Greatest bass lines in popular music

[StonehamPark]

 

[WATFORD zero]

and, intriguingly, no one seems to know who the bass player was, take your pick from

James Jamerson
Clarence Isabell
Tony Newton
Bob Babbitt
Eddie Watkins

 

[Brighton TID]

The Stranglers always have had good bass lines, as did McCartney with The Beatles. But my favourite is Joy Division's Interzone.

Not forgetting the skittish brilliance of Disorder. Again Peter Hook at his very best.

 

[Ali_rrr]

I'm a bassist so will always remember the name if they contribute something special to an album/band etc.

I'm exactly the same as you, but I was talking more on a general level.

 

[Ali_rrr]

Not forgetting the skittish brilliance of Disorder. Again Peter Hook at his very best.

It's relatively easy to play, but it's effective and I agree it is brilliant. One of my favourite bassists of all time in all honesty.

 

[GT49er]

1). John Entwistle on My Generation;
2). John Entwistle on pretty much anything from Quadrophenia;
3). Andy Fraser (Free) on Alright Now.

 

[Don Tmatter]

'Guns of Brixton' The Clash/'Dub be good to me' Beats International or 'Nice & Sleazy' The Stranglers for me.

 

[Icy Gull]

That is a great call, love the bass line in that song.

Money by Pink Floyd is another one with a great bass line, I just really hate the song though.

 

[Icy Gull]

Nile Rodgers is still using this bass line these days isn't he?

 

[brighton bluenose]

How about Paul Simomon on The Clash version of 'Police and Thieves' - love that one!!

 

[Beach Hut]

Good Times - Chic anyone ?

 

[Since1982]

A three piece band tends to allow the bass to take more of a stand out role e.g. Chris Wolstenholme - Muse, Sting - The Police, Bruce Foxton - The Jam, Graham Maby - Joe Jackson (especially I'm The Man). I love bass, but then I've been playing it for 38 years!

 

[Mellotron]

It's relatively easy to play, but it's effective and I agree it is brilliant. One of my favourite bassists of all time in all honesty.

It's one of those basslines that's incredibly easy to play but also incredibly hard to get the EXACT feel of, if you get me? Very specific sound and playing style.

 

[Icy Gull]

A three piece band tends to allow the bass to take more of a stand out role e.g. Chris Wolstenholme - Muse, Sting - The Police, Bruce Foxton - The Jam, Graham Maby - Joe Jackson (especially I'm The Man). I love bass, but then I've been playing it for 38 years!

Jack Bruce - Cream

 

[Juan Albion]

I realise I face total humiliation for saying this, but I always appreciated the simple but driving bass in this song by, err, David Essex.

 

[Gregory2Smith1]

I can play a fair few Stranglers basslines,struggle with solo's though

this bloke ain't too shabby

 

[fire&skill]

 

[Ali_rrr]

It's one of those basslines that's incredibly easy to play but also incredibly hard to get the EXACT feel of, if you get me? Very specific sound and playing style.

Absolutely, my favourite Joy Division song haha.

 

[matbha]

I can play a fair few Stranglers basslines,struggle with solo's though

this bloke ain't too shabby

Steve Harris Iron Maiden , superb !!

 

[Se20]

Some great bassist's over the years.
As already mentioned, jj Burnell, too many songs to mention, but Nice n Sleazy is sublime.
Liked Paul Raven from Killing Joke, monster bass lines.
Norman Watt Roy of The Blockheads, notably What a waste and Rhythm Stick.
Lastly, the great Derek Forbes of Simple Minds and Propaganda.
His masterpiece being Theme for Great Cities.