WHATS YOUR FAVOURITE BASS LINE???

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I asked it in the title! So, what'll it be?

― coco rammstein, Sunday, 18 April 2004 20:34 (twenty-two years ago)

tronikhouse - uptempo

― don (don), Sunday, 18 April 2004 20:38 (twenty-two years ago)

I like the walking bass parts in Dutch beat music, like the guy from the Outsiders. Maybe it comes from the Pretty Things.

― Tim Ellison, Sunday, 18 April 2004 20:39 (twenty-two years ago)

"Way Young Lovers Do" by V Morrison
"Body Speaking" by Luomo
"Halftime" by Nas
"Haitian Fight Song" by Mingus

really there are tons more (esp. jazz songs) but I figured I'd be broad, genre-wise.

― djdee2005, Sunday, 18 April 2004 20:40 (twenty-two years ago)

this has been asked quite a few times before, but as of right now it's scritti's "skank bloc bologna."

― stockholm cindy (Jody Beth Rosen), Sunday, 18 April 2004 20:41 (twenty-two years ago)

I think that the bass line in Lovecats by The Cure is so funky! Anyone heard it?

― coco rammstein, Sunday, 18 April 2004 20:41 (twenty-two years ago)

da-da-DUM-DUM-DUM da-DUMDUMDUMDUMDUMDUMDUM

― noodle vague (noodle vague), Sunday, 18 April 2004 20:44 (twenty-two years ago)

Jungle to thread!

My favourite bassline is on "Trust Me" by Roni Size / Reprazent.

― Kornél Kovács (Kornél Kovács), Sunday, 18 April 2004 20:46 (twenty-two years ago)

The Rover (Led Zeppelin)
Not because it is particularly fancy, but as is true off all good bass playing, it is perfectly appropriate.

― Orbit (Orbit), Sunday, 18 April 2004 20:47 (twenty-two years ago)

Sting - anything he plays

― bahtology, Sunday, 18 April 2004 20:51 (twenty-two years ago)

today?

lemon d - city lights

― gareth (gareth), Sunday, 18 April 2004 20:51 (twenty-two years ago)

charles wright - "express yourself"!

― Sean M (Sean M), Sunday, 18 April 2004 20:55 (twenty-two years ago)

And i love the bass line in Pixies' Debaser.

― coco rammstein, Sunday, 18 April 2004 20:59 (twenty-two years ago)

och probably my indie aesthetics come into play and I'd say:

"I know it's over" by The Smiths...

― Robbie Lumsden (Wallace Stevens HQ), Sunday, 18 April 2004 21:02 (twenty-two years ago)

'Act Like You Know'

― 57 7th (calstars), Sunday, 18 April 2004 21:04 (twenty-two years ago)

I just listened to the Beatles - "If I needed someone" and realized that I really like the bassline. Also "rain"/paperback writer. I like when paul goes into the higher register.

Theres just too many funky/dance ones so they're all canceling each other out and I can't think of any.

Top 100 Basslines

― Elliot (Elliot), Sunday, 18 April 2004 21:06 (twenty-two years ago)

Michael Jackson - "Billie Jean". It's a safe bet, but whatthehell - it IS a bassline that cantgetouttayourhead

― Kaiser of Köln, Sunday, 18 April 2004 21:49 (twenty-two years ago)

Any bass line played by Richard of Sightings. His shit rules.

― Justin Farrar (Justin Farrar), Sunday, 18 April 2004 22:10 (twenty-two years ago)

Back 2 Basics - Horns For '94

― Tim Finney (Tim Finney), Sunday, 18 April 2004 22:14 (twenty-two years ago)

young marble giants "wurlitzer jukebox"

― the surface noise (electricsound), Sunday, 18 April 2004 23:13 (twenty-two years ago)

yeah I like that one. kinda herky jerky.

― Elliot (Elliot), Sunday, 18 April 2004 23:40 (twenty-two years ago)

"Peaces" by the Stranglers

― Alex in NYC (vassifer), Sunday, 18 April 2004 23:41 (twenty-two years ago)

"PeacHes", that is.

― Alex in NYC (vassifer), Sunday, 18 April 2004 23:42 (twenty-two years ago)

i always like JJs bass playing, so dirty.... when i was playing bass he was the inspiration for my insistence on roundwound strings....

― Orbit (Orbit), Sunday, 18 April 2004 23:43 (twenty-two years ago)

My spine.

― Ned Raggett (Ned), Sunday, 18 April 2004 23:44 (twenty-two years ago)

. . . is the bassline?

Panacea "VIP Torture"

― Alex in SF (Alex in SF), Sunday, 18 April 2004 23:45 (twenty-two years ago)

nice shriekback allusion, neddy!

― Alex in NYC (vassifer), Sunday, 18 April 2004 23:51 (twenty-two years ago)

colin moulding makes me very happy

― cutty (mcutt), Sunday, 18 April 2004 23:54 (twenty-two years ago)

The Beatles - "Dear Prudence"
Faith Evans - "Burnin' Up"
Plug - "dbc"

― Al (sitcom), Monday, 19 April 2004 00:28 (twenty-two years ago)

al OTM with plug

― cutty (mcutt), Monday, 19 April 2004 00:59 (twenty-two years ago)

prince - "when doves cry"

― strongo hulkington (dubplatestyle), Monday, 19 April 2004 01:02 (twenty-two years ago)

oh strongo you kidder you

― Al (sitcom), Monday, 19 April 2004 01:06 (twenty-two years ago)

it's my fatal weakness

― strongo hulkington (dubplatestyle), Monday, 19 April 2004 01:06 (twenty-two years ago)

that and reverse gamma radiation

― strongo hulkington (dubplatestyle), Monday, 19 April 2004 01:07 (twenty-two years ago)

'I Feel Love' by Moroder wins this easily.

― Rock Bastard, Monday, 19 April 2004 01:41 (twenty-two years ago)

Alot of Kim Deal's bass lines in the Pixies' songs are very catchy and memorable. "Mongoloid" by Devo is probably my favorite though.

