@@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.
@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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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
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. 😵💫
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.
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.
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.
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)
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!
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.
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! 😅
Whoa, Cliff Burton making the scene. Nice. Though personally I think his lines on Call Of Ktulu were more badass. Also the intro for Fight Fire With Fire, the album opener, was written by Cliff. The bass in that is as tasty as the guitar. Would've also included Rime of the Ancient Mariner by Steve Harris (Iron Maiden).
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.
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!
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.
Excellent !! And, Paul Denman. He is so very good. Nathan East is a monster bassist that many folks have heard , but may not know his extensive body of groove 🎵🙌🏽
Although released in Nov. '84, I must add the other worldly bass lines of the great Mick Karn on the track 'Dalis Car' 🚀🛸 It always blows me away!Fantastic job, Paul👏👏👏
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.
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.
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.
Duuuude......my favorite music year being showcased by my favorite YT channel.......PERFECTION!!! As always, captivating, thorough and just so well spoken mini bios. Well done Sir!! Can't wait for the next one! 😀😀😀😀👍👍👍
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!!!
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.
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 !!!
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.
My pick for my favourite from '84- "2 Minutes To Midnight" by Iron Maiden. Steve Harris is right up front in the mix and he's everywhere on the fingerboard. And it works.
As with all of Maiden, his playing on other songs like Aces High and the 13 minute epic Rime of the Ancient Mariner is just as badass and I still love it
Good call on the live version of "Run for Cover". What a masterpiece of a baseline. The way in builds everything around that hammer-on and open E at the end of each bar, brilliantly funky!
Great list, Paul. You were 10 years old, but this was my high school graduation year. I think I was about 14 when I decided to be a musician who plays the bass for the rest of my life. These tunes and a few others only provided further inspiration! Bravo.
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.
All killer basslines! but when i hear Sade 🥰 On a sidenote, I was at a bar in downtown Jacksonville Florida. I was walking in to get another drink. I open the door to enter the bar and on his way out was Nathan East he was playing at the Florida theater with Foreplay. I held the door open for him and I said WOW! you’re Nathan East, he said yeah I am and he and I had a very interesting conversation about bass playing very cool guy! We chatted outside for an hour or two. I’ll never forget that.😊 i told him how much he inspired me, and how i love the intro part on Eric Claptons’ song Bad Love.
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.
My dude. Marcus Miller. Damn. Actually, I LOVE the introduction soloing on this too. Marcus not only has all the funk you could imagine, he's definitely got an ear for melody too. The complete package. Love you man, all the best.
Props for using a pick, and playing a track in drop 'D'. I did an album with Abe Laboriel in the 90s; should have had him bring the Goya or the Valley Arts in the photo.
I remember that Sanborn album well. I guitar player friend of mine gifted it to me on my birthday. I still have it boxed up somewhere... Thanks for the trip down memory lane!
I'm not sure if Herbie Flowers is your kind of thing. News of his death was reported yesterday and it would be interesting to see your take on his body of work. Thanks
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!
I'm Completely surprised you mentioned the Chilli Peppers first album and the song "Get up and Jump" I was 18 in 1984. I first saw the RHCP In 1986 at a Bar in Detroit. Most RHCP fans don't even know about their first 3 albums. I saw them once after Helel died. Haven't seen them since. But their first 3 albums are the only ones that matter in my opinion.
@@kjosephine70 Right on. The first 3 albums. Outstanding for sure. You started seeing them when I was done seeing them. Not that I hated their later stuff. I figured the way music was headed after the 1980's I thought every great "Alternative Rock" band could write some mediocre radio friendly music and get paid if they made great non pop music in the beginning. Another band that had a Great Alternative Rock beginning is U2. THEIR first 4 albums are Alternative Music Gold.
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.
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.
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.
Too Sexy isn't on any of my versions of The Glamourous Life. Listening now. How tf have I not ever heard of this song? I was there when this album came out (I was also 10!!!) and can't believe there's another track that fits in with this vibe! Great list
I learned the bass solo from Rush's The Big money the next year and we played it on our sousaphones in band class. The bass line makes the song and that Sade bass solo is smooth!
1984 U2 The Unforgettable Fire Track 3: WIRE It is the one following Pride (in the Name of Love). Great complete Album! P.S. bonus factoid: that Album is their Martin Luther King tribute album. Sincerely Mike B. B. From Philly, P.A. U.S.A.
Sade....Paul Denman is such a great player. LoverGirl by Teena Marie is one of my top picks from 84. Of course we all were still jamming to Thriller album in 84. Billie Jean and Lady in My Life were my fav bass Iines on that album. Let's not forget Stop Making Sense was released in 84. We saw Tina Weymouth doing some great bass work with Talking Heads and Tom Tom Club.
