The bass line from Muse’s 2003 track "Hysteria" has been voted the best of all time ahead of performances by Rush, Queen, Metallica, The Who, Red Hot Chili Peppers and Led Zeppelin.
Nearly a quarter of all votes in Music Radar’s poll went to the prog-pop three-piece, who included the track and its robotic-like bass intro on their album "Absolution".
Around 10,000 people cast votes in a feature its editors say is "probably the most essential bass playlist ever compiled, featuring legendary session players, global megastars and contemporary bass heroes too."
Music Radar says of the poll-winner: "Chris Wolstenholme certainly takes centre-stage with his intricate processed riff driving the singalong and providing a fat bedrock for Matt Bellamy’s guitar histrionics."
Rush’s instrumental "YYZ", from their "Moving Pictures" album, came a very close second. Queen might have scored higher in the ratings if their vote hadn’t been split between John Deacon’s work on number-three track "Another One Bites The Dust" and following entry "Under Pressure".
But iconic bassists including Flea, John Paul Jones and Paul McCartney didn’t even break the top ten.
Music Radar's 25 best basslines of all time:
01. "Hysteria" – Muse (Chris Wolstenholme)
02. "YYZ" – Rush (Geddy Lee)
03. "Another One Bites The Dust" - Queen (John Deacon)
04. "Under Pressure" - Queen & David Bowie (John Deacon)
05. "Money" – Pink Floyd (Roger Waters)
06. "Orion" – Metallica (Cliff Burton)
07. "Billie Jean" – Michael Jackson (Louis Johnson)
08. "Roundabout" – Yes (Chris Squire)
09. "My Generation" – The Who (John Entwistle)
10. "Schism" – Tool (Justin Chancellor)
11. "Give It Away" – Red Hot Chili Peppers (Flea)
12. "The Lemon Song" – Led Zeppelin (John Paul Jones)
13. "Taxman" – The Beatles (Paul McCartney)
14. "Good Times" – Chic (Bernard Edwards)
15. "The Chicken" – Jaco Pastorius
16. "Walk On The Wild Side" – Lou Reed (Herbie Flowers)
17. What's Going On – Marvin Gaye (James Jamerson)
18. "Stand By Me" – Ben E King (Wendell Marshall)
19. "The Guns Of Brixton" – The Clash (Paul Simonon)
20. "Sweet Emotion" – Aerosmith (Tom Hamilton)
21. "Super Freak" - Rick James (Oscar Alston)
22. "Pusherman" - Curtis Mayfield (Joseph "Lucky" Scott)
23. "These Boots Are Made For Walkin'" - Nancy Sinatra (Carol Kaye/Chuck Berghofer)
24. "In The Midnight Hour" - Wilson Pickett (Donald "Duck" Dunn)
25. "Make It Funky" - James Brown (Fred Thomas)
I like how versatile this list is. It covers many styles of bass playing.
That being said, Muse first... Really? It is a wicked bass line, but shit, it's another thing to say it's the best ever.
Also, severe lacking in Radiohead, Parliament, Sly and the Family Stone, and The Smiths.
I would probably have put a Korn song in there just because of Fieldy's crazy ass bass playing, but at least the list is diverse for once. Love the Hysteria bassline, so that was cool too see.
I mean, i think all the solid Bassists and Bass guitarists are mentioned. I'm sure someone will complain that there is no Dream Theater but I will just laugh at them.
The list is really REALLY solid. I love the Lemon Song, but over Dazed and Confused?
I love Taxman, but over Lady Madonna, Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds, Something?
I love My Generation, but over The Real Me? (The bass solo is iconic though)
Give it away? Flea has had much better lines than that. How about So Much I, or Higher Ground, or Right On Time
I mean song choices are trivial because they're all great, but they are interchangeable they are all great in the end. Solid list.
I like how versatile this list is. It covers many styles of bass playing.
That being said, Muse first... Really? It is a wicked bass line, but shit, it's another thing to say it's the best ever.
Also, severe lacking in Radiohead, Parliament, Sly and the Family Stone, and The Smiths.
The bassline in 'You've got everything now' by The Smiths is incredible. Such an underrated song.
I mean, i think all the solid Bassists and Bass guitarists are mentioned. I'm sure someone will complain that there is no Dream Theater but I will just laugh at them.
The list is really REALLY solid. I love the Lemon Song, but over Dazed and Confused?
