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white_cloud
Advanced Member
Username: white_cloud

Post Number: 227
Registered: 11-2007
Posted on Friday, January 25, 2008 - 10:19 am:   Edit Post

Hi my fellow Alembicans!

I was thinking today of bass "anthems!" You know, the kind of song known for its powerful bass performance - something regarded by bassists as essential listening!

I would love to hear what you all consider to be the best bass "anthem" of all time!

Obviously there can be no right or wrong answer, opinions are what its all about at the end of the day! Could be interesting to hear what you all have in mind!!

To start the ball rolling heres some of my picks;

Jazz - "teen town" Jaco

Rock - "yyz" By Geddy Lee, "wont get fooled again" By John Entwhistle

Fusion - "school days" By Stan, "Joe Frazier" By Jeff Berlin

John.
kenbass4
Advanced Member
Username: kenbass4

Post Number: 274
Registered: 10-2003
Posted on Friday, January 25, 2008 - 10:43 am:   Edit Post

"Heart of the Sunrise" - Chris Squire
"Turn The Page" - Geddy Lee
"Gispacio" (sp?) - Pete Trewavas (Marillion)
olieoliver
Senior Member
Username: olieoliver

Post Number: 1713
Registered: 2-2006
Posted on Friday, January 25, 2008 - 11:04 am:   Edit Post

I don't know if I'd call them "Anthems" but I always like the bass lines in

Roundabout (Yes)
Temples os Syrinx (Rush)
Climbing Up The Ladder (Isley Brothers)
Any tune on Stevie Wonders "Songs In The Key of Life" album

And the solo in Slow Ride (Foghat)is pretty catchy, not real flashy but you just know what it is when you hear it.
keith_h
Senior Member
Username: keith_h

Post Number: 955
Registered: 2-2005
Posted on Friday, January 25, 2008 - 11:12 am:   Edit Post

Can it be anything other than Big Bottom by Spinal Tap!

Keith
lbpesq
Senior Member
Username: lbpesq

Post Number: 2908
Registered: 7-2004
Posted on Friday, January 25, 2008 - 11:51 am:   Edit Post

Keith, you beat me to it! lol

My band has been kicking around the idea of doing "Big Bottom" with 3 mandolins.

Bill, tgo
kimberly
Intermediate Member
Username: kimberly

Post Number: 194
Registered: 1-2007
Posted on Friday, January 25, 2008 - 12:37 pm:   Edit Post

Hi Guys. :-)

The *one tune* that inspired me to start playing again after my 17 year hiatus, is Victor Wooten's 'Amazing Grace'. His double thumbing and tapping is cool, but just not 'me' per say, but his harmonics and chordals is what really 'did it for me'. The man sure does know how to say/express something/himself. :-)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pEyEu-hS0fA

Best Regards,

Kimberly :-)
olieoliver
Senior Member
Username: olieoliver

Post Number: 1714
Registered: 2-2006
Posted on Friday, January 25, 2008 - 12:47 pm:   Edit Post

Agreed Kimberly, that's a great Solo. Victor is coming to Dallas I beleive Feb 7. I'm hoping to make the show.
glocke
Advanced Member
Username: glocke

Post Number: 304
Registered: 9-2002
Posted on Friday, January 25, 2008 - 12:51 pm:   Edit Post

"The Other One"
alembic_doctor
Advanced Member
Username: alembic_doctor

Post Number: 383
Registered: 8-2002
Posted on Friday, January 25, 2008 - 12:51 pm:   Edit Post

Bill, Would that be renamed "Little Bottom" or "Tiny Bottom".

"Mandolin players spend half their time tuning. And the other half playing out of tune." (unknown author. But it's funny.)
jbybj
Intermediate Member
Username: jbybj

Post Number: 134
Registered: 6-2006
Posted on Friday, January 25, 2008 - 12:59 pm:   Edit Post

A couple of weeks ago, "What is Hip" by Tower of Power came up on my iPod in shuffle mode. Blew me away, still totally relevant. I like that bass line.

There has always been something about the bass line in "Stranglehold" that makes my lower gums itch.

