Bruce Thompson of the Attractions

[pbass2]

Originally Posted by EduardoK

+1,
Bught a JJ Longhorn myself for this same reason !!! a small killer bass...
Didn't know he played a Wal, on which songs???

"Everyday . ." is a Wal as far as I know. He definitely had the sound "in his hands" though--to me he doesn't sound that different on the Wal than on the P. In fact, I've never really been able to get that P sound he had (not that I've logged in extensive time trying). His attack combined with whatever upper mids/highs were being boosted are just so special and so "Bruce".

[dvh]

Bruce was the first big bass influence on me and I still use some of the licks I learned from him on Costello's many fine earlier albums.

[pbass2]

So, then, now after all this discussion, I GOTTA know---what kind of strings DID he run? Anybody know?

[TrevorOfDoom]

he changed my musical world. he blew my mind. i want to have his children.
... and his bass.

[EduardoK]

So why exactly he and Elvis didn't get along and eventually broke up?
I don't know the whole story but I suspect dealing w/ Mr. C's temper wasn't easy... LOL
Thomas & Thomas were a hell of a pop/rock rhythm section.
But then of course, there was much more then just rhythm in these 2 guys!!!

[One Drop]

Originally Posted by pbass2

So, then, now after all this discussion, I GOTTA know---what kind of strings DID he run? Anybody know?

I have nothing to back it up but they sure sound like worn Roto SS Swingbass rounds to me, on the EC albums at least. These on a good P with lots of mids and his fingers of course.

[EduardoK]

Originally Posted by One Drop

I have nothing to back it up but they sure sound like worn Roto SS Swingbass rounds to me, on the EC albums at least. These on a good P with lots of mids and his fingers of course.

Wouldn't know which brand but my ears tell me he used rounds on most songs. Yep, maybe worn...
But I am pretty sure he used a pick LOTS of time too

[floopy]

Originally Posted by pbass2

So, then, now after all this discussion, I GOTTA know---what kind of strings DID he run? Anybody know?

Heavy guage roundwounds according to this interview on the Fender website:

http://www.fender.com/news/index.php...ay_article=198

[GregC]

Originally Posted by Vandelay

That book apparently fed the feud between Thomas and Costello that still exists today. It's a shame. Thomas wasn't even permitted to perform with the Attractions when they were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

Agreed, that was a real shame. I think that BT had a temper as bad as EC's, if not worse, and I guess that proved to be too much.

Originally Posted by hanemkat

Nick Lowe punched the bass up on the GET HAPPY mix as much as we hear it on WHAT'S GOING ON, so at least Nick and Elvis weren't underrating him.

Originally Posted by Fender32

I particularly love his work on the (much overlooked) "Get Happy"! album (circa 1980). Every track has generous smatterings of Bruces wildly unpredictable, but ever-melodic basslines. The sound that he coaxes out of that '60s P Bass is amazing, too ! "Armed Forces" is equally amazing (IMHO).

Originally Posted by Unrepresented

Okay, Amazon just delivered their "Get Happy" album to me and while I was impressed before with Bruce's playing on the earlier Attractions' albums this truly blew me away.

He doesn't blow me away with anything flashy, just creative, inspired, pocket-filled playing, that travels the neck without feeling excessive, carries the groove and the melody, and the counter melody, and is dead f---ing locked in with the rest of the band without feeling restricted by it at any time. He's not limited to riffs, but isn't afraid to use them when called for, and even then he offers up subtle variations throughout.

Oh yeah, and his tone is perfect, round and warm. No excessive string noise. Polished and precise but without giving up the swing or sounding too stiff.

I think yesterday helped remind me how much I get inspired by him. He's what I want to be in a bassplayer.

Big, huge +1 to all of the above! I really dig all of Bruce's playing with Elvis, but I was listening to Get Happy the other day for the first time in a while, and wow! What a master class for me. Everything from R&B-style groovin' to driving, aggressive lines, whatever the song calls for. That's a really inspiring record for me.

Originally Posted by EduardoK

Wouldn't know which brand but my ears tell me he used rounds on most songs. Yep, maybe worn...
But I am pretty sure he used a pick LOTS of time too

As for using a pick, he definitely did sometimes. I saw a quote from him somewhere about how some things just swing better with a pick. (I think White Knuckles on the Trust album is an example.) But I don't think he used it that often.

[Ezbass]

I just bought a pre CBS P Bass, I asked the guy if he was aware of any history and he said it had belonged to BT, I hope it's true.

[MLysh]

Bass on "Watching the Detectives" was played by Andrew Bodner. That cut is technically Elvis and The Rumour.

[kraigo]

Originally Posted by Ezbass

I just bought a pre CBS P Bass, I asked the guy if he was aware of any history and he said it had belonged to BT, I hope it's true.

Dayum that looks like my Just-Post-Lawsuit-era Tokai P-Bass ('57 reissue - same gold anodized pickguard). Needless to say, that's a really beautiful bass. Congrats and I'm a little jealous!

KO

[One Drop]

Originally Posted by MLysh

Bass on "Watching the Detectives" was played by Andrew Bodner. That cut is technically Elvis and The Rumour.

I did not know that, thanks for the correction.

I always assumed it didn't sound anything like the other contemporary recordings BT played on because it was the only reggae influenced track the Attractions did at the time with EC, but that it was another bassist explains a lot.

[fourstringdrums]

A bump for my latest bass man crush.

[abngourmet]

Originally Posted by sonicvi

I think one of my favorite bass parts ever is from Elvis Costello's "Accidents Will Happen" from Armed Forces. Any other Costello/Thompson fans here?

Simply brilliant playing on Accidents Will Happen. Everytime I play it at home, whip out my '76 P-Bass for the purpose. My absolute favorite Elvis Costello tune.

Alan

[fourstringdrums]

A lot of my favorite tunes come off of Get Happy

5ive Gears in Reverse
Opportunity
B Movie
The Imposter