TS: Fernando Saunders vs. Tony Levin

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inspired by Reed vs. Lennon…

to me, these dudes were the best low-end merchants of the early '80s…both were not just blue chip bassists, but were incredibly soulful…

Levin may be a bit more unorthodox, in that he's the best known Stick player in the world, but…but whatcha think?

― veronica moser (veronica moser), Friday, 28 October 2005 15:04 (twenty years ago)

I'm a huge fan of Levin's work with Crimson (specifically "Sleepless") and Peter Gabriel, and I'd have to confess that I'm not familiar enough with Saunder's resume (though I do think he played on a Heart record or two, so he loses big ass points there).

― Alex in NYC (vassifer), Friday, 28 October 2005 15:17 (twenty years ago)

Saunders was Lou Reed's bassist for the band on The Blue Mask and a few records afterwards. Those r&b styled fretless basslines on the New Sensation's LP are him. I don't know what else he has done.

― earlnash, Friday, 28 October 2005 17:25 (twenty years ago)

I'd take Levin on this one. I always thought Saunders plaed a pretty groovy line, but it all sounds like New Sensations to me. I must admit I'm less familiar with his work though.

― when something smacks of something (dave225.3), Friday, 28 October 2005 17:45 (twenty years ago)

I'm going with Saunders. His tone is amazing and mixed really high on those Lou Reed albums. I wouldn't call him any less "unorthodox" than Levin, technique-wise. Levin is obviously a great player, but I think his style is a little more traditional and subtle, as well as in the background (except for certain moments). My favorite work of his is Peter Gabriel's 'III' album. It really sticks out there...so great and funky.

― Patrick South (Patrick South), Saturday, 29 October 2005 05:52 (twenty years ago)

Saunders Saunders Saunders Saunders.

― A|ex P@reene (Pareene), Saturday, 29 October 2005 07:35 (twenty years ago)

Actually, Saunders plays on Each Man Kills the Thing He Loves by Gavin Friday -- which is absolutely fucking brilliant -- so big points restored.

― Alex in NYC (vassifer), Saturday, 29 October 2005 07:39 (twenty years ago)

Very tough choice. Both Gabriel and Reed were writing theird very best solo songs at the same time. I'll give it to Saunders for Legendary Hearts and New Sensations by a hair.

― Alfred Soto (Alfred Soto), Saturday, 29 October 2005 12:14 (twenty years ago)

twenty years pass...

~~Larry David~~ Tony Levin & Steve Gadd tearing it up in 1972

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PeeeoPKZBuo

― Elvis Telecom, Monday, 30 March 2026 05:16 (three months ago)

Levin for his BVs on Frame by Frame

(but also there are a few times when he opens up a little portal to the infinite)

― Cod:Shellfish (emsworth), Monday, 30 March 2026 07:26 (three months ago)

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