― latebloomer (latebloomer), Monday, 19 April 2004 01:46 (twenty-two years ago)

STRONGO HULKINGTON BASS TOP 10:

busta rhymes - "as i come back"
adonis - "no way back"
wayne smith - "under mi sleng teng"
pil - "albatross"
dead dred - "dred bass"
lfo - "we are back"
miles davis - "black satin"
dj zinc - "138 trek"
daft punk - "da funk"
east connection - "we're ready (wiley remix)"

― strongo hulkington (dubplatestyle), Monday, 19 April 2004 01:59 (twenty-two years ago)

I'm kind of surprised no one has said "Psycho Killer" Talking Heads and oh, all of Unknown Pleasures by Joy Division (my pick)

― Orbit (Orbit), Monday, 19 April 2004 02:00 (twenty-two years ago)

Especially "Shadowplay" and "Disorder"!

While we're mentioning JD, "Digital" has a killer bass line as well!

― latebloomer (latebloomer), Monday, 19 April 2004 02:04 (twenty-two years ago)

I was going to say Disorder, but now I'll go with Shoot Speed, Kill Light instead.

― minolta (minolta), Monday, 19 April 2004 05:55 (twenty-two years ago)

nomeansno - 0+2=1
six finger sattelite - almost anything (esp paranormalized)
pj harvey's - shelanagig
and the cure's love cats or pictures of you

i'm also digging the distillers' bass on sing sing death house. very fun!

― no14, Monday, 19 April 2004 06:59 (twenty-two years ago)

oh, yeah, and i also love the bassline on "socialist" (or pretty much anything on Second Edition/Metal box) by PiL.

― latebloomer (latebloomer), Monday, 19 April 2004 07:06 (twenty-two years ago)

bootsy sex machine

― mullygrubber (gaz), Monday, 19 April 2004 07:20 (twenty-two years ago)

latebloomer you have damn good taste to be a 20something

― Orbit (Orbit), Monday, 19 April 2004 07:22 (twenty-two years ago)

fort augustus jnr delgado (ROBBIE SHAKESPEARE)

― mullygrubber (gaz), Monday, 19 April 2004 07:25 (twenty-two years ago)

The Fall's 'Look, Know'

― Sasha (sgh), Monday, 19 April 2004 07:31 (twenty-two years ago)

Wayne Smith "Under Mi Sleng Teng" seconded

Jah Screechie "Walk and Skank"

― blue, Monday, 19 April 2004 08:23 (twenty-two years ago)

my spine by shriekback .. deffo. and adding to the punk funk tip .. the newbie from !!! 'pardon my freedom' has a killer bassline - like the good old chakk 12" days .. to thats todays fave bassline.
thank you. m.e

― mark e (mark e), Monday, 19 April 2004 08:45 (twenty-two years ago)

the Cure 'Other Voices'

― Baaderoni (Fabfunk), Monday, 19 April 2004 09:04 (twenty-two years ago)

"Waterfall" by The Stone Roses, which is really lovely and melodic and compliments the song so well.
"Right On" by Marvin Gaye (James Jameson!) because it's just fucking irresistable.
"Higher Than The Sun Part 2 (A Dub Symphony In Two Parts)" by Primal Scream (Jah Wobble!) cos it's great and silly and silly and great.

Countless dub-inflected postrock basslines and techno lines and jazz basslines that I can't remember names of.

― Sick Nouthall (Nick Southall), Monday, 19 April 2004 09:10 (twenty-two years ago)

Taste of Cindy for beautiful simplicity, Faith and Atmosphere for crying.

― flowersdie (flowersdie), Monday, 19 April 2004 09:32 (twenty-two years ago)

Bjork - Army Of Me
Smiths - Barbarism
fIREHOSE - all of FROMOHIO
Elvis Costello - Accidents Will Happen + Party Girl
Bomb The Bass - Bug Powder Dust
Jane's Addiction - Three Days

― mzui, Monday, 19 April 2004 09:36 (twenty-two years ago)

coup - 23 skidoo

― Dave Stelfox (Dave Stelfox), Monday, 19 April 2004 09:37 (twenty-two years ago)

The Old Man's Back Again - Scott Walker

― Jonathan Z. (Joanthan Z.), Monday, 19 April 2004 09:45 (twenty-two years ago)

Invaders of the Heart - Jah Wobble
Don't Look any Further - Siedah Garrett?

― mark grout (mark grout), Monday, 19 April 2004 10:19 (twenty-two years ago)

Simon Gallup to thread: the bassline from "A Forest" changed my life forever.

Ditto The Smiths' "This Charming Man" - one of the all-time greatest pop basslines.

Oh!

And Pulp's "Babies" - bassline makes me wilt like a flower.

― CharlieNo4 (Charlie), Monday, 19 April 2004 10:45 (twenty-two years ago)

Some other faves...
"Age of Consent" by New Order
"Marian (Version)" by the Sisters of Mercy
"John Wayne was a Nazi" by MDC
"I am the Owl" by Dead Kennedys
"Darkness Before Dawn" by Killing Joke
"To Hell With Poverty" by Gang of Four
"Straighten Out" by the Stranglers
"Jump Into the Fire" by Harry Nillsson
"Furnace" by Cop Shoot Cop
"So Long Superman" by Firewater
"She" by Kiss

― Alex in NYC (vassifer), Monday, 19 April 2004 10:48 (twenty-two years ago)

It's not complex, but I dig "Town Called Malice," which is as much a sticker as, say, "Smooth Criminal."

― JC-L (JC-L), Monday, 19 April 2004 12:52 (twenty-two years ago)

Please don't compare the Jam to Michael Jackson. I

― Alex in NYC (vassifer), Monday, 19 April 2004 13:13 (twenty-two years ago)

jimi hendrix - "machine gun"

― you will be shot (you will be shot), Monday, 19 April 2004 13:17 (twenty-two years ago)

mantronix - got to have your love
the source vs candi staton - you got the love

― dog latin (dog latin), Monday, 19 April 2004 13:39 (twenty-two years ago)

Miles Davis - "Billy Preston"

― Mark (MarkR), Monday, 19 April 2004 13:43 (twenty-two years ago)

I like the bass lines on John Wesley Harding.

― Baravelli. (Jake Proudlock), Monday, 19 April 2004 14:02 (twenty-two years ago)

call me predictable, but I still love the bassline from "Rio" by Duran Duran.

Others I rate highly are "White Trash Party" by Afghan Whigs and "Elevation" by Television.

Most basslines by Bruce Thomas from the Attractions rate highly as well.

