NationStates Jolt Archive

What do people think is the funkiest bass line of all time? I can't decide between my two favourites "Good times" by Chic
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GJaVAuIavxA

and "Ain't no stopping us now" by McFadden and Whitehead.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tox2PBP3mOg
Anyone else have any suggestions?

Parliament (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=99pY1wcXTh4)/Funkadelic (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CSkKw5tg9EU), it's hard to decide

I don't know 'of all time' but there are some I like-

Chameleon Herbie Hancock, Night Court theme, Watermelon Man Herbie Hancock, Cantelope Island Herbie Hanckock (during his funky melon phase I guess...), What's the Buzz from Jesus Christ Superstar (stop snickering and listen to it, dammit), Birdland by Weather Report, Serenade to a Cuckoo Rashaand Roland Kirk, Under Pressure David Bowie, Super Freak Rick James...I don't know, probably dozens more. 99% of Funk has a funky base line and the other 1% sucks...largely because the bass line isn't funky.

Ramble on (http://youtube.com/watch?v=bLkOE4XDBis)

And this beautiful song. (http://youtube.com/watch?v=eBGIQ7ZuuiU)

I don't know 'of all time' but there are some I like-

Chameleon Herbie Hancock, Night Court theme, Watermelon Man Herbie Hancock, Cantelope Island Herbie Hanckock (during his funky melon phase I guess...), What's the Buzz from Jesus Christ Superstar (stop snickering and listen to it, dammit), Birdland by Weather Report, Serenade to a Cuckoo Rashaand Roland Kirk, Under Pressure David Bowie, Super Freak Rick James...I don't know, probably dozens more. 99% of Funk has a funky base line and the other 1% sucks...largely because the bass line isn't funky.

I have a soft spot for all the songs sung by Judas in the film soundtrack of Jesus Christ Superstar - he was such a good singer compared to the rest of the cast. Apparently Gary Glitter actually sang on the soundtrack album - I suspect rather ironically as Herod.

I have a soft spot for all the songs sung by Judas in the film soundtrack of Jesus Christ Superstar - he was such a good singer compared to the rest of the cast. Apparently Gary Glitter actually sang on the soundtrack album - I suspect rather ironically as Herod.

Ah, Ted Neeley had a good ol' impassioned rock and roll scream that worked well as Jesus, I kind of dig that wail, "Whyyyy should you want toknow, whyareyou so obsessed with fighting?" and the cool move back into the theme, "You'llbe lost, and you'llbe sorry...when I'm goooooone!" in Everything's Alright. But, not by accident, Judas is the star of that show (Tim fuckforgothislastname...guy who wrote the 'book' or lyrics, was trying to tell the last days of Christ from Judas' point of view.) I'm not a fan of musicals, just my parents had that album and my friends parents had that album and when we all found out that we all grew up listening to that album out of our parents collection we formed a sort of weird Jesus Christ Superstar appreciation society. Kind of. We even went and saw Neeley perform in a production of it. The cheese is part of the joy.

I have a soft spot for all the songs sung by Judas in the film soundtrack of Jesus Christ Superstar - he was such a good singer compared to the rest of the cast. Apparently Gary Glitter actually sang on the soundtrack album - I suspect rather ironically as Herod.
I still liked Simon better in the film version of Jesus Christ Superstar. "So what mooore do you neeeed to convince youuuuu. That you've maaaaade it and your eaaaasily as strong...

Nomeansno immediately sprang to mind. Almost anything from their Wrong album, though The Tower is especially delicious.

I don't know 'of all time' but there are some I like-

Chameleon Herbie Hancock, Night Court theme, Watermelon Man Herbie Hancock, Cantelope Island Herbie Hanckock (during his funky melon phase I guess...), What's the Buzz from Jesus Christ Superstar (stop snickering and listen to it, dammit), Birdland by Weather Report, Serenade to a Cuckoo Rashaand Roland Kirk, Under Pressure David Bowie, Super Freak Rick James...I don't know, probably dozens more. 99% of Funk has a funky base line and the other 1% sucks...largely because the bass line isn't funky.

Maggot Brain (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dh3bleXWaCk&feature=related)?

Cheap shot I know, but you can never post to many Funkadelic links :)

Ramble on (http://youtube.com/watch?v=bLkOE4XDBis)



Led Zeppelin always make me laugh because they are so pompous - I didn't realise they had done a 'hobbit' song - even funnier. Not the slightest bit funky though.

Parliament (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=99pY1wcXTh4)/Funkadelic (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CSkKw5tg9EU), it's hard to decide

There is no need to decide, my friend. Just let Bootsy take you for the ride...

Led Zeppelin always make me laugh because they are so pompous - I didn't realise they had done a 'hobbit' song - even funnier. Not the slightest bit funky though.

You can't even MENTION Bass without mentioning that song. The Bass is jsut so awesome there....

I think Chic is a heavily favored contender in any funky bass line competition. The fight is really between Good Times and Le Freak (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HMgR-jGoSXQ) (which, yes, overplayed, but still awesome.)