I love Taxman, but over Lady Madonna, Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds, Something?
I love My Generation, but over The Real Me? (The bass solo is iconic though)
Give it away? Flea has had much better lines than that. How about So Much I, or Higher Ground, or Right On Time
I mean song choices are trivial because they're all great, but they are interchangeable they are all great in the end. Solid list.
Exactly. I agree about "The Real Me". Such a great line where John actually lets loose on the record.
And for Tool, I'd say "Forty Six & 2" is a much cooler line than "Schism"
I suppose this list was made for non-bassists to vote on haha. These are the common lines people think of.
It's like, I'll be sitting there playing bass, and to show off, I'll play "Leave That Thing Alone" by Rush. No one cares. I then play "Schism", and everyone thinks I'm the greatest bassist on the planet haha.
Oh sweet.. Another list.. These things are so dumb. Any self respecting rock and roll musician will tell you, muse is not number one, this is just the product of dumb modern kids with no knowledge of good music..which leads to my n
ext question.. Where the f*ck is "Peace Sells" by Megadeth????
I agree that 46&2 would have been better than Schism but whatever. And you're all going to hate me, but Longview by Green Day has an awesome bass line.
There's no way in hell Muse have the best bassline of all time. What about Duff McKagan's bassline in Sweet Child O' Mine which practically drives the song? John Paul Jones' bassline in songs such as Heartbreaker, Kashmir, Rock N Roll etc.? Flea? Cliff Burton? No?
I'm really sick of Muse winning these 'best of' awards, they're not that great. They had one OK album. It's like when Plug In Baby won the best riff of the decade. What about stuff like Slither? Dirty Little Thing? It pisses me off. I really hate Muse and I hate Matt Bellamy even more, he's an unoriginal, unexciting, pretentious twat.
There's no way in hell Muse have the best bassline of all time. What about Duff McKagan's bassline in Sweet Child O' Mine which practically drives the song? John Paul Jones' bassline in songs such as Heartbreaker, Kashmir, Rock N Roll etc.? Flea? Cliff Burton? No?
I'm really sick of Muse winning these 'best of' awards, they're not that great. They had one OK album. It's like when Plug In Baby won the best riff of the decade. What about stuff like Slither? Dirty Little Thing? It pisses me off. I really hate Muse and I hate Matt Bellamy even more, he's an unoriginal, unexciting, pretentious twat.
Slither (I'm assuming that you're referring to the VR song since you also mentioned Dirty Little Thing) had the disadvantage of having the same riff played the entire song, with the only real variation being who was playing it and what strings. And I can understand not liking Muse and thinking their awards are undeserved, but pretentious? One of the most overused and misused words thrown around on these forums.
Any time there's a list where thousands of people vote you know it's just a popularity contest. I highly doubt even a handful of those thousands actually listened through and analyzed and gave serious thought to a bunch of bass lines. It's only a list of what came first to the minds of 10,000 people.
Yeah I am referring to Slither, you're right - it can get a little old. But Dirty Little Thing, in my opinion, was alot better than Plug In Baby.
Bellamy IS pretentious, when Muse first started to 'make it', he left his girlfriend of several years to go and hang out with some other girl in Hollywood, to me, that defines the word pretentious.
Not a bad list. This proves that bassists can actually be an important part of a band. Well, when they aren't getting arrested, robbing stores, or putting thier guitarists in comas.
I like this list, though I don't know if Hysteria is that deserving for the number 1 bass line. Oh, and I just want to put this out there... It's harder to play the bass line in Rock Band than it is with a real bass, IMO. But then again, I suck at video game music. lol
I like how versatile this list is. It covers many styles of bass playing.
That being said, Muse first... Really? It is a wicked bass line, but shit, it's another thing to say it's the best ever.
Also, severe lacking in Radiohead, Parliament, Sly and the Family Stone, and The Smiths.
Could you contridict yourself even more?
Bassline is sick
I like how versatile this list is. It covers many styles of bass playing.
That being said, Muse first... Really? It is a wicked bass line, but shit, it's another thing to say it's the best ever.
Also, severe lacking in Radiohead, Parliament, Sly and the Family Stone, and The Smiths.Could you contridict yourself even more?
Bassline is sick
Contradict? how?
There's a difference between a sick bassline and the best bassline. All of the basslines on the list are sick. Not all of them are number one. Think before you post.
