You know, I used to b*tch and complain about having to do a lot of these same songs, but when I really think about it, it wasn't the song I hated so much as it was the band I was playing them with. Even the tritest cover song is at least somewhat more tolerable when you play it well, and the greatest song in the world sucks when you don't.
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The Song You Hate Most to Play
- Thread starter Bassmanbob
- Start date
The song I most dread playing is the one that gets the least response from the audience. This especially true if it is a challenging song that was really time consuming to master.
Passinwind
I know nothing.
- Dec 3, 2003
- 23,079
- 46,041
- Disclosures
- Designer/Toaster Tech @ Passinwind Electronics
I figured this out a long time ago. For me, playing music = a hobby. Therefore, I play what I want, how I want. I get to be a slut in enough of my life already, like many of us.
I obviously hit a nerve -- maybe this thread isn't such a great hang for you in general though? Or maybe this is just another case where sitting down together with a few cold ones would work a lot better than typing on the Interweb.
I can't believe there are 7 pages of replies(on my computer) and no one has mentioned "Proud Mary". Back in my day of bar gigging, in the 70's and 80's, this was a very popular dance tune for the bar crowd. Can't exactly say I hate it, but sure got tired of playing it. "Takin Care of Business" was another one those. I'm long retired from bar/party gigs, but it surprises me how many of the "hate to play" tunes you guys are posting that I have never heard of. I must be isolated from the world out here in country bumpkinville.
...Or maybe this is just another case where sitting down together with a few cold ones would work a lot better than typing on the Interweb.
I think that would just about always be the case!
For me, there are certain genres I have no interest in. But individual songs within' the genres that I like? I'll play anything. Most of the time I like it, and when I don't, its over pretty quick. That's why I ribbed you a little bit with this one because I do have more than a little respect for you based on many of your other posts.
I agree with passinwind; my music "career" (somewhat in jest) is my hobby. I have my own business that is not at all music related and a wonderful family. I play music b/c I love everything about it, although after playing bass for over 25 years; I will not play songs that make me want to kill myself. It is not worth it. I also don't EVER let drunk Meatheads play by basses at gigs, ever.
Also agree with passinwind that these topics are a good catharsis for many of us and discussing over a cold beverage or two would be more beneficial in many cases. I enjoy this thread.
Absolutely! Except that now I have BEG and SHA stuck in my head at the same time.
I'll add to the heap anything Tom Petty, Neil Young, Dylan, Dire Straits...you get the idea. Folky. Dynamically locked tunes that barely require bass. I understand the appeal to the listener if driving through the desert, and the appeal to acoustic guitarist/singers. But that's about it. I'll play 'em, at the same time making a conscious effort to relax my facial muscles.
Never did non-"jazzy" cover gigs, except recently with a great guy who plays 7+ gigs/week between solo/band/hosting jams. When he gets bored, we'll go Reggae feel. He'll start lobbing out lyrics dub-style with "Ire"s, "Jah"s, stutter steps, etc...or starts in with a mexican accent, we go Latin feel, he'll sing classic rock in spanglish. Wins the crowd over, preserves his and our sanity.
But, if it gets requested, we play it. Unless it's American Pie. Saw him do that only once. He even ended it, talked, cracked some jokes, did another song, then wrapped it back in for another few verses. After a couple songs, he'd find a way to modulate back to the chorus in the middle of whatever tune he was playing. The audience loved it, but I don't think anyone there will ever request it again. Good man
down in hollywood by ry cooter, one band that i was in the band leader insisted we would play it whenever we got together regardless of the situation, he swore it was funk at its finest...for the record he hated james brown,p-funk, and tower of power.
Well, I play in a Skynyrd tribute / Southern Rock band. I like Sweet Home very much. Been playing 35 years. As previous posts have stated, a good bass player should be able to take three notes and make then interesting.
People love it and it always gets them going. When I play a Zappa tune, I lose them everytime. I believe the crowd is the real show. Once we get them going, the fun really starts.
I signed enough boobies last night to know the Sweet Home stays in the set. Seems to be a Southern Rock tradition.
Back on topic - "Roadhouse Blues" is just tedious.
People love it and it always gets them going. When I play a Zappa tune, I lose them everytime. I believe the crowd is the real show. Once we get them going, the fun really starts.
I signed enough boobies last night to know the Sweet Home stays in the set. Seems to be a Southern Rock tradition.
Back on topic - "Roadhouse Blues" is just tedious.
I agree with the disdain for most of the songs listed here. If I were to agree to play "All Summer Long", that would no doubt be my most hated. But I refuse. You gotta draw the line somewhere.
But I don't understand the hatred for Brown-Eyed Girl. Sure, it's overdone, but it's got a BASS SOLO, people! How can we hate a song with a bass solo, when there are so many songs that don't have one?
You BEG-haters, you don't have to play the solo just like the record. Try this once for me. Invent the trickiest, most convoluted solo you can, and play it in there. And pull it off perfectly every time. And sing a harmony, and do that perfectly every time. See if that little challenge doesn't make it just a bit more interesting for you.
