NationStates Jolt Archive

It just seems that, with the exception of Gene Simmons & Les Claypool, you never hear anything about a band's "Bad Ass Bassist"!!! Why is that? Who would you give the "Best Bassist" award to? I'm gonna' have to say...

1st - Les Claypool
2nd - Robert Trujillo (Suicidal Tendencies & Infectious Grooves)
3rd - Flea

Roger Waters was Pink floyd's bassist. But he's a dick.

not that she is up there on the talent scale, but you think of some groups such as Smashing Pumkins, who had the blond hot chick as their bassist, although I cant quite remember her name.....

perhaps that counts..

John Paul Jones

John Paul Jones
no, that's not her name....good guess though.... hehehehe

Why? Because they always have KFC buckets on their heads?

not that she is up there on the talent scale, but you think of some groups such as Smashing Pumkins, who had the blond hot chick as their bassist, although I cant quite remember her name.....

perhaps that counts..
D'Arcy was her name. She only used one name. That proves she is cool.

D'Arcy was her name. She only used one name. That proves she is cool.

No, it just proves that no one could pronounce her second name. She is D'arcy Wretzky (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/D%27arcy_Wretzky)

NONE of the bassists you guys have mentioned have anything on Geddy Lee.

http://www.bassinside.com/2003/february/geddy2.jpg

Cliff Burton and Victor Wooten need to be mentioned.

However, bassists are generally not recognized because the bass is not an instrument that lends itself to heroics.

Cliff Burton and Victor Wooten need to be mentioned.

However, bassists are generally not recognized because the bass is not an instrument that lends itself to heroics.

Geddy's bass lead technique is quite heroic. That's why he's the best.

NONE of the bassists you guys have mentioned have anything on Geddy Lee.



Except talent and ability. Geddy is good, but John Paul is better, imo.

Except talent and ability. Geddy is good, but John Paul is better, imo.

The fuck? Geddy has both of those in spades.

http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B000007NAA.01._AA240_SCLZZZZZZZ_.jpg

The fuck? Geddy has both of those in spades.

As I said he is good. However the Jack of spades is beaten by the King.
http://www.led-zeppelin.com/gfx2/jpjrockpile1.gif

Sting played bass for the Police. He was none too good at it, though.

Geddy had to be good to keep up with Neil. John Paul just doesn't click with me as a phenomenal bassist! He's only known because he was with the Zep; kinda' like Simmons is only popular because of his tongue (and he had the best make-up job)!

Geddy Lee and John Paul Jones are BOTH great in their own ways. I think Tony Levin has to be mentioned here. And if this isn't just a rock thing Jaco Pastorius

As I said he is good. However the Jack of spades is beaten by the King.
http://www.angel.dk/zeppelin/Media/CDstore/ZepC_24A.jpg

Unless he happens to sing while he's playing, and can play guitar, piano, organs, and program synthesizers, he's not as good as Geddy in my book.

Geddy had to be good to keep up with Neil. John Paul just doesn't click with me as a phenomenal bassist! He's only known because he was with the Zep; kinda' like Simmons is only popular because of his tongue (and he had the best make-up job)!

I could agree if it were not for the fact that JPJ has been the most successful of the ex Led Zep members. Additionally what is the role of a bassist? To drive the rhythm which it is difficult to say that Led Zep did not.

Further still, keeping up with Neil while difficult has to be easier than keeping up with Bonham was.

Unless he happens to sing while he's playing, and can play guitar, piano, organs, and program synthesizers, he's not as good as Geddy in my book.

Woah. We are discussing bass playing here, not general musical ability.
However :
A versatile musician, JPJ also plays guitar, mandolin, koto, lap steel guitars, autoharp, ukulele, mellotron, organ, cello, and the three over-dubbed recorders heard on Stairway to Heaven.
In addition he has produced musical scores for films.
Satisfied. OK, he doesn't sing.

probably because the electric bass guitar is one of the least interesting instruments of all time.

but anyway...

John Cale (The Velvet Underground)
Holger Czukay (Can)
Jerry Casale (Devo)
Peter Hook (Joy Division and New Order)
Mick Karn (Japan and Gary Numan)
Tina Weymouth (Talking Heads)
Jah Wobble (Public Image Limited)


i'm kind of amazed that Paul McCartney and Brian Wilson haven't been mentioned yet. or anyway i didn't see them while skimming.

No, it just proves that no one could pronounce her second name. She is D'arcy Wretzky (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/D%27arcy_Wretzky)
okay we are impressed you know her last name. I said she only used one name.

okay we are impressed you know her last name. I said she only used one name.

No, you said that using only one name "proves she is cool", I simply offered an alternative explanation for using only one.

Victor Wooten - Amazing Grace (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U34wyYwqshk)

NONE of the bassists you guys have mentioned have anything on Geddy Lee.

http://www.bassinside.com/2003/february/geddy2.jpg

Amen, brother. But has anyone mentioned Chris Squire of Yes, yet?

Prog rockers...

Annnyway...
Bass players are the introverts of the band, so they don't grab attention in the way that spazmatic lead guitarist or singer.

