@@pdbass if you don't have it already. Get the Chilli Peppers third album "the uplift mofo party plan" lotta good Bass/songs on that one. I used to warm up playing Bass to their cover of Bob Dylans song subterranean homesick Blues. Another great Bass line on that album is the song that you don't mention out loud is called Party on your P#ssy. Great Bass line and it's not that complicated. ✊🏾
Great list. The chant has begun is a great bassline. However i would have picked True Believers from the same album, and he sings at the same time WTF. But man oh man Footloose. I've seen Nathan play that live and smile at the same time, i mean i just barely can play it but i have to look at the fretboard all the time. When i first heard Run For Cover i was in a Mark King coma (he was the reason i switched from drums to bass), but Run For Cover opened my eyes and ears to other bassplayer than Mark King. incl, Marcus Miller, Abe Laboriel, Stanley Clarke, Louis Johnson (RIP) and a ton of Danish bassplayers.
Mark King is really off the charts. I gained a whole new level of appreciation for him as I started listening to Level 42. He makes it look effortless.
I am not very knowledgeable when it comes to playing music. I don't know chords, chord progressions, or anything like that. One reason I love this channel is that it takes songs I never thought much about or even really liked and shows me just how good they really are. I was 16 in 1984 and half the songs in this video are songs I wrote off as pop fluff. Now I'm going back (as I do so often after one of your videos) and relistening to them with new ears and a greater appreciation for what I'm hearing. You are responsible for greatly increasing the number of artists, albums, and songs I enjoy.
You should be proud of your ability to be open-minded, and to use the information given to you to improve your knowledge, and perception of a given topic. Too few are able to do these things today.
@TheQuantumWave I dove into bass playing in the 90s early 2000s. I've really only recently back catalogued to the 80s music with that same ear. I agree it's changed my listening to what I thought was pop at the time. The talent is very thick in the 80s. So much so I really feel like it was a high water mark for Bassists
I didn't mind the band at all to try new things, sounding more "commercial" at all. To be honest, the very first Rush albums sound rather weird, the vocals sound like someone is torturing E.T. and the melody lines sometimes really really odd. With Grace under pressure and Hold your fire they were making much more sense, everything coming together nicely, the super strong drumming, the guitar and bass, and.... well, Geddy Lee sounding less tortured but still a little bit E.T..
2:18 - it is so satisfying to hear someone praise Rush. p/g is a great album. Love that driving bass line in Distant Early Warning. It creates a feeling of ominous urgency that perfectly fits the theme of the song.
Pino Palladino’s fretless bass line in Paul Young’s “Every Time You Go Away” - a breathtaking counterpoint to the vocals that has remained popular since its release in 1984. George Duke’s Moog bass line in Deniece Williams’ “Let’s Hear It For The Boy” - a catchy and iconic bass line created by a keyboard legend. Tony Levin’s fretless bass line in Peter Gabriel’s “Sledgehammer” - played through an Octave pedal with a pick, this bass line marries 1960s soul with 1980s technology.
1984 was the year Steve Harris of Iron Maiden played his socks off on the album Powerslave. Two mentions from that are the bass solo in the middle section of the title track, and the atmospheric breakdown and build up of Rime of the Ancient Mariner. They are mood setting melodic solo pieces.
I clicked on the video just to see if Steve would be included anywhere in this list because, in my opinion, Powerslave is a gem of an LP by any standpoint... and sadly, he's not. 😵💫
For what is worth, The Rime is much harder to play than anything in this list. Even a professional bass player needs quite some practice to correctly interpret the craziest lines in that song.
Good to see I'm not the only one that immediately thought of Powerslave. Harris is why I started playing bass all those years ago, and I think Powerslave is his best work.
I really prefer some lines of Harris than Cliffs´s style... The Rime of the ancient... is a great (and long) theme from Iron... and this entire album has many intersting and difficult bass lines
@pdbass but if you haven't already Give John Taylor some love. He was laying down some really nice baselines. In the midst of an era that used key base every time it could.
GREAT LIST!! Let's not forget 1984 was the year of STOP MAKING SENSE and peak Talking Heads. Tina Weymouth could be on here for so many songs on that live album but my head is always blown off by the 6/4 groove machine she lays down on "Found a Job" from early in the set.
I remember when Nathan East had a column in Guitar Player magazine, he printed the part to Footloose in one edition. 10 years later I had to dig out that edition to learn it for a cover band gig, and it's a BEAST of a part.
I remember 1984 very well as I was nearing the end of university. At the time we didn't really see it a standout year because we were used to being surrounded by that level of music. Hindsight now puts it in perspective.
For a channel dedicated to basslines, I'm glad that you finally mentioned Level 42 (and putting band leader, bassist and vocalist Mark King on your thumbnail. While "The Chant has Begun" has never been a favorite of mine among their many outstanding songs, it's also nice how high they are on this list.
The fact: There are so many 80s bassists that were and still are top notch. The 80s were THICK with talent across all genres. I would go as far to say one of the most creative decades in music ever for bassists.