Any time there's a list where thousands of people vote you know it's just a popularity contest. I highly doubt even a handful of those thousands actually listened through and analyzed and gave serious thought to a bunch of bass lines. It's only a list of what came first to the minds of 10,000 people.
This. A majority of the voters were probably biased because they saw Muse on the list.
Some of my favorite bass lines I would have liked to see on the list would be:
Glass Prison - Dream Theater
Longview - Green Day
Holiday (bridge section) - Green Day
For Whom The Bell Tolls - Metallica (can't believe it's not on there really)
My Friend of Misery - Metallica
Believer - Ozzy Osbourne
Peace Sells - Megadeth
I like how versatile this list is. It covers many styles of bass playing.
That being said, Muse first... Really? It is a wicked bass line, but shit, it's another thing to say it's the best ever.
Also, severe lacking in Radiohead, Parliament, Sly and the Family Stone, and The Smiths.Could you contridict yourself even more?
Bassline is sick
He wasn't saying it was shit genius, also peace sells should be up there.
Hmm, I love that bass line (Hysteria) so much that I even went and learned it on guitar. But best ever? Nope. Not slightly in my opinion. I think either Orion or YYZ should have been on the number one spot, but that's just my preferences.
Why is Bloodmeat by Protest The Hero not on here ? Arif is a contemporary master and the tapping solo shows .
Well, it said 10,000 people voted on this list. Out of that 10,000, it would be safe to assume that only about 5 of them know who Protest the Hero is. Its hard to win a majority vote with that kind of numbers.
...that and it's not really 'best bassline' material.
I think this list is severely lacking Bassically/N.I.B., Peace Sells, and Les Claypool.
Any bass related list, aside from 'Worst Bass Players', that lacks Les Claypool is a biased list.
Not a bad list. This proves that bassists can actually be an important part of a band. Well, when they aren't getting arrested, robbing stores, or putting thier guitarists in comas.
I like hearing people's angry reactions to lists like these. They seem to forget the fact that is us who control how these lists turn out and therefore a reflection of ourselves. There is not some higher being that declares who is better at what and then sets it in stone.
I voted for Roundabout. The Muse song that won is a bit of a rip off of Mouth For War. I prefer the Pantera one.
Dadro wrote:
I like hearing people's angry reactions to lists like these. They seem to forget the fact that is us who control how these lists turn out and therefore a reflection of ourselves. There is not some higher being that declares who is better at what and then sets it in stone.
Actually the list was chosen by Music Radar and users just picked their favorite to determine the order.
I honestly don’t know why UG insist on using opinion polls and lists as the basis of a news article. It’s entirely pointless, meaningless and in the end is just going to divide everyone between their own personal opinions. They should try thinking about this with logic and reason for a change.
An opinion is not and cannot be FACT no matter how hard you try to believe it. The closest you can get statistically is an overall majority, where +50% of the people voting agree on the same candidate. But the chances of getting such a statistic are slim to nil, as you see in this article Muse only got “Nearly a quarter of all votes”. And also statistically you’d have to ask every person in the world’s population to get something close to fact (illogical / impossible).
You just can’t say “X” is better than “Y” without expecting conflicting views, especially in a subject as vast music. Consider if you asked the entire world who the best artist / band was? You’d get such a huge variety of answers, you couldn’t possibly hope to get an overall majority, chances are you’ll get a few sitting quite high up there like Elvis, The Beatles, Michael Jackson, but no one of those is likely to take the overall majority.
So let’s say we narrow it down into a genre, seeing as this is UG let’s say metal. Now for the overall majority you’ve got bands competing like Pantera, Metallica, Iron Maiden, Black Sabbath, Megadeth etc. But still don’t stand a chance.
So a specific sub-genre? Thrash Metal. Now you’ve still got Metallica and Megadeth (god help you if you say one of those is better than the other) along with Slayer, Anthrax and Testament etc.
Each time you narrow down the scope, you get a whole load of other leaping into the fray that people would say are the best, but as always you’ll never get an overall majority. The same will apply if you go for guitarists, albums, songs or whatever else.
It just shows that as I said, no opinion in music – and most other things - can be the basis of a fact.
Mudvayne has one of the best bass players in the past 20 years, yet his work is nowhere either. it seems most of the people who know/give a shit about the results of these polls are entirely absent during their duration.
