Japhet

They were a 'heavy' band back in the day but the genre has evolved into something completely different, as R&B, Funk and Jazz have all spawned more modern versions of themselves. Can't wait to find out what Thrash Metal turns into.......on second thoughts, I can wait (the longer the better in fact).

Venus and Mars - Wings

Ain't Gonna Gump No More With No Big Fat Woman - Joe Tex.

24 Hours from Balsa - Gene Pitney

Hanging on the Telephone - Blondie

Fire - Bruce Springsteen

I feel your pain. It's such hard work trying to regulate the tempo with a drummer that wavers about. Drummer in my band has a habit of slowing down, usually at the same place in particular songs, so, to compensate I end up pushing the beat as those places approach but half the time he just slows down anyway. Drives me nuts.

Paper Plane - Status Quo

Conversation in my band a few years back; Singer; I can't reach the high notes in this. Me; We can change the key if you like. Singer; No need to do that. I'll just start a bit higher. Me; That would have to be an octave which is a lot higher. Singer; What's an octave? I'll just start a little bit higher Me; So, in the wrong key then. Singer; What?

Rocket Man - Elton John

The Riverboat Song - Ocean Colour Scene

Here Comes the Rain Again - Eurythmics

Ferry 'cross the Mersey - Jerry and the Pacemakers

I'm going to add Bobby Vega to the list. The only bass player who has made me want to play with a pick.

Probably not influential as such, but in my mind one of the greats is the very recently departed Juan Nelson. Another one who caught my ear at an early age and piqued my interest in all things bass was Tiran Porter.

Get Down on It - Kool and the Gang

Relax - Frankie Goes to Hollywood

Now I'm Here - Queen

Lip Up Fatty - Bad Manners

Frankenstein - Edgar Winter Group

Don't know really. Roll a fair bit of treble off I'd guess and don't use brand new strings is where I'd start. They sound like round wounds to me but without the zingyness of a new set.

We Will Rock You - Queen

Always loved Paul Denman's sound on Sade's stuff. One of the main reasons my first decent bass was a Stingray which I still have and probably always will.

Milk and Alcohol - Dr Feelgood