I was surfing the web this morning and stumbled upon this blog post (http://steelkaleidoscopes.typepad.com/steel_kaleidoscopes/2007/11/top-10-bass-pla.html). I don't know how you can limit bass players to a top 10 list, but it's a decent effort. Where's Jack Casady!

Well, as a Rock list, its quite good.

Agreed although I would make a couple of changes like adding Geezer Butler and Jack Bruce over Dusty Hill and Billy Wig.

Agreed although I would make a couple of changes like adding Geezer Butler and Jack Bruce over Dusty Hill and Billy Wig.


I'd agree with that. I'd also think that Tony Levin would be on the list before a few others. And I can think of 20 others that would be on that list... John Wetton, for one.

Agreed although I would make a couple of changes like adding Geezer Butler and Jack Bruce over Dusty Hill and Billy Wig.


+1

Like the list, but Cliff Burton should be on there insead of Jason. Don't get me wrong hes a good player, but imho (and a lot of other peoples) Cliff is better

Having Dusty Hill on that list simply invalidates it altogether even for a rock list.

I really, really think that Paul McCartney is a glaring omission from that list.

I really, really think that Paul McCartney is a glaring omission from that list.

I disagree. I've never really thought he was that great. But I do think that Geezer and Cliff should be on there. And where is Les Claypool? There's just too many great players to make a top 10 list...maybe a top 25 or 50 would be better.

how about forgetting these notions altogether ?

I think this list is far from the true list. I think Geddy Lee should be higher. Definetly take out Jason Newsted and put in Cliff Burton. Where's Les Claypool. I don't think John should be #1, he's in the top ten, but not #1.

how about forgetting these notions altogether ?
i concur top x lists are just ridiculous for something as subjective as music

but seriously dusty hill? and if Billy Wig is so good why have i never heard of him...but nobody ever talks about Mel Schacher and hes amazing! i remember i bought grand funk railroad's grand funk album because my friend recommended them because "they are a bunch of white guys with afros with a guitar player playing classic rock and a rhythm section playing funk you'll love it" and it was an amazing album that blew me away

uh, i believe i should be at the top of that list...

how about forgetting these notions altogether ?

right on

http://www.journalism.ryerson.ca/online/javahub/words/mflemming.htm

Pretty good list there.

man... I hate these top 10/best of/worst/coolest/etc...threads & Lists.

Fixed it! (Not in any order, just fixed the glaring mistakes)

Top 10 Bass Players

These are bass players who play in rock 'n' roll bands.

They are oftentimes the unsung heroes, working in tandem with the drummer to establish the foundation and consistency necessary to produce a dynamic recording or live performance.

Here are the 10 best in the business:

1. John Entwistle
Just listen to "Quadrophenia." And then listen again. The Ox was the Who's glue, a superior musician who kept it all together while Keith Moon, Pete Townshend and Roger Daltrey were off in their own happy place.

2. Mel Schacher
Grand Funk Railroad was built on bass. No one has a heavier approach than Schacher. His grooves are demonically dense, gnarly and penetrate bone. Listen to "Closer to Home."

3. Roger Glover
Deep Purple's bass player extraordinaire. Lightning fast and has to be to keep up with Ian Paice and Ritchie Blackmore. One of the masters.

4. Chris Squire
Arguably creates the signature sound of Yes. What makes Squire so unique is the style of music he plays — tricky prog rock with perpetual changes in timing and acute, precise dynamics.

5. Paul McCartney
The bass was 50% of many of the Beatles songs

6. Jack Bruce-
Took rock bass to a new level and created his own unmistable voice

7. John Paul Jones
The most underappreciated member of Led Zeppelin, but a key cog in the legendary lineup. He somehow stays right with the innovative John Bonham and handles the often tricky arrangements with precision.

8. Geddy Lee
A key reason why Rush delivers the power of an orchestra as a three-piece band. Clean, crisp and quick, Lee ranks with the best of them.

9. Cliff Burton-
Took Metal bass playing to a higher level than anyone before

10. John Wetton
King Crimson's Red is one of the top rock/prog bass recordings ever

Who is this guy?? No Jaco, no Jamerson, no Levin, no Macca, etc.? His drummer list is even crazier (http://steelkaleidoscopes.typepad.com/steel_kaleidoscopes/2006/06/top_10_rock_dru.html)!!!!