I honestly don’t know why UG insist on using opinion polls and lists as the basis of a news article. It’s entirely pointless, meaningless and in the end is just going to divide everyone between their own personal opinions. They should try thinking about this with logic and reason for a change.
An opinion is not and cannot be FACT no matter how hard you try to believe it. The closest you can get statistically is an overall majority, where +50% of the people voting agree on the same candidate. But the chances of getting such a statistic are slim to nil, as you see in this article Muse only got “Nearly a quarter of all votes”. And also statistically you’d have to ask every person in the world’s population to get something close to fact (illogical / impossible).
You just can’t say “X” is better than “Y” without expecting conflicting views, especially in a subject as vast music. Consider if you asked the entire world who the best artist / band was? You’d get such a huge variety of answers, you couldn’t possibly hope to get an overall majority, chances are you’ll get a few sitting quite high up there like Elvis, The Beatles, Michael Jackson, but no one of those is likely to take the overall majority.
So let’s say we narrow it down into a genre, seeing as this is UG let’s say metal. Now for the overall majority you’ve got bands competing like Pantera, Metallica, Iron Maiden, Black Sabbath, Megadeth etc. But still don’t stand a chance.
So a specific sub-genre? Thrash Metal. Now you’ve still got Metallica and Megadeth (god help you if you say one of those is better than the other) along with Slayer, Anthrax and Testament etc.
Each time you narrow down the scope, you get a whole load of other leaping into the fray that people would say are the best, but as always you’ll never get an overall majority. The same will apply if you go for guitarists, albums, songs or whatever else.
It just shows that as I said, no opinion in music – and most other things - can be the basis of a fact.
And I don't understand why people write an essay to complain about an article they don't like, instead of simply not clicking on it. I do kinda agree with what you're saying but you don't have to take their list so seriously. Music Radar had bass week last week so they compiled a list of their favorite basslines from a wide range of genres and then asked users to vote on their favorite. That's it. They are not saying it's a definitive list of the best basslines ever.
And I don't understand why people write an essay to complain about an article they don't like, instead of simply not clicking on it. I do kinda agree with what you're saying but you don't have to take their list so seriously. Music Radar had bass week last week so they compiled a list of their favorite basslines from a wide range of genres and then asked users to vote on their favorite. That's it. They are not saying it's a definitive list of the best basslines ever.
Then it's down to UG to be more careful with the headlines they choose as it reads "Muse Have Best Bass Line Ever" What conclusion are most people going to jump to?
Then it's down to UG to be more careful with the headlines they choose as it reads "Muse Have Best Bass Line Ever" What conclusion are most people going to jump to?
I think most people would jump to the conclusion that UG has published another list they don't agree with.
And they would be right.
Then it's down to UG to be more careful with the headlines they choose as it reads "Muse Have Best Bass Line Ever" What conclusion are most people going to jump to?
I think most people would jump to the conclusion that UG has published another list they don't agree with.
And they would be right.
True, there's something we can agree on. But I'd like to point out that my post was one idle rant based on one news article that I happened to disagree with, it's that these lists pop up repetitively here on UG, and you'd think they'd realise by now that all they do is spread discontent between everyone who begs to differ. It's irresponsible.
Um AiC's 'Rotten Apple', Faith No More's 'King for a Day', Primus' 'Tommy the Cat' to name a few better than Hysteria. Oh wait, they aren't famous!
Problem I have with the Muse song is that its basically a guitar riff played in bass, and its not THAT catchy. Speaking of which, I'd put "Superfreak" even further up.
Also, for a Tool song, I'd pick "The Pot" or "Forty Six and 2" over Schism any day.
Just to point it out guys, this is a list of the best bass lines (by mass opinion poll) and not the best bass players. Just cause Hysteria is one hell of an awesome riff and appeals to the mass population, it getting first on the list doesn't make Chris Wolstenholme a better bassist than Geddy Lee or Flea or any other crazy bassists, it just means that his song and style appeals to a wider audience than these other artists.
Musical talent doesn't necessarily suggest popularity, only the really lucky ones get up there. So don't rage if someone you personally like isn't on the list, because to be honest I hadn't even heard of half of the random bassists you chaps have come up with. Not saying they aren't amazing, but chances are they're either members of a niche genre, aren't too memorable to casual fans or quite simply aren't famous enough.
If anything be happy in the fact that you could have made a much more talented and deserving list given the chance!