I've always felt that 80s music is where the bass became more than just the back bone of music, granted the 60s had James Jamerson ,Jack Bruce , ( there are more I know) but the 60s , the bass was an afterthought , some greatest lines ever written were in the 60s , the 70s it was more about the "groove" I mean seriously Jaco and Come on ,Come over .OMG that was the song that inspired me to play bass .....but its was still just the " basses" of a song.......the 80s is where the bass could lead the song and the song would be a hit, and not just a "deep cut" on an Album.
Though recorded and released in 1983, Yes's "Owner of a Lonely Heart" went to #1 in January of 1984. Chris Squire in the bridge put down a Motown funk bass sound. Awesome!
One evening on my way home from work I saw a queue outside a North London pub. Upon asking why they were there a couple replied "Level 42". Not knowing who they were I was intrigued enough and, in a venue with no stage, I got to witness Mark King so close up I could have touched his bass. Absolutely blown away, amazing gig before they were properly famous. Happy days! Great selection thank you. Also do ceck out UK's No. 1 hit songs from 1982, incredible the diversity of talent on offer in just one year.
Great choices, Paul. I saw King Crimson live at the Merryweather Post Pavillion in the summer of '84 and I was completely blown out of the water by Tony Levin and his Chapman Stick. It was a revelation to me, that anyone could play a stringed instrument like that with such virtuosity, plus sing and contribute to a sound such as they had. Probably the best live concert that I ever saw, and I've seen many, my personal favorite.
1984 was my first/second year at university. I'm fairly sure that was the time when I heard Mark King for the first time - and it was coming from someone's room upstairs. I was so intrigued that I went and knocked on the door to ask what the band was. Ah, happy carefree days they were - and the (UK in my case) charts were full of amazing music. That was true of 1985 too, by the way. An amazing era.
Some interesting choices. Here’s some different ideas: It’s my life - Talk Talk Lover girl - Teena Marie Anything from the album Sparkle in the Rain - Simple Minds (I like Kick Inside of Me). Do it clean - Echo and the Bunnymen Jungle Love - The Time Killing Joke - The Eighties
@@Appemans Well, that’s not exactly correct, is it? The original track is almost entirely the bass line, which is very recognizable. Now, if you are saying there is no bass guitar or standup bass, you would be accurate. However, it does have a bass line, and keyboard and synth bass lines are discussed on this channel not infrequently. Also, there are more than a few TH-cam videos featuring this particular bass line performed on bass guitar or guitar. And if you are saying the bass line is simple and therefore not great, one could disagree or agree. (I would argue it’s great because of its simplicity). But the song def has a bass line, which is the title of this video. It is not from 1984, but our discussion here veered off a bit into Talk Talk’s oeuvre more generally. So, It’s My Life definitely has a bass line, and a damn good one at that.
1984 also had Hall & Oates with their "Big Bam Boom" album and several hits from it including "Out of Touch", "Possession Obsession", and the urban themed "Method of Modern Love" with the late, great Tom "T-Bone" Wolk on bass.
Man, easy for me to say, but I wish you would do one of these for every year of the decade. This was so enjoyable. The 80s were, in a funny way, underrated as a decade for great bass lines, as many of them were buried in the lavish, layered productions which were so common in that decade. But they were there!
No love for Joe Jackson- "You Can't Get What You Want, Til You Know What You Want"!? That solo that opens the bridge alone certainly qualifies it for the top ten of 1984, I would think! THAT SAID, otherwise, this list is fantastic- very eclectic mix of tunes! Well done! "You Can't Get What You Want..." may not be there, but it was certainly in some heady company with these other songs...
‘Jackson's longtime bassist Graham Maby. Maby recalled, "For 'You Can't Get What You Want,' on _Body and Soul_ , Joe wanted me to slap. It was certainly not one of my strengths, but I think the track came out fine, and it was fun to play live."’ -- Wikipedia (don't forget to donate)
The Reflex by Duran Duran was obviously great but my favorite has to be Careless Whisper by George Michael. So smooth. So subtle. And quite minimalistic. I just love that bass line.
The Reflex bass line played by John Taylor was a major highlight for me in 1984! Another favourite of mine would have to be freedom by Wham played by the late Deon Estus.
YES MY MAN!!!! Have been patiently waiting for you to feature Mr. King in one of your uploads, and you did not disappoint. Chant Has Begun sounds as fun on bass as the drums played by Phil Gould's is for us drummers. Thanks for posting.
Ooooh yes, back in '84 I was 20, and that Footloose track, that incredible Marcus and even Mr. King made me sweat a lot figuring out how they could sound that way! Back then there was no Internet, no PDbass nor all the other great guys explaining how it's done. Maybe all that hard work made me the almost decent bass player I am today. Great vid PDb! Wait a moment...you are 50? My compliments my friend, you look waay younger!!!
Damn! 40 years ago. Thanks for the reminder of baselines that were stellar then and still groove today and I'm certain they'll be dancing to them for a loooooooooonnnnnnnggggggggg time!
