At some awful point in music, the bass guitar went from being the crucial backbone of music to the instrument you play when you want to be in a band but are talentless.
There will always be a specially reserved table for bassists in the restaurant of the things I hold dear because I wanted to be a bassist. Before I ever bought myself a guitar, I saved up and got a cheap, cherry red bass.
Sadly, the popular bands all my friends were listening to had bassists who relied completely on "AAAAGGGGAAAAGGGG," so I decided I was going to be like Victor Wooten or Bootsy Collins. I'm never disappointed with funk and jazz bassists because they respect the instrument. (Check out Victor Wooten playing Stevie Wonder's "Isn't She Lovely" with nothing but his bass. I love this man.)
But, you know, I love rock music; and I learned through the years that not all is lost--and not all was lost. So this list is about rock and roll bassists (only those in a permanent band, so no Jaco Pastorius either) who knew/know what they are doing.
In no particular order, here are ten great rock bassists that I could think of off the top of my head:
1. Paul McCartney: No surprise here. Not only a great songwriter, but an epic bassist. "Come Together," "Day Tripper," "Oh! Darling..." Oh man, need I say more? I do. "Silly Love Songs," "Band on the Run," and pretty much everything from McCartney through Press to Play. (Video: "Hey Bulldog" Isolated Bass. I don't have words to define my love for Paul McCartney.) Extra points for being left-handed.
2. Peter Hook: I don't think I can make a list of awesome things without mentioning Joy Division in some nature. Hooky's style is unmistakable: He plays the bass high, a relatively unknown practice--revolutionised by him really. Also, let me just leave you with this argument: "She's Lost Control." Great bass playing doesn't have to be complicated. The bass carries that song. But, we already knew that, listen to the bass in "Disorder." (Video: "Disorder")
3. Andy Rourke: The Smiths had a great bunch of lads, they really did. I was surprised by the skill that Andy Rourke showed in the band because, honestly, when you're playing an instrument behind Johnny Marr's guitar, you wouldn't think there'd be a need to do anything flashy. But Andy augmented everything the band did and that bit of sparkle really makes The Smiths. (Video: "This Charming Man")
4. Alex James: Here's one that doesn't get a lot of credit for his bass playing. It might be because he's up behind Graham Coxon, but, though not always, Blur relies on basslines. Listen to this version of "Boys and Girls" live and you'll feel the funk that he adds. If only the bass were turned up. (Video: "Boys and Girls" live)
5. Paul Simonon: His bass playing is, simply put, sexy as hell. In The Clash, he added that funk to my oh-so beloved punk and when he did The Good, The Bad, and The Queen with Damon Albarn and Tony Allen, his bass playing rattled my car door and I love when that happens. It means something when music can survive as lovely without guitar influence. He gets two--fuck it--three! videos because of that. (Videos: "Rock the Casbah" isolated bass; "The Magnificent Seven"(so sexy); "Paul's Tune")
6. Bruce Foxton: The Jam didn't need many people or machines to create great music. I think they're more punk than people give them credit for. I love that, even though Paul Weller was a great guitar player in the early days of the band, the songs are incredibly bass-heavy. This should happen more in the world of music. (Video: "That's Entertainment") Extra points for being another Rickenbacker player.
7. Cubbie Fink: He's pretty much the only thing I have left to give me faith in bass playing. Foster the People are an incredible 3-member band with the same kind of 'perfect storm' situation in so many bands on this list, each member plays his instrument to the fullest of form. Cubbie carries the band's songs in a lot of cases. Especially in their biggest hit which I'm sure you already know. Let me tell you, when I heard that for the first time, all I could think was "fuckin hell, someone learned how to play bass...it's been years!" (Video: "Pumped up Kicks;" "Best Friend;" and "Don't Stop (Color on the Walls)" live. He's unbelievably cool.) Extra points for playing bass like a sophisticated gentleman.
8. John Paul Jones: The soul this man carried in his bass was a powerful mate for Robert Plant's voice and, with the drumming innovation and otherwordly guitar playing, Led Zeppelin is a musical force to be reckoned with. This is the kind of bass music you get drunk off of. (Video: "Ramble On") Extra points for needing no further explanation.
9. John Entwistle: Though Paul McCartney may be the driving force behind every decision I make in my life (I am unashamed), I will admit that when I saw John's solo when The Who did "My Generation" on The Smothers Brothers was the day I went out and got my bass. I believe I was thirteen or fourteen. Changed my life forever. (Video: "John Entwistle's 30-second Solo From "My Generation"; and "Eminence Front" isolated bass track. Skip about 2 minutes ahead if you want to get the full force of awesome.)
10. Patricia Morrison: There have been some things said (by Andrew Eldritch if I'm not mistaken) about Patricia Morrison's real contribution to The Sister's of Mercy. I don't know really because I wasn't there. Anyway, she was the bassist during my favourite Sisters album, Floodland and I think the great thing about the band--and music of this genre--is that the songs sometimes rely completely on the bass and it's dark and brooding and industrial and perfect. (Video: "Lucretia, My Reflection;")
And to all those I've forgotten: I'll be sure to rack myself with guilt over your absence later.
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