like it or not....your more into fairies i bet..hahahahahaha

[mircea1910]

What's the Deal with Kim? (rhetorical question)

[thezachattack014]

@mircea1910 .....hahahaha .......good one

[bradeism]

I think guitarists would be better suited listening to some of this advice than bass players.

[thezachattack014]

@bradeism ...true... true...

[SupernalOne]

it's a little unfulfilling to play such a monotonous bassline - if the point is minimalism, consider it made, Kim, consider it made

[PoisonErin]

Sometimes simple is better and it's true that it can be hard for a bass player to not elaborate.

[deathkampdrone]

i love her, man. it's crazy that such a nice bass player gal entered the greatest band ever.

[losbadborns]

Aquí esta mi tía explicando que su estilo para tocar es sin nada de técnica, jajajaja

[vultureofculturistic]

I'm not a real bassist, I guess lol....I can't pedal through anything

[diananavarroo]

and he was like, so hush hush, so quiiiiet about it, and then the next thing you know...

[JawaProductionz]

@diananavarroo I'M AMAZED

[Curdog]

@diananavarroo

There were rumours he was into field hockey players...

[automaticjac]

Kim Deal will always be the coolest.

[Yuripadees]

Sometimes simple bass lines are good, but I still prefer more the complicated ones.

[JBigjake]

@WarGoatForestWolf666 Frankly, it's you who suck ass!

[mrpaxtonquigley]

Thank you, Kim! I needed to hear that!

[RipTheSystem33]

Kim Deal is about the music, not the musician. She doesn't feel the need to showboat flea-style when the strength of Pixies songs lie in the overall song texture and dynamics, not in solos or technical aspects, other than Joey's grinding and abrasive guitar.

[LentilsOverkill]

@RipTheSystem33 I hope you're not hating on flea. Both Kim and Flea are amazing bassists in their own ways, but flea's style, as flashy as it is, works incredibly well with the Chili Peppers' music.

[RipTheSystem33]

@LentilsOverkill I was afraid it would come across that way, but no. I like the CP's music, especially from mid-80s to 1990, with the high energy songs that were more like music tirades that the bass sounded great with. That said, Flea-style bass playing would sound rather ridiculous when juxtaposed with the overall texture and simplicity that Frank, Dave and Joey create. And the only "solos" Joey brings are still rooted in the melody and tempo the other members are creating at that moment.

[Broyale26]

The video should have been called, "Kim Deal on how to be a shitty bass player"

[WarGoatForestWolf666]

@Broyale26 seconded.

[27lithium]

@Broyale26 What the fuck did u means like that lines ??????? fuck uuuuuuuuu there is a lot clone bass players, conventionalism suuuucksss!!!

[Kdizzle19]

So many musicians don't know when to step back and let the music flow simply

[MrReidLynn]

@Kdizzle19 some of my Dads favorite bands are as follows:

HARD ROCK, CLASSICAL, DANCE PUB AREANA, BEE BOP, SMOOTH JAZZ

so i know for a fact how my music flows........ clean. like crystal.

[Bryce6789]

@MrReidLynn dude. what are you tlaking about. faggot. dance pub? what do you think that is cool, my dad likes punk. check this he likes sex pisels , ramones, the clash, green day. dont be cool if your dad likes fucking pub arena

[thezachattack014]

@MrReidLynn you make no sense

[thezachattack014]

@MrReidLynn ...obviously ...

[thezachattack014]

@MrReidLynn no worries,....... it happens... now lets end this plz...

[thezachattack014]

@MrReidLynn alright dude...its obvious you have some sort of dad fetish or some shit....i want no part of it.... dont bring me into your fucked up life of nothin better to do than start stupid fucking youtube fights....get a girl or some pot or somthing and deal with your own shit

[Jpanetta]

@Kdizzle19 shit, you couldn't of said that better buddy

[supercrunch99]

THEY WON'T JUST PEDDLE THROUGH SOMETHING - Those words right there have been on the tip of my brain yet unspoken to a myriad of bass players who wanted to over power how I write rhythm guitar oriented rock/punk/psychedelia.....and it sooooo frustrating!