Definitely happy to see Rush and Cliff on here since they’re two of my absolute favourite bassists and two big reasons why I got my 2019 Rickenbacker 4003S back in 2020, I’ve played Bell Tolls countless times and have jammed it live with my band a few times so ripping that intro (mixed with some live fills I picked up from him) will always be fun as hell. Anyways, here are some additional song I’d include because why not: - Rime of the Ancient Mariner - Iron Maiden (13 minutes of awesomeness from Steve Harris and crew) - Hammer to Fall - Queen (John Deacon) - Big Bottom - Spinal Tap (Triple bass action from Derek Smalls, Nigel Tufnel and David St. Hubbins) - This Charming Man - The Smiths (Andy Roarke) - Round and Round - Ratt (Juan Croucier) - Pride (In the Name of Love) - U2 (Adam Clayton) - Ghostbusters - Ray Parker Jr. (Ray Parker Jr.) - I Wanna Rock - Twisted Sister (Mark Mendoza) - Heaven’s On Fire - KISS (Say what you want about Gene Simmons (I definitely have lol), but he still comes up with some really cool bass lines) - True Men Don’t Kill Coyotes - Red Hot Chili Peppers (Even on their debut album Flea was proving himself a funk rock force to be reckoned with and it’s awesome)
Awesome selection of songs !! Run for Cover is my favorite, Level 42 favorites would be the bass lines in "Lessons in Love" & "Something About You" Thank you for the 1984 Flashback !! I miss my band days I haven't played out in public in over 20 years.
Run For Cover ! That live with the legendary David Sanborn, is the DNA of the 80's and like you said, defines Marcus in terms of sound, balance, timing and spirit... the essence of the groove that will spice up everything you try to do in that music genre ! Great selections by the way !!! Thanks !!!
I saw Sade two days after the 9/11 attacks. Her band was so amazing and the way she handled the stressful time and talked to the crowd was pure healing, She is the definition of class.
Nathan East has been in a lot of places and left deep marks… very humble guy from all I can tell and still standing on stage for some of his old comrades. Wonderful sound, beautiful lines… Thanks for this video, it made me smile many happy smiles! As for which year … any, I enjoy them all!
Great to see Mark King finally getting his props. I remember buying "World Machine" on cassette in 1985 and I also have a Level 42 greatest hits CD in my collection. Great bass players who also sing lead vocals are very rare. In fact, a segment on bass playing lead vocalists (Sting, Paul McCartney, Geddy Lee, Curt Smith, etc.) would be pretty cool.
Great stuff as always Paul. The choice of year was absolutely perfect, the greatest year for popular music. How about these from 1984, Let's Hear It for The Boy, Let it All Blow by The Dazz Band, I Feel For You by Chaka Khan, Obsession by Animotion, Somebody Else's Guy- Jocelyn Brown, White Lines by Grandmaster Flash, although released in very late 1983, it was a UK hit in 1984, like Grandmaster Flash's White Lines, the same could be applied to Let the Music Play by Shannon, Let's Go Crazy by Prince, Easy Lover by Phillip Bailey was released in late '84, Pino Paladino's work with Paul Young and their cover of Ann Peebles classic 'I'm Gonna Tear Your Playhouse Down' or Every Time You Go Away. Here's a suggestion for your next time machine for you. I recommend looking at 1979, there are some very obvious choices from that year, example Leon Sylvers III on The Whispers 'And The Beat Goes On', Sting's fretless bass 'Message in a Bottle' by The Police, I Will Survive by Gloria Gaynor, Jimmie Williams classic bass on 'Ain't No Stoppin' Us Now', the bass on Street Life by The Crusaders, Good Times by Chic, Promised Land by Dennis Brown (although not released until 1983). Another year, 1983 or 1972. Let me know what you think.
I have played that song with several bands and just about all of them have literally stopped the rehearsal and asked me what are you playing? I’m like well that’s how it goes. They all went wow I never heard all that in there.
@@richardjcranium That's because it's inaudible. Couldn't hear it in this video and can't hear it on the track. When Paul played it you can track the chords but I think it's just buried under all the compression and keys. Kind of tragic.
Great stuff! I’m a huge rush fan. Ty for including them. That’s the year I discovered them. (Also just watched your video on the great day in Harlem photo. Bravo!)
I was 14 in 1984, and I seriously think this was the year that catapulted me into my musicality in understanding WHAT I was listening to! All of these bands and musicians were great and heavily influenced my style of playing guitar!! While I know this is bass specific, and the musicianship of those bassists, the bands were nevertheless, always in the forefront of my wide variety of musical tastes!! Thanks for sharing!!
Love the 84 list can we rewind a year and get some promises promises by naked eyes, that track funks harder than I remembered and has some righteous tone.
I love everything on Ready For The World"s debut self titled album. The bass player John Eaton has very simple but super funky grooves. My favorites are Oh Sheila, Ceramic Girl and I'm The One Who Loves You. Give this 1984 classic a listen.
Great list! Distant Early Warning is my "go to" bass line whenever testing a new bass out. It's a phenomenal litmus test for general playability of an instrument.
1984 was an amazing year. I was 12. Music seems to be soooo much better back then. Best decade for music in my opinion was the 70’s, followed by the 80’s.
A lot of great bass lines on this list, but for me it's another Level 42 track, "Hours By The Window." No slap & pop, but very melodic and ethereal and fits the slightly somber mood of the song perfectly. Mark King's bass is directing the entire piece, and it's not remotely about groove but creating an emotional soundscape.