Gang of Four's "Anthrax". oooooooooooohhhhhh.
alembic_doctor
Advanced Member
Username: alembic_doctor

Post Number: 384
Registered: 8-2002
Posted on Friday, January 25, 2008 - 1:07 pm:   Edit Post

I've always thought that "What is Hip" is the gold standard of a great bass player.
hieronymous
Advanced Member
Username: hieronymous

Post Number: 244
Registered: 1-2005
Posted on Friday, January 25, 2008 - 1:17 pm:   Edit Post

"Apostrophe" - Jack Bruce/Frank Zappa!
eligilam
Member
Username: eligilam

Post Number: 89
Registered: 2-2006
Posted on Friday, January 25, 2008 - 2:03 pm:   Edit Post

"Anesthesia: Pulling Teeth" by Cliff Burton of old Metallica. Rickenbacker + Crybaby Wah + Big Muff = pure, unbridled joy. And all in one take on the first take.
hb3
Advanced Member
Username: hb3

Post Number: 301
Registered: 2-2005
Posted on Friday, January 25, 2008 - 4:26 pm:   Edit Post

"Apostrophe" -- ooh! Good to see someone else knows it.
alembic_doctor
Advanced Member
Username: alembic_doctor

Post Number: 385
Registered: 8-2002
Posted on Friday, January 25, 2008 - 4:36 pm:   Edit Post

The crux of the biscuit is the apostrophe
tbrannon
Senior Member
Username: tbrannon

Post Number: 633
Registered: 11-2004
Posted on Saturday, January 26, 2008 - 8:13 am:   Edit Post

I like pretty much all of the ones previously posted- another one that always puts a smile on my face is Chuckii Booker- Soultriilogy
richbass939
Senior Member
Username: richbass939

Post Number: 914
Registered: 11-2004
Posted on Sunday, January 27, 2008 - 12:34 pm:   Edit Post

I always liked "The Real Me" - JAE/Who for a real stand-out bass line.
Rich
crobbins
Intermediate Member
Username: crobbins

Post Number: 101
Registered: 6-2004
Posted on Sunday, January 27, 2008 - 12:40 pm:   Edit Post

Dreams, ABB..........8)
white_cloud
Advanced Member
Username: white_cloud

Post Number: 232
Registered: 11-2007
Posted on Sunday, January 27, 2008 - 2:53 pm:   Edit Post

I was just listening to Black sabbath for the first time in ages - How about "N.I.B"

Geezer Butler messing with a wah wah back in the day....cool!
kimberly
Intermediate Member
Username: kimberly

Post Number: 197
Registered: 1-2007
Posted on Sunday, January 27, 2008 - 3:20 pm:   Edit Post

Hi John, :-)

A bit off topic but talk about bringing back the memories. :-)

I played Black Sabbath 'Paranoid' 'Iron Man' and 'NIB' in my first band and yep, I used a crybaby on the intro. :-)

With hindsight I just now realized solo bass really does go back to 'my beginnings' and 'roots', so I guess 'deep down inside' the 'seed' was there the whole time. "Better late than never", "late bloomer", yada yada... ;)

Best Regards,

Kimberly :-)
to_81_0190
Member
Username: to_81_0190

Post Number: 77
Registered: 5-2006
Posted on Sunday, January 27, 2008 - 4:41 pm:   Edit Post

"Evil" - Tim Bogart(Cactus)
"Haitian Fight Song" - Charles Mingus
"Bass Flava Comin at Ya" - Jamaaladeen Tacuma
"Iron Dog" - Jonas Hellborg

"Apostrophe" and "The Real Me" are always in my mind too.

Toshiaki

(Message edited by to 81 0190 on January 27, 2008)
flaxattack
Senior Member
Username: flaxattack

Post Number: 1889
Registered: 4-2004
Posted on Monday, January 28, 2008 - 4:40 pm:   Edit Post

the 1812 overture
57basstra
Senior Member
Username: 57basstra

Post Number: 714
Registered: 4-2005
Posted on Monday, January 28, 2008 - 4:46 pm:   Edit Post

"I'll Take You There." - The Staple Singers
lbpesq
Senior Member
Username: lbpesq

Post Number: 2914
Registered: 7-2004
Posted on Monday, January 28, 2008 - 5:06 pm:   Edit Post

"Mr. Bassman", the one-hit wonder hit by Johnny Cymbal in the 60's!