Then it's down to UG to be more careful with the headlines they choose as it reads "Muse Have Best Bass Line Ever" What conclusion are most people going to jump to?
I think most people would jump to the conclusion that UG has published another list they don't agree with.
And they would be right.
True, there's something we can agree on. But I'd like to point out that my post was one idle rant based on one news article that I happened to disagree with, it's that these lists pop up repetitively here on UG, and you'd think they'd realise by now that all they do is spread discontent between everyone who begs to differ. It's irresponsible.
Yeah maybe, but I don't think they give a shit. At the end of the day it generates more views for the article which makes UG more appealing for advertisers. If only more people used Firefox with AdBlock Plus... (balls, was that an advertisement?)
Not that I like this band, but "Seven Nation Army" by the White Stripes has to be one of the most recognizable basslines ever created. I can't believe there's no Iron Maiden, no 311, they picked the sh!ttiest RHCP bassline, and no Peace Sells! MTV News used that bassline for years as the theme. Would have also liked to have seen "In The Meantime" by Spacehog as well.
There's no way in hell Muse have the best bassline of all time. What about Duff McKagan's bassline in Sweet Child O' Mine which practically drives the song? John Paul Jones' bassline in songs such as Heartbreaker, Kashmir, Rock N Roll etc.? Flea? Cliff Burton? No?
I'm really sick of Muse winning these 'best of' awards, they're not that great. They had one OK album. It's like when Plug In Baby won the best riff of the decade. What about stuff like Slither? Dirty Little Thing? It pisses me off. I really hate Muse and I hate Matt Bellamy even more, he's an unoriginal, unexciting, pretentious twat.
Maybe not in your book, but who made you the musical authority? Muse try to be original and unique and write things that they enjoy. If you don't agree, don't listen, but don't sit there and act like your better. If you are, then why the hell aren't you out there doing anything? Who are you?
It's you against Muse's millions of fans that disagree. Good luck.
Not that I like this band, but "Seven Nation Army" by the White Stripes has to be one of the most recognizable basslines ever created. I can't believe there's no Iron Maiden, no 311, they picked the sh!ttiest RHCP bassline, and no Peace Sells! MTV News used that bassline for years as the theme. Would have also liked to have seen "In The Meantime" by Spacehog as well.
White Stripes didn't have a bassist. It's just a muted guitar I believe. But, you're right many do recognize it as a bassline
Personal choices:
Bass Suite #1 - Avishai Cohen
Day of Baphomets - Mars Volta
Giant - The Bad Plus
Sponge - Brecker Brothers
II BS - Charles Mingus
Ramble On - Led Zeppelin
Good Morning, Captain - Slint
Good choices on the list, but these are just a few beauties I consider to be a little better.
dude...no Tony Levin!? wtf!? **** muse, Hibria's Tiger Punch has a way better Bass Intro. the people in charge of making these lists dont know shit about music
Not that I like this band, but "Seven Nation Army" by the White Stripes has to be one of the most recognizable basslines ever created. I can't believe there's no Iron Maiden, no 311, they picked the sh!ttiest RHCP bassline, and no Peace Sells! MTV News used that bassline for years as the theme. Would have also liked to have seen "In The Meantime" by Spacehog as well.
White Stripes didn't have a bassist. It's just a muted guitar I believe. But, you're right many do recognize it as a bassline
I Believe it's just Jack White using an octave pedal (not making that up) to play it down a couple octaves.
Some people need to calm down a bit with these lists to be honest. A lot of people here seem to think that if their favourite musician/band/song/album is not on a list, it lessens how good the musician etc. is in their eyes. So what if each one's opinions are different. It would suck ass if everyone liked the same everything.
That said, I'm not overly fond of this list. Some good songs, but missing some form of Geezer Butler, Tim Cummerford and Les Claypool as a non-specialized list.
Some personal favourites include Mouth Of Babes by Smashing Pumpkins (although it's nothing special, I just really like it), some song by Melt Banana, Chameleon by Herbie Hancock, and most versions of Born Under A Bad Sign I've heard.
I can't say that this list is bad, considering that I'm not a bass player, but no Wild Cherry? The have one of America's most recognizable bass lines ever (Play that Funky Music).
There's no way in hell Muse have the best bassline of all time. What about Duff McKagan's bassline in Sweet Child O' Mine which practically drives the song? John Paul Jones' bassline in songs such as Heartbreaker, Kashmir, Rock N Roll etc.? Flea? Cliff Burton? No?
