Guest Dante Posted May 28, 2010 Posted May 28, 2010 Was going through the worst of the worst thread and saw Jackie Wilson's Because of You being mentioned. I really like the record so I gave it another listen. I think I never realized how amazing the bass line is: JACKIE WILSON - BECAUSE OF YOU - It got me thinking. Bass lines are one of the things in a record that really gets to my spine. Lyrics can be bad, production too weak, but if the bass line is good, then I'm up for it. Of course, we've got James Jamerson to thank, but others picked up his style really well: CURTIS MAYFIELD - MISS BLACK AMERICA - CURTOM LP - Specially towards the end. The guy just goes bonkers all over the bass. Amazing! Or this one: YOU'RE JUST THE KIND OF GUY - KIM WESTON - MGM - What are your favorites, then?
purist Posted May 28, 2010 Posted May 28, 2010 Often described as the world's prettiest bassline, I give you my all time favourite - Jackson Five - Darling Dear I'd love to hear an isolated bass track of JJ playing this. There's lots of folk who are JJ wannabee's trying to play this on youtube, and although they are not as good as the great man you can get to see just how fabulous he was at laying an inventive and danceable bass line. ( try the one uri7777) of copurse no-one does the JJ one finger hook, but it is sweet to listen to, along with the young black version of MJ on vocal. In Northern Soul terms Sam Dees "Lonely For You Baby" SSS Int. takes some beating, especially the intro.
Guest Doctor Bird Posted May 28, 2010 Posted May 28, 2010 James Jamerson on I'm Ready For Love from Martha & the Vandellas
Agentsmith Posted May 28, 2010 Posted May 28, 2010 check out the bassline on the "for once in my life" backing track which features on the double cd "standing in the shadows of motown. james jamerson fully exposed as the gifted genius he was. this track, regardless of stevie's vocal or lyrics, is a standout that could be played on its own merits at any northern/crossover soul night. lets be clear here, there are many tremendous northern anthems that are carried by the bass contribution, included amongst these, the tamangoes, sam dees, bari track etc., but for sheer intricacies, none of which his latter day or former peers can touch, jamerson is a stand-alone in the art and will be revered for all-time.
Dave Moore Posted May 28, 2010 Posted May 28, 2010 The greatest slice of bass for me is : The intro to Stevie Wonder - Uptight - Tamla Simplicity itself but played like a metronome. Result: Classic bassline intro that stands proudly next to anything produced by anyone before or since. Regards, Dave
Simsy Posted May 28, 2010 Posted May 28, 2010 ERIC MERCURY - LONELY GIRL PART 1 - There's a female version where the bass is more pronounced. That'd be # 1.
Steve Myers Posted May 28, 2010 Posted May 28, 2010 Just can't stop playing this after recently "rediscovering" it FOUR TOPS-DONT BRING BACK THESE MEMORIES-MOTOWN - That plodding bass, Levis vocals, and then that piano kicks in........Awsome Definately gonna play this out when I get chance.
Guest Bogue Posted May 28, 2010 Posted May 28, 2010 (edited) As was said....as a genre it is very bass driven so lots to choose from. Sometimes though a good bassist is one who doesn't stand out imediatley... because he is so in time with his drummer & in tune with the band...thus weaving the song together. We tend to pick tunes where the bass is right up front I guess. & in that mold a few I like are : Gino Washington - Like My Baby ...simple..but so enticing!! Dee Clark - That's My Girl Too Hot To Hold - James Duncan & perhaps..an unlikely candidate... 21st Century - Every Little Heartache ...quite a pronounced bass for a slowish track...love it! Edited May 28, 2010 by Bogue
Spacehopper Posted May 28, 2010 Posted May 28, 2010 soul bros six / ill be loving you .....wicked melody...loud in the mix almost like a reggae track !... but then again...ray agees real real love is mental....must have been speeding his nuts off !!
Ian Parker Posted May 28, 2010 Posted May 28, 2010 Dee Dee Sharp - What kind of lady Astonishing bass playing IAN
Ljblanken Posted May 28, 2010 Posted May 28, 2010 James Jamerson on I'm Ready For Love from Martha & the Vandellas yeah, such a great bassline the Jam ripped it off for 'town called malice'!