But really, all they have to do is stray off that flat four or machine-gun pedal tone thingy to look amazing in comparison to the field...[/music snobbery]

http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B000007NAA.01._AA240_SCLZZZZZZZ_.jpg
Ah hum.

http://distritos.telepolis.com/metalxxi/doc/ima/olivieri.JPG

That is all.

Flea is nuckin futs. it must have something to do with having a cool name to go with the skills. a lot of people know flea if they know music at all.

Is that Oliveri?

Actually, coming from you, I know it is.

Is that Oliveri?

Actually, coming from you, I know it is.

Yup. Haha :p

I have yet to hear, see, or experience a bassist better than me.

Les Claypool I give 2nd runner up.

I guess I have to prove myself, though. I shall make a recording.

Jaco Pastorius.

'Nuff said.

If you want rock bass players, I got a whole lot of yawn for you. Very few rock groups have interesting bass parts (which is why bass players get too little attention). Flea qualifies up there. Funk bass style owns alll though, in terms of good bass lines.

Max Collins of Eve 6. Both the lead singer and the bassist. Not an easy combo to pull off. Also writes kickass lyrics.

Flea is awesome as well.

Jaco Pastorius.

'Nuff said.

If you want rock bass players, I got a whole lot of yawn for you. Very few rock groups have interesting bass parts (which is why bass players get too little attention). Flea qualifies up there. Funk bass style owns alll though, in terms of good bass lines.
Ah yes, Jaco...

Jim's Big Ego has a stand-up bass fiddle that deserves some credit.

It just seems that, with the exception of Gene Simmons & Les Claypool, you never hear anything about a band's "Bad Ass Bassist"!!!

Yeah! Bass guitarists are so totally obscure! Like who remembers that Paul McCartney dude anyway?

I like all kinds of bassists, but I feel John Entwhistle (The Who) and Geezer Butler (Black Sabbath) deserve to be mentioned. Great fuckiing players. Plus, Geezer Butler wrote most of the Sabbath songs. Crazy as hell.

Yeah! Bass guitarists are so totally obscure! Like who remembers that Paul McCartney dude anyway?
First, that's The Beatles, no one in that is going to be obscure. Second, I think he established that in order for the bassist to stand out the bass has to be thier secondary role in the band, and Paul is far more famous for the songs that he wrote and co-wrote and for his vocals than he is for his bass playing. The most the casual observer knows about that is that he was a left handed player.

Woah! Page 3 and no one's mentioned Lemmy? What's wrong with you guys?

Why? Because they always have KFC buckets on their heads?
Funky GNR referrence?
Woah! Page 3 and no one's mentioned Lemmy? What's wrong with you guys?]
Fine.
Lemmy is a talentless hack and would be better off playing the washboard

Jack Bruce

James Jamerson.

Geezer Butler

[half-sarcasm.. ]
And bassists get the least recognition because we have the most noble hearts and are the best in bed, I mean, off the stage.
[/half-sarcasm]

That dude who's name escapes me who used to play fretless bass in Cynic. He rocked!

what about JJ burnell (stranglers) and flea,

Woah! Page 3 and no one's mentioned Lemmy? What's wrong with you guys?I'm glad you mentioned Lemmy, otherwise I would have had to. So I mention Krist Novoselic.

I'm glad you mentioned Lemmy, otherwise I would have had to. So I mention Krist Novoselic.
I don't even particularly like Motorhead. Well, I do, but I don't listen to them that often. They're good for putting on and turning the volume up to 12, but I wouldn't say they're anything really special.

the bass players are always the sexiest
they stand there just doing their thing
theyve got this mysterious quality

the bass players are always the sexiest
they stand there just doing their thing
theyve got this mysterious quality
I can't remember who it was said something along the lines of this:
'Bass playing's great. While the singer's wrapped up in his emotion, and the guitarist is trying to look cool with his solos, as a bass player you can stand there looking effortlessly cool while scanning the crowd for hot chicks to take backstage afterwards.'

The bassist good enough to regularly play with Joe Satriani, and most G3 gigs... :D

http://www.vinniemoore.com/photoimages/g3/g3_02.jpg

Hmm when I play gigs I get the most compliments etc and I'm the bassist. Maybe its because I'm a chick. Or maybe I'm just great ;)

I can't decide on a "favourite" bassist, been influenced by too many. Although I did get given a teddy (teddy BEAR *looks suspiciously at Cannot Think of a Name*) and called it Cliff Burton. And I've always admired Flea.

Hmm when I play gigs I get the most compliments etc and I'm the bassist. Maybe its because I'm a chick. Or maybe I'm just great ;)

I can't decide on a "favourite" bassist, been influenced by too many. Although I did get given a teddy and called it Cliff Burton. And I've always admired Flea.
Oooh, teddy bear...I was thinking...you know, it's not important what I was thinking.

Chick bass players are default hot.

Billy Sheehan, 'nuff said. He used to play for DLR if you were wondering.

Chick bass players are default hot.

Yeah, I agree, but I extend that to pretty much all muso gals.

because nobody wants to be stuck playing bass :)

because nobody wants to be stuck playing bass :)

Because a blind incontinent chimp could do as well as most bass players.

