Skip to main content
DeepCutsArchive
BrowseArtistsTimelineMapDecadesSubmit

DeepCutsArchive

Preserving the footage that shaped music history. Rare clips, studio sessions, and moments lost to time.

BrowseArtistsGenresDecadesLocationsSubmit a ClipAboutContactEditorial PolicyArticles

© 2026 DeepCutsArchive. All footage remains the property of its original creators.

Privacy PolicyTerms of UseSupport

Developed with love as a personal project by Jamie McDonnell

ui-ux-design.comai-consultancy.company
PreviousUse arrow keysNext
0 views
Share this clip

How a BATHROOM Recording, BROKEN Cymbals & ACCIDENTAL Bass Line Made The Breeders Famous!

Josephine Wiggs
2010s2013TV AppearanceStudioHome Recordingyoutube

The story of The Breeders hit song 'Cannonball' and how it was written. Have a video request or a topic you'd like to see us cover? Fill out our google form! https://bit.ly/3stnXlN -----CONNECT ON SOCIAL----- TIKOK:https://www.tiktok.com/@rocknrolltruestory Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rocknrolltruestories Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RNRTrueStories Twitter: https://twitter.com/rocktruestories Blog: www.rockandrolltruestories.com #thebreeders #cannonball #kimdeal I cite my sources and they may differ than other people's accounts, so I don't guarantee the actual accuracy of my videos. These videos are for entertainment purposes only. READ OUR DISCLAIMER https://rockandrolltruestories.com/youtube-disclaimer/ Last Splash contained one of the most iconic songs of the early 90’s Cannonball. The song was originally called "Grunggae" since it blended "island riffs and grunge". The demo of the song was included on the 20th anniversary re-release of the last splash in 2013. Kim recaleld the inspiration for the song My sister was reading a biography on the Marques De Sade (Sawd). And I’m making fun of him. I’m saying: ‘Oh, you little libertine! You’re a real cuckoo!… if you wanna go to hell… Come on! Let’s go to hell! Don’t just jump in… do a cannonball! And you know what? I’m gonna be right behind you…I’m gonna be the last fuckin’ splash. It’s a commitment to hell, I guess.” The intro voices that were generated by Kim using a harmonica and awooing into it was Deals’ nod to the Oompa Loompa song from Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory. Kim had recorded the vocals in the bathroom at the studio liking the acoustics in there. Kelly meanwhile told spin she had to tape the strings of her guitar because she found the song hard to play and didn’t want any extraneous string sounds. Even Josephine Wiggs bass part at the beginning was a mistake, but they left it in. The memorable bass part in the intro was a mistake, but it was left in. It was one frett off the correct note, is played twice before the correct note is finally played. As for the The rhythm of the introduction is constructed from metallic clicking on a snare rim and cymbal stand, which is tapped out by the Breeders drummer Jim McPherson.[3] He did about 10 minutes worth of little stick intros until Kim found one she liked Kim wasn’t happy with the sounds of the cymbals on the album and thought they were ringing out too long after they were hit, so Kim and Jim would drop the cymbals from the second floor of the studio into the parking lot to crack them. The artwork for the album was designed by vaughn oliver, graphic artist for 4AD. His original vision was a single testicle creeping out of cardboard, but of course, it was rejected. He then came up with the iconic red helmet cover. The music video for "Cannonball" was directed by both Kim Gordon of Sonic Youth and spike jonze. It shows the band performing the song in a garage while kim and her sister kelley appear to be in a dressing room they redecorated. It’s interspersed with shots of a cannonball rolling through Miracle Mile, Los Angeles, Kim singing underwater. The video got heavy play on MTV. Mcphearson recalled to spin We had a Buzz clip on MTV. That was a huge deal. Now our video was on at noon. And 9 a.m. And every three or four hours. I remember seeing it on TV for the first time, sitting in my little apartment in Huber Heights, off Powell Road. There was a commercial with a bunch of old people doing old people dances — like sock-hop dancing — to “Cannonball.”

Added 26 Jul 2026



Know someone who'd love this clip?

Share it with friends and fellow fans.

Share this clip

Keep Exploring

2000s2020sAll ArtistsAll GenresAll DecadesBrowse by TagMore from 2010sAll tv-appearance

More from Josephine Wiggs

View all →
Thumbnail for Why The Breeders Cannonball Is So Misunderstood!  by Josephine Wiggs9:13

Why The Breeders Cannonball Is So Misunderstood!

Josephine Wiggs

1970s
Thumbnail for APPROPRIATE BEHAVIOR, einfach ungezogen - Offizieller Trailer by Josephine Wiggs1:55

APPROPRIATE BEHAVIOR, einfach ungezogen - Offizieller Trailer

Josephine Wiggs

Studio
Thumbnail for The Breeders - Cannonball [Live] by Josephine Wiggs3:21

The Breeders - Cannonball [Live]

Josephine Wiggs

2010sLive
Thumbnail for The Breeders Interview and Concert Clips - MTV - 1993 by Josephine Wiggs2:40

The Breeders Interview and Concert Clips - MTV - 1993

Josephine Wiggs

1990sInterviewLive

More from the 2010s

View all →
Thumbnail for BBC Radio Lancashire Interview with Mr S July 2019 by mr s5:22

BBC Radio Lancashire Interview with Mr S July 2019

mr s

2010sInterviewRare
Thumbnail for ▲Adels - Claitus song - Summer Vintage Festival 20132:54

▲Adels - Claitus song - Summer Vintage Festival 2013

2010sRare
Thumbnail for Good Fellas - Cristina/Walking with Mr.S - Amigdala Theatre (December 2011)7:02

Good Fellas - Cristina/Walking with Mr.S - Amigdala Theatre (December 2011)

2010sRare
Thumbnail for Smokers Club Tour 2011 Milwaukee, WI1:33

Smokers Club Tour 2011 Milwaukee, WI

2010sTourRare