Thriller was in 82...i don't remember the basslines I preferred in 84, but in 83 it was too shy" by kajagoogoo and "club Tropicana c by wham. In 82, it was" forget me nots by Patrice Rushen
Same here. Was a coming of age year in so many respects. At the time, I thought that incredibly good mainstream music would pop up every week forever! 😅
FYI: I neglected to list the title of #6! Sade's 1984 hit (featuring that bass solo): "Smooth Operator"
Oh and one more thing, your skills and knowledge are "Tighter than Dick's (Tracy) hatband."
@@pdbass if you don't have it already. Get the Chilli Peppers third album "the uplift mofo party plan" lotta good Bass/songs on that one. I used to warm up playing Bass to their cover of Bob Dylans song subterranean homesick Blues. Another great Bass line on that album is the song that you don't mention out loud is called Party on your P#ssy. Great Bass line and it's not that complicated. ✊🏾
Paul S Denman, a great bassist
Great list. The chant has begun is a great bassline. However i would have picked True Believers from the same album, and he sings at the same time WTF. But man oh man Footloose. I've seen Nathan play that live and smile at the same time, i mean i just barely can play it but i have to look at the fretboard all the time. When i first heard Run For Cover i was in a Mark King coma (he was the reason i switched from drums to bass), but Run For Cover opened my eyes and ears to other bassplayer than Mark King. incl, Marcus Miller, Abe Laboriel, Stanley Clarke, Louis Johnson (RIP) and a ton of Danish bassplayers.
For something different check out Pentangle from 1972 th-cam.com/video/jgIWlgkk7GM/w-d-xo.html
Mark King is really off the charts. I gained a whole new level of appreciation for him as I started listening to Level 42. He makes it look effortless.
I saw Mark King in the thumbnail and clicked. Eyeswater Falling was one of the craziest baslines to play.
@DeepakKutsa Agreed its insane. Then...he sings lead vocals wtf!!!
yes and he's lead singing at the same time playing the bass
When I saw Mark King's face I thought for sure we were gonna hear "Good Man in a Storm"! But I'm partial and ignorant, I know this, don't hurt me 😅
Mark King is strangely underappreciated. Nice to see people are picking up on one of the best ever :-)
As a Brit I went out and bought almost every Level 42 album IN ONE AFTERNOON! 🤣 🇬🇧
After seeing this video?!
Mark King is a monster on the bass. He helped me get comfortable with playing bass and singing lead.
I agree, I was 18 years old in 1984 and became a bass player because of "talking in your sleep" The Romantics" and "the Reflex" Duran Duran.
Almost any bassline by Duran Duran is usually so involved. Great stuff.
I am not very knowledgeable when it comes to playing music. I don't know chords, chord progressions, or anything like that. One reason I love this channel is that it takes songs I never thought much about or even really liked and shows me just how good they really are. I was 16 in 1984 and half the songs in this video are songs I wrote off as pop fluff. Now I'm going back (as I do so often after one of your videos) and relistening to them with new ears and a greater appreciation for what I'm hearing. You are responsible for greatly increasing the number of artists, albums, and songs I enjoy.
You should be proud of your ability to be open-minded, and to use the information given to you to improve your knowledge, and perception of a given topic. Too few are able to do these things today.
Totally agreed! ❤
@TheQuantumWave I dove into bass playing in the 90s early 2000s. I've really only recently back catalogued to the 80s music with that same ear. I agree it's changed my listening to what I thought was pop at the time. The talent is very thick in the 80s. So much so I really feel like it was a high water mark for Bassists
I'm so happy to hear you mention Grace Under Pressure. So many fans and critics are down on that album, but it's always been my favorite.
I didn't mind the band at all to try new things, sounding more "commercial" at all. To be honest, the very first Rush albums sound rather weird, the vocals sound like someone is torturing E.T. and the melody lines sometimes really really odd. With Grace under pressure and Hold your fire they were making much more sense, everything coming together nicely, the super strong drumming, the guitar and bass, and.... well, Geddy Lee sounding less tortured but still a little bit E.T..
Love that album!
It was an excellent album.
It's a really good album from that period, I love 'Power Windows' too 👍
2:18 - it is so satisfying to hear someone praise Rush. p/g is a great album. Love that driving bass line in Distant Early Warning. It creates a feeling of ominous urgency that perfectly fits the theme of the song.
Pino Palladino’s fretless bass line in Paul Young’s “Every Time You Go Away” - a breathtaking counterpoint to the vocals that has remained popular since its release in 1984.
George Duke’s Moog bass line in Deniece Williams’ “Let’s Hear It For The Boy” - a catchy and iconic bass line created by a keyboard legend.
Tony Levin’s fretless bass line in Peter Gabriel’s “Sledgehammer” - played through an Octave pedal with a pick, this bass line marries 1960s soul with 1980s technology.
Sledgehammer didn’t come out until 1986.
Every time You Go Away was 1985…
@@DamonWarmack correct.
@grooveattitude06
The 80s were jam packed. I feel its the greatest decade for the bass creatively.
fuck yeah! all solid picks!
1984 was the year Steve Harris of Iron Maiden played his socks off on the album Powerslave. Two mentions from that are the bass solo in the middle section of the title track, and the atmospheric breakdown and build up of Rime of the Ancient Mariner. They are mood setting melodic solo pieces.
