Bassist's Desert Island Discs

[leftybassman392]

What it says on the tin.

For those members too young to have any clue what I'm on about (who shouldn't actually be here anyway - it's way past your bedtime you know...), you pick a total of 8 'songs' that have had a big effect in making you the person you now are (doesn't actually need to be songs as such - it could be poems, speeches, t.v. clips, Facetweet entries, etc. - but that was the original format). Audio/video clips of said 'songs' are highly desirable. Once you get to the end of your eight discs, you have to pick one as your all-time biggie. You're also allowed one book (look it up if you're not sure...) and one luxury - could be a bass but doesn't need to be (no people though - it's a desert Island so Drew Barrymores aren't allowed).

I'll go first:

Song 1: All Along The Watchtower by Bob Dylan, as performed by Jimi Hendrix.

I was 14 when Hendrix first appeared, and 17 when he died. More than anybody else before or since, he made me want to be a musician.

[url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TLV4_xaYynY"]https://www.youtube....h?v=TLV4_xaYynY[/url]

Song 2: Rock Me Baby by BB King. If you love the sound of the electric guitar, then the chances are that this guy had something to do with it. Could have been any one of a dozen other songs, but this will do as well as any - hugely influential.

[url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4RRpq_jWnSs"]https://www.youtube....h?v=4RRpq_jWnSs[/url]

Song 3: Sunshine of Your Love by Cream. The guitar riff as we know it today is born - this wasn't the first, but it's the one that resonates most for me.

[url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IDZqmF3zS04"]https://www.youtube....h?v=IDZqmF3zS04[/url]

Song 4: Always With Me Always With You by Joe Satriani. Satriani and Van Halen changed the face of rock guitar forever, and Satriani in particular remains one of my all-time favourite guitar players. Again, I could have chosen any one of a dozen others but this early song still sounds fresh to my ears.

[url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VI57QHL6ge0"]https://www.youtube....h?v=VI57QHL6ge0[/url]

Song 5: The Bends by Radiohead. A lot of people picking a Radiohead song would probably choose something from OK Computer, but I'm a great believer in bands establishing their credentials early. Huge sound, great song.

[url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gi_QqX5ioWM"]https://www.youtube....h?v=gi_QqX5ioWM[/url]

Song 6: Rush Hour by The Yellowjackets. Robben Ford and Jamie Haslip at the same time - what's not to like?

[url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LPA9z-jLPh4"]https://www.youtube....h?v=LPA9z-jLPh4[/url]

Song 7: Mysterious Traveller by Weather Report. Bit of a personal choice, this one - yes it's great music, but included more as a 'happy memories' choice. No Jaco though... sorry but there it is.

[url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bZ44_P6iM18"]https://www.youtube....h?v=bZ44_P6iM18[/url]

Song 8: Schubert Piano Sonata in c minor, as played by Alfred Brendel - first movement. Another choice that has a personal aspect. Dark, restless and brooding, one of the great piano pieces of it's age IMHO.

[url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zUUnntGdMOk"]https://www.youtube....h?v=zUUnntGdMOk[/url]


So there we are. On another day I would choose 8 completely different pieces of music for 8 different reasons, but this is today's selection.

If I could only choose one, and after a long time weighing up the options, it would have to be the Hendrix piece. In his short life, I believe he changed the face of popular music more completely than any other single individual, and spawned a love affair with the electric guitar that is as passionate today as it was when he was alive. Whatever choice of 8 pieces I make, this is the one song would always be there.

For my book I would choose Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien (the works of Shakespeare is a given, but I'll do without a bible thanks all the same)

For my luxury I'll take my Takamine EN10 acoustic guitar and a lifetime's supply of replacement strings and cleaning materials.


Right. Who's next?

Edited May 27, 2015 by leftybassman392

[Bilbo]

Can't post links from here but here goes.....

ELO – Concerto For A Rainy Day - Out Of The Blue was my first grown up LP that I bought when it came out. I had heard A New World Record at a friends house and eventually bought for myself but OOTB was the oen I waited for and bought hot off the press.
.
Phantom Of The Opera – Iron Maiden. Not sure how I came to this but the whole thing was a really fresh sound to my ears. Got me into metal in a big way and my first gigs. I was a NWOBHM geek.

