scrumpymike Posted August 12, 2017 Share Posted August 12, 2017 I was just listening absent-mindedly to the radio while working on my pc and they happened to play Slowhand by The Pointer Sisters. I liked when it came out, I still like it, and I must have heard it a thousand times. What really hit me this time was how simple but perfectly formed the bass-line is. It lays down a rock-solid foundation without getting in the way or spoiling the laid-back mood, lets the song breathe, and - as a bass-player - I found myself savouring the rich tone and perfect placement of every note played. By the end, I was convinced that adding anything would just spoil it - and removing anything would do the same. So, what are your suggestions for the title of best-ever 'simple but effective' bass-line? [url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pnVOt2LK2Gg"]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pnVOt2LK2Gg[/url] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mikel Posted August 12, 2017 Share Posted August 12, 2017 Psycho Killer, Talking Heads. Simple bass that makes the song. Walking on the Moon, Police. Ditto above. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lowdown Posted August 12, 2017 Share Posted August 12, 2017 (edited) The Pointer Sisters were great at the medium (pumping 8's) rock groove. This one went under the radar a bit in the UK. [media]http://youtu.be/Z7CzeKcAocQ[/media] Edited August 12, 2017 by lowdown Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
discreet Posted August 12, 2017 Share Posted August 12, 2017 http://youtu.be/txab9pKEIxg Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dad3353 Posted August 12, 2017 Share Posted August 12, 2017 I've posted this before: 'Fat Angel'. The very great Jack Casady doing what's needed with two notes. Beautiful time shifts, and delicious pacing from the expert touch of Spencer Dryden on drums. Beautiful, 'live' playing... http://youtu.be/O8M1oNgWhtk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DaveFry Posted August 12, 2017 Share Posted August 12, 2017 One of the first things I learned on a Hammond as a kid :- ( I cheated by using both feet ) [media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ikrz4RFDhjA[/media] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lozz196 Posted August 12, 2017 Share Posted August 12, 2017 Simple but effective bassline equates to Psycho Killer by Talking Heads for me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BrunoBass Posted August 12, 2017 Share Posted August 12, 2017 It doesn't get a lot simpler than this, but it's all that the song needs. http://youtu.be/BVa-3xmwTRA Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LeftyP Posted August 12, 2017 Share Posted August 12, 2017 (edited) "Groovin'" by The Young Rascals. I loved it when it was released back in 1967 but it's only since I got into playing bass that I've really noticed how the bass line totally makes this song. I must have listened to the record a few thousand times and never appreciated just how subtle but afective the bass vibe is. Edited August 15, 2017 by LeftyP Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lojo Posted August 13, 2017 Share Posted August 13, 2017 https://youtu.be/2xwL-7fKKUE Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Happy Jack Posted August 13, 2017 Share Posted August 13, 2017 What, no U2 stuff posted yet? Shame on you all! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xgsjx Posted August 13, 2017 Share Posted August 13, 2017 My first thought was Psycho Killer, but then I thought it's simple, but I've heard Tina play it a few different ways & it still sounded good (it even sounds good with no bass line). So my vote goes for Slippery People. That's a great simple bassline that, if changed, wouldn't be as good. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
la bam Posted August 13, 2017 Share Posted August 13, 2017 Champagne Supernova for me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chris_b Posted August 13, 2017 Share Posted August 13, 2017 (edited) Simple and perfectly formed bass line? In spite of the thousands of perfect recordings that came out out of the likes of the Stax, Fame, Malaco and Muscle Shoals Studios: Mustang Sally, Respect Yourself and Groove Me etc, I'd choose Just The Two Of Us by Bill Withers, with the wonderful Melvin Dunlap on bass. Edited August 13, 2017 by chris_b Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lowdown Posted August 13, 2017 Share Posted August 13, 2017 I thought Marcus Miller played Bass on 'Just The Two Of Us'? Or am I thinking of a different version? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chris_b Posted August 13, 2017 Share Posted August 13, 2017 I think you might right. Apparently this was a Grover Washington song with Bill Withers contribution only being the vocals and some of the lyrics. The band is Grover Washington's and an eye opener for me. Good call. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
peteb Posted August 13, 2017 Share Posted August 13, 2017 (edited) [quote name='Happy Jack' timestamp='1502605546' post='3352370'] What, no U2 stuff posted yet? Shame on you all! [/quote] Oh, go on then https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=_Ye8GLPUVsM Edited August 13, 2017 by peteb Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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