Amen..
I clicked on the video just to see if Steve would be included anywhere in this list because, in my opinion, Powerslave is a gem of an LP by any standpoint... and sadly, he's not. 😵💫
For what is worth, The Rime is much harder to play than anything in this list. Even a professional bass player needs quite some practice to correctly interpret the craziest lines in that song.
Good to see I'm not the only one that immediately thought of Powerslave. Harris is why I started playing bass all those years ago, and I think Powerslave is his best work.
I really prefer some lines of Harris than Cliffs´s style... The Rime of the ancient... is a great (and long) theme from Iron... and this entire album has many intersting and difficult bass lines
I think that "I feel for you," Chaka Khan deserves a nod. That baseline is amazing!
Exactly ! and it's half bass and keyboard.
He did a video about it a couple of months ago. It's originally a Prince tune.
this song I believe is from 90´s, not 80´s
@@acprado67 1984.
@@acprado67 It came out in 1984.
"The Reflex" John Taylor on bass
That album came out in ‘83
@@pdbass D'oh!
@pdbass but if you haven't already Give John Taylor some love. He was laying down some really nice baselines.
In the midst of an era that used key base every time it could.
@@thebassplaya34John Taylor is a bad boy!! His idol was the late great Bernard Edwards who was the James Jamerson of the late 70s!! ❤
I agree. For a band like that, he was unbelievably funky.
GREAT LIST!! Let's not forget 1984 was the year of STOP MAKING SENSE and peak Talking Heads. Tina Weymouth could be on here for so many songs on that live album but my head is always blown off by the 6/4 groove machine she lays down on "Found a Job" from early in the set.
The tension of wondering which year Too Shy was released was killing me. 1983, missed it by that much.
This Must Be The Place has one of my favorite bass lines of all time.
Stop Making Sense is an EPIC album of music ❤🏆
Nice to see Geddy Lee getting some love...
OMG someone gave Rush/Geddy recognition!
Wow. You made it that far.
On "Grace Under Pressure" no less.
An often overlooked album because of all the keyboards.
I feel like 1984 was massive enough to warrant 2 more parts 🤣
Totally agree!
I second that emotion!
I agree. There were too many great bass lines in 84 and many i cant believe he left out here.
What a year to start listening to the radio.
Lists are great let's go
Mark King, my hero. He made me buy an E-bass although I could not play a single tone at the time 😂. (Edit: I am a classical violinist 😉)
I remember when Nathan East had a column in Guitar Player magazine, he printed the part to Footloose in one edition. 10 years later I had to dig out that edition to learn it for a cover band gig, and it's a BEAST of a part.
one of the most difficult bass lines I played in a cover band too...
I remember 1984 very well as I was nearing the end of university. At the time we didn't really see it a standout year because we were used to being surrounded by that level of music. Hindsight now puts it in perspective.
You know it's a good year when Mark King graces the thumbnail!
Level 42 was an excellent band.
Saw them that very year at Manchester Apollo - my first ever gig!
Mark was (is) an absolute rhythm machine
@@kyzor-sosay6087 is an excellent band
For a channel dedicated to basslines, I'm glad that you finally mentioned Level 42 (and putting band leader, bassist and vocalist Mark King on your thumbnail. While "The Chant has Begun" has never been a favorite of mine among their many outstanding songs, it's also nice how high they are on this list.
Agreed- "Good Man in a Storm" is one of my personal favorites.
@@boblob2003 I came here to say exactly that. Followed closely by Physical Presence.
I love True Believers
Hot Water in 1984 too
Lessons In Love. A bassline hook for the ages.
The fact:
There are so many 80s bassists that were and still are top notch. The 80s were THICK with talent across all genres. I would go as far to say one of the most creative decades in music ever for bassists.
I've always felt that 80s music is where the bass became more than just the back bone of music, granted the 60s had James Jamerson ,Jack Bruce , ( there are more I know) but the 60s , the bass was an afterthought , some greatest lines ever written were in the 60s , the 70s it was more about the "groove" I mean seriously Jaco and Come on ,Come over .OMG that was the song that inspired me to play bass .....but its was still just the " basses" of a song.......the 80s is where the bass could lead the song and the song would be a hit, and not just a "deep cut" on an Album.
Though recorded and released in 1983, Yes's "Owner of a Lonely Heart" went to #1 in January of 1984. Chris Squire in the bridge put down a Motown funk bass sound. Awesome!
One evening on my way home from work I saw a queue outside a North London pub. Upon asking why they were there a couple replied "Level 42". Not knowing who they were I was intrigued enough and, in a venue with no stage, I got to witness Mark King so close up I could have touched his bass. Absolutely blown away, amazing gig before they were properly famous. Happy days! Great selection thank you. Also do ceck out UK's No. 1 hit songs from 1982, incredible the diversity of talent on offer in just one year.
He's on your wuth Tiachgird next year
Great choices, Paul. I saw King Crimson live at the Merryweather Post Pavillion in the summer of '84 and I was completely blown out of the water by Tony Levin and his Chapman Stick. It was a revelation to me, that anyone could play a stringed instrument like that with such virtuosity, plus sing and contribute to a sound such as they had. Probably the best live concert that I ever saw, and I've seen many, my personal favorite.