Firth of Fifth – Genesis – heard at a friends house being played by his older brother (who later committed suicide, tragically). I registered the line ‘Like a cancer growth, is removed by skill’ and went looking for it

Close To The Edge – Yes – a friend bought the LP and I borrowed it soon after and really got into it. It was one of those LPs that, as a teenager, I played again and again and again and again..... It had everything; harmony, counterpoint, strong rhythmic identity. Still a marvellous piece of music.

Bastille Day – Rush – I bought the ‘Caress of Steel‘ LP on the basis of their reputation and this was the opening track; a ‘wow’ moment for a young rocker

Evidence Of Autumn – Genesis – just intelligent writing. I still love the song today

Either End of August – Bruford. I got hold of all of the Yes solo lps and Bruford’s ‘Feels Good To Me’ was the last one I got. My introduction to fusion. The tune is a ballad in 5:4

Milestones – Miles Davis – the first full on Jazz tune I ‘got’. That Cannonball Adderley solo......

Song For Strayhorn – Gerry Mulligan. The first solo I transcribed properly, note-for-note. I can still sing it today.

The Rite Of Spring – Stravinsky. I keep listening to it but still have no idea where it all came from!!

The one piece I would consider to be the most important to me would be the Stravinsky simply because I would still be finding something fresh in there every time I heard it.

Book? I, too, would take Lord Of The Rings, It has been a favourite since I first read it 35 years ago. It is the only book I have read more than twice (six times, I think)

Luxury item. My Gibson ES175. A double bass would be great but I think I would miss the harmony.

[Leonard Smalls]

Today I'd have:
1. Vivaldi Bassoon Concertos (cos it's gorgeous)
2. Parliament - P Funk (wants to get funked up) {cos it's The Bomb}
3. Jacques Loussier - Play Bach - Italian Concerto {then I can have both jazz and Bach. In fact I can't relly listen to the Italian Concerto played "straight" without thinking it was somehow wrong...)
4. Sex Pistols - Holidays in the Sun {it was the first punk I heard and it changed my outlook on music and the attitude needed}
5. Ian Dury and the Blockheads - Hit me with your rhythm stick {got me into both bass and funk}
6. Praxis - Transmutation/Transmutandis {Bootsy, Buckethead, Bill Laswell, Bernie Worrell and Brain! What's not to like?}
7. Jamaaladeen Tacuma, Derek Bailey and Calvin Weston - Mirakle {free improve jazz funk noise!}
8. Zapp - Dancefloor {you've got to have a bit of a boogie!}


As a book I'd take my annotated copy of Selected Climbs in Snowdonia by Paul Williams, and the luxury would be a cellar of fine wine.

[sykilz]

I'd love to be stranded with...

1 Iron Maiden, Number of the Beast.....the song I love most because it opened my ears to the power of rock, remember listening to this as a young teen on a casette walkman in bed late at night just marvelling at the sheer power of the instruments, and the awesomness of Bruce wailing over the top!
2 Holst, planet suite, Jupiter....I know it's a bit mainstream but always loved it and it gives a tiny bit of culture to my otherwise basic tastes. Very melancholy.
3 Rush...Red Barchetta...the way it twists and turns, the superb drumming, love it.
4 Marillion...Misplaced childhood, side 1.... A cheat here, but it's sort of one continuous bit of music, just like Lord of the rings is actually 3 books...please...???
5 Michael Jackson....Beat It...perfect power pop to have a groove to in happier moments.
6 Metallica...Creeping Death...just for the sheer largeness of it, especially the chanting "die,die" section. Happy days!
7 Porcupine Tree... Arriving Somewhere...because it's long and tells a musical story
8 Goo Goo Dolls....Slide.. Has the following lyric.." What you feel is what you are, and what you are is beautiful, do you wanna get married, or run away?" which I remember hearing with my new wife,on my honeymoon in Monterrey, California, next to the beach, it was then, and is now, just a perfect rock ballad.

My book would be Hitch Hikers Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams, so funny and thoughtful too, if way too short, but could read over and over.

My luxury would be an acoustic guitar, which I can't play, but would be a great time to learn.
The one song I would save would be Maiden, because of it's historical greatness for me.

[Truckstop]

Hard!

1. Who Are You - The Who
Just a kickin' song! Great vocal lines, great drumming and it's just a bit weird. But not too weird!

2. Kansas City - Wilbur Harrison
It's a pretty standard rock n roll/blues number but his voice sends shivers down my spine and his phrasing is absolutely sublime. Nothing particularly special, but it really resonates with me. This is the song that ignited my passion for 50's and 60's American pop music.