― webcrack (music=crack), Monday, 19 April 2004 14:30 (twenty-two years ago)

WE GOTTA GET OUT OF THIS PLACE IF IT'S THE LAST THING WE EVER DO

― sexyDancer, Monday, 19 April 2004 14:48 (twenty-two years ago)

black eyed peas - let's get retarded has the best bassline i've heard today

― astroblaster (astroblaster), Monday, 19 April 2004 15:05 (twenty-two years ago)

"Not Great Men" Gang of Four

― Kate Silver (Kate Silver), Monday, 19 April 2004 15:28 (twenty-two years ago)

Curtis Mayfield - "Pusherman"
Dead Prez - "Hip Hop"
Zombies - "She's Not There"

― Maciej, Monday, 19 April 2004 15:32 (twenty-two years ago)

Re my above post: Alex, I didn't mean to compare the Jam to MJ in any sense, except that the two basslines stick in my head all day after I've heard them. Yep, I'm into *Setting Sons* way more than *Thriller*.

― JC-L (JC-L), Monday, 19 April 2004 15:34 (twenty-two years ago)

The E-Z Rollers - Walk This Land bassline is cool

I'm sure someone funny will have already said when doves cry.

I can't think of many 'hooky' basslines that really grab me enough to put them in, lots of drum n bass tunes, I love the bass lines in 90 Day Men stuff and the UI albums have some fantastic basslines. Maybe Tax Man / Start that's pretty cool.

― TomB (TomB), Monday, 19 April 2004 15:36 (twenty-two years ago)

No one's said "Jam on it" by Newcleus!

― djdee2005, Monday, 19 April 2004 15:55 (twenty-two years ago)

Jah Wobble on Poptones
Mike Watt on History Lesson

Robbie Shakespeare on Stalag 17 aka Tenor Saw - Ring the Alarm aka Sister Nancy - No No No

― autovac (autovac), Monday, 19 April 2004 15:59 (twenty-two years ago)

chic - good times
the birthday party - mutiny in heaven
tom tom club - genius of love
rolling stones - 2120 Michigan Ave
mccoys - hang on sloopy
tommy james & the shondells - draggin' the line

― Fritz Wollner (Fritz), Monday, 19 April 2004 16:21 (twenty-two years ago)

the cure -- fascination street

White Lines

Any AC/DC song

mountain song -- jane's addiction

― cw28, Monday, 19 April 2004 16:22 (twenty-two years ago)

Many of my favorites have already been mentioned, but how about:
"Men Are Gettin' Scarce" -- Joe Tex

― briania, Monday, 19 April 2004 17:12 (twenty-two years ago)

the birthday party - mutiny in heaven

SO fucking brilliant.

White Lines

....which is actually lifted from "Cavern" by Liquid Liquid.

― Alex in NYC (vassifer), Monday, 19 April 2004 17:14 (twenty-two years ago)

yeah, i was just going to say anything by tracy pew but "mutiny" does stand out

― Fritz Wollner (Fritz), Monday, 19 April 2004 17:23 (twenty-two years ago)

The bass line of "Nick the Stripper" is pretty fantastic as well.h

― Alex in NYC (vassifer), Monday, 19 April 2004 17:30 (twenty-two years ago)

Doolally - Straight From The Heart (Bump & Flex Hardstep Dub)
Zed Bias - Neighbourhood
DND - Pick It Up (DND Mix)

― Tim Finney (Tim Finney), Tuesday, 20 April 2004 00:17 (twenty-two years ago)

oh man, i can't believe i forgot gang of 4.. 'damaged goods' is PERFECT

― chris andrews (fraew), Tuesday, 20 April 2004 00:55 (twenty-two years ago)

also stereolabs 'metronomic underground' which is kind of derivitive of the buzzcocks 'why can't i touch it?', which is derivitive of something else thats slipped from my mind..

― chris andrews (fraew), Tuesday, 20 April 2004 00:56 (twenty-two years ago)

RECENT
I-F "Space Invaders Are Smoking Grass"
Aaliyah "Try Again"
Chromeo "Way too Much"
Daft Punk "Da Funk"
A Tribe Called Quest "Find A Way"

PAST
Moroder/Summer "I Feel Love" (#1 in my book)
ESG "Dance"
And many, many, more
Synth's work wonders for me obviously

― max power, Tuesday, 20 April 2004 05:55 (twenty-two years ago)

i am deeply saddened that reggae has gotten virtually no mention on this thread. don't you people like bass??

― oops (Oops), Tuesday, 20 April 2004 06:30 (twenty-two years ago)

RUSH = TOM SAWYER

kthxbyeiwin

― gygax! (gygax!), Tuesday, 20 April 2004 06:33 (twenty-two years ago)

Here are some gorgeous drum'n'bass / jungle basslines:

Alex Reece - "Pulp Fiction"
Calibre - "Fire & Water"
Dillinja - "Fluid"
DJ Hype - "Jump"
DJ Zinc - "Ska" (remix)
Ram Trilogy - "Titan"
Omni Trio - "Renegade Snares" (Foul Play remix)
Origin Unknown - "Valley Of The Shadows"
Scorpio - "Li-Li"
Shimon & Andy C - "Quest"
Shy FX - "Bambaata"
Total Science - "Nosher" (Baron remix)

Oh, and the forthcoming Prototype release, "Odyssey" by Simon Bassline Smith & Drumsound has the most massive bass sound ever. Must be heard on a big sound system.

― Kornél Kovács (Kornél Kovács), Tuesday, 20 April 2004 09:20 (twenty-two years ago)

Inner City Blues - Marvin Gaye
Le Freak - Chic
Public Image - PiL
24 Hour Party People - Happy Mondays
Rusholme Ruffians - The Smiths

― Robert Moore (treble), Tuesday, 20 April 2004 09:36 (twenty-two years ago)

Good Times - Chic

― Braces Tower, Tuesday, 20 April 2004 10:22 (twenty-two years ago)

Lucretia My Reflection - Sisters of Mercy

― Onimo (GerryNemo), Tuesday, 20 April 2004 10:47 (twenty-two years ago)

Bootsy Collins - Play With Bootsy

Big Pun - The Dream Shatterer

Cooler Kids - All Around The World (Monk Mix)

Groove Is In The Heart (I actually did once have a nightmare in which I pronounced it "Groob Is In The Heart." I think a day after the nightmare I was in the shower (where I usually "have my moments") and I was like "Oh, fuck! I can't believe I said that. Oh wait, nightmare." At times like that, a man knows it's time to get a job.)