LOVE Mark King’s bass lines!!
The guy will be chewing gum, singing and playing bass lines at the same time.
Really appreciating how diverse your recognition of musicianship is! Jazz, metal, pop, soul, etc.... Thank you!
Damn! 84 was the shiznit!
I was 19 and playing guitar like it owed me money. Learning and growing.
That is a great selection of bass lines, full stop. That they all came from ONE YEAR is jaw dropping.
1984 was my first/second year at university. I'm fairly sure that was the time when I heard Mark King for the first time - and it was coming from someone's room upstairs. I was so intrigued that I went and knocked on the door to ask what the band was. Ah, happy carefree days they were - and the (UK in my case) charts were full of amazing music. That was true of 1985 too, by the way. An amazing era.
Some interesting choices. Here’s some different ideas:
It’s my life - Talk Talk
Lover girl - Teena Marie
Anything from the album Sparkle in the Rain - Simple Minds (I like Kick Inside of Me).
Do it clean - Echo and the Bunnymen
Jungle Love - The Time
Killing Joke - The Eighties
Don't you never say an unkind word about the Time! Me and Silent Bob modeled our whole fucking lives around Morris Day and Jerome
the song talk talk from talk talk can be appreciated as well, slap bass, great 80's song.
@@duaneanderson2671 100 percent! That’s a great song. But it may not be 1984. Check “life’s what you make it” too!
@@mitchmitchell9588sublime song, but no bass in that track. :)
@@Appemans Well, that’s not exactly correct, is it? The original track is almost entirely the bass line, which is very recognizable. Now, if you are saying there is no bass guitar or standup bass, you would be accurate. However, it does have a bass line, and keyboard and synth bass lines are discussed on this channel not infrequently. Also, there are more than a few TH-cam videos featuring this particular bass line performed on bass guitar or guitar.
And if you are saying the bass line is simple and therefore not great, one could disagree or agree. (I would argue it’s great because of its simplicity). But the song def has a bass line, which is the title of this video. It is not from 1984, but our discussion here veered off a bit into Talk Talk’s oeuvre more generally.
So, It’s My Life definitely has a bass line, and a damn good one at that.
Oooh Marcus Miller and Mark King in one video!!! Bloody lovely stuff!
The 1980s were one of the GREATEST decades for music EVER! 🏆♥️
Mark King if Level 42, absolutely epic. Would love more of that for sure
I remember waking up every morning as a kid in 1984 and being amazed by all the great music being released.
This Charming Man by the Smiths came out in 1984
He could have picked basically any song from the self titled album.. Mr Rourkes baseline was really pivotal for the sound
Great song
Andy carried alot of the songs..
My favorite bass line from 1984 is from Grace Under Pressure, but it’s “The Enemy Within”.
Great, underrated album - I love the "The Body Electric" too!
Red Lenses gets overlooked
The GuP Live album really lets that bass line shine. So good!
The Mark King line is great but the Marcus Miller line is god-level! Thank you PD bass.
I think this is one of the weakest M.King bass lines of that year. Marcus is killing it on this track though. Blew me away!
I bought Voyeur that year, I was 26...no one had ever played a line like that before 👍😊
Nice list! Although I expected to see 'Talk Talk - It's My Life' in there, those pre-chorus lines are amazing.
@@J0ttem me too!
🤩😍
View to a kill by duran duran has a killer bassline from john taylor
1984 also had Hall & Oates with their "Big Bam Boom" album and several hits from it including "Out of Touch", "Possession Obsession", and the urban themed "Method of Modern Love" with the late, great Tom "T-Bone" Wolk on bass.
Man, easy for me to say, but I wish you would do one of these for every year of the decade. This was so enjoyable. The 80s were, in a funny way, underrated as a decade for great bass lines, as many of them were buried in the lavish, layered productions which were so common in that decade. But they were there!
No love for Joe Jackson- "You Can't Get What You Want, Til You Know What You Want"!? That solo that opens the bridge alone certainly qualifies it for the top ten of 1984, I would think!
THAT SAID, otherwise, this list is fantastic- very eclectic mix of tunes! Well done! "You Can't Get What You Want..." may not be there, but it was certainly in some heady company with these other songs...
‘Jackson's longtime bassist Graham Maby. Maby recalled, "For 'You Can't Get What You Want,' on _Body and Soul_ , Joe wanted me to slap. It was certainly not one of my strengths, but I think the track came out fine, and it was fun to play live."’ -- Wikipedia (don't forget to donate)
The Reflex by Duran Duran was obviously great but my favorite has to be Careless Whisper by George Michael. So smooth. So subtle. And quite minimalistic. I just love that bass line.
The Reflex bass is awesome. Totally stands out.
Level 42 is such a great band, every bass player I know loves them.
The Reflex bass line played by John Taylor was a major highlight for me in 1984! Another favourite of mine would have to be freedom by Wham played by the late Deon Estus.
YES MY MAN!!!! Have been patiently waiting for you to feature Mr. King in one of your uploads, and you did not disappoint. Chant Has Begun sounds as fun on bass as the drums played by Phil Gould's is for us drummers. Thanks for posting.
