The Breeders, led by the dynamic Deal sisters, Kim and Kelley, have carved out a unique space in the alternative rock scene since the early ’90s. Their breakout album, Last Splash, with its hit single “Cannonball,” became an anthem for a generation and cemented their place in rock history. In fact, the pivotal alternative rock-n-roll album celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2023! If you are old enough to remember when the band was first popular, then you are pretty old! Let’s talk about the greatest rock-n-roll band of the 1990s, as well as the impact of their music, their influential presence in the industry, and their lasting legacy that continues to inspire new generations of musicians.

Who are The Breeders?

The Breeders are an American alternative rock band known for their distinct blend of indie rock, punk, and pop influences and characterized by catchy melodies and noisy raw guitar riffs. Formed in 1989 by Kim Deal, the bassist and vocalist of the Pixies, and Tanya Donelly, the guitarist and vocalist of Throwing Muses, the band has gone through various lineup changes over the years, with Kim Deal remaining the constant member and creative force behind the group. Their 1990 debut album Pod included drummer Britt Walford of Slint and bassist Josephine Wiggs of The Perfect Disaster, and by the time their breakthrough album Last Splash dropped in 1993, Jim MacPherson had replaced Walford, Tanya Donelly phased herself out to concentrate on Belly, and Kim’s identical twin sister Kelley Deal was added as a guitarist. The Breeders gained significant recognition with their breakthrough album, Last Splash (1993), which featured the smash single “Cannonball,” and an accompanying video directed by Spike Jonze.

Discography: What albums do The Breeders have?

In addition to their 1990 debut Pod and their 1993 breakthrough Last Splash, The Breeders did not release another album for nearly 20 years until Title TK (2002). That was followed by Mountain Battles (2008), and All Nerve (2018). In the meantime, The Breeders released three (3) EPs: Safari (1992), Head to Toe (1994), and Fate to Fatal (2009). All of them are fantastic but if you need an introduction, go with Last Splash — which is perhaps the best alternative rock-n-roll record of the 1990s. 

Click on the picture of the birds to buy Last Splash (1993) by The Breeders!

The Breeders: Side projects and collaborations

The Breeders began as a side project for Kim Deal — who was in Pixies — and Tanya Donelly — who was in Throwing Muses and went on to form Belly. Pixies are perhaps the most influential rock-n-roll band of the 1980s. Bass player Josephine Wiggs has also played in The Perfect Disaster, Dusty Trails, The Perfect Disaster, and even played cello on Spacemen 3’s Playing With Fire. Original drummer Britt Walford was also a founding member of profoundly influential post-rock blueprint band Saint, as well as their punk rock precursor Squirrel Bait. Eventual drummer Jim MacPherson has played with The Amps, Guided by Voices, and The Cum Engine, among other bands. Kelley Deal has released albums as The Kelley Deal 6000 and with The Last Hard Men, while Kim Deal has released a series of solo 7” singles in addition to the fantastic Pacer (1995) by her side band The Amps. 

Click on the picture of Kim Deal to buy Pacer (1995) by The Amps!

The culture influence of The Breeders on modern music

The raw, yet melodic approach of The Breeders has inspired bands such as The Strokes, Sleater-Kinney, and Courtney Barnett. Even in their own time, The Breeders were so influential that Kurt Cobain of Nirvana told Melody Maker in 1992 that Pod is one of his favorite records ever. The Deal sisters, Kim and Kelley, have also been role models for female musicians by promoting a strong, independent presence in a predominantly male industry. Their success has paved the way for future generations of women in rock — something the new generation of performers has not taken for granted. In fact, none other than High School Musical star Olivia Rodrigo recruited the iconic grunge band to open for her on her own world tour in 2024. The significance of opening for one of the biggest pop stars in the world was not lost on Kim Deal at all, telling People magazine in April 2024 how “thrilling” the idea of playing their music to a newer, younger generation.

Click on the picture of Kelley Deal to buy Boom Boom Boom (1997) by The Kelley Deal 6000!

Kelley Deal: How Knitting Became a Creative Outlet for The Breeders’ Guitarist

Kelley Deal, best known as the guitarist for The Breeders, has a notable passion for knitting. Kelley has spoken in the past about the joy and satisfaction she derives from creating something tangible and how knitting offers a calming balance to the chaos of touring and performing. This hobby became particularly public after she struggled with substance abuse and needed a creative and calming outlet. In 2008, Kelley even released a book titled Bags That Rock: Knitting on the Road with Kelley Deal, which combines her love of knitting with her experiences as a touring musician. The book features a collection of knitting patterns inspired by her travels, reflecting her unique style and creative spirit. You can even check out her colorful knitting work at Raverly.

Click on the picture of the knitters to buy Bags That Rock: Knitting on the Road With Kelley Deal!

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Image Credit: via Wikimedia

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