[IAINoodle]

yikes, she's got them sunshine eyes x}

[CincoCustomer]

LOL, I've played this song exactly the way that she says not to do it. It took me forever to get it right. It drove me bonkers. You keep thinking it's so simple...then you hear "Where is My Mind." 

[bigmuffexpress]

Luckily, the bass player in my band is utter shit, so we don't have that problem! It's AWESOME!

[supercrunch99]

@bigmuffexpress That's CLASSIC LOL!....great username too, must be a rhythm guitarist.

[bigmuffexpress]

@supercrunch99 Nah I would love to be but we couldn't find a drummer or singer, so I have to do both. I've wanted to play guitar in a band for like 6 years, but there are no drummers in my area at all...

[mwright83]

She played so chill that she could balance a cigarette on the end of her bass for a whole concert.

[WINFIELD32750]

she looks a tad like abby wambach strangely

[cstaknys]

hahaha she has a PIXIE cut

[rhashr]

She did do this at one point!

Look at the video of Where Is My Mind (1989), live at Rock Werchter

check at 0.56.

[ScottieAxeman4ever]

@rhashr i take it you dont listen to people very well... she said shes done it about 5 times in her life

[rhashr]

@ScottieAxeman4ever that's where she's talking about going duddududududududuhh...... DUH at the end of a song. I'm talking about the 'pushing it along' part. Who's not listening now?

[siege86]

lmao wow thats hella true

[skunkape2]

In a lot of cases the simpler the bass line, the more it becomes prominent or stands out, at least to my ears.  John McVie of Fleetwood Mac comes to mind when I think of a bassist whose playing really serves the song.

[Yuripadees]

Not all basslines should be simple.

[wxrodrig]

wow...kim deal has really let herself go.

[CAKmusic]

@wxrodrig It's called "aging"...happens to everyone.

[squiresuzuki]

@wxrodrig You realize that she's 50, right?

[iloveflapjacks]

@wxrodrig Because she cut her hair? You should see Frank Black. Guy needs to cut back on the tacos.

[5656565656able]

@wxrodrig has she?

[tmcthree]

I think she's put her finger on why Frank Black isn't as good a vocalist as he used to be. If you listen to the recent live performances of Debaser, for example, he's like a real singer.

[RipTheSystem33]

I find this approach most satisfying as a listener. The bass line just becomes a part of the overall texture, and not this big-balls tangent that speaks for the bass player, not the song.

I find it interesting that criticism of this comes from some of the same people that structure their own songs in a way that is heavily influenced by the Pixies.

[Bojangulz87]

If more people had her attitude then the quality of todays bands would be much better. You should all stop your shred (or at least do it tastefully) and work on your song writing. People put song writing last when it should be first. There is a reason the beatles rock and yngvie malmsteen is gay bra

[jorthomas20]

@Bojangulz87 Yeah, it'd be great if every bassist was like the guy from the Killers or pretty much every bad punk band ever. Sure, sometimes there's nothing better than playing the root notes, but it shouldn't be held up as the ideal to the detriment of all other styles. She says it like it's a bad thing to want to be involved and that's silly.

And sure Yngwie sucks, but there is a lot of distance between what Kim does and what he does. Lots of great styles fall between.

[Bojangulz87]

@jorthomas20 I think she meens in the case of this song. It doesn't call for anything more wouldn't you agree? And like I say everything tastefully, if the note is called for then it's called for but any more like that other guy said is wankerey. It could be really fast and technical but it has to be the right song for it and it has to work.

[jorthomas20]

@Bojangulz87 What she did for this song is perfect. Like I said, sometimes nothing beats root notes. However, that is pretty typical of The Pixies. She doesn't write interesting bass parts for the most part. They work, but they work because she plays it safe.

I think most would agree that playing too many notes is bad. It's the amount of notes that is bad that is the point of contention. I would say someone like Mike Watt isn't wanky at all, but you might.

[moshmartyr]

WHERE IS MY MIND

[leedumett444]

kim is so right what she says.

[peponitra]

I'm proud to be a "real" bass player... of course, I can keep the rhythm and play four notes all the time, I just find it goddamn boring...

[etanitsbo]

@peponitra that's part of being a bass player though that's what she's saying. if it's goddamn boring just play guitar or drums?