Bill, tgo
byoung
Senior Member
Username: byoung

Post Number: 932
Registered: 12-2004
Posted on Monday, January 28, 2008 - 5:34 pm:   Edit Post

Seinfeld?
hieronymous
Advanced Member
Username: hieronymous

Post Number: 245
Registered: 1-2005
Posted on Monday, January 28, 2008 - 5:47 pm:   Edit Post

Sanford & Son!
alembic_doctor
Advanced Member
Username: alembic_doctor

Post Number: 386
Registered: 8-2002
Posted on Monday, January 28, 2008 - 6:00 pm:   Edit Post

Seinfeld can not and should not be considered. It was written on and performed on the arch enemy of all stringed intruments. The Keyboard.

Sanford and Son, is a different story all together.

And what about Barny Miller.
hieronymous
Advanced Member
Username: hieronymous

Post Number: 246
Registered: 1-2005
Posted on Monday, January 28, 2008 - 6:12 pm:   Edit Post

How about Nightcourt!
hankster
Intermediate Member
Username: hankster

Post Number: 158
Registered: 6-2004
Posted on Tuesday, January 29, 2008 - 4:48 am:   Edit Post

I go with Barney Miller.

Rick
keavin
Senior Member
Username: keavin

Post Number: 1344
Registered: 12-2002
Posted on Tuesday, January 29, 2008 - 5:40 am:   Edit Post

"The Jam" (graham central station)http://youtube.com/watch?v=67CjzOsAGpI\the thumpinst bassline of all time!

(Message edited by keavin on January 29, 2008)
keith_h
Senior Member
Username: keith_h

Post Number: 958
Registered: 2-2005
Posted on Tuesday, January 29, 2008 - 5:49 am:   Edit Post

"Hit Me" by Ian Dury and the Blockheads.
jacko
Senior Member
Username: jacko

Post Number: 1599
Registered: 10-2002
Posted on Tuesday, January 29, 2008 - 6:32 am:   Edit Post

I'd say an Anthem has to be recognisable to the majority of listeners and ther are entries further up I've never even heard of!

My suggestion would be the second half of Fleetwood Mac's 'The Chain'. In the UK it's spent virtually it's entire life being played as the theme tune to the BBC's formula one coverage.

I'm also surprised no-one's suggested 'Money' - pink floyd yet!.

Graeme
keavin
Senior Member
Username: keavin

Post Number: 1346
Registered: 12-2002
Posted on Tuesday, January 29, 2008 - 6:37 am:   Edit Post

did you say money? http://youtube.com/watch?v=ny_j-bAhq68
jacko
Senior Member
Username: jacko

Post Number: 1602
Registered: 10-2002
Posted on Tuesday, January 29, 2008 - 6:39 am:   Edit Post

I'll watch that tonight Keavin - I can't access youtube from work ;-(

Graeme
olieoliver
Senior Member
Username: olieoliver

Post Number: 1718
Registered: 2-2006
Posted on Tuesday, January 29, 2008 - 6:53 am:   Edit Post

Dod somebody say "Bass Anthem"? http://youtube.com/watch?v=yQtECIfX9yY
or
http://youtube.com/watch?v=HNmU_m2pE8I

:-)
Olie

Keavin, "Love of Money" is a cool bass line
funkyjazzjunky
Junior
Username: funkyjazzjunky

Post Number: 48
Registered: 5-2007
Posted on Tuesday, January 29, 2008 - 6:55 am:   Edit Post

"The Jam" Graham Central Station
"Thank You Fa Let'n Me Be Myself" Sly & the Family Stone
"Stretchin Out" Bootsy's Rubber Band
811952
Senior Member
Username: 811952

Post Number: 1321
Registered: 10-2003
Posted on Tuesday, January 29, 2008 - 6:56 am:   Edit Post

Come Together
keavin
Senior Member
Username: keavin

Post Number: 1347
Registered: 12-2002
Posted on Tuesday, January 29, 2008 - 7:05 am:   Edit Post

Stretchin out wit bootsy!http://www.gbguitars.co.uk/
funkyjazzjunky
Junior
Username: funkyjazzjunky