3. Boys and Girls - Alabama Shakes
Delicate, powerful, evocative and nostalgic. The singing is so expressive and positively dripping with passion and fervour. Beautiful song.

4. I'd Rather Go Blind - Etta James and The Roots Band
Great song anyway, but I've chosen this version because it ticks all my boxes, musically speaking. Funky, soulful, powerful and technically awe-inspiring.

5. Border Song - Aretha Franklin
As a bass player, this is the one song on my list that makes me shake my head in disbelief. So groovy! Wonderful tone, expert playing from Chuck Rainey.

6. Ghost of Perdition - Opeth
An amazing song from an amazing band. There's a lot of metal songs I like but this one takes the top spot. This song was the first Opeth I heard and it blew me away. Over the next few weeks I bought all their albums and I love them all, but this is the song that started it all and remains the most evocative for me.

7. Sound and Vision - David Bowie
It's just such a treat for the ears. Lovely vocal harmonies and excellent production. All the different instruments and tracks blend seamlessly into each other and it's just a solid pleasure to listen to. Would have it on repeat for hours when I was younger.

8. Minerva - Deftones
Atmospheric metal at its best. Loads of tracks, keys, groovy drums and gushing vocals. It's my favourite Deftones song and it reminds of a certain time in my life that I look on fondly. Deftones were the band that got me into playing bass, and the bass line in the chorus particularly inspired me to take it more seriously. Just a massive anthem!

Book would be Red Dwarf by Doug Grant and Richard Naylor. I think I've read it over 20 times.

Assuming I'd have Internet connectivity, my luxury would be a computer. If not, then I think it'd be an unlimited supply of pen and paper.

Edited May 26, 2015 by Truckstop

[Dad3353]

In no particular order...

Jefferson Airplane 'Coming back to me', from 'Surrealistic Pillow' ...
[media]http://youtu.be/0NdvMT32skw[/media]
One of the first disks bought with my first apprentice pay packet. Haunting, evocative, many sad (and happy...) memories.

Joni Mitchell 'This flight tonight', from 'Blue'...
[media]http://youtu.be/iTfB8Q6DpZ0[/media]
A much more difficult choice, as so much of her work merits a lifetime of listening. I particularly like the guitar riff that breaks in during the third verse. (yes, I'm daft like that...)

Pink Floyd ‘Astronomy Domine’, from ‘Piper at the Gates of Dawn’ ...
[media]http://youtu.be/pJh9OLlXenM[/media]
Again, an early acquisition; the album was worn out more than once by repeat playing for weeks, driving my parents and siblings mad.

Schubert Symphony N°9, ‘The Great’ ...
[media]http://youtu.be/aaDjpWjxuhk[/media]
I’d like my own version, copied to cassette from 78’s, but with an accidental ‘double crescendo’ created while turning the stack over. It’s now so ingrained that I miss it in live performances and records. I consider it to be an improvement on Schubert’s own composition..!

Grateful Dead ‘Blues for Allah’, from that album ...
[media]http://youtu.be/Ss1_Xu7YBrM[/media]
Again, a tough choice, as there’s so much variation in their catalogue. Still, this one will, I trust, stand the test of time.

Frank Zappa ‘Peaches in Regalia’, from ‘Hot Rats’ ...
[media]http://youtu.be/zprYyWMcUGY[/media]
A symbolic choice, too, as there are many pieces worthy of long-term listening; this one was an early ‘hit’ with me, and will bring back memories.

Shakti, with John Mclaughlin ‘What Need Have I for This–What Need Have I for That–I Am Dancing at the Feet of My Lord–All Is Bliss–All Is Bliss’, from Shakti ...
[url="https://youtu.be/r07NQ_ZvJlo"][media]http://youtu.be/r07NQ_ZvJlo[/media][/url]
Unbelievable mastery and musicianship from these folks. Having assisted at a triple-bill concert at Hammersmith, it really takes one to another plane, and I liked it. Superb.

Love, ‘Alone Again Or’, from Forever Changes ...
[url="https://youtu.be/cNcXFy8QTC4?list=PL5rzeunFVdXlJ0ftM7DH2NLcNOKqcr4bd"][media]http://youtu.be/cNcXFy8QTC4[/media][/url]
This, too, was played to death, as was the previous splendid album (‘Da Capo’...). Brilliant work, delicate, poignant.