― LC, Tuesday, 20 April 2004 11:04 (twenty-two years ago)

also stereolabs 'metronomic underground' which is kind of derivitive of the buzzcocks 'why can't i touch it?', which is derivitive of something else thats slipped from my mind..

"Halleluwah" by Can, I'd say.

― Ned Raggett (Ned), Tuesday, 20 April 2004 12:09 (twenty-two years ago)

no, i think it's "Yoo Doo Right"

― cutty (mcutt), Tuesday, 20 April 2004 12:57 (twenty-two years ago)

Here's a pretty accurate list of five:

James Jamerson, "You Keep Me Hanging On" (Supremes)
Jah Wobble, "Poptones" (PiL)
Lemmy, "Ace Of Spades" (Motorhead)
Chris Squire, "Roundabout" (Yes)
Sly Stone, "Thank You For Talking To Me Africa" (That's right: Sly himself, and not Larry Graham, played most of the bass throughout There's A Riot Goin' On.

― Myonga Von Bontee (Myonga Von Bontee), Tuesday, 20 April 2004 13:28 (twenty-two years ago)

...no, on reflection, "Poptones" belongs at the top. I could listen to it for hours!

― Myonga Von Bontee (Myonga Von Bontee), Tuesday, 20 April 2004 13:33 (twenty-two years ago)

DJ Hype - "We Must Unite"
Roni Size - "Watching Windows" remix
Fierce / Nico - "Crystal"
Doc Scott - "Shadowboxing"
Alex Reece - "Pulp Fiction" was nice
True Playaz - "Peace Love & Unity" could have been the Bad Seeds

― Ian Christe (Ian Christe), Tuesday, 20 April 2004 13:49 (twenty-two years ago)

sos band - just be good to me

― mullygrubber (gaz), Tuesday, 20 April 2004 13:52 (twenty-two years ago)

I'm in a dancing mood right now so I'll say:

Evelyn "Champagne" King - I'm in love
Nu Shooz - "I can't wait"
S-Express - "Theme from S-Express"
Daft Punk - "Around the world"
Fischerspooner - "Emerge"

Oh and not my favorite Cure song, but a great bassline from Simon nonetheless, "Lovesong".

― Seb (Seb), Tuesday, 20 April 2004 13:57 (twenty-two years ago)

Stray Cat Strut

Dum Dum Dum Dum Dum Dum Dum
Ohhhhhhh Ahhhhhh Ohhhhhh Ahhhhhh

― Killermont St, Tuesday, 20 April 2004 15:16 (twenty-two years ago)

She's Lost Control: Joy Division

― lucas (lucas), Tuesday, 20 April 2004 16:34 (twenty-two years ago)

Shit, ALL Joy Division songs. "Twenty Four Hours"

― djdee2005, Tuesday, 20 April 2004 16:42 (twenty-two years ago)

Needs more FRETLESS!

Japan - 'Swing'
Gary Numan - 'We Take Mystery to Bed'
Masami Tsuchiya - 'Tao-Tao'
Ippu-Do - 'African Nights'
Magazine - 'A Song from Under the Floorboards' (not fretless, but irresistable)

― Patrick South (Patrick South), Tuesday, 20 April 2004 17:27 (twenty-two years ago)

XTC, 'One of the Millions.' The song's only really so-so, but the bass line's incredible. Can't put my finger on why, exactly.

Good to see I'm not the only Moulding fan.

― Autumn Almanac (Autumn Almanac), Tuesday, 20 April 2004 22:57 (twenty-two years ago)

As XTC tracks go, I'd sooner cite "Travels in Nihilon" or even "Mayor of Simpleton" for bass lines, especially the former (though the latter's bass work is dizzying).

― Alex in NYC (vassifer), Tuesday, 20 April 2004 23:54 (twenty-two years ago)

"Halleluwah" by Can, I'd say.

-- Ned Raggett (ne...), April 20th, 2004.

you are correct, sir. thats exactly what i was thinking of..
also can's 'halleluwah' >>>>>>>>>> happy mondays 'hallelujah'.. which is pretty good in the first palce..

― chris andrews (fraew), Wednesday, 21 April 2004 00:05 (twenty-two years ago)

Alex: It's difficult with XTC, because so many of the songs are nothing less than sublime, and the bass is always spot on; but the 'One of the Millions' bass line jumps out at me for some reason. Always has. The whole of Oranges & Lemons has very prominent bass, thanks to Fox and Thacker [Poor Skeleton, Across this Antheap, etc, etc].

I'm going to embarrass myself here, but if you can see past the omg-wtf-that-old-fart-lol stigma, McCartney's an underrated bassist, even on his new stuff.

― Autumn Almanac (Autumn Almanac), Wednesday, 21 April 2004 00:08 (twenty-two years ago)

Why be embarrassed? McCartney has tons of great bass lines. I love the bass line from 'Day Tripper'.

― webcrack (music=crack), Wednesday, 21 April 2004 00:25 (twenty-two years ago)

seven months pass...

Vivien Goldman - "Private Armies"
23 Skidoo - "The Gospel Comes to New Guinea"

― Ian Moraine (Eastern Mantra), Sunday, 28 November 2004 03:11 (twenty-one years ago)

The bass lines on "Bernadette" and "I Was Made to Love Her" fills me with warm happy feelings. I was reminded of both when someone kindly posted links to Carol Kaye's website where she demo's both.

Also:

> 'I Feel Love' by Moroder wins this easily.

As Chuck E. can attest, a NYC band called Mimi Ferocious does an *amazing* cover of this song, and their bass player nails the entire riff (which I never thought could have been replicated outside the studio).