Chick bass players are default hot.

score \o/

Because a blind incontinent chimp could do as well as most bass players.
huh??

Because a blind incontinent chimp could do as well as most bass players.

I beg to differ. Thwacking away at single-note measures would suffice for most songs, but real bassists bring a whole other level of melody and rhythm to the music.

Matt Freeman is a great bass player - well, a least for a punk band.

The reason why bass players are overlooked is quite simple(i play guitar in a band so i know how important a decent bass player is!): the average joe(a casual music fan) can not hear the bass - simple as that.

cheers

I beg to differ. Thwacking away at single-note measures would suffice for most songs, but real bassists bring a whole other level of melody and rhythm to the music.

Hey, we agree! :eek:

Hey, we agree! :eek:

Hey, I like Zep, too, but I know that Geddy's a superior bassist. :p

Hey, I like Zep, too, but I know that Geddy's a superior bassist. :p

Knowledge is just belief in your case then, being justified having nothing to do with it. :p

The bass players are usually the least recognized because the bass register isn't as conspicuous as the upper registers. It's the same with orchestras, no one notices the bassoons, tubas, and basses in the background unless they listen for them.

Knowledge is just belief in your case then, being justified having nothing to do with it. :p

Well, the fact that Geddy's bass really stands out, even with Alex Lifeson's excellent playing, is evidence enough for me.

Fieldy from Korn gets recognition. Not that hes a particularly great bassist, but he makes a noticeable contribution to the sound of the music with that weird slapping.

I love Bassists!

Let's give a big hand to Nigel Griggs!

Woooo!

Stu Hamm!!! Yep!!! Forgot all about him, I did!!! Bad ass bassist, he is!!! OK, got Yoda out of my system for the day! Oh, and as for the JPJ/Geddy debate...I've gotta' go with Potarius on this one; it's Geddy all the way!

I vote for myself. 'Cause I play the bass and stuff...That and I'm a greedy little thing. Do I get extra points because I'm female? :D

Do I get extra points because I'm female? :D

No.

geddy lee...

Aww..Oh well.

Guess I have to mention Pekka Pohjola. And bass players are the least recognized members of the bands because people are generally stupid and superficial and don't understand music.

Flea is a really good bassist. One of my favourite bassists is Phil Lynnot- Thin Lizzy, ok hes dead now but he was good...

As a bassist myself I think that bassists get the least credit because people usually can't hear them.

It's because most rock bassists just play a simplified version of what the guitarist plays, or even more basic, the root notes of the chord progression. It's the least glamourous, flashy duty, but a necessary one.

I gotta go with Mike Dirnt, I saw him once break his nose in the middle of a song, and finish the song.

although, he probably wouldn't get many points for coordination since he broke his own nose on the mic during a jump..............:p

It just seems that, with the exception of Gene Simmons & Les Claypool, you never hear anything about a band's "Bad Ass Bassist"!!! Why is that? Who would you give the "Best Bassist" award to? I'm gonna' have to say...

1st - Les Claypool
Tommy the Cat is my name - and I say unto thee.... :D

I beg to differ. Thwacking away at single-note measures would suffice for most songs, but real bassists bring a whole other level of melody and rhythm to the music.
coughbassistcough

coughbassistcough
I also think hes a bassist.

Chris Murphy of Sloan - probably never heard of him, right? I don't blame you.

John Entwhistle and Flea - Both inspired me too play the bass. Also that guy from kids in the hall

The reason why bass players are overlooked is quite simple(i play guitar in a band so i know how important a decent bass player is!): the average joe(a casual music fan) can not hear the bass - simple as that.

In that case said average Joe should buy himself a decent pair of speakers.

Bob Weston from Shellac. Awesome bass lines there.

Has anyone mentioned Lemmy Kilmister yet? If not, why not?
http://www.imotorhead.com/history/lemmy.gif

Just thought of another great bassist: Justin Chancellor of TOOL. The band wouldn't be the same without him (and Dana Carvey, the drummer). New album out soon too, btw.

No, it just proves that no one could pronounce her second name. She is D'arcy Wretzky (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/D%27arcy_Wretzky)
Lol you think thats bad look at their second bassist that tured with them when D'arcy left

melissa auf du mar :P

..Paul Mc'cartney

(and Dana Carvey, the drummer)

Danny Carey is the drummer for Tool!!! Dana Carvey has had a far less illustrious career! His only notoriety comes from the turtle dude in the movie "Master of Disguise" & that goofy "Choppin' Broccoli" song! "Well, isn't that special?" ;)

D'Arcy was her name. She only used one name. That proves she is cool.

her last name was Wretzky

Pfft, the greatest bassist of all time is Jaco Pastorius.

However, on a more general view, I'd say either Geddy Lee, Jack Bruce, Flea or Chris Squire.

Pfft, the greatest bassist of all time is Jaco Pastorius.

However, on a more general view, I'd say Geddy Lee, Jack Bruce, Flea, Chris Squire, John Enwisthle and John Paul Jones are probably the best.

Either way, Jaco pwns them all.