Guest rosies dad Posted May 28, 2010 Posted May 28, 2010 (edited) ESQUIRES - LISTEN TO ME - CAPITOL - how bout The Esquires "listen to me"? one of them records you can pick up for 50 cents in almost any junk shop, but WOW. if it were rare?? Edited May 28, 2010 by rosies dad
Guest Posted May 28, 2010 Posted May 28, 2010 (edited) The ohio players - you don't mean it - it has a crazy and fantastic bass going on me thinks ! Edited May 28, 2010 by mossy
Jumpinjoan Posted May 28, 2010 Posted May 28, 2010 Larry Williams - Ask For One Good Reason - Okeh Absolutely incredible bassline!
Guest JIM BARRY Posted May 28, 2010 Posted May 28, 2010 A TOP BASS LINE FOR ME IS ON "TIME IS TIGHT" BOOKER T AND THE MGs
Guest east rob Posted May 28, 2010 Posted May 28, 2010 job opening - the del larks. that opening bass line has to be the best intro in any song.(imho)
Guest irishpip Posted May 28, 2010 Posted May 28, 2010 Martha and the Vandellas Show Me The Way has one of my favourite basslines Psychedlic soul is great too and Herbs Never Never
De-to Posted May 28, 2010 Posted May 28, 2010 the twangy bass line and the whole arrangement on,"love child",d.ross/supremes,imo quality,!!! heres the inst version,get the headphones on full blast,
kevinsoulman Posted May 28, 2010 Posted May 28, 2010 NOT THE BEST BUT ONE OF MY FAVOURITES FRANKIE VALLI AND THE FOUR SEASONS - THE NIGHT - MOWEST UK ONE SIDED PROMO/TEST - KEV BTW WHO IS THE BASS PLAYER ON THIS
Larry Semmins Posted May 28, 2010 Posted May 28, 2010 Koko Taylors "Wang Dang Doodle" Willie Dixon on bass. ATB Steve
grantdyche Posted May 28, 2010 Posted May 28, 2010 A touch on the disco side for me,But a good dance tune with a nice bit of "Bass" on the boom boom bits https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oQLyrtoodis
Guest Trevski Posted May 28, 2010 Posted May 28, 2010 Not a bass guitar, or bass riff, but the double bass string break in the middle of Judy Street still gives me tingles!
Guest Paul Posted May 28, 2010 Posted May 28, 2010 (edited) yeah, such a great bassline the Jam ripped it off for 'town called malice'! Agreed. Brilliant throbbing bassline, one of Jamerson's very best. 'I'm Ready For Love' is a classic song (wonderful lyrics) and a passionate performance by Martha. We discussed it on another thread not so long ago. Edited May 28, 2010 by Paul
Guest Paul Posted May 28, 2010 Posted May 28, 2010 (edited) And don't forget about 'Bernadette' by The Four Tops. Jamerson at his best again I also love the bass line on 'Don't Leave Me' by Holland & Dozier. And a few others come straight to mind... 'Brown Eyed Girl' (Van Morrison) 'Ain't No Mountain High Enough' (Marvin & Tammi) 'I Get The Sweetest Feeling' (Jackie Wilson) 'If I Were Your Woman' (Gladys Knight) 'Ain't Understanding Mellow' (Jerry Butler & Brenda Lee Eager) 'What's It Gonna Be' (Dusty Springfield) 'It Ain't Like It Used To Be' (Randolph Brown & Co) Edited May 28, 2010 by Paul
Richard Bayley Posted May 28, 2010 Posted May 28, 2010 How about this for a bass-driven double-sider... Edwin Starr - Time/Running Back and Forth Would that have been Bob Babbitt playing the bass?
Dave Moore Posted May 29, 2010 Posted May 29, 2010 And don't forget about 'Bernadette' by The Four Tops. Jamerson at his best again And a few others come straight to mind... 'Ain't Understanding Mellow' (Jerry Butler & Brenda Lee Eager) Good call. Regards, Dave
Wiggyflat Posted May 29, 2010 Posted May 29, 2010 (edited) Freeze-Southern Freeze and Dana Valery-You Dont Know Where youre Interest Lies Byron Morris And Unity-Kitty Bey Edited May 29, 2010 by wiggyflat
Guest Trevski Posted May 29, 2010 Posted May 29, 2010 Not Soul, but the opening of "So what" by Miles Davis is built round that bass riff. Great stuff!