Post Number: 49
Registered: 5-2007
Posted on Tuesday, January 29, 2008 - 7:36 am:   Edit Post

Many great songs may not be highly recognizable. I grew up listing to highly talented Funk & Jazz musicians expand the boundaries of the bassist as a band member, and redefine the role of the bass as an instrument. Many who listen to Rock & Roll / Pop music are clueless as to a great legacy of electric bass work. Here is a small sample
For funk, listen to the bass lines of Slave “Slide”, Cameo “Keep It Hot, Pleasure “Glide”, Lakeside “All The Way Live”***, Isley Brothers “Climbing Up The Ladder”***, Parliament “Tear The Roof Off the Sucker”, et al
For Jazz, listen to Lonnie Liston Smith “Expand Your Mind”, Grover Washington Jr, “A Secret Place”***, Bob James “Sidewinder”, et al
*** These tunes were recorded using Alembic basses.
But back to the original question; I have never seen a bass player listen to “The Jam” and be able to sit still. It will cause the coolest among us to play ‘air-bass’ Larry Graham (Graham Central Station) also was the first to pop the bass. He inspired Stanley Clark and many others.
keavin
Senior Member
Username: keavin

Post Number: 1348
Registered: 12-2002
Posted on Tuesday, January 29, 2008 - 7:40 am:   Edit Post

"Slide".....http://youtube.com/watch?v=y1tKTjRgJuE&feature=related
keavin
Senior Member
Username: keavin

Post Number: 1349
Registered: 12-2002
Posted on Tuesday, January 29, 2008 - 7:44 am:   Edit Post

"The Jam" http://youtube.com/watch?v=67CjzOsAGpI
keavin
Senior Member
Username: keavin

Post Number: 1350
Registered: 12-2002
Posted on Tuesday, January 29, 2008 - 8:17 am:   Edit Post

Armand & Stanley http://youtube.com/watch?v=IbzUM6y6jNY
georgie_boy
Advanced Member
Username: georgie_boy

Post Number: 320
Registered: 8-2005
Posted on Tuesday, January 29, 2008 - 11:41 am:   Edit Post

Olie!
Just watched Jeff Berlin-------------------GEEZ!!!!!!!!!!!
olieoliver
Senior Member
Username: olieoliver

Post Number: 1719
Registered: 2-2006
Posted on Tuesday, January 29, 2008 - 11:51 am:   Edit Post

I met Jeff years ago at a Bass Clinic he was having at a local music store. He has some "different" ideas when it comes to music but he is a great player.
hifiguy
Intermediate Member
Username: hifiguy

Post Number: 129
Registered: 10-2006
Posted on Tuesday, January 29, 2008 - 12:41 pm:   Edit Post

Another vote each for Ian Dury's "Hit Me With Your Rhythm Stick" and JAE's overpowering part on "The Real Me."

"Hit Me" is simply the bubbliest, funkiest part ever, even beating out "What is Hip" and I can finally play it consistently after nearly thirty years of trying. Guess regular band practice for a year and a half helps. :-) As for "The Real Me" it's my favorite Who song because of the incredible way the Ox grabs on and batters the rest of the song into submission to the bass line.
white_cloud
Advanced Member
Username: white_cloud

Post Number: 233
Registered: 11-2007
Posted on Wednesday, January 30, 2008 - 1:59 am:   Edit Post

Norman Watt-Roy used two Alembic series basses not only on the Ian dury recordings mentioned but extensively live as well! Very cool guy. He bought them both from a broke Brazilian bassist for a ridiculously small sum of money!

Is this common knowledge here at the club?

John.
jacko
Senior Member
Username: jacko

Post Number: 1603
Registered: 10-2002
Posted on Wednesday, January 30, 2008 - 2:05 am:   Edit Post

I knew he played at least one Alembic as he holds it in an old string endorsment ad but I've never been able to find much out on the internet about it. about the only thing I found was this quote ..
" had an Alembic for a while, lovely instrument but so delicate. And 'active' and 'passive', I couldn't deal with all that, I didn't see the point of it you know?" from an interview posted here.

Graeme
white_cloud
Advanced Member
Username: white_cloud

Post Number: 234
Registered: 11-2007
Posted on Wednesday, January 30, 2008 - 2:32 am:   Edit Post

Yeah, strange quote!