I'm really sick of Muse winning these 'best of' awards, they're not that great. They had one OK album. It's like when Plug In Baby won the best riff of the decade. What about stuff like Slither? Dirty Little Thing? It pisses me off. I really hate Muse and I hate Matt Bellamy even more, he's an unoriginal, unexciting, pretentious twat.
You, my friend have just stated your Opinion way too stupidly. I sick of hearing people talk about Muse as if they were some Over-rated, piece of shit band. Muse is a ****ing amazing band. And That's not an opinion, they are, in every sense of the word, Amazing. As for Matt being Un original? I DARE you to give em another band to even sound remotely like Muse does. And don't even toss Radiohead In there. I've listened from Pablo Honey to The King of Limbs, and From Showbiz to The Resistance. Muse and Radiohead are nothing alike, Muse is so Fucking original, you never hear anything quite like them. As for Un-exciting, you ever see Matt on stage? That guy puts on a show every single time he's on-stage. And when hey won "Best riff of the last decade" he ****ing deserved it. I can play the Plug in baby riff and let me tell you, Even If I knew a shitload more about Music than I do now, I don't think I could ever write something so intricate, and unless you're a virtuoso, that goes for you too. Muse work hard to please their fans, put on AMAZING Live performances, and deliver the best Innovative, progressive music they can. They're a HELL of a band, and my Personal favorite. So please, Honestly, don't talk shit about Muse and Matt just cause you think they don't deserve the awards they recieve.
Pretty cool list, good to see some session guys in there rather than just well known bands (James Jamerson woo). Surprised there isn't a Dream Theater song in the list since they are getting so popular lately and John Myung is an insane bass player. Day of the Baphomets by Mars Volta is one of the best lines I ever heard but they ain't very well known. Would recommend any bass player who hasn't heard it to check it out.
what about SOUNDGARDEN? Ben Shepard has some pretty epic basslines! And stuff like Big Bang Baby and other Stone Temple Pilots? Robert Deleo is great too. Ohwell. Lists never please anybody.
what about SOUNDGARDEN? Ben Shepard has some pretty epic basslines! And stuff like Big Bang Baby and other Stone Temple Pilots? Robert Deleo is great too. Ohwell. Lists never please anybody.
It irritates me how much people bring their taste's into things. I like Peace Sells by Megadeth way better than Muse's Hysteria, but I still think Hysteria has a more impressive, intricate bass line. It's not a favorites list.
I love Muse. They are enjoyable. However, this bugs me strictly because this bassline was written on guitar by their guitarist... and it happened to sound good on bass... as far as bass lines go it's not really anything special
Yeah, what an amazingly technical bassist, his stuff is so complicated, it makes my head spin. He's a gret singer but he is nothing special on bass guitar.
And also I think they could've picked a much better RHCP bass line. Higher ground, Around the World, Get up and jump. maybe
I like how versatile this list is. It covers many styles of bass playing.
That being said, Muse first... Really? It is a wicked bass line, but shit, it's another thing to say it's the best ever.
Exactly my thoughts!
Surprised "Come As You Are" isn't there, and I'm not even a Nirvana fan. Also sad to still see David Ellesfson still not getting the recognition he deserves.
There's no way in hell Muse have the best bassline of all time. What about Duff McKagan's bassline in Sweet Child O' Mine which practically drives the song? John Paul Jones' bassline in songs such as Heartbreaker, Kashmir, Rock N Roll etc.? Flea? Cliff Burton? No?
I'm really sick of Muse winning these 'best of' awards, they're not that great. They had one OK album. It's like when Plug In Baby won the best riff of the decade. What about stuff like Slither? Dirty Little Thing? It pisses me off. I really hate Muse and I hate Matt Bellamy even more, he's an unoriginal, unexciting, pretentious twat.
You are an ignorant twat with a short palette of musical experience. Go and listen to more music before you comment with such little taste.
It's just the metalheads that are pissed about the list because Megadeath, Metallica and/or other favourite bands wasn't on the list. Stop whining, everything isn't metal.
For all the people that say seven nation army. Technically it is not played on a bass, he plays it on guitar using a whammy pedal to lower the notes. If i were to write it down i would use a bass clef however so it could be considered a bass part, but i think of it as a guitar riff and it has won awards for best guitar riff so it wouldn't be fair for it to win both however awesome it may be.