Dr Good Soul Posted May 29, 2010 Posted May 29, 2010 Dance to the Music-------Sly and the Family Stone
manus Posted May 30, 2010 Posted May 30, 2010 Johnny Clarke Up Park Camp Homer Banks A lot of love The Animals We got to get out of this place Cheers Manus
Stevemochan Posted May 31, 2010 Posted May 31, 2010 Johnny Clarke Up Park Camp Homer Banks A lot of love The Animals We got to get out of this place Cheers Manus This guys good doing The MVP's Turning My Heart Beat Up. I have a Fender Jazz Bass at home with the intentions of learning it.But alas work prevents me.
manus Posted May 31, 2010 Posted May 31, 2010 This guys good doing The MVP's Turning My Heart Beat Up. I have a Fender Jazz Bass at home with the intentions of learning it.But alas work prevents me. Good footage Steve - the guy can play a bit - my son plays bass in a local band wish I had that kind of talent. Cheers Manus
Guest Paul Posted May 31, 2010 Posted May 31, 2010 This guys good doing The MVP's Turning My Heart Beat Up. I have a Fender Jazz Bass at home with the intentions of learning it.But alas work prevents me. https://www.youtube.c...h?v=cXnecE5837A Hello Steve, I have a nice custom Fender Precision bass in the office / studio, built to vintage spec but with both Jazz and Precision pick ups. My cousin Steve Met made it for me. He thought I'd pick it up pretty fast but after all these years it's not easy, especially as I don't have the time to study. So it's out on loan at the moment.
Only Dreaming Posted June 1, 2010 Posted June 1, 2010 Larry Williams - Ask For One Good Reason - Okeh Absolutely incredible bassline! Nice choice Joan - Just what I was thinking - Incredible bass line on this track and definately in my top 5. Dave
Reg Scott Posted June 1, 2010 Posted June 1, 2010 (edited) Bassline.. The bass all the way through but especially the break at 1m 30s in the awsome Mitty Collier's take on "Git Out" MITTY COLLIE - GIT OUT - And nearly forgot this one; Frank Beverly & The Butlers - Love ATB Greg. Edited June 3, 2010 by ClearVinyl
Csta Posted June 1, 2010 Posted June 1, 2010 Jimmy Preacher Ellie - i'm gonna do it by myself (Jewel)
John Reed Posted June 2, 2010 Posted June 2, 2010 Not really sure if I'm replying with the right answers, but here are a few tunes, with what I think are great or unique baselines. Jean Elias - How long Can I Go On Fooling Myself - BackBeat Jean Plum - Here I Go Again - Hi Clausel - Let Me Love You - Up Right Ty Karin & George Griffin - Keep On Doin' Whatcha' Doin' - Sheridan House Ann Peebles - I Don't Lend My Man - Hi Barbara Brown - Can't Find Happiness - Atco Candi Staton - Evidence - Fame
Missgoldie Posted June 2, 2010 Posted June 2, 2010 love the bass line on Mark IV - signs of a dying love
Ljblanken Posted June 2, 2010 Posted June 2, 2010 (edited) sometimes you just don't hear the bass well enough in many soul productions. one song in which i LOVE the bass recording is the break in the middle of 'stop you're hurting my heart' by dee andrews (1:00-1:12). sounds like the guy is playing right in your living room! (anyone know who was on bass on these Tangerine sessions?) DEE ANDREWS - STOP YOUR HURTING MY HEART - TANGERINE PROMO - Edited June 2, 2010 by ljblanken
Tony Foster Posted June 2, 2010 Posted June 2, 2010 Sam Dees - Lonely for you baby Frankie Valli - The Night Vanguards - Good Times, bad times
Citizen P Posted June 4, 2010 Posted June 4, 2010 (edited) Lotsa Motown stuff of course, but for me-(today) it would be Temptations-( Loneliness, made me realise) It's You That I Need. Tony Edited June 4, 2010 by tonyp
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