What, is that all I can take..? Blast..! What..? Only one..? OK, begrudgingly I’ll give up all but Schubert; I can hum the others.
A book (given Shakespeare and a Bible...)..? Douglas Hofstadter’s ‘Gödel, Escher, Bach: An Eternal Golden Braid’ has given me much to reflect upon, so I’d gladly read it yet again (can I have it in English and in French, please..? The translation is, in itself, a masterpiece...).
My luxury..? Not too much hesitation; my drums, please. One never knows, I could even get quite good at ‘em if I have nowt better to do than to play ‘em, along with my disks..!
What’s that..? No, really; thanks for inviting me.

Edited May 26, 2015 by Dad3353

[Old Man Riva]

[quote name='Bilbo' timestamp='1432631073' post='2783313']Song For Strayhorn – Gerry Mulligan. The first solo I transcribed properly, note-for-note. I can still sing it today.[/quote]
That's a beautiful piece of music.

Are you a fan of Mulligan's Age of Steam at all? Early 70s album with a very west coast sound, quite a bit of electric bass on it as well courtesy of Chuck Dimanico.

It's a cracking album that tends to get overlooked, probably due to the 'electric' nature of it.

[alyctes]

Hard indeed. In no particular order:

3 Mustaphas 3, 'Aj Zajdi Zajdi Jasno Sonce'. [url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yl9-8RudQXk"]https://www.youtube....h?v=Yl9-8RudQXk[/url] This will be played at my funeral. It's the harmony which does it.

Bonnie 'Prince' Billy, 'I See A Darkness'. [url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LAriDxTeed8"]https://www.youtube....h?v=LAriDxTeed8[/url] Though I could have found at least five songs from Will Oldham's back catalogue.

The Mutton Birds, 'White Valiant'. [url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UqFoRIj0Wzc"]https://www.youtube....h?v=UqFoRIj0Wzc[/url] Cold, spare, deeply creepy. I might have gone for 'While You Sleep' instead, but this fits my mood.

Devo, 'Satisfaction'. [url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jadvt7CbH1o"]https://www.youtube....h?v=jadvt7CbH1o[/url] Just to remind me what a cover version can be.

Talking Heads, 'Memories Can't Wait'. [url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VJu-IABeCws"]https://www.youtube....h?v=VJu-IABeCws[/url] Another compromise. The vocal, again.

Polysics' brutal cover of 'My Sharona'. [url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k6NIJ5r448A"]https://www.youtube....h?v=k6NIJ5r448A[/url] This performance, with video, please. A bit like the Devo; artful, skilful, takes the original and does violence to it and comes out with something sublime.

The Weavers, 'Sinnerman'. [url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rXA2cjPnPJ4"]https://www.youtube....h?v=rXA2cjPnPJ4[/url] The people who got me interested in music.

The Barely Works, 'Byker Hill'. [url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lmQMNEsKdTU"]https://www.youtube....h?v=lmQMNEsKdTU[/url] Brilliantly done. That's not a bass guitar, either

I regret many of the musics I've left out.

Books: The Bible would need to be a King James, for the language.
I think I might take Russell Hoban's 'Riddley Walker'. If you've not read it, treat yourself.

And a luxury. It would have to be a piano. Self-tuning In a dozen years or so I might learn to play the thing...

Edited May 27, 2015 by alyctes

[Leonard Smalls]

[quote name='alyctes' timestamp='1432685311' post='2784005']

I think I might take Russell Hoban's 'Riddley Walker'. If you've not read it, treat yourself.
[/quote]

Awesome book!

[Jazzneck]

As of today:

1) Groovin' - The Young Rascals
(1969 - a beautiful young lady, me, a rowing boat on the Thames at Cookham - don't ask )
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AeUWlKc0-tE

2) Soul Serenade - Derek Trucks Band.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XDK9YCplcCY

3) Like a Rolling Stone - Bob Dylan
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=syNLBJ_Lq9E

4) Mama Told Me Not to Come - Stereophonics and Tom Jones
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g0njs6iiwjY

5) Charles Lloyd Quartet - Sunday Morning
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i-A5YG2hHxM&list=PLiuPzM7Lem7KVtBMuzPPSatrxQTxH0Uqi

6) King Crimson - 21st Century Schizoid Man
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2HQo_YfVnyw
This is the BBC live version but the original would be fine.

7) Frank Wilson - Do I Love You (Indeed I Do)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xwvpeYiQwss

8) Eric Clapton and Band - 44 Blues
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d_24GeI7aRA
What a groove.........

It'll all change tomorrow though.

