Jul 31, 2009

Walk on the Wild Side



This song has one of the greatest bass loops ever recorded. First, because you can recognize the song on the first bass note being plucked. Second for the distinctive sound of the bass (keep reading for a fun fact on that). Third because the bass line is so captivating.

Fun fact: The bass line for this song atually combines two bass recordings: one played on a double bass, another played on a fretless bass guitar (source: Wikipedia).

Song: Walk On The Wild Side
Artist / Band: Lou Reed
Album: Transformer
Bass: Herbie Flowers
Year: 1972

Bass tab (external link)

Jul 30, 2009

French Fries w/ Pepper



In my opinion, Mark Sandman was one of the greatest bassists of all time. His inventiveness (ever heard of lo-rock?) can be heard on the basslines he has created with his unique playing style. You don't get to hear a 2-string slide bass very often, do you?

"French Fries w/ Pepper" is not Morphine's greatest hit, but certainly is a nice introduction to his work and style.

Song: French Fries w/ Pepper
Artist / Band: Morphine
Album: Like Swimming
Bass: Mark Sandman
Year: 1997

Bass tab (external link)

Jul 29, 2009

Sun King/Mean Mr. Mustard/Polythene Pam/She Came In Through The Bathroom Window



I've decided to pick up the bass as my instrument many years ago, after listening to Abbey Road several times in a row during a car trip. I was already familiar with that album for years, but listening to Paul McCartney's basslines, specially during the sequence from "Mean Mr. Mustard" to "She Came In Through The Bathroom Window", really opened my eyes to the wonders of that instrument.

Song(s): Sun King/Mean Mr. Mustard/Polythene Pam/She Came In Through The Bathroom Window
Artist / Band: The Beatles
Album: Abbey Road (Remastered)

Bass: Paul McCartney
Year: 1969

Bass tabs (external link)