[peponitra]

@etanitsbo I disagree...... there are many great bands, that made it even bigger than The Pixies... let's take RHCP, Led Zeppelin, The Who, The Beatles and many others as an example..... they all have "real" bass players... so why don't you go and tell Flea, or John Paul Jones to quit trying to be "involved" and stick to what "is a part of being a bass player"?..... a bass guitar is an instrument just like any other... you can either suck, or become a virtuoso.... Kim Dale sucks imho

[watson2078]

all instruments should play what is needed, and not any more, which totally depends on the song. Self indulgence is not music.

[mrbassman25]

@peponitra

i love flea, john paul jones, john entwistle etc.... but even those guys will tell you its all about serving the song. The reason the pixies are so melodic and their songs still stand on their own today is partly down to the fact of the simplicity of their music. You dont have to play in every gap to be a great musician.

Kim "DEAL" is a great bassist and all round musician,her simple approach should be taken seriously, compared to this new age slap and pop shit thats everywhere

[etanitsbo]

@peponitra did you just write kim dale? you're a terrible person. Go cry in a corner with your bass retard

[captain94ace]

@etanitsbo Because they want to play bass? It's nice to mix it up, whatever fits the band or however you want to play - there's no 'right' or 'wrong' way, obviously what she does fits the band. Although, she's acting like 'indulgent' bass players are the majority, which definitely isn't the case (again, being 'indulgent' isn't a good or bad thing).

[etanitsbo]

@captain94ace nah I just think its the nature of bass players with a penis to try and show off and be as good as the guitarist. (Honestly) 'good' 'try' 'though'

[JBigjake]

@peponitra Yet, no one has ever heard of you or your band, and never will! Jam on, in obscurity!

[MrLimborace]

I'm not a base player or a musician for that matter but I imagine it takes alot of discipline to refrain from overplaying as Kim indicated..maybe it's just professionalism and a desire to maintain the vision of the tune at hand.

[iammaxhailme]

resisting the urge to overelaborate? resising the urge to be interesting more like...

[TheLeftyGrove]

...and this, my friends, is but one reason why the Pixies are the best American rock band in history...

[weholdparties]

I'd always imagined that bass was played how Kim plays. I don't think Pixies had much of a sway on that idea because I unfortunately got into them late in life but I've always preferred very simple music. No one thing should outshine the other. Isn't that the point?

[socialdisorderous]

Thank you kim!! No seriously there's not a single fucking bassist that gets that..i mean it's crazy how they just want to impress everyone with their ''fast groovy finger skills''.They always asked me to ''play more notes'' when i was in bands and i just felt lonely:/ Love you kim

[supernicewitit]

even though "where is my mind" is amazing, still cant be convinced its better than gouge away

[chapinguy]

lol i actually would do that extra stuff at the end

[smithhedgehog]

good band - awful pretentious narration

[TheEloeo]

@smithhedgehog Pretentious because he's English?

[smithhedgehog]

@TheEloeo Someone else said that - I'm english myself so I couldn;t think it's because he's english. it's just an arsey narration

[TheEloeo]

@smithhedgehog I don't think so either, but I assumed that you're an American, because Americans think that anyone speaking with an English accent is pretentious and fancy.

[smithhedgehog]

@TheEloeo true, they do sometimes. I think the narrator is julian rhind-tutt

[joesbu]

@TheEloeo That isn't true. I'm an American and I think most Americans are pretentious... but not always so fancy.

[3chrds]

@smithhedgehog

its because he's british

[smithhedgehog]

@3chrds so am I but I don't talk like that.

[BikiniDeathSquad]

@smithhedgehog exactly, it embarrassing

[festiveintoxications]

Nothing's cooler than Kim Deal smoking. Now that she quit so did I.

[DoolittleKid]

Classic song of serene confusion...

[LittleBuster89]

In "Where is my mind" The bass CONTROLS that song.

[rrtodd95]

I love Kim, she has the sweetest smile and the chick rocks.

The Amps, the Breeders and the Pixies, how many musicians can say they where in not one great band but 3?!?!?!?

[nazaxprime]

xD

[OCIRELCNU]

is she on somethign

[nazaxprime]

@OCIRELCNU Yeah, she's on a wave of mutilation.

[betterthanbooks]

Musical humor at it's best!