I had an interview in a guitarist magazine with him around 25 years ago and he stated his love of his two Alembics!!

He went on to describe how he had managed to secure them extremely cheap when in Brazil from a dude that was desperate for cash!

He certainly didnt have anything other than praise for his Alembics at that time!! I guess people change:-(

John.
terryc
Senior Member
Username: terryc

Post Number: 432
Registered: 11-2004
Posted on Wednesday, January 30, 2008 - 3:41 am:   Edit Post

Saw Norman at Darlington Art College last year with Wilko Johnson, small audience, got right up close, did a really nice funky solo...was lost on some of the crowd as they were all 'bluesers'
Very energetic player and right in the pocket
funkyjazzjunky
Member
Username: funkyjazzjunky

Post Number: 52
Registered: 5-2007
Posted on Wednesday, January 30, 2008 - 12:40 pm:   Edit Post

I almost forgot "Jungle Boogie" Kool and the Gang
inthelows
Senior Member
Username: inthelows

Post Number: 409
Registered: 11-2006
Posted on Wednesday, January 30, 2008 - 6:05 pm:   Edit Post

How about Dave Edmunds "slippin away"?
Cool use of six string bass-baritone guitar I think they called it back then. May not compare with the heavy guns and thunder out there now, but I thought it was a great effect for the time it came out. NLP
81distillate
Junior
Username: 81distillate

Post Number: 14
Registered: 1-2008
Posted on Wednesday, January 30, 2008 - 8:06 pm:   Edit Post

Forgive me if somone posted this and I didnt see it but I cant believe that no one has mentioned two of my favorite bass anthems, Stanley Clarke's "School Days" and Jaco Pastorius' "Teen Town". Great moments in bass history right there!
81distillate
Junior
Username: 81distillate

Post Number: 15
Registered: 1-2008
Posted on Wednesday, January 30, 2008 - 8:08 pm:   Edit Post

Duh, both were mentioned by the original poster, there you have it.
adriaan
Senior Member
Username: adriaan

Post Number: 1775
Registered: 6-2002
Posted on Thursday, January 31, 2008 - 2:39 am:   Edit Post

Minimalism rules! Here's two UK contestants:

Nick Lowe, "I love the sound of breaking glass" - don't know if it's Nick himself on bass (the Dave Edmunds track might well be him on bass too). Syncopation all over the place, sticking to the root most of time, then a playful break at the end of the chorus - and a very catchy tune to boot.

Medium Medium (Alan Turton on bass), "Hungry So Angry" - one three-note slap pattern played in two octaves. How much do you really need ...
hifiguy
Intermediate Member
Username: hifiguy

Post Number: 132
Registered: 10-2006
Posted on Thursday, January 31, 2008 - 10:45 am:   Edit Post

On the Watt-Roy link posted by Graeme, it states that Norman played bass on all of Lowe's "Jesus of Cool" album, from which "Glass" comes. What was really surprising is that he played bass on a substantial chunk of the Clash's "Sandinista."
adriaan
Senior Member
Username: adriaan

Post Number: 1777
Registered: 6-2002
Posted on Friday, February 01, 2008 - 5:04 am:   Edit Post

Good to know that was Norman on "Glass"!
byoung
Senior Member
Username: byoung

Post Number: 934
Registered: 12-2004
Posted on Friday, February 01, 2008 - 5:30 pm:   Edit Post

I have another two:

Forget me nots

Soul man

They both have a real bass hook.
crobbins
Intermediate Member
Username: crobbins

Post Number: 104
Registered: 6-2004
Posted on Sunday, February 03, 2008 - 5:00 pm:   Edit Post

Stanley Clarke; Lopsy Lu
hb3
Advanced Member
Username: hb3

Post Number: 305
Registered: 2-2005
Posted on Sunday, February 03, 2008 - 8:09 pm:   Edit Post

"The Real Me" was a seminal listening experience, as hearing that at a young age was both totally amazing and mystifying -- no idea what he was doing, but the sheer power coming through was just incredible. However, could you really call it a "bass line"? More like searing blues-scale riffage, kind of following its own logic through the course of the entire song.