― Joseph McCombs (Joseph McCombs), Sunday, 28 November 2004 03:19 (twenty-one years ago)

Of those not already mentioned
James Jamerson: Ain't No Mountain High Enough - Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell
Aston 'Family Man' Barrett : Them Belly Full - Bob Marley and the Wailers
Jack Bruce: Politician-Cream
Anthony Jackson:For The Love of Money-The O'Jays

― Ken L (Ken L), Sunday, 28 November 2004 03:43 (twenty-one years ago)

TEH HUMPTY DANCE

― It's hard to kill a horse with a flute (AaronHz), Sunday, 28 November 2004 03:45 (twenty-one years ago)

Anything by C. Conley, Joy Division, and Dead Kennedys

"Pssyche", "Kings & Queens", "The Wait", and "Seeing Red" by Killing Joke

― Aja (aja), Sunday, 28 November 2004 03:49 (twenty-one years ago)

Oh, yeah Mike Watt, too

― Aja (aja), Sunday, 28 November 2004 03:53 (twenty-one years ago)

Les Rallizes Denudes "Night of Assassin"

― Ian John50n (orion), Sunday, 28 November 2004 04:12 (twenty-one years ago)

TEH HUMPTY DANCE

otm

― o. nate (onate), Sunday, 28 November 2004 04:42 (twenty-one years ago)

"21:31" by Oliver Hacke
"Obstacle 1" by Interpol

― Zimmer026 (Zimmer026), Sunday, 28 November 2004 04:48 (twenty-one years ago)

UNDER PRESSURE COMING DOWN ON ME!

― Star Cauliflower (Star Cauliflower), Sunday, 28 November 2004 05:04 (twenty-one years ago)

Yeah, Under Pressure has a great bass line.

Bob Marley - Could You Be Loved (especially the intro bass line)
Bob Marley - Stir it Up

― Alicia (Leelee), Sunday, 28 November 2004 07:58 (twenty-one years ago)

"Peaches" by the Stranglers

― Alex in NYC (vassifer), Sunday, 28 November 2004 14:26 (twenty-one years ago)

Beercan by Beck.

― Just Kate (papa november), Sunday, 28 November 2004 14:51 (twenty-one years ago)

"Walk on the Wild Side"--is that Jack Bruce?

"It's Gonna Rain," Bobby Womack (Tommy Cogbill or Mike Leech)

"Rockin' Funky Watergate," Fred & the New JBs (Fred Thomas)

― eddie hurt (ddduncan), Sunday, 28 November 2004 22:25 (twenty-one years ago)

Cheryl Lynn - To Be Real

― D.J. Anderson, Sunday, 28 November 2004 22:28 (twenty-one years ago)

The Smiths - This Night has Opened My eyes
Weezer - Say it aint so

two very great understated bass lines

― chaki in charge (chaki), Sunday, 28 November 2004 22:37 (twenty-one years ago)

I thought Walk on the Wild Side was Herbie Flowers. Is that one double-stopped (upright?) bass? Colin to thread.

― Ken L (Ken L), Monday, 29 November 2004 00:42 (twenty-one years ago)

I'm going to have to go with The Humpty Dance, too.

― Jesse Fuchs (Jesse Fuchs), Monday, 29 November 2004 02:34 (twenty-one years ago)

Walk on the Wild Side was Herbie Flowers, he played it on an upright and then doubled it on an electric. He got paid twice for the same song that way, according to the remastered Transformer's liner notes.

― It's hard to kill a horse with a flute (AaronHz), Monday, 29 November 2004 03:00 (twenty-one years ago)

Before I could even consciously of my own free will choose a favourite bass line, a surprising one came to mind first: Crispy Ambulance "Any Second Now" off their most recent album The Powder Blind Dream.

Until now I wasn't even aware I had any particular appreciation for this song/bass line. Woah.

― Bimble (bimble), Monday, 29 November 2004 04:14 (twenty-one years ago)

Also whatever happened to Autumn Almanac, did he just stop posting?

I'm a card carrying Moulding fan, too.

― Bimble (bimble), Monday, 29 November 2004 04:20 (twenty-one years ago)

Yeah, "Walk on the Wild Side" is double-tracked, but Fernando Saunders plays it live by tapping and sliding on an electric upright. It would be impossible to play with double stops, as the notes slide in contrary motion.

― Colin Meeder (Mert), Monday, 29 November 2004 11:02 (twenty-one years ago)

Also whatever happened to Autumn Almanac, did he just stop posting?

Nah, I see him on ILE all the time. His screen name is "Daffyd, the only gay in the village" last I checked.

― It's hard to kill a horse with a flute (AaronHz), Monday, 29 November 2004 11:43 (twenty-one years ago)

Any bassline that just follows the chords and doesn't take attention away from the lead melody.

― Geir Hongro (GeirHong), Monday, 29 November 2004 12:49 (twenty-one years ago)

gIMMEE THE NIGHT - GEORGE BENSON

― Big Baby Bingo (Chris V), Monday, 29 November 2004 12:51 (twenty-one years ago)

Well, Geir, that rules out Paul McCartney.

― Colin Meeder (Mert), Monday, 29 November 2004 13:12 (twenty-one years ago)

Ha!

Yeah, "Walk on the Wild Side" is double-tracked, but Fernando Saunders plays it live by tapping and sliding on an electric upright.
A friend just told me that Will Lee also knows how to do this and published the method in one of the bass player magazines.

― Ken L (Ken L), Monday, 29 November 2004 17:47 (twenty-one years ago)

thanks for the info on "Walk on the Wild Side."

and thanks, Geir, for the definition of what bass-playing is. so go tell that to rockette morton or any number of jazz players, who do a little more than just "stay out of the way." and tell it to macca; he's a good bass player but i hate that fucker anyway.

― eddie hurt (ddduncan), Monday, 29 November 2004 17:58 (twenty-one years ago)

"Freak Out" & "Good Times" - Chic
"Little Green Bag" - The George Baker Selection
"Don't Disturb This Groove" & "You Are In My System" - The System
"Hold Your Head Up High" (Julian Jonah Mix) - Boris Dlugosch
"Lonesome Tonight" - New Order
"Evil" - Interpol
"Round & Round" - Hi-Tek & Jonell
"It's A Jazz Thing" - Roni Size (or whomever he sampled it from)

― Tantrum The Cat (Tantrum The Cat), Monday, 29 November 2004 18:04 (twenty-one years ago)

on behalf of the Friends of Les Foundation, i'd like to ask you to remember Les Claypool this holiday season as you spend time with your friends and family voting on your favorite bass lines. please remember his years of dedication in presenting you a plethora of whacky bass lines. some of them are probably stuck in your head. like, remember that one crazy tune from his sideproject Sausage? let's hear jah w. attempt something like that! then we might be impressed!

― FriendsOfLes (andrewmorgan), Monday, 29 November 2004 18:34 (twenty-one years ago)

Of all time, probably: Joy Division "Disorder" or Mary Jane Girls "All Night Long".