Distant early warning was a gateway song for me on Rush. Grace Under Pressure has been a long time favorite release from them. Awhile back you did a countdown of bass solos in the outro. This is why I threw in Red Lenses in the hat. Such a funky outro Geddy leaves the audience wanting more!!! I know I did!
Pd, you are absolutely the man. Please please please do a whole video about The Great Paul S Denman, he deserves more recognition than he has gotten, so many great lines!!!
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
"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.
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 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.
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 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.
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.
"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!
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.
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
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. 😵💫
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.
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.
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.
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.
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)
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! 😊
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 👍😊
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!
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.
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! 😅
You know it's a good year when Mark King graces the thumbnail!
Nice list! Although I expected to see 'Talk Talk - It's My Life' in there, those pre-chorus lines are amazing.
@@J0ttem me too!
🤩😍
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? 😉
Whoa, Cliff Burton making the scene. Nice. Though personally I think his lines on Call Of Ktulu were more badass. Also the intro for Fight Fire With Fire, the album opener, was written by Cliff. The bass in that is as tasty as the guitar.
Would've also included Rime of the Ancient Mariner by Steve Harris (Iron Maiden).
I was 14 years old, great memories.
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.
Heaven knows i'm miserable now by the Smiths. Andy Rourke superb as always
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!
That is a great selection of bass lines, full stop. That they all came from ONE YEAR is jaw dropping.
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!
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.
Excellent !! And, Paul Denman. He is so very good. Nathan East is a monster bassist that many folks have heard , but may not know his extensive body of groove 🎵🙌🏽
The Brothers Johnson "Tokyo" Out of Control 1984 Album. This has to be be in the Top 10!
Although released in Nov. '84, I must add the other worldly bass lines of the great Mick Karn on the track 'Dalis Car' 🚀🛸 It always blows me away!Fantastic job, Paul👏👏👏
I couldn’t agree more! 🙌🏼❤
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.
Excellent!!, please continue with the 80's, the 90's and so on!
Level 42 is such a great band, every bass player I know loves them.
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.
Loved that Footloose baseline. Never knew it was Nathan East! Thanks for that.
OMG someone gave Rush/Geddy recognition!
man it was great to be 10 in 1984! i am the same age
started playing bass in 87. love your channel.
It was a great year, excellent selections. Love "Something About You"
Great! Thanks! Also...Thomas Dolby ( Key Bass )and Sly and Robbie..... oooooh.
'Dissidents'... what a killer bass line!
@@mastercraft5798 yep!
This Charming Man by the Smiths came out in 1984
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.
Duuuude......my favorite music year being showcased by my favorite YT channel.......PERFECTION!!! As always, captivating, thorough and just so well spoken mini bios. Well done Sir!! Can't wait for the next one! 😀😀😀😀👍👍👍
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!!!
I think that Nathan East was trending throughout most of the '80s and it was a very good thing. He was just about as ubiquitous as Yamaha BBs.
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.
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 !!!
"My City Was Gone" by the Pretenders, with the great Tony Butler on Bass!
I’m so happy “The Chant Has Begun” is on this list, however “Hot Water” and “True Believers” have great bass lines too!! 😁👍
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.
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 😉)
My pick for my favourite from '84- "2 Minutes To Midnight" by Iron Maiden. Steve Harris is right up front in the mix and he's everywhere on the fingerboard. And it works.
As with all of Maiden, his playing on other songs like Aces High and the 13 minute epic Rime of the Ancient Mariner is just as badass and I still love it
Nathan East is my favorite bass player...
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 :))
Good call on the live version of "Run for Cover". What a masterpiece of a baseline. The way in builds everything around that hammer-on and open E at the end of each bar, brilliantly funky!
holy crap, 10 in '85. I was 2 years old. I totally thought you were in my group lol! Bass fountain of youth?
Great list, Paul. You were 10 years old, but this was my high school graduation year. I think I was about 14 when I decided to be a musician who plays the bass for the rest of my life. These tunes and a few others only provided further inspiration! Bravo.
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.
It was an outstanding choice and playing 👍
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!!
What an amazing list! This was a very entertaining video to watch! You covered everybody from Metallica to Miles Davis!
Best 10 minutes on TH-cam every time
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.
All killer basslines! but when i hear Sade 🥰
On a sidenote, I was at a bar in downtown Jacksonville Florida. I was walking in to get another drink. I open the door to enter the bar and on his way out was Nathan East he was playing at the Florida theater with Foreplay. I held the door open for him and I said WOW! you’re Nathan East, he said yeah I am and he and I had a very interesting conversation about bass playing very cool guy! We chatted outside for an hour or two. I’ll never forget that.😊 i told him how much he inspired me, and how i love the intro part on Eric Claptons’ song Bad Love.