Not having Primus instantly strips this list of any validity it would otherwise have had. Otherwise it's pretty good. I think Suck My Kiss has a better bassline than Give It Away, though
okay dude.. so i am a huge metallica fan as well as a huge cliff burton fan.. but i would have to disagree with you there, considering there is very little audible bass lines on that entire album
Where the hell is Matt Freeman??? His work on Maxwell Murder alone provides grounds for him to be somewhere in at least the top 5!!! RANCID would be absolute crap without the absolutely insane bass of Freeman!!!
List is solid, other than Muse. I think that that bass line is wonderful and should be on this list, but NOT #1. On the other hand, I agree with Les Claypool and Dream Theater, totally should've been on this list but guys... Ryan Martini from Mudvayne. 'Nuff said haha.
This is bullshit. Where the FU*K is Would? by Alice in Chains. Not saying it should be number one but it is up there. Alice doesn't ever get enough love
This is bullshit. Where the FU*K is Would? by Alice in Chains. Not saying it should be number one but it is up there. Alice doesn't ever get enough love
This list reminds me of a child who's vaguely heard a few songs with basslines that stand out, and so immediately assumes they're the best.
Having said that, there are some great songs up there.
Glad to see that many folk have noticed the absence of Les Claypool. Primus sucks though I guess.
Urgh, also- reading through the comments it's sickening how angry Muse fans get when someone DARE dislike the best most original band in existence.
They're alright as a band, but their constant depressing sounding songs just puts me right off.
schirripar wrote:
I mean, i think all the solid Bassists and Bass guitarists are mentioned. I'm sure someone will complain that there is no Dream Theater but I will just laugh at them.
Why would you laugh at them?
Dream Theater - Panick Attack has an insane bass line!
And also, I´ve never liked RHCP, but I have to admit that Mellowship Slinky in B major has a totally sick bass line...
Also I´d personally liked to see Tribal Tech´s Stoopid (killer groove!), and Gorillaz Feel Good Inc. (but that´s just me).
I love Peace Sells but personally never thought it was that great.
Also, they should not have put Under Pressure, Another One Bites The Dust would´ve won hands down.
YYZ deserves spot #2.
That´s just me though.
Girls and Boys- Blur
The National Anthem- Radiohead
La Femme D'Argent- Air
White Room, Badge, Crossroad- Cream
A Forest- The Cure
Peaches- The Stranglers
Knife Edge- ELP
Get 'Em Out By Friday- Genesis
Disorder- Joy Division
Jenny Was A Friend Of Mine- The Killers
21st Century Schizoid Man- King Crimson
Ramble On, The Lemon Song- Led Zeppelin
Can't Stand Me Now- The Libertines
Walk On The Wild Side- Lou Reed
Lounge Act- Nirvana
Pigs- Pink Floyd
Red Barchetta, Camera Eye- Rush
Rusholme Ruffians, This Charming Man, Cemetary Gates- The Smiths
I Wanna Be Adored, I Am The Resurrection- The Stone Roses
The Real Me, Sparks- The Who
I'm really surprised there aren't a lot more people complaining about Rancid not being on this list. Matt Freeman definitely deserves it in my opinion, but I didn't vote so my opinion doesn't matter...
just heard Hysteria the first time. It's pretty cool, but first? really? Peace sells (or many other Ellefson stuff) and Bombtrack by RATM should be on there.
Oh, and Anesthesia sucks soooo hard (and actually it's a solo and no bass line). if any metallica bassline should be on there, it's For Whom The Bell Tolls or My Friend of Misery
Lemon Song should have been first. JPJ was a session god, and would literally make up bass lines like that. I mean I know that's pretty standard but he made up some really good stuff on the spot.
There's no way in hell Muse have the best bassline of all time. What about Duff McKagan's bassline in Sweet Child O' Mine which practically drives the song? John Paul Jones' bassline in songs such as Heartbreaker, Kashmir, Rock N Roll etc.? Flea? Cliff Burton? No?
