Girlfriend: Michael Jackson/Paul McCartney/Louis Johnson

[Dr. Cheese]

Lately, my four year old has been asking to hear "Off the Wall" everytime we get in the car. Today I was listening to Girlfriend for the first time in forever, and I was struck at how it really is a great mix of Paul McCartney's and Louis Johnson's styles. The bassline is so melodic but Louis adds just enough grit that you know it's "Thunder Thumbs" playing.

 

[frankenjazz]

indeed though i dont like the song as a whole i always enjoyed the bassline

 

[CapnSev]

That was probably my least favorite tune on that album actually. To me it sounded like Louis Johnson was trying to play his stuff over a Beatles tune.

 

[electracoyote]

That was probably my least favorite tune on that album actually. To me it sounded like Louis Johnson was trying to play his stuff over a Beatles tune.

+1

Love Macca, Love Wacko Jacko, but put them together, I dunno. Output not exactly a sum of the parts.

Can't fault the basslines though. Louis Johnson is a big influence, so I have a hard time saying anything critical about the guy. And though I have always hated McCartney's tone, whether it's on a Ric, Jazz, or Hofner, he is one of the most creative bassline composers in pop music.

 

[Ace Of Bass]

Was Louis playing his StingRay on that tune..?

 

[DWBass]

Great playing on that tune.

 

[bassfiddlesteve]

Was Louis playing his StingRay on that tune..?

It sure sounds like it, although it could have been his Sabre.

- Steve