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.
Your bass paying is beautiful!!!
Would love to hear something off of 1981's Tin Drum.
My dude. Marcus Miller. Damn. Actually, I LOVE the introduction soloing on this too. Marcus not only has all the funk you could imagine, he's definitely got an ear for melody too. The complete package. Love you man, all the best.
Props for using a pick, and playing a track in drop 'D'. I did an album with Abe Laboriel in the 90s; should have had him bring the Goya or the Valley Arts in the photo.
I remember that Sanborn album well. I guitar player friend of mine gifted it to me on my birthday. I still have it boxed up somewhere... Thanks for the trip down memory lane!
Careless whispers should be number 1. Main reason why i remixed because bass and drums were always buried in original mix.
Deon Estus is a criminally underrated bassist.
The Bass line on “Wham Rap” is insane!
@@scottgilbert3286 th-cam.com/video/NVGiU8EYiCc/w-d-xo.html
MTV was on fire in 84! I was twelve then. Great times!
This is the best top ten list I've seen on the internet
I love these lists! I'm not sure what year to suggest. Hearing you break them down and point out what's great about them is the point for me.
Some banging bass lines in there. Tony and Geddy's being near the top of the list for me.
Great list from a great time!!!!👍
Mark King 😍 Level 42 😍
I'm not sure if Herbie Flowers is your kind of thing. News of his death was reported yesterday and it would be interesting to see your take on his body of work. Thanks
Great job! Long forgotten hits! Thanks for breaking those down.
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!
Great list! I almost shouted out in approval when I saw #1. Damn straight!
I'm Completely surprised you mentioned the Chilli Peppers first album and the song "Get up and Jump" I was 18 in 1984. I first saw the RHCP In 1986 at a Bar in Detroit. Most RHCP fans don't even know about their first 3 albums. I saw them once after Helel died. Haven't seen them since. But their first 3 albums are the only ones that matter in my opinion.
Freaky Styley is certainly integral
@@mrollins4684 produced by George Clinton. Definitely a classic original alternative Rock/music album.
Their early albums are their best anyway in my opinion, although I didn’t see them live until Mother’s Milk
@@kjosephine70 Right on. The first 3 albums. Outstanding for sure. You started seeing them when I was done seeing them. Not that I hated their later stuff. I figured the way music was headed after the 1980's I thought every great "Alternative Rock" band could write some mediocre radio friendly music and get paid if they made great non pop music in the beginning. Another band that had a Great Alternative Rock beginning is U2. THEIR first 4 albums are Alternative Music Gold.
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.
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.
1984 a absolutely great year for music.
Oh, man, I love these base lines!
Also, ‘84 baby here!! This is too cool for school!! 🔥🎸🎶👊🏾
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.
Too Sexy isn't on any of my versions of The Glamourous Life. Listening now. How tf have I not ever heard of this song? I was there when this album came out (I was also 10!!!) and can't believe there's another track that fits in with this vibe!
Great list
I say it every time: you and Devine - best bass channels on YT. Superb.
My birth year! So many awesome tracks.
I learned the bass solo from Rush's The Big money the next year and we played it on our sousaphones in band class. The bass line makes the song and that Sade bass solo is smooth!
1984 U2 The Unforgettable Fire
Track 3: WIRE
It is the one following Pride (in the Name of Love).
Great complete Album!
P.S. bonus factoid: that Album is their Martin Luther King tribute album.
Sincerely
Mike B. B. From Philly, P.A. U.S.A.
Sade....Paul Denman is such a great player. LoverGirl by Teena Marie is one of my top picks from 84. Of course we all were still jamming to Thriller album in 84. Billie Jean and Lady in My Life were my fav bass Iines on that album. Let's not forget Stop Making Sense was released in 84. We saw Tina Weymouth doing some great bass work with Talking Heads and Tom Tom Club.
Distant early warning was a gateway song for me on Rush. Grace Under Pressure has been a long time favorite release from them. Awhile back you did a countdown of bass solos in the outro. This is why I threw in Red Lenses in the hat. Such a funky outro Geddy leaves the audience wanting more!!! I know I did!
Can’t get over the variety in your list. First video of yours I’ve seen, definitely going to subscribe so I don’t miss the next one. Great post!
Pd, you are absolutely the man. Please please please do a whole video about The Great Paul S Denman, he deserves more recognition than he has gotten, so many great lines!!!