Man, there has to be a Duran Duran bass line from 1984.
Sadly, "Rio" was released in '82. 😂😂🤘
Exactly, the baseline on the reflex alone, is worthy to be mentioned on this list.
New Moon on Monday and Union of the Snake.
Taylor with power station band ‘Some like it Hot’..
Do they know it's Christmas...JT on bass
A great list, played by a KILLER player, Paul Thompson!
A great video, as always! Thank you. I'm always glad when Mark King is included in any list of great Bass players. He is one of a kind. Be Well
Ooooh yes, back in '84 I was 20, and that Footloose track, that incredible Marcus and even Mr. King made me sweat a lot figuring out how they could sound that way! Back then there was no Internet, no PDbass nor all the other great guys explaining how it's done. Maybe all that hard work made me the almost decent bass player I am today. Great vid PDb! Wait a moment...you are 50? My compliments my friend, you look waay younger!!!
Damn! 40 years ago. Thanks for the reminder of baselines that were stellar then and still groove today and I'm certain they'll be dancing to them for a loooooooooonnnnnnnggggggggg time!
It was a great year, excellent selections. Love "Something About You"
All I know is that I saw Mark King’s picture and we all know what a legendary player he is.
Good eye & a GOAT!
I was 14 years old, great memories.
Definitely happy to see Rush and Cliff on here since they’re two of my absolute favourite bassists and two big reasons why I got my 2019 Rickenbacker 4003S back in 2020, I’ve played Bell Tolls countless times and have jammed it live with my band a few times so ripping that intro (mixed with some live fills I picked up from him) will always be fun as hell. Anyways, here are some additional song I’d include because why not:
- Rime of the Ancient Mariner - Iron Maiden (13 minutes of awesomeness from Steve Harris and crew)
- Hammer to Fall - Queen (John Deacon)
- Big Bottom - Spinal Tap (Triple bass action from Derek Smalls, Nigel Tufnel and David St. Hubbins)
- This Charming Man - The Smiths (Andy Roarke)
- Round and Round - Ratt (Juan Croucier)
- Pride (In the Name of Love) - U2 (Adam Clayton)
- Ghostbusters - Ray Parker Jr. (Ray Parker Jr.)
- I Wanna Rock - Twisted Sister (Mark Mendoza)
- Heaven’s On Fire - KISS (Say what you want about Gene Simmons (I definitely have lol), but he still comes up with some really cool bass lines)
- True Men Don’t Kill Coyotes - Red Hot Chili Peppers (Even on their debut album Flea was proving himself a funk rock force to be reckoned with and it’s awesome)
Losfer Words (Iron Maiden) , simple but it's all bass driven.
@@rickgehring7507
Duff Mckagan.. Paradise City. He is all over the structure of that song, almost power chording throughout.
Best 10 minutes on TH-cam every time
Awesome selection of songs !! Run for Cover is my favorite, Level 42 favorites would be the bass lines in "Lessons in Love" & "Something About You" Thank you for the 1984 Flashback !! I miss my band days I haven't played out in public in over 20 years.
"Too Shy" by Kajagoogoo featuring the great Nick Beggs... released 1983 or i'd be lobbying for it to be included in this list
* Beggs. Check out his work with Steven Wilson e.g. Luminol.
@@stereoroid Agreed... he's a monster with Wilson - so tight
An EXCELLENT choice!
Steven Wilson is touring next year and Nick will be with him! 🎉@@Quinndiver
God yes!!!! That intro is incredible
Good lord! That “Footloose” bass line is insane!
Nice to see Level 42 get some recognition! 😍
Run For Cover ! That live with the legendary David Sanborn, is the DNA of the 80's and like you said, defines Marcus in terms of sound, balance, timing and spirit... the essence of the groove that will spice up everything you try to do in that music genre ! Great selections by the way !!! Thanks !!!
For me the greatest Bassline in 1984 was the one in the title track of Frankie goes to Hollywood "Welcome to the Pleasure Dome".
A friend of mine recently sat me down and played that entire record for me and I was blown away. I had no idea how deep that album is.
I like how you reached into all genres of music. Interesting video. RUSH is my all-time favorite band.
Thanks for the Super and thank you for watching!
this list rules. thank you. Sade the singer and the band were amazing
I saw Sade two days after the 9/11 attacks. Her band was so amazing and the way she handled the stressful time and talked to the crowd was pure healing, She is the definition of class.
Nathan East has been in a lot of places and left deep marks… very humble guy from all I can tell and still standing on stage for some of his old comrades. Wonderful sound, beautiful lines…
Thanks for this video, it made me smile many happy smiles!
As for which year … any, I enjoy them all!
Great to see Mark King finally getting his props. I remember buying "World Machine" on cassette in 1985 and I also have a Level 42 greatest hits CD in my collection. Great bass players who also sing lead vocals are very rare. In fact, a segment on bass playing lead vocalists (Sting, Paul McCartney, Geddy Lee, Curt Smith, etc.) would be pretty cool.
1984 was an absolutely great year for music.