Other favorites:

Subcategory "Funkiest Bass Line not Played on Bass": You Dropped A Bomb on Me (http://www.noolmusic.com/blogs/YouTube_Music_Videos_80s_90s_-_Gap_Band_-_You_Dropped_A_Bomb_On_Me.shtml)

Subcategory "Bass Line most likely to confuse Brian Eno": Once in a Lifetime (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EYbUCvz1LYE)

You can't even MENTION Bass without mentioning that song. The Bass is jsut so awesome there....

Mr Jones is a very good bass player but he is not funky.

I think Chic is a heavily favored contender in any funky bass line competition. The fight is really between Good Times and Le Freak (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HMgR-jGoSXQ) (which, yes, overplayed, but still awesome.)

Other favorites:

Subcategory "Funkiest Bass Line not Played on Bass": You Dropped A Bomb on Me (http://www.noolmusic.com/blogs/YouTube_Music_Videos_80s_90s_-_Gap_Band_-_You_Dropped_A_Bomb_On_Me.shtml)

Subcategory "Bass Line most likely to confuse Brian Eno": Once in a Lifetime (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EYbUCvz1LYE)

Excellent suggestions. Forgotten how funky Talking Heads could be at their best.

Thank You Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ggFRYp0iomc)

Thank You Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ggFRYp0iomc)

Another prime contender for the title.

Gahh, there are so many. I'll throw a vote in for Superstition (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2OJsYwLs7yE&feature=related), since nobody else has :cool:

Gahh, there are so many. I'll throw a vote in for Superstition (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2OJsYwLs7yE&feature=related), since nobody else has :cool:

Good call.

Use Me- Bill Withers (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Z4EmHBLGUk) That's an infectious bass line.

While not particularly funky, Hang Me Up To Dry (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LrrGKR8Xii4) by the Cold War Kids has my all time favorite bass line. It's simple and amazing, makes me want to listen to the song over and over again. Has a fun music video too.

Parliament (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=99pY1wcXTh4)/Funkadelic (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CSkKw5tg9EU), it's hard to decide

why not both? Mothership Connection anyone?

Another one bites the dust (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rNQRfBAzSzo)

I have a soft spot for all the songs sung by Judas in the film soundtrack of Jesus Christ Superstar - he was such a good singer compared to the rest of the cast. Apparently Gary Glitter actually sang on the soundtrack album - I suspect rather ironically as Herod.

I agree with you Judas is the man in this. I studied the opera in a Music Appriciation course in the mid 70s (also saw it's original version on stage then). One thing we covered was that Judas's voice was especially chosen for it's appeal, Ciaphas was chosen to have the deepest voice to indicate the villian. Judas was not the villian but actually the only character on par with Jesus. So your soft spot for Judas' voice and songs was intentional.

This is one reason in it's day it was so controversial, it explored that Judas was not the villain in the story of the crucifixtion of Christ.

It is an awesome work of art and to this day one of my very favorite soundtracks ever and the lyrics are truly a masterpiece. imho:)

Oh and as to the bass line in What's the buzz?, yes awesome.

I have a soft spot for all the songs sung by Judas in the film soundtrack of Jesus Christ Superstar - he was such a good singer compared to the rest of the cast. Apparently Gary Glitter actually sang on the soundtrack album - I suspect rather ironically as Herod.

The most recent tour featured Cory Glover as Judas. Had to see it, in spite of Neeley. He's been playing Jesus for longer than Jesus actually lived :rolleyes:

I recently took up the bass, mostly because I found this (http://www.activemusician.com/item--EM.032-1520-537) for US $100.
I want to learn the Barney Miller theme, Alice Cooper's Gutter Cat vs. the Jets, and of course, I Believe in Miracles :cool:

John Melloncamps version of 'Wild Nights' (http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-9053999480497926484&q=john+melencamp+wild+nights&ei=WZ1TSJnwLZTqqgPDgrTzDg&hl=en)

Or Greg Allmans solo version of 'Whipping Post' off of his 'Searching for Simplicity' album.

Or maybe Jackson Brownes 'Doctor my eyes'

Only two contenders for this award

First is 'Graham Central Station - Earthquake' could only find some guy playing along to the tune on youtube but you get the idea

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NLL4t8sJXf0

and the other is the most recognisable bass ever

'The Sugar Hill Gang - Rappers Delight'

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o3ZqHonTB7s

EDIT: My apologies...it seems you already have the Rappers Delight bassline in 'Chic - Good Times' perhaps I should actually read the threads before I post on them haha!

Still think Graham Central Station has it though ;)

More Larry Graham from Central Station

The Guy is a Bass God

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_pbhxB7cGbw&feature=related

Use Me- Bill Withers (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Z4EmHBLGUk) That's an infectious bass line.

Always loved that track

EDIT: My apologies...it seems you already have the Rappers Delight bassline in 'Chic - Good Times' perhaps I should actually read the threads before I post on them haha!

Still think Graham Central Station has it though ;)

If it was 'most influential bass line" Good Times has it - 'Another one bites the dust' is just a variation on it.

I have been trying to pick a James Brown track - so often it is the whole thing rather than just the bass line - finally gone with Funky President

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IR2VoOfaxXA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d9gAqvttwq8

Zebra by the John Butler Trio

"Go for your Guns" Isley Brothers

"Play that Funky Music" Wild Cherry

"Cut the Cake" AWB