Name Bass Lines That Make The Song Work

[mrjim123]

This post is just for fun. I was listening to "Was A Sunny Day" by Paul Simon, from his "There Goes Rhymin' Simon" album. I was struck by the simple but beautiful bass line; it totally makes the song. I did a quick search to determine the bassist - sorry, I gave up before I found out.

Just for fun, name a favorite song where the bass line really stands out, one that really makes the song come alive.

 

[KBarker]

How about RIO by Duran Duran?

 

[mrjim123]

How about RIO by Duran Duran?

Yeah, that one really kicks. He is one busy bass player.

 

[HashbrownCOBM]

Here's an obvious one. Chili's "Give it Away".

 

[lburton2]

Chilli pepper's "Aeroplane" completely makes the song.. I think that Cake's "The Distance" is a killer line throughout the song too.

 

[psychotiger]

+1 for The Distance
So many to choose from. Well, I the last song I played tonight at a backyard party on a friend's fretless Squire was Good People by Jack Johnson. Simple, strong bassline and the song would unravel without it. Great bass BTW. I was impressed!

 

[D.Don]

Seal - Get it together (found on Seal IV)

Completely genius bass playing on that tune, glues the tune together and make the song work.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=1caJhk6VYLg

D.Don

 

[JGT]

Anything by Death From Above 1979

 

[kissmybASS01]

Teen Town - Jaco Pastorius
What can you say...it's JAco and his million fingers - on each hand!

Rime of the Ancient Mariner - Maiden's Steve Harris
Gotta luv the super tight soli lines between guitar and bass. Steve truely defined 80s metal with technique, tone and speed without using a pick!

Everyday will be like a holiday - Holly Cole Trio's David Piltch
His slightly percussive acoustic bass tone/technique fills the bottom end and provides the carpet upon which Holly sings.

 

[Mr_Sore_Fingerz]

She's In Parties by Bauhaus =)

 

[Musicman81]

Signed, Sealed, Delivered-Bob Babbit on Bass
I love that bass line!

 

[mrjim123]

Teen Town - Jaco Pastorius
What can you say...it's JAco and his million fingers - on each hand!

Speaking of Jaco - how about Barbary Coast (Weather Report) - sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo funky!

 

[MrBorisSpider]

With or Without You by U2 and Engel by Rammstein.

 

[soong]

I want you Back by Jackson 5

 

[dean82]

How about RIO by Duran Duran?

+1 also Girls on Film (Night Version). There literally is no song without that bass line IMO.

Since it was the first bassline I learned, how about Money by Pink Floyd?

 

[fretlessman71]

For The Love Of Money by The O'Jay's
Higher Ground rec'd by RHCP
My Girl by The Temptations
Theme from "Barney Miller"
My City Was Gone by The Pretenders

...there's my short off-the-top-of-my-head list...

 

[Bardolph]

Under Pressure - Queen

 

[TheSpook]

Definitely Cream's "White Room" and "Badge". As a matter of fact, I'm proud to say that the former is among the first lines I'm learning right now.

Also got to mention Sade's "Hang On To Your Love".

 

[SAlcott]

"Don't Leave Me this Way"-Thelma Houston; learn this one note-for-note. It'll take a while.

 

[taterlog]

The Thrill is Gone