[mdhookey]

I wish I was as cool as Kim Deal.

[bungle0]

thanks for the advice Kim.

[KaitlynHooligun]

She's such a character

[redvelvet500]

I'm naming my daughter after her.

[Paperhouse81]

1:50

i love her sarcasm. Shes great.

[smithhedgehog]

god, this narration is so pretentious

[knowlgo]

I think saying "this is true" is akin to saying "all music needs to be the same way". I like the breeders and I like their style. I also like over the top music that "push3es through" as she would say. But, I don't think she's saying it all need to be the same.

[kiely]

Kim, ya'll still got that maroons shirt @1:11 ... i have the tan wrangler jacket. boy am i gonna regret typing that.

[G3GabeL]

Kim Deal single-handed-ly made me pick up a bass. Never let it go since.

[pickersplayspop]

all you high brow nob head bass players. this is how you fookin well do it

[GBlazer420]

jesus christ i love this woman. also, very true.

[mercb]

Lol I wish my bassist would hear this

[ryko26]

what she says at the end is SO true (and twenty times more true for drummers)

[PollyDruga]

oh Kim i love you!

[TheAquatree]

i think its true..simplicity is best. take for instance meg whites prodding on the drums was just what jack needed! Kim says everyone wants to be involved..but if your in the band and already doing something... sometimes less is more..no need for embelishments

[luysk8]

i love her



[Warcraft20101]

now kim here is my dream woman :D

[RnRinc1]

she's kinda weird, love that...

[Thatsomebootychatter]

Excellent philosophy for any aspiring musician.

[MrEnterthehole]

i'd do her

[sullenthrills]

@MrEnterthehole

She wouldn't do you, so go grab the vaseline.

[MrEnterthehole]

@sullenthrills how do you know I haven't already done her ?

[lynus111]

@sullenthrills I dont mind if I can't do kim, as long as I could do her sister

[gmatthewmapes]

Much respect to Kim Deal, but I must ask: What's "wrong" with the bass player wanting to be involved in the music?

[MusicalEutopia]

@gmatthewmapes She never said anything was wrong with it. If she had done that, though, it would have totally ruined the minimalism and it would have been cliche, which she dislikes.

[visitinguncle]

@gmatthewmapes Being "involved" here means the bassline becomes the focus of the song at the point of involvement, often to the detriment of the song. All Kim is saying is that the notes one doesn't play are as important as the ones played. In songwriting, all instrumentation should serve the song. Anything else is just wankery.

[comanchio1976]

@visitinguncle I think it's just different styles though. I'd probably have played it the way she said 'proper' bass players do...unless I'd specifically had the idea that simpler would be better. Not because I wanted attention, just because I was into it...and losing myself in it.

[IvyNirvana]

@visitinguncle That's why Pixies, Radiohead, Joy Division, all their members contribute equally making them amazing.

[youtalkgood]

Best band. Period.

[ViralSC2]

Saw Pixies live a year or two ago in Australia. Best band. Period.

[Ciranoxx1]

@NotASpatula "Nature - nurture" dillema is not solved yet, so I guess we should soft down our claims. :)

[NotASpatula]

@Ciranoxx1 Are you really trying to implement the Nature vs. Nurture debate into how many bass notes a person plays?

Why is "being content" feminine, while "trying to get involved" is masculine? The concept of "feminine musical theory" and "masculine musical theory" is a sexist idea you just pulled out of your ass with no basis in science.

[Ciranoxx1]

@NotASpatula There he goes "blinding me with science"..! Human ass has it's way of knowing as well. ;D

[momodaawesome]

For her, I would not be straight.

[Djarra]

"The most important thing to know about playing music is to know when to be quiet." Miles Davis.

[thesicilianguitarist]

Kim Deal is freakin bad ass! Years back I saw them, and there was a heckler in the crowd. She said something like "come up here, and I'll kick your ass with this bass!"

And I thought like Butthead: "Huh-huh....whoa... that was cool.... I think I'm getting a stiffy....huh-huh"

[ProbablyAllInTheMind]

looking at you

[thebudgetgamer]

paul mccartney and kim deal, my favorite bass players ever.

[dubtat]

God forbid a bass player do something creative and interesting, Kim