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Nikki Monninger from Silversun Pickups. Simple, but very effective lines - and she does it while appearing to be probably one of the coolest people in the world to hang out with!
My top guy in this category would be JPJ.
Without some kind of technical bar to use as a guideline, this really just becomes "Who is your favorite bass player."
"Excellent" becomes pretty relative at that point.
"Excellent" becomes pretty relative at that point.
Not sure how a guy like John Taylor fits into the definition of "non-technical player." He was slapping/popping, played fretless on some songs, experimented with gear, and had a mix of rhythmic and melodic playing. Mentored by Bernie Edwards himself. Just because he's not a fusion nerd doesn't make him non-technical.
If you're looking for a bassist that really does his own thing and relies on feel more than technique ... check out Mike Watt. Pretty much anything he's ever done has been brilliant.
If you're looking for a bassist that really does his own thing and relies on feel more than technique ... check out Mike Watt. Pretty much anything he's ever done has been brilliant.
I'm viewing this as a shout-out to players with a score of memorable lines that have stuck in my head over the years that don't require years of experience or intense discipline to play effectively.
Simon Gallup (The Cure) would be my #1 pick.
Alan Anton (Cowboy Junkies)
David J (mainly for Bauhaus)
Eric Avery (Janes Addiction)
Sting/Police era
Sara Lee's work with Ani Difranco
Simon Gallup (The Cure) would be my #1 pick.
Alan Anton (Cowboy Junkies)
David J (mainly for Bauhaus)
Eric Avery (Janes Addiction)
Sting/Police era
Sara Lee's work with Ani Difranco
Well, my favorite didn't get a mention by me. He's no technical bass gymnastics kinda guy, but I thought his chops were such that he didn't fit the bill for the thread, although someone else has mentioned him.
Another vote for Robbie "Basspeare"...knows instinctively how to play the right thing, and that tone is off the hook.
I don't know if I would describe Rick Danko's playing as simple or basic. There was a transcription of his bass line to a live version of "The Weight" in Bass Player Magazine that was as busy and syncopated as any Jamerson bass line. However, Danko did have Levon Helm laying down a SERIOUS pocket, as Benny Benjamin provided for Jamerson.
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I think the spirit of the thread lies in bassists who general play things that a beginner or intermediate player could easily learn, but who also plays these lines in such a way that they stand out in the crowd.
I nominate Gabe Nelson from Cake.
Or any other song they have ever done. They are very bass heavy.
I nominate Gabe Nelson from Cake.
Or any other song they have ever done. They are very bass heavy.
Haven't listened to everything Michael Anthony (Van Halen, etc.) has done or if he'd qualify but lately I've been really appreciating the simple driving rhythms a lot of those types of songs ie Panama etc. have. Also, love some of the more simpler lines that Tetsuya (L'Arc en Ciel) and other Japanese players have done.
Oh and Mark Hoppus (Blink 182, +44) ... though really I like when he adds little things to the live versions like sometimes adding a 5th and not just playing roots. His and Tom Delonge's songwriting is pretty great imo (though I prefer Tom's creativeness a bit more - UFOs included lol).
Oh and Mark Hoppus (Blink 182, +44) ... though really I like when he adds little things to the live versions like sometimes adding a 5th and not just playing roots. His and Tom Delonge's songwriting is pretty great imo (though I prefer Tom's creativeness a bit more - UFOs included lol).
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Agreed, theres not a song by cake that the bass isn't awesome in. Just pick one.
Even when he is playing the same thing over and over like on wheels......it's amazing and perfect for the song. And his tone.......smh.
Even when he is playing the same thing over and over like on wheels......it's amazing and perfect for the song. And his tone.......smh.
Kim Deal is the pinnacle of this in my opinion. Perhaps tied with Tina Weymouth.
Mike Mills from REM is also a huge players in this realm. Tasty melodic basslines and amazing backup vocals. And all around great musician but never flashy. One of my biggest influences.
I'd give Kim the edge on the non-technical but excellent side of things. Tina can bust out some serious lines. Not to mention she knew how to even play a bass when she started in her band, where Kim hadn't ever played a bass in her life before she auditioned for the Pixies lol. Love both of them!
Check out the tone and tasty bass part on Texarkana. Supports the song perfectly yet has a unique voice. Harder to do than one might think.
