Bowie's 'Heroes' -- what effect on bass?

[pbass2]

Also struck by how much simpler the actual bass line (heard in the Visconti clip and on GM's playing live on Musikladen 1978) is than what I 'hear' on the dense album mix. What I hear is like what this guy plays in his cover, but the actual GM line seems to be a lot more just chugging away on roots, with that lovely flanging/phasing/OD in place. But there's a more mobile second part audible in the mix at times -- possibly a guitar playing low strings or a keyboard rather than bass? -- that sounds something like

View attachment 4801730

and that's what Mr. Isslamow plays (and me too, up to now).

Yeah, the bass isn't doing that whole melody like it can appear--it's something else (or several things?). Doesn't quite sound like guitar but who knows---maybe another Chamberlain part.

 

[pbass2]

i never knew that about the kick, interesting. It's such a great sound that is so far away from the usual "rock" band feel - like you say, kind of floating.

I was just listening to it and you do hear some kick, but it's really low in the mix (and gets more and more obscured as the song builds). I think it's bleed into other mics, 'cause I distinctly recall Eno saying somewhere he muted the kick channel and left it out.

 

[murphy]

It is such a weird track soundwise in context with other songs. .

But not when just listening to the whole album....like us old folks still like to do....haha

 

[P. Aaron]

The underlying riff that Heroes is composed of always reminded me of Booker T & The MG's.

It's genius in its application as the song rules.