Right now, it's definitely: Rainer Trüby Trio - "Universal Love (Tiefschwarz Unreleased Dub)"

― Spencer Chow (spencermfi), Monday, 29 November 2004 18:54 (twenty-one years ago)

In the months since I originally answered this (Jah Wobble, "Poptones"), I've since come across some quote wherein Wobble himself pronounces "Poptones" as his own favourite. So I see no reason to change my answer now.

And I found Geir's answer most informative, as indeed I find everything he says to be informative. Which is certainly not the same as "informed."

― Myonga Von Bontee (Myonga Von Bontee), Monday, 29 November 2004 19:31 (twenty-one years ago)

I'm waiting for Colin to come back and tell us what Les Claypool track we should put on the list.

― Ken L (Ken L), Monday, 29 November 2004 19:37 (twenty-one years ago)

"Not Great Men"
all right, "Seven Nation Army" (letting the rockist in me take over completely)

― Morley Timmons (Donna Brown), Monday, 29 November 2004 19:48 (twenty-one years ago)

Silver Jews - "People"

― jsg, Monday, 29 November 2004 20:09 (twenty-one years ago)

today . . . .

Black Sabbath "Electric Funeral"
Rhythm & Sound "Music A Fe Rule"
Moebius and Plank "News"
Nurse With Wound "Cooloorta Moon"
Mary Jane Girls "All Night Long"
U Roy "Festival Wise"

― Drew Daniel (Drew Daniel), Monday, 29 November 2004 20:20 (twenty-one years ago)

I am by no means a Les Claypool fan. Nope. Never. Sorry. I get annoyed when people assume that if you like the occasionally Mr. Busy Bottom, you'll be a Bass Player subscribing geek that loves every moron who plays a million notes a second on something that looks like a coffee table.

Anyway, my answer to the thread question today would be Bill Laswell's playing on "Sharkey's Day", from Laurie Anderson's "Mr. Heartbreak" album.

― Colin Meeder (Mert), Tuesday, 30 November 2004 23:34 (twenty-one years ago)

"Stereo"- Pavement
"Summertime Rolls" - Jane's Addiction
"Buggin' Out" - A Tribe Called Quest
"Dred Bass" - Dead Dread
"Disorder" - Joy Division
"Hot! Hot! Hot!" - The Cure
"Soul to Squeeze" - RHCP
"Express Yourself" - Charles Wright

― J-rock (Julien Sandiford), Wednesday, 1 December 2004 00:20 (twenty-one years ago)

ok this isn't my real answer, but "Halycyon&On&On" was the first thing that popped into my head

― Lukas (lukas), Wednesday, 1 December 2004 00:22 (twenty-one years ago)

Yeah Poptones is a killer. But Careering gives it a run for its money. I couldn't choose at all between them.

― Bimble (bimble), Wednesday, 1 December 2004 00:43 (twenty-one years ago)

J-Rock, I used to noodle around with that Cure "Hot!Hot!Hot!" bassline and people always thought it was "Another One Bites The Dust."

Colin, if you're still around and it's not an imposition, what do you think of Victor Wooten?

― Ken L (Ken L), Wednesday, 1 December 2004 01:53 (twenty-one years ago)

Not much. He can play circles around everybody, but I've never heard him do it on anything worth listening to.

― Colin Meeder (Mert), Wednesday, 1 December 2004 12:11 (twenty-one years ago)

All the Chic mentioned so far plus I Want Your Love.

Negativland by Neu!

A Touching Display by Wire, if a bunch of improvised atonal honking is a bassline.

One Nation Under A Groove by Funkadelic.

My Heart Is In Danger by Alder Ray.

― Santa Klaus Dinger (Ferg), Wednesday, 1 December 2004 12:35 (twenty-one years ago)

"Groove Is In The Heart"

― Dom Passantino (Dom Passantino), Wednesday, 1 December 2004 12:39 (twenty-one years ago)

Can - Father Cannot Yell
Can - Yoo Doo Right
Can - Thief
Can - Mother Sky
Can - Oh Yeah
Can - Halleluwah
Can - Sing Swan Song
Can - One More Night
Can - Vitamin C
Can - Dizzy Dizzy
Can - Chain Reaction
Can - Quantum Physics
Can - Vernal Equinox

― We Buy a Hammer For Dadaismus (Dada), Wednesday, 1 December 2004 13:06 (twenty-one years ago)

All time favorite white-funky new-wavey bassline:
"Crazy" - Pylon

Second favorite (no matter how simple it is)
"Mannequin" - Wire

― Ken L (Ken L), Wednesday, 1 December 2004 13:28 (twenty-one years ago)

Devo, Whip It

― Santa Klaus Dinger (Ferg), Wednesday, 1 December 2004 14:45 (twenty-one years ago)

aside from those mentioned-
wiley- snowman
the first track on 'scientist wins the world cup' (fucking hell yes)
serge gainsbourg- 69 (annee erotique)
the o'jays- for the love of money
big black- the model
the fall- hey! student, neighbourhood of infinity, das vulture ein nutter-wein, frightened, etc.....

― Owen Hatherley (owen), Wednesday, 1 December 2004 15:09 (twenty-one years ago)

virtually all james jamerson basslines are the stuff of complete brilliance.

― titchyschneider (titchyschneider), Wednesday, 1 December 2004 15:11 (twenty-one years ago)

three years pass...

sly stone - you know which song
glen brown - wicked can't run this (probably because it was sampled to great effect by st etienne)

― Granny Dainger, Tuesday, 3 June 2008 17:35 (eighteen years ago)

Cecil McBee's bass line in Alice Coltrane's "Journey Into Satchidananda" often strikes me as being as tough and heavy as anything Om has come up with.

― Usual Channels, Tuesday, 3 June 2008 17:47 (eighteen years ago)

"(Do the) Tighten Up"

― Rock Hardy, Tuesday, 3 June 2008 17:54 (eighteen years ago)

sly stone - you know which song

if you want me to stay?