(Message edited by hb3 on February 03, 2008)
bigbadbill
Senior Member
Username: bigbadbill

Post Number: 420
Registered: 10-2003
Posted on Monday, February 04, 2008 - 5:40 am:   Edit Post

I'm always a bit baffled by Teen Town. Yes, it was a great technical feat at the time,but as far as a great piece of music or a great bassline.....for me "Come On Come Over", "Okonkole Y Trompa", and several others are much better basslines, but I guess that's just my preference. Obviously I recognise its impact though.

I love the Real Me, which is exactly how I like to play bass (!) but I kind of agree with the "is it a bassline?" comment. I love loads of John's lines though; Won't Get Fooled Again might be a better example. Great examples for me would be almost anything by Chic/Sister Sledge (i.e. Bernard), Tears of a Clown, certainly Hit Me ( a personal favourite, Lopsy Lu is another), the Chinese Way, School Days, almost anything by Jah Wobble, pretty much anything by Family Man or Stuart Zender, and absolutely anything by Chris Squire. Oh and the Bassline to Fascinatin'Rhythm by Bassomatic...although it's probably a keyboard. Peaches by the Stranglers...er, I think Im getting away from the original thread....oh, Penny Lane & Come Together!
bigbadbill
Senior Member
Username: bigbadbill

Post Number: 421
Registered: 10-2003
Posted on Monday, February 04, 2008 - 5:43 am:   Edit Post

....Groove is in the Heart.....somebody stop me quick....
georgie_boy
Advanced Member
Username: georgie_boy

Post Number: 363
Registered: 8-2005
Posted on Monday, February 04, 2008 - 7:08 am:   Edit Post

"The Clearout by Jack Bruce
It was the reason I bought EB3s
I still just LOVE that power on the top end
Great fretless sound from Pino Palladino on---"wherever I lay my hat" by Paul Young

Sorry ---I've not been too well lately
G
georgie_boy
Advanced Member
Username: georgie_boy

Post Number: 364
Registered: 8-2005
Posted on Monday, February 04, 2008 - 7:17 am:   Edit Post

As for Norman Watt-Roy
I believe that he sold his 2 Series 1 basses some 9 years ago to the Bass Centre in London.
From all accounts (not me saying this!!)
Mine is/is identical to his
The bass centre were reluctant to tell me the previous owner, but quite a few people have said---"That's Norman's old bass!
Wishful thinking maybe
georgie_boy
Advanced Member
Username: georgie_boy

Post Number: 365
Registered: 8-2005
Posted on Monday, February 04, 2008 - 7:20 am:   Edit Post

Another Anthem


J.E.-------"the real me" from Quadrafenia
davehouck
Moderator
Username: davehouck

Post Number: 6137
Registered: 5-2002
Posted on Monday, February 04, 2008 - 9:13 am:   Edit Post

Having read this thread to this point, it occurs to me that I have no idea what the word "anthem" means in this context.

A quick Google and Wiki suggests two primary meanings of the word.

An anthem is a piece of music sung by a choir as part of a religious service. My brief search suggests that this usage appears to be within certain Christian traditions and refers to the place in the service in which the music appears. Thus the same song as sung by the congregation (all those attending the service) would not be an anthem (in this definitional context) but a hymn.

The second definition is that an anthem is a symbolic song of devotion or loyalty such as a country's national anthem.

The adjective "anthemic" is a song that has qualities suitable for an anthem.

Here is the national anthem of Russia. This is an amazingly beautiful piece of music (turn your stereo up to very loud). I have no idea what the words are, but the music itself is emotionally inspiring and uplifting. Truly "anthemic".

So, what does all this mean here? Well I wasn't yet sure, so I ran a search for "anthemic rock songs". The first hit I got was for this list of the "100 Greatest Rock Anthems".

Looking at the list, you can see how some of these selections might be "anthemic", or you can see various interpretations of the word "anthemic". For instance, number five on this list is Queen's "We Are The Champions", and I can certainly see how that song can be seen by some as anthemic (although personally, it's not an anthem for me); it seems to have anthemic qualities.

