risingson

Here's another favourite, 'God Only Knows': http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kak2x0j_m8I&feature=related

I've been listening to the Beach Boys, probably due to the fact I've got a P-Bass again and have once more gotten totally hooked on the brilliance of Carol Kaye! Thought I might share this audio clip for those who haven't heard it before, it details Brian Wilson in the studio directing 'The Wrecking Crew' session players and other assorted musicians from L.A on what to play and where on one of my favourite songs, 'Sloop John B'. It touches on Wilson's need for absolute perfection from the guys and girls he had in the studio during the Pet Sounds sessions, really incredible stuff and an superb ear for arrangement and production. It has also got one of my very favourite Carol Kaye bass lines on it also. Check it out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h9iu65sot1E&feature=related

It's a free bump and a compliment, so no I don't find it in the least bit annoying. Quite the opposite in fact!

I can vaguely understand why someone like Matt Garrison for example has one, as his right hand technique involves his thumb and three fingers spread across a wider area than the standard two fingers, giving a more even playing surface presumably. Personally I don't get them at all, clearly some players swear by them but I can definitely get by without one.

[quote name='Low End Bee' timestamp='1348181303' post='1810672'] I shall just mention the popular music combo 'Keane'. I think I need say no more. [/quote] The White Stripes, The Yeh Yeh Yehs, a lot of Radiohead's latest stuff... it's a rich tapestry of 'no bass required'!!

Jazz for me, although only just. I'd see about sneaking a P onto the island with me too. Probably give me a B-15 Portaflex to play them all through too?

I'd make sure you were earning well over 1000, and if not then take your work elsewhere because there will be people willing to pay you more (think corporate) for a NYE gig. Double or triple more in fact.

[quote name='WACOJACO' timestamp='1348183179' post='1810695'] He actually was an uncredible writer [/quote] D'oh! Jaco was an incredible bass player who really did change a lot. There have been a few others along the way as well but he certainly did a lot for pushing things forward. There may have been more technically competent bass players since but the fact he did it all first is very telling.

I don't know but it looks stunning and I want one.

I let my head judge the correct notes, dynamics and rhythmic inflections of what I play on bass. Dynamics are so important, and not just the loud/soft (or piano/forte if you're a toff) aspect, I mean literally the whole aspect of the way you play, it's got to work for the music you're working for otherwise it really shows. My head also tells me to play less nowadays with the music that I write, record and perform.

I've just ordered some Status Hotwires for my P-Bass after I saw one or two people waxing lyrical about them on here. The price was certainly right, only as much as I'd pay for rounds so if they're any good I'll make sure I let everyone know!

Not so inspiring sounding anymore. One of the reasons I like Steely Dan's older stuff like Aja or The Royal Scam was because whilst it was modern sounding at the time, there were limitations to the amount that they could take things in the studio and I like the sounds of those limitations. Nowadays it's just way too clinical. The song itself is nothing not heard before, the lyrics don't seem up to Fagan's witty usual standards.

Wow, would probably just go to Paris for this shop alone!

[quote name='lojo' timestamp='1347970788' post='1807327'] Thier are various levels to the meaning of this song , and a whole degree course could be built around just one verse Your just not digging deep enough Oh and the rappers delight version, great fun [/quote] I think you'd really be pushing the boat out if you were to write a dissertation on the lyrics to 'Good Times'. But then the lyrics are very uninteresting in themselves, the interest is generated by the song, the feel, the very clever harmonic ideas actually which Bilbo hasn't touched on in his critique!

[quote name='BigAlonBass' timestamp='1347908961' post='1806552'] Don't take this the wrong way (Naturally, somebody will!...) but I find a few Bass Players have very selective hearing. They listen to a song, of whatever genre, and only seem to concentrate on the Bass Line. If the Bass is brilliant, the song must be. However, there are some out there, myself included, who like the 'whole' sound of a piece of music, and if the Bass Line is excellent, well that's a bonus. Because Funk and to an extent, Reggae, feature prominent Bass parts, then the slightly selfish attitude of some of us thinks instantly "I'd love to play that" which in turn means it must be good. I've played songs with absolutely rubbish Bass parts in the past, but thoroughly enjoyed the experience, because I've been part of the ensemble performing it to Joe Public, who in turn seemed to enjoy themselves. As a case in point, Pino ALWAYS plays brilliantly to my way of thinking, but he's worked for people who (in my opinion only) turn out pile after pile of sh**. Nothing can detract from his performance or skill, but he's part of something I don't enjoy, so I can't listen to it. The same goes for a lot of Funk Bass Players-brilliant at what they do, but the music is the finest aid to insomnia that I know of personally. I'll get my flame-proof overalls on now, and nip off to listen to a bit of.......well, that would be telling, wouldn't it? [/quote] I think you're bang on the money actually. It's not just bass players either, all instrumentalists are guilty of it to one degree or another.

I like his stuff as well.

It's easy to relate to Funk music as a bass player because the bass is always so very prominent. Personally I don't think there's as much to be said for 'Funk' as a genre as much as there is for 'funk' as a type feel to be integrated sparingly into other kinds of music. Feel is what is most important for bass players, obviously good funk bass players have a lot of it and it is inspiring for some to hear. I would say that there are probably too many bands trying to trade off of a funk-style sound. Absolutely fine in most cases, I have no problem with it per se except that [u]everyone[/u] nowadays is doing it and when its obvious that one or two players in the band have no background in playing or listening funk and R&B, it suddenly becomes terribly contrived and worse still will often sound very tame and very uninspired. It just seems to be everywhere right now!

In more recent history, I've got a lot of time for Bombay Bicycle Club, in particular this tune. Nice bass line. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sdte4c2rXUg

I really like Everything Everything. It's clever writing, and whilst his voice is hit or miss for some, I learnt to get on with Billy Corgan and Morrissey a while ago so it's not an issue for me. Lovely stuff.

[quote name='Wil' timestamp='1347830827' post='1805641'] Oh, I think there's a definite Pet Sounds influence there. Reverb drenched percussion and those bittersweet harmonies... love it [media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HWP7x1oF9dA[/media] [/quote] He definitely sounds lot like Brian there! Arrangements wise it's just way too psychedelic for me to think about the BB's, maybe I'm wrong. But really, really great. It's nice to know there's good music out there still, or at least music I like to listen to

I've just swapped my mini-upright for a Japanese Squier P from the early 90's and it is a truly wonderful thing, looks great, sounds great.

I really like them, not listened to their new stuff just yet but thanks for the reminder! I didn't buy the whole 'Beach Boys' thing too much, seemed like the press always need something to hook onto comparison wise, but overall a lovely sound.

I've said it before and I'll say it again. Gangrene! In its defence I would say it is more of a look over any real attempt at a relic'ed-type look. But it's not really my thing. EDIT I'd be interested to know where the supposed '3 band EQ' is accessible from. it's only got one knob!