― PappaWheelie V, Tuesday, 3 June 2008 17:55 (eighteen years ago)

"i want you back"

― Jordan, Tuesday, 3 June 2008 18:00 (eighteen years ago)

"eye don't like you" - final solutions

― chicago kevin, Tuesday, 3 June 2008 18:00 (eighteen years ago)

"lovely day"

― Jordan, Tuesday, 3 June 2008 18:04 (eighteen years ago)

"yes we can can" (lee dorsey or pointer sisters version)

― Jordan, Tuesday, 3 June 2008 18:04 (eighteen years ago)

kenny garrett, "sing a song of song"

― Jordan, Tuesday, 3 June 2008 18:05 (eighteen years ago)

"i want you back"

― kingkongvsgodzilla, Tuesday, 3 June 2008 18:31 (eighteen years ago)

Tuomas's recent thread on First Take reminded me about Ron Carter on "Compared To What."

― James Redd and the Blecchs, Tuesday, 3 June 2008 18:45 (eighteen years ago)

Grand Funk-Inside Looking Out
The Who-The Real Me
Iron Maiden-Wrathchild

― Bill Magill, Tuesday, 3 June 2008 19:15 (eighteen years ago)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OpDueeGPuc0

― am0n, Tuesday, 3 June 2008 19:22 (eighteen years ago)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yRCao607WH4

― am0n, Tuesday, 3 June 2008 19:27 (eighteen years ago)

Bob Seger System .: "Black Eyed Girl" is pretty great. Plus, it's accompanied by a cowbell.

― myndbloom, Tuesday, 3 June 2008 19:29 (eighteen years ago)

^^^such a great dub bassline

― Jordan, Tuesday, 3 June 2008 19:38 (eighteen years ago)

Michael Jackson's "Off The Wall" (the song) is way up there.

― Kevin John Bozelka, Tuesday, 3 June 2008 19:41 (eighteen years ago)

"Wot"

― El Tomboto, Tuesday, 3 June 2008 19:44 (eighteen years ago)

Happy Mondays - "24 Hour Party People" (great because it's slightly out of tune).
Berlin - "Take My Breath Away"
Lots of New Order/Joy Division stuff but the best is probably the bass solo on "Regret".
Madonna - "Into The Groove"
Pet Shop Boys - "West End Girls"

― daavid, Tuesday, 3 June 2008 19:50 (eighteen years ago)

112 - "Anything"

― rev, Tuesday, 3 June 2008 19:53 (eighteen years ago)

err.... ~~"Anything"~~ "Anywhere"

― rev, Tuesday, 3 June 2008 19:53 (eighteen years ago)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W9mvTNh-plY

― am0n, Tuesday, 3 June 2008 19:56 (eighteen years ago)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4UEwcHlH3wg

― Jordan, Tuesday, 3 June 2008 20:03 (eighteen years ago)

Felt Tip

― kornrulez6969, Tuesday, 3 June 2008 20:04 (eighteen years ago)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A3H2N5nUqsk

― sleep, Tuesday, 3 June 2008 20:07 (eighteen years ago)

my spine

― HI DERE, Tuesday, 3 June 2008 20:09 (eighteen years ago)

probably too many to name, but a recent song i really like the bass in is Boris - My Neighbor Satan.

― rockapads, Tuesday, 3 June 2008 20:09 (eighteen years ago)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m0avMMrYpsA

― sleep, Tuesday, 3 June 2008 20:10 (eighteen years ago)

This Charming Man

― Ismael Klata, Tuesday, 3 June 2008 20:14 (eighteen years ago)

This is an odd choice, I think, but I'll say Sisters of Mercy's Lucretia My Reflection.

― Daniel, Esq., Tuesday, 3 June 2008 20:18 (eighteen years ago)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ppv21Wzb_2s

― Jordan, Tuesday, 3 June 2008 20:19 (eighteen years ago)

I don't know where it's from. But the bassline from the 9th wonder remix of Lucifer by Jay-Z is brillo. I am sure someone here knows where it is sampled from.

― Maxemillian, Tuesday, 3 June 2008 20:21 (eighteen years ago)

Bobby Womack - Woman's Gotta Have It
Juicy - Sugar Free
Dennis Brown - Sitting and Watching
James Chance - Contort Yourself

― The Brainwasher, Tuesday, 3 June 2008 20:23 (eighteen years ago)

Liquid Liquid's Cavern (made famous when it was sampled for the song White Lines).

― Daniel, Esq., Tuesday, 3 June 2008 20:31 (eighteen years ago)

search: all isley brothers songs ever

― kenan, Tuesday, 3 June 2008 20:34 (eighteen years ago)

BARNEY MILLER

― Eazy, Tuesday, 3 June 2008 20:45 (eighteen years ago)

Sugarloaf's Green Eyed Lady . Remove the histrionic vocals and the wheezy organ solos, and you got a proto-postpunk classic.

― bendy, Tuesday, 3 June 2008 20:47 (eighteen years ago)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jM7JF8cpTHQ
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BtzsiYSczkM&feature=related

― chap, Tuesday, 3 June 2008 22:10 (eighteen years ago)

"theme from Seinfeld"

― pgwp, Tuesday, 3 June 2008 22:19 (eighteen years ago)

Dee Dee Ramone - Beat On The Brat

― Fer Ark, Tuesday, 3 June 2008 22:25 (eighteen years ago)

The Emotions - I Don't Wanna Lose Your Love

god damn...I forgot how awesome this bassline is. especially during the chorus.

― The Brainwasher, Tuesday, 17 June 2008 21:10 (seventeen years ago)

aaliyah "If your girl only knew"

― daria-g, Tuesday, 17 June 2008 21:44 (seventeen years ago)

^^^^OHMYDAYS that bassline is sick. Its so dirty and sinister and Aaliyah's vocals over the top of that...such a great song.
Also this might be an unpopular one but I really feel the bass in Interpol's 'Evil' its deep and there was some dubstep influence in there back in the day apparently.

― VeronaInTheClub, Wednesday, 18 June 2008 01:45 (seventeen years ago)

"Got to Have Your Love" - Mantronix

― Noodle Vague, Wednesday, 18 June 2008 01:48 (seventeen years ago)

nww "two shaves and a shine"

― r1o natsume, Wednesday, 18 June 2008 02:01 (seventeen years ago)

The chorused fluid bass on Magazine's "Permafrost"

The brilliantly syncopated P-bass clanking on The Move's "feel Too Good"

The bipolar Casio bass harmonizing with the girls in The Veronica's epochal "Untouched"

Paul's Hofner and Rickenbacker at war in "Helter Skelter"

― i, grey, Wednesday, 18 June 2008 06:51 (seventeen years ago)

"Changes" - West One

― Stewart Osborne, Wednesday, 18 June 2008 12:05 (seventeen years ago)

smooth criminal - whatan amazing bassline!