I have no idea what usefulness this post has in this thread, and I need to get another cup of coffee, and the clouds outside the window are really amazing this morning; so, without having yet made a point, I'll end this post here.
byoung
Senior Member
Username: byoung

Post Number: 944
Registered: 12-2004
Posted on Monday, February 04, 2008 - 9:42 am:   Edit Post

Dave,

One thing I can say for sure:

A proper bass anthem isn't anemic.

Bradley
hieronymous
Advanced Member
Username: hieronymous

Post Number: 251
Registered: 1-2005
Posted on Monday, February 04, 2008 - 12:02 pm:   Edit Post

I like what John says in his original post: "the kind of song known for its powerful bass performance - something regarded by bassists as essential listening!" So it doesn't have to necessarily be a good "bass line" like one might expect in a classic R&B song - more of a classic performance that was inspirational or groundbreaking or whatever.

I'd like to nominate the live version of "Teen Town" from 8:30 - it has the song as it exists in the studio version, and then Jaco starts playing one of his Rocco Prestia-style bass lines, later adding distortion, all underneath a great Wayne Shorter solo, leading up to an incredible climax. And speaking of Rocco Prestia, +1 on "What is Hip"!
white_cloud
Advanced Member
Username: white_cloud

Post Number: 266
Registered: 11-2007
Posted on Monday, February 04, 2008 - 2:17 pm:   Edit Post

Great feedback guys!

Dave , you have an amazing capacity for expansive thoughts - truly a gift!

Harry, I would have to say, for me, that jaco was an absolute monster live. He had a raw energy rarely seen in any musician let alone bassist!

I guess thats what made him have the unpredictable "edge" that ultimately imploded.

Its also what gave him the ability to compose and rip through "teen town" with a fluidity that many cannot match - man, I've been playing it for 20 years and still cant totally nail its timing with perfect fluidity!

A true "bass anthem!"

John.
inthelows
Senior Member
Username: inthelows

Post Number: 412
Registered: 11-2006
Posted on Monday, February 04, 2008 - 5:04 pm:   Edit Post

I guess my interp of this thread is simple. What bass driven song or ear-catching riff that would attract people to copy, attempt to play, or simply sit and go wow, where did that come from. It could be melodic, powerful, technically impossible for mere humans or just a new twist or sound, what-ever the case, it pulls you in for another look. Dave that list was like a flash back. So many memorable bass riffs. I still remember the first time doing the interlude bass riff to "all right now". Damn...that was a while back..whoa!!NLP
dadabass2001
Senior Member
Username: dadabass2001

Post Number: 835
Registered: 6-2002
Posted on Tuesday, February 05, 2008 - 6:05 am:   Edit Post

Jack Casady's lines on Somebody To Love and Crown Of Creation

Mike
jacko
Senior Member
Username: jacko

Post Number: 1614
Registered: 10-2002
Posted on Tuesday, February 05, 2008 - 6:14 am:   Edit Post

I'm going to stick my neck out here and say that although i love the grateful dead and quite like the airplane's music, I don't find either casady or Lesh's basslines particularly memorable and certainly not anthemic.

Graeme
spose
Intermediate Member
Username: spose

Post Number: 183
Registered: 5-2002
Posted on Tuesday, February 05, 2008 - 6:30 am:   Edit Post

I dunno...Morning Dew and The Other One are sort of anthemic ( is that a word?) taking note of the early 70's versions when Lesh was on fire with those tunes


I always liked Low Rider by WAR
jacko
Senior Member
Username: jacko

Post Number: 1615
Registered: 10-2002
Posted on Tuesday, February 05, 2008 - 6:33 am:   Edit Post

kind of repeating Dave but...

anthem

• noun 1 an uplifting song associated with a group or cause, especially a patriotic one adopted by a country as an expression of national identity. 2 a musical setting of a religious text to be sung by a choir during a church service.

— DERIVATIVES anthemic adjective.

— ORIGIN Old English, from Latin antiphona ‘antiphon’.

graeme
spose
Intermediate Member
Username: spose

Post Number: 184
Registered: 5-2002
Posted on Tuesday, February 05, 2008 - 6:38 am:   Edit Post

yeah man!

