Tommy the Cat

Ok, since we have already posted a Tom Waits featuring Les Claypool, here's a Les Claypool (well, Primus) featuring Tom Waits.

Funny thing: I love Les Claypool bass playing - this particular bassline is extraordinary, out of this world really -, but I was never a big Primus fan. However, there's no way of denying the power of Les Claypool as a bass player. Really groovy, really percussive. And quite complex, too. These are not simple basslines, and require a lot - a LOT - of practice. Yes, Les Claypool is an unbelievable player.

Oh, Tom Waits is the voice of Tommy the Cat, by the way.

Song:Tommy The Cat
Artist / Band: Primus
Album:Sailing the Seas of Cheese
Bass: Les Claypool
Year: 1989

Bass tab (external link)

People Let's Stop the War

If you can't find any other reason to care for Grand Funk Railroad, try listening Mel Schacher's lead bass.

Song: People, Let's Stop The War (24-Bit Digitally Remastered 02)
Artist / Band: Grand Funk Railroad
Album:E Pluribus Funk
Bass: Mel Schacher
Year: 1971

Around the World

Flea is one of the most celebrated bassists around, and I think he deserves that. He will probably get many posts with his name on this blog, and this first one is about his bass on Around the World. Overdrived intro, funky verses and chorus, grooving ending... this song bassline has every elements to be considered a classic Flea.

Song: Around The World
Artist / Band: Red Hot Chilli Peppers
Album: Californication
Bass: Flea
Year: 1999

Bass tab (external link)

The Distance

Cake is one of my favourite american bands from the 1990s. There are many songs with great, contagious basslines, and "The Distance" is a good example. It's amazing how the bass stands out.

Song: The Distance
Artist / Band: Cake
Album: Fashion Nugget
Bass: Victor Damiani
Year: 1996

Bass tab (external link)