"Free Bird" is right up there near the top of my list, but there's one tune that tops it, or bottoms it, depending on your viewpoint... "Gimme All Your Lovin'". I love ZZ Top, but... Dusty, how could you? You gave us nothing for the bass on that song. Nothing at all to enjoy. Luckily for me, the guy in my band who sang that one recently quit.
As for the question of what do I do when faced with the necessity of playing Free Bird, or Margaritaville, or Cocaine, or any of the rest? I suck it up, summon up my professionalism, smile, boogie around, and play and sing the sorry piece of crap the best I can, because that's what professionals do.
But "All Summer Long"? Sorry, I'm not quite that professional. Not until Kid Rock hires me to play in his band, that is...
But I don't understand the hatred for Brown-Eyed Girl. Sure, it's overdone, but it's got a BASS SOLO, people! How can we hate a song with a bass solo, when there are so many songs that don't have one?
You BEG-haters, you don't have to play the solo just like the record. Try this once for me. Invent the trickiest, most convoluted solo you can, and play it in there. And pull it off perfectly every time. And sing a harmony, and do that perfectly every time. See if that little challenge doesn't make it just a bit more interesting for you.
"Free Bird" is right up there near the top of my list, but there's one tune that tops it, or bottoms it, depending on your viewpoint... "Gimme All Your Lovin'". I love ZZ Top, but... Dusty, how could you? You gave us nothing for the bass on that song. Nothing at all to enjoy. Luckily for me, the guy in my band who sang that one recently quit.
As for the question of what do I do when faced with the necessity of playing Free Bird, or Margaritaville, or Cocaine, or any of the rest? I suck it up, summon up my professionalism, smile, boogie around, and play and sing the sorry piece of crap the best I can, because that's what professionals do.
But "All Summer Long"? Sorry, I'm not quite that professional. Not until Kid Rock hires me to play in his band, that is...
Man in the box. Alice in chains.
Every *!@&#*$ band in my area plays it. Even mine. E. e g d a.
its gotten to the point i dont even use my left hand. just play it all open.
Whats up. Four non blondes. #*$& that song.
Bobby Mcgee. Janice joplin. words cannot express how much i hate that song.
Rainbow in the dark. Dio. a f g. llllaaaammmmeeeee
I hate about 60% of my bands setlist. But im good at it so i guess it works lol
Every *!@&#*$ band in my area plays it. Even mine. E. e g d a.
its gotten to the point i dont even use my left hand. just play it all open.
Whats up. Four non blondes. #*$& that song.
Bobby Mcgee. Janice joplin. words cannot express how much i hate that song.
Rainbow in the dark. Dio. a f g. llllaaaammmmeeeee
I hate about 60% of my bands setlist. But im good at it so i guess it works lol
I have found that when I figuring out every (audible) nuance of every song we play, I actually like to play each song a whole lot more.
After I have the original bass line down I do take certain liberties with the parts I feel all but the best musicians wouldn't miss, to keep my sanity.
After I have the original bass line down I do take certain liberties with the parts I feel all but the best musicians wouldn't miss, to keep my sanity.
i hate a lot of the cheesy songs my band forces me to play but the audience will never know. why? because i've seen bands whose members show their disdain for songs they don't like and it looks like crap. i will do the opposite...i'll oversell the songs i don't like.
I may have one that tops this list.
Barefoot and Crazy
Play a G
On the kick
All the way through
Barefoot and Crazy
Play a G
On the kick
All the way through
personally, I believe in playing WHATEVER works. I've been amazed when I've played some CHEESY song, but it went over so well, I actually enjoyed the energy and the vibe of it. Even some disco song! When it's cookin', it doesn't matter to me. My personal taste never has anything to do with what I will play or SHOULD play.
But I guess, even when songs work and I will play them, there have been songs that made me cringe or I can't wait for them to be over:
1. Sweet Home Alabama
2. Free Bird (this is the poster child for the 70's long, excessive, self-indulgent songs. I hate hearing it. I hated playing it).
3. Old Time Rock and Roll
4. Mustang Sally (this got old for me real fast)
5. I wanna be sedated (and I love the Ramones...but I got sick of playing this song!)
6. Wonderful Tonight (it has a tasty little bass line..but I got SO SICK of it...blech!!)
But I guess, even when songs work and I will play them, there have been songs that made me cringe or I can't wait for them to be over:
1. Sweet Home Alabama
2. Free Bird (this is the poster child for the 70's long, excessive, self-indulgent songs. I hate hearing it. I hated playing it).
3. Old Time Rock and Roll
4. Mustang Sally (this got old for me real fast)
5. I wanna be sedated (and I love the Ramones...but I got sick of playing this song!)
6. Wonderful Tonight (it has a tasty little bass line..but I got SO SICK of it...blech!!)
You don't like it because it's EASY to play?
I really like that song...it cooks! Tempo changes...but honestly, I've seen bands do it and get not much reaction. But from a personal standpoint, I like the song.
It's not the ease of a song that makes me sick of it...just the song. If that was the case, I'd be HATING what I'm doing now..AC/DC....most simple bass lines you'll ever find outside of the Ramones!! but when you're playing in front of 1,500 people or more routinely, it's hard to hate any of it. Even when you're doing a 12 minute version of Highway to Hell!
but to each his own.