― the next grozart, Wednesday, 18 June 2008 12:07 (seventeen years ago)

"Love Me Baby" - J.C. Lodge & Tiger
Sleng Teng riddim
Twice My Age riddim

― Noodle Vague, Wednesday, 18 June 2008 12:12 (seventeen years ago)

aaliyah "If your girl only knew"

YES

― lex pretend, Wednesday, 18 June 2008 12:39 (seventeen years ago)

If you look at it isolatedly, it would be "Good Times" or "Billie Jean" or something. Or maybe "Lessons In Love" by Level 42.

But I sort of stand by what I said upthread four years ago too. Which would make "With Or Without You" the best bassline ever for the sake of music. :)

― Geir Hongro, Wednesday, 18 June 2008 12:42 (seventeen years ago)

"walk on by" - stranglers
"twenty four hours" - joy division
well of misery - nic cave

so many more..

― Zeno, Wednesday, 18 June 2008 12:47 (seventeen years ago)

http://www.excaliburelectronics.com/images/public_relations/flashlight.jpg

― m coleman, Wednesday, 18 June 2008 13:02 (seventeen years ago)

Heh heh

― James Redd and the Blecchs, Wednesday, 18 June 2008 13:18 (seventeen years ago)

Everybody Dance - Chic
Blind - Hercules & Love Affair
Mind Your Own Business - Delta 5
Wise Man In Your Heart - Daevid Allen/Gong
A Song From Under The Floorboards - Magazine

― mike t-diva, Wednesday, 18 June 2008 13:20 (seventeen years ago)

Don't Look any Further - Dennis Edwards

As sampled on "Paid in Full"

― Mark G, Wednesday, 18 June 2008 13:40 (seventeen years ago)

Boogie, Oogie, Oogie - TASTE OF HONEY (extraordinary bass line)

Can You Handle It? - SHARON REDD (not quite in the same league as a line but fantastic syncopation to the bass slapping)

― dubmill, Wednesday, 18 June 2008 13:53 (seventeen years ago)

watermelon man - herbie hancock
well's gone dry - the crusaders
footsteps in the dark - isley bros

― Granny Dainger, Wednesday, 18 June 2008 14:05 (seventeen years ago)

Ugh..."Blind"? I can't stand it! And I love your Chic and Magazine picks, Mike!

― Patrick South, Wednesday, 18 June 2008 14:40 (seventeen years ago)

No one has mentioned Walking On The Moon yet. I don't need to tell you how great that bassline is.

― Daniel Giraffe, Wednesday, 18 June 2008 15:24 (seventeen years ago)

Been Caught Stealing by Janes Addiction

― Daniel Giraffe, Wednesday, 18 June 2008 15:26 (seventeen years ago)

Don't Look any Further - Dennis Edwards

Empahtically seconded, which in turn reminds me: "Just An Illusion" - Imagination.

― mike t-diva, Wednesday, 18 June 2008 15:45 (seventeen years ago)

Airbag - Radiohead

Colin is the best thing about Radiohead.

― nate woolls, Wednesday, 18 June 2008 15:51 (seventeen years ago)

~~"walk on by"~~ - stranglers

no no no. i correct myself. Nice N' Sleazy. best bass line ever.maybe.

― Zeno, Wednesday, 18 June 2008 21:44 (seventeen years ago)

Humpty Dance

― Eazy, Wednesday, 18 June 2008 22:16 (seventeen years ago)

Sir Nose D'voidoffunk

― sonnyboy, Wednesday, 18 June 2008 22:18 (seventeen years ago)

watermelon man - herbie hancock

It took me a while to realize that this is what Beck is riffing on in the bass line for "Cellphone's Dead."

― jaymc, Wednesday, 18 June 2008 22:20 (seventeen years ago)

"family affair" sly & family stone

― that's not my post, Wednesday, 18 June 2008 22:25 (seventeen years ago)

OOOOH the bassline in Interpol's 'The Specialist'....ssssseexy.
well of misery - nic cave
AGREED

― VeronaInTheClub, Thursday, 19 June 2008 00:24 (seventeen years ago)

another vote for humpty ... "Cannonball" is in my top 10

― billstevejim, Thursday, 19 June 2008 02:39 (seventeen years ago)

i think that's Chameleon, jaymc

― Granny Dainger, Thursday, 19 June 2008 03:20 (seventeen years ago)

the answer is.... daft punk - burnin'

― r1o natsume, Thursday, 19 June 2008 03:28 (seventeen years ago)

Aaliyah-Hot Like Fire

― VeronaInTheClub, Friday, 20 June 2008 14:45 (seventeen years ago)

the message

― Hunt3r, Friday, 20 June 2008 16:16 (seventeen years ago)

^^^
Word

― VeronaInTheClub, Friday, 20 June 2008 16:17 (seventeen years ago)

"Stir it up" - Bob Marley and the Wailers
"I wanna be adored" - Stone Roses
"Lovecats" - The Cure
"B line fi Blow" - Smith and Mighty
"Superstylin'" - Groove Armada
"Disorder" - Joy Division
"Soul to squeeze" - Red Hot Chili Peppers
"I want you back" - Jackson 5
"Buggin'out" - A Tribe Called Quest
"Hello" - Supercar

― j-rock, Saturday, 21 June 2008 03:43 (seventeen years ago)

the joker/gangsta of love

― reacher, Saturday, 21 June 2008 03:50 (seventeen years ago)

Lonnie Liston Smith 'Expansions' / Stetasonic 'Talkin' All That Jazz'

― stroker ace, Saturday, 21 June 2008 09:34 (seventeen years ago)

i know it's already somewhere on this bitch, but the entirety of 'astral weeks.' o m g

this is somewhere here too, but most of galaxie 500's recorded output.

i like bass sounds or moments more than entire lines, but that's probably because i'm not listening. slap bass is bad when it's bad, but sooo good when it's good.

― strgn, Saturday, 21 June 2008 10:14 (seventeen years ago)

octaves people. see: disco

― strgn, Saturday, 21 June 2008 10:15 (seventeen years ago)

how can we get so far without something by PRIMUS?!

― Zeno, Saturday, 21 June 2008 15:12 (seventeen years ago)

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