r/sonicyouth • u/_Jub_Jub_ • 1d ago

Can someone succinctly explain the SY bassist evolution to me plz?

So I’m a major Sonic Youth fan, have been since high school, but I’m also fairly young and didn’t pay attention to the band when they started their mid 90s-2000s lineup changes.

I’ve read GIAB and Sonic Life, so I know that around the time of Experimental Jet Set, Kim focused on being tbe band’s third guitarist moreso than a bassist, and stayed that way. But, of course, songs like Bull in the Heather and The Diamond Sea had bass on them, before they ever adopted a 5th member.

I also think that around the SYR era, Jim O Rourke played bass sometimes? And was kind of in the band? And so was Mark Ibold until they disbanded? This is where my knowledge wanes; I have no idea what years after ‘94 who was playing what instrument. If someone could give me a short timeline or just info on what band members played what during and after (and a bit before) the SYR era, I’d appreciate it.

TLDR: Dumdum fan wants a timeline of the members and what instruments they played, as specific or general as you’re willing to get. Thanks!

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u/gitty7456 1d ago

From my menory, and put in an easy way 😁Kim did play only bass until Dirty (included)… then she did play both guitar and bass until NYC Ghosts & Flowers, and after that mainly guitar.

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u/carsconvergeonparis 1d ago

She played only bass on Rather Ripped.

Exception of Rats, which was all Lee.

2

u/cocogoldenpoo 1d ago

Thurston played bass on Rats

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u/carsconvergeonparis 1d ago

Maybe yeah. I read that.

I just don’t remember.

I recorded that album literally 21 years ago.