Great stuff as always Paul. The choice of year was absolutely perfect, the greatest year for popular music. How about these from 1984, Let's Hear It for The Boy, Let it All Blow by The Dazz Band, I Feel For You by Chaka Khan, Obsession by Animotion, Somebody Else's Guy- Jocelyn Brown, White Lines by Grandmaster Flash, although released in very late 1983, it was a UK hit in 1984, like Grandmaster Flash's White Lines, the same could be applied to Let the Music Play by Shannon, Let's Go Crazy by Prince, Easy Lover by Phillip Bailey was released in late '84, Pino Paladino's work with Paul Young and their cover of Ann Peebles classic 'I'm Gonna Tear Your Playhouse Down' or Every Time You Go Away.
Here's a suggestion for your next time machine for you. I recommend looking at 1979, there are some very obvious choices from that year, example Leon Sylvers III on The Whispers 'And The Beat Goes On', Sting's fretless bass 'Message in a Bottle' by The Police, I Will Survive by Gloria Gaynor, Jimmie Williams classic bass on 'Ain't No Stoppin' Us Now', the bass on Street Life by The Crusaders, Good Times by Chic, Promised Land by Dennis Brown (although not released until 1983). Another year, 1983 or 1972.
Let me know what you think.
All the years!! I love your cross genre approach! You had me at "I was 10"!
Absolutely delighted that you included Geddy! When I heard you say 1984, I though no way will you include anything from GuP.
dude i've been telling people about the bass line on Footloose for years. it's astounding
I have played that song with several bands and just about all of them have literally stopped the rehearsal and asked me what are you playing? I’m like well that’s how it goes. They all went wow I never heard all that in there.
@@richardjcranium That's because it's inaudible. Couldn't hear it in this video and can't hear it on the track. When Paul played it you can track the chords but I think it's just buried under all the compression and keys. Kind of tragic.
It is!
Mark King is amazing !
Bass, song writing, buttery voice… rips on the drums.
Loved that Footloose baseline. Never knew it was Nathan East! Thanks for that.
Excellent!!, please continue with the 80's, the 90's and so on!
Heaven knows i'm miserable now by the Smiths. Andy Rourke superb as always
I came here thinking "there's no way Rush is gonna be on this list." pdbass, sir, you have surprised and delighted me.
Along with Geddy Lee wearing a Montreal Expos jersey! 😊
Great stuff! I’m a huge rush fan. Ty for including them. That’s the year I discovered them.
(Also just watched your video on the great day in Harlem photo. Bravo!)
You are matching the feel of Mark King extremely well!
I was 14 in 1984, and I seriously think this was the year that catapulted me into my musicality in understanding WHAT I was listening to! All of these bands and musicians were great and heavily influenced my style of playing guitar!! While I know this is bass specific, and the musicianship of those bassists, the bands were nevertheless, always in the forefront of my wide variety of musical tastes!! Thanks for sharing!!
Excellent video.
1984 was a great year for music.
I'm a big fan of your videos. I send you a big hug from Argentina :))
"My City Was Gone" by the Pretenders, with the great Tony Butler on Bass!
He still wasn't Pete Farndon.
Love the 84 list can we rewind a year and get some promises promises by naked eyes, that track funks harder than I remembered and has some righteous tone.
Great picks! That bassline from Footloose is crazy good. And gotta love Run for cover!
Great choices. I remember all those so well. Was in Grade 10 at the time. I miss those days!!
I love everything on Ready For The World"s debut self titled album. The bass player John Eaton has very simple but super funky grooves. My favorites are Oh Sheila, Ceramic Girl and I'm The One Who Loves You. Give this 1984 classic a listen.
Thank you for the loving memory of Cliff Burton.
Great list! Distant Early Warning is my "go to" bass line whenever testing a new bass out. It's a phenomenal litmus test for general playability of an instrument.
Great List + Great Playing = Great Video, congrats to the Big 50!!
Has there ever been a year when Nathan East wasn't everywhere? 😂
Tony Levin... still going strong!!!
Ok... that Mark King bass line was badass LOL!!!
1954? 😉
1984 was an amazing year. I was 12. Music seems to be soooo much better back then. Best decade for music in my opinion was the 70’s, followed by the 80’s.
A lot of great bass lines on this list, but for me it's another Level 42 track, "Hours By The Window." No slap & pop, but very melodic and ethereal and fits the slightly somber mood of the song perfectly. Mark King's bass is directing the entire piece, and it's not remotely about groove but creating an emotional soundscape.
Outstanding as always. Bravo brother!!
Thriller was in 82...i don't remember the basslines I preferred in 84, but in 83 it was too shy" by kajagoogoo and "club Tropicana c by wham. In 82, it was" forget me nots by Patrice Rushen
man it was great to be 10 in 1984! i am the same age
started playing bass in 87. love your channel.
Nice to see some love for Grace under Pressue.
You are one of my favorite demonstrators of Bass in the entire youtube. Thanks for posting this collection.
Love that Grace Under Pressure album, never felt like it got enough love.
Mark King is my favourite❤😊Thank you for the photo❤
Thanks for the vid. IMO, Grace Under Pressure is Rush's best album.
its in my top 2right after Moving pictures
Fellow 50 year old here. That year was SO important to me as a young music fan. Great list!
Same here. Was a coming of age year in so many respects. At the time, I thought that incredibly good mainstream music would pop up every week forever! 😅