The book: Childhoods End - Arthur C Clarke

Luxury item: My National Lap Steel. Hopefully I would get the peace and quiet to learn how to play it properly.

[ras52]

[quote name='Dad3353' timestamp='1432645323' post='2783509']
Schubert Symphony N°9, ‘The Great’ ...
...I’d like my own version, copied to cassette from 78’s, but with an accidental ‘double crescendo’ created while turning the stack over. It’s now so ingrained that I miss it in live performances and records. I consider it to be an improvement on Schubert’s own composition..!
[/quote]

I know the feeling! I've joined a band that does Wish You Were Here, but I can't get my head around the fact that it's in a steady 4/4: "my" version was taped off a friend's LP that skipped all over the place!

[Dad3353]

[quote name='ras52' timestamp='1432728664' post='2784309']
I know the feeling! I've joined a band that does Wish You Were Here, but I can't get my head around the fact that it's in a steady 4/4: "my" version was taped off a friend's LP that skipped all over the place!
[/quote]

For the anecdote...
I had the opportunity to see performance of the 9th at the Royal Albert Hall (cheap-rate apprentice tickets...), and sat enthralled until the crescendo. I was physically shocked when it was (of course...) not repeated; too stunned, indeed, to stand up and remonstrate with the conductor..! Just as well, but that was how I learned that I had created a monster version. I still prefer mine, but I've got over it and can now listen to the original without flinching.

[Bilbo]

[quote name='Old Man Riva' timestamp='1432675073' post='2783933']
That's a beautiful piece of music.

Are you a fan of Mulligan's Age of Steam at all? Early 70s album with a very west coast sound, quite a bit of electric bass on it as well courtesy of Chuck Dimanico.

It's a cracking album that tends to get overlooked, probably due to the 'electric' nature of it.
[/quote]

I don't think I have ever heard it. Will look it up.

[Nicko]

1. Jimi Hendix, Like a Rolling Stone, Monterey version: 30 years I've been trying to get anywhere near this - IMHO the greatest piece of rock guitar ever recorded, and got me into Bob Dylan as well.
2. AC/DC Problem Child: I think this is when I first became aware that rock didn't have to involve makeup.
3. Duran Duran: Planet Earth: You can play miusic with guitars and make it sound like this, rock music does not have to involve dirty jeans and leather jackets
4. Run DMC: It Aint Funny: Rock Funk Fusion. And massive medallions.
5. RHCP: Under the bridge: Even befrore I was a bass player this was my favourite bass line.
6. Stereophonics: Local Boy in the Photograph: I come of age as a guitarist - shun the poodle rock and understand that rhythm and melody mean more than flash solos
7. The Strokes: Someday: I realise you can play guitar using partial chords to create tension.
8. The Killers: Somebody told me: I grow up on bass as well.

Book: Crime and punishment, by the time I get to the end I've forgotten the beginning. It just keeps giving!
Luxury: A fully functioning still

Edited May 28, 2015 by Nicko

[Kiwi]

I'd be depressed as hell on a desert island so my music would be uplifting.

Song 1: Lark Ascending - Ralph Vaughn Williams
Song 2: Fanfare for the Common Man - Aaron Copeland
Song 3: Thunderstruck - AC/DC
Song 4: Happy - Pharrell Williams
Song 5: Ain't Nobody - Chaka Khan
Song 6: Good Times - Chic
Song 7: Flying in a Blue Dream - Joe Satriani
Song 8: Mr Blue Sky - ELO

Book: SAS Survival Guide

Luxury: Laptop full of ripped movies and e-Books with solar powered charger and satellite internet connection. (gh) Seriously though...a machete.

[ead]

Here’s my selection. I'm at work so can't access some websites for links etc. Sorry about that:

Led Zep - Achilles Last Stand (no justification needed)
Albinoni – Adagio in Gm (So relaxing after a stressful day)
Joan Baez - Diamonds & Rust (Lyrically excellent)
The Waterboys – Long Strange Golden Road (Best new song I’ve heard in a while)
Dvorak – Cello Concerto (Sadly not yet got to hear this live)
Yes – Close to the Edge (Title track of the first LP I ever bought)
Porcupine Tree – Anesthetize (A cracking song by a cracking band)
Deep Purple – Pictures of Home (The band that really got me into hard rock. "Emptiness, eagles & snow" anybody - plus a nice bass run towards the end)

Book would have to be Lord of the Rings – I must have read it umpteen times but always enjoyable

Luxury item – A fishing rod