If someone were to ask you this

[Bardolph]

If somebody told you that they didn't see what the big deal with bass was and wanted you to put together a CD of songs that show what you think bass playing should be like, what would you put on it? I don't think this is too much like a best bass lines thread, but more of what recordings you think are representative of the role of good bass playing.

[The BurgerMeister]

i'd compile some virtuoso stuff and some good groove stuff:

jaco pastorius - donna lee
victor wooten - classical thump
led zeppelin - lemon song
anything with james jamerson or larry graham.

then maybe throw some primus in there, for kicks.

yeah.

[The BurgerMeister]

oh, and:

the who - my generation

[Montius]

Originally Posted by jetpackbassist

i'd compile some virtuoso stuff and some good groove stuff:

+1.

I'd say a bit of both is essential. As far as what comes to mind:

RHCP - something off of Blood Sugar Sex Magik
Rush - Leave That Thing Alone (Good bass presence without being overpowering, and a fat main riff)

[Rune Bivrin]

Don't chain my heart - Toto (Kingdom of Desire): That bass just makes the song.

I'd leave the virtuoso stuff out. Few people other than bass players hear the beauty in that.

[Grueber]

throw some Ray Riendeau on it

in case you don't have any of his stuff, he put a couple of songs up for download on his myspace
http://www.myspace.com/rayriendeau

[refbassist]

Yes-sieberian khatro
Rush-YYZ