TIM BOGERT!

truly sorry omission!

f

What? No Stu Hamm? No Billy Sheehan? No Troy Sanders?
I agree with every name on that list, but to try and put Paul McCartney and Cliff Burton on the same list and compare their abilities when the style and approach to the instrument is completly opposite is a little scary...its like comparing The Godfather to Lord of the Rings, it aint gonna work.

man... I hate these top 10/best of/worst/coolest/etc...threads & Lists.

For once I couldn't agree with you more.

Here are my top ten phrases to describe top ten lists

1. pointless
2. trivial
3. opinionated.
4. myopic
5. banal
6. irrelevant
7. ignorant
8. elitist
9. subjective
10. a complete and utter waste of time

Like the list, but Cliff Burton should be on there insead of Jason. Don't get me wrong hes a good player, but imho (and a lot of other peoples) Cliff is better
+1
He's definetly one of my heros.:bassist:

No Phil Lesh? Jack Casady?

Who is this guy?? No Jaco, no Jamerson, no Levin, no Macca, etc.? His drummer list is even crazier (http://steelkaleidoscopes.typepad.com/steel_kaleidoscopes/2006/06/top_10_rock_dru.html)!!!!
i threw up when i saw the position of keith moon, well that may have been an exaggeration but still i like the bass list though

http://digitaldreamdoor.com/forum1/viewtopic.php?t=18124
This list says (as far as rock bassists go):
1. James Jamerson
2. John Entwistle
3. Jack Bruce
4. Chris Squire
5. Larry Graham
6. Tony Levin
7. Paul McCartney
8. Geddy Lee
9. Michael Balzary (Flea)
10. Les Claypool

http://digitaldreamdoor.com/forum1/viewtopic.php?t=15293
Their list of overall greatest bassists (that means there UPRIGHT players too):
1. Domenico Dragonetti
2. Giovanni Bottesini
3. Frank Simandl
4. Paul Chambers
5. Israel Lopez
6. James Jamerson
7. Jaco Pastorius
8. John Entwistle
9. Larry Graham
10. Stanley Clarke

i concur top x lists are just ridiculous for something as subjective as music

...but nobody ever talks about Mel Schacher and hes amazing!


2. Mel Schacher
Grand Funk Railroad was built on bass. No one has a heavier approach than Schacher. His grooves are demonically dense, gnarly and penetrate bone. Listen to "Closer to Home."


I'm admittedly biased, Schacher was probably the main reason I started playing bass (as soon as I heard "Footstompin' Music" I was sold on the bass). Some of his stuff on earlier GFR stuff (like the live album) was great stuff...some of the first "lead" bass licks I've ever heard.

Top 10 lists are fine, I look at 'em to see others points of view.

I was surfing the web this morning and stumbled upon this blog post (http://steelkaleidoscopes.typepad.com/steel_kaleidoscopes/2007/11/top-10-bass-pla.html). I don't know how you can limit bass players to a top 10 list, but it's a decent effort. Where's Jack Casady!

Dude sounds like he's just listing his top 10 Bands, especially when you look at his "Top 10 Drummers" too.

What!! What a Lamo list.... Where the hell is LEs Claypool? Fieldy? Justin Chancellor? Chi Cheng? they would be on my list somewhere...

Like the list, but Cliff Burton should be on there insead of Jason. Don't get me wrong hes a good player, but imho (and a lot of other peoples) Cliff is better

I agree and am quite shocked that Cliff wasnt mentioned

How can that list not have Derek Smalls or Peter Tork? Criminal!

Here are my top ten phrases to describe top ten lists

1. pointless
2. trivial
3. opinionated.
4. myopic
5. banal
6. irrelevant
7. ignorant
8. elitist
9. subjective
10. a complete and utter waste of time

Oh man, that's brilliant. I make too many of those awful lists myself, and when I see a list like the one here (Mel Schacher but no JACK BRUCE) it reminds me how stupid they are. Great list on your part though.

What!! What a Lamo list.... Where the hell is LEs Claypool? Fieldy? Justin Chancellor? Chi Cheng? they would be on my list somewhere...

You can keep your list.

You can keep your list.

:D yes please :D ;)