"a musical setting of a religious text to be sung by a choir during a church service."

maybe replace the word religious with spiritual and I've
been to many dead shows that felt just like that!
adriaan
Senior Member
Username: adriaan

Post Number: 1782
Registered: 6-2002
Posted on Tuesday, February 05, 2008 - 6:38 am:   Edit Post

So what. (As a bass anthem, that is.)
jacko
Senior Member
Username: jacko

Post Number: 1616
Registered: 10-2002
Posted on Tuesday, February 05, 2008 - 6:50 am:   Edit Post

Good Choice Adriaan. My all time favourite performer (Miles that is).

Graeme
adriaan
Senior Member
Username: adriaan

Post Number: 1783
Registered: 6-2002
Posted on Tuesday, February 05, 2008 - 6:56 am:   Edit Post

Not Paul Chambers?
jacko
Senior Member
Username: jacko

Post Number: 1617
Registered: 10-2002
Posted on Tuesday, February 05, 2008 - 7:00 am:   Edit Post

Nope. I love Miles' entire catalogue regardless of his bass player. I will freely admit though that he has employed some of the best;-)
Ron Carter would figure very highly in my list of most listened to Miles albums.

Graeme
georgie_boy
Advanced Member
Username: georgie_boy

Post Number: 374
Registered: 8-2005
Posted on Tuesday, February 05, 2008 - 11:15 am:   Edit Post

Can anyone show me any pics of N W R's 2 Alembics
I'm nearly convinced that one of them is sitting on my sofa NOW.
No kidding

G
hifiguy
Intermediate Member
Username: hifiguy

Post Number: 133
Registered: 10-2006
Posted on Tuesday, February 05, 2008 - 4:06 pm:   Edit Post

Graeme, you need to go back and listen to "Somebody to Love" again. I didn't mention in in my original post in this thread, but it is a true bass anthem. Jack's muscular, roiling, moto perpetuo bass line and those thundering double stops in the choruses definitely make the song a bass anthem. Too bad it was mixed so low compared to Grace's voice.
lembic76450
Intermediate Member
Username: lembic76450

Post Number: 116
Registered: 5-2002
Posted on Tuesday, February 05, 2008 - 4:12 pm:   Edit Post

Water Song anyone?
dadabass2001
Senior Member
Username: dadabass2001

Post Number: 836
Registered: 6-2002
Posted on Tuesday, February 05, 2008 - 5:20 pm:   Edit Post

by Hot Tuna, a very cool choice!

Somebody to Love sounded best to me as a musical newby in the late 60s in a diner in Dubuqe with a surprisingly powerful Seeburg jukebox system.
I also have had major goosebumps over the years from Heart Of The Sunrise by Yes

Mike
inthelows
Senior Member
Username: inthelows

Post Number: 413
Registered: 11-2006
Posted on Tuesday, February 05, 2008 - 5:38 pm:   Edit Post

The Pretender's is it "Middle of the road-ohio"? You know, the one with the kitty meow and driving bass line.
Hey georgie boy, I,ve been surfin' like crazy, only photos I see are of the custom's and 60's jazz bass. Too bad, it's gonna take a sherlock holmes to find nwr's alembic trails. NLP
jacko
Senior Member
Username: jacko

Post Number: 1618
Registered: 10-2002
Posted on Wednesday, February 06, 2008 - 1:06 am:   Edit Post

If I can still find the mag in my loft I'll try to scan the strings ad he appears in. It's pretty small though.

Graeme
trekster
Intermediate Member
Username: trekster

Post Number: 152
Registered: 7-2004
Posted on Wednesday, February 06, 2008 - 5:13 am:   Edit Post

ok, I'll contribute two:

Boogie Oogie Oogie -- A Taste of Honey
Silly Love Songs -- Wings

Flame on! ;)
adriaan
Senior Member
Username: adriaan

Post Number: 1789
Registered: 6-2002
Posted on Thursday, February 07, 2008 - 4:44 am:   Edit Post

The "ohohohohoh" bit reminded me of Back on the Chain Gang but that has no "middle of the road". But then again they also did Middle of the Road
keavin
Senior Member
Username: keavin

Post Number: 1374
Registered: 12-2002
Posted on Thursday, February 07, 2008 - 4:55 am:   Edit Post

One of the best alembic bass solos of all time!http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GZLLv4s4WvI&feature=related

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