I'm really sick of Muse winning these 'best of' awards, they're not that great. They had one OK album. It's like when Plug In Baby won the best riff of the decade. What about stuff like Slither? Dirty Little Thing? It pisses me off. I really hate Muse and I hate Matt Bellamy even more, he's an unoriginal, unexciting, pretentious twat. You, my friend have just stated your Opinion way too stupidly. I sick of hearing people talk about Muse as if they were some Over-rated, piece of shit band. Muse is a ****ing amazing band. And That's not an opinion, they are, in every sense of the word, Amazing. As for Matt being Un original? I DARE you to give em another band to even sound remotely like Muse does. And don't even toss Radiohead In there. I've listened from Pablo Honey to The King of Limbs, and From Showbiz to The Resistance. Muse and Radiohead are nothing alike, Muse is so Fucking original, you never hear anything quite like them. As for Un-exciting, you ever see Matt on stage? That guy puts on a show every single time he's on-stage. And when hey won "Best riff of the last decade" he ****ing deserved it. I can play the Plug in baby riff and let me tell you, Even If I knew a shitload more about Music than I do now, I don't think I could ever write something so intricate, and unless you're a virtuoso, that goes for you too. Muse work hard to please their fans, put on AMAZING Live performances, and deliver the best Innovative, progressive music they can. They're a HELL of a band, and my Personal favorite. So please, Honestly, don't talk shit about Muse and Matt just cause you think they don't deserve the awards they recieve.
You say he came across stupidly? You sound like a raging fanboy, mad that someone doesn't like your favorite band
There are sooo many good basslines out there. The only way to cover all of them would be with a top 1000 list. Sure theres a few that should have made this list but I think this list does the bass justice.
Love all the thrash metal fans that continuously complain that there is a lack of metallica, slayer or megadeth on these lists/ any other news. There are other good bands out there rather than the big 4
I have to say that the best bass line is actually in "Apostrophe" by Frank Zappa. If you want to hear the greatest bass playing ever then listen to that song.
I also agree that Primus (Les Claypool) is deserving of being on this list. I'm satisfied with "Hysteria" than other choices because it isn't just some simple bass line and I know that Matt Bellamy can actually read music (which seems to be dying out.)
Muse is one of the few new bands that I am really happy to see become successful. Matt is the son of one of the members of the famous surf rock group The Tornadoes known for "Telstar." You can really tell that he composed the Muse tracks with experimentation, new instruments, different styles, good lyrics, and very catchy (but not too simple) riffs.
There is no way that Muse deserves to be ahead of Rush, Geddy Lee is one of the best bass players on the planet and I can think of 5 or 10 Rush basslines that are better than Hysteria, not saying that Hysteria isn't a good bassline, but it's not the best.
Lists are just popularity contests; all you need is a good bass line and support. Hysteria has a good bass line and a lot of support, but it is nowhere near the best.
I love Hysteria's bass riff. I think one reason it gets voted so highly is because 1) it's Muse, therefore it's a popular song, and 2) the bass riff is given such a prominent place, so it's the distinctive element of the song. Most listeners never hear a bass in a song because they don't know what to look for, it gets lost in the other instruments. So naturally when they think of bass songs they think of Hysteria.
okay dude.. so i am a huge metallica fan as well as a huge cliff burton fan.. but i would have to disagree with you there, considering there is very little audible bass lines on that entire album
Hey buddy, I feel like im the only one who cane hear the bass clearly in AJFA...its there, its just very similar to the guitar riffs
Posting the bass line from your favorite song from some obscure hipster band is arbitrary.
I will say that "NIB" by black sabbath not being on this list is a travesty though.
Great list, many different genres, but the slap bass interludes from Seinfeld beats the shit out of all of them
Rofl doood. But I agree, Geezer Butler should be all over this list and NIB should be in the top 5. I'm also really surprised and a little disappointed that Commerford didn't make the list either.
There's no way in hell Muse have the best bassline of all time. What about Duff McKagan's bassline in Sweet Child O' Mine which practically drives the song? John Paul Jones' bassline in songs such as Heartbreaker, Kashmir, Rock N Roll etc.? Flea? Cliff Burton? No?
I'm really sick of Muse winning these 'best of' awards, they're not that great. They had one OK album. It's like when Plug In Baby won the best riff of the decade. What about stuff like Slither? Dirty Little Thing? It pisses me off. I really hate Muse and I hate Matt Bellamy even more, he's an unoriginal, unexciting, pretentious twat.
Maybe not in your book, but who made you the musical authority? Muse try to be original and unique and write things that they enjoy. If you don't agree, don't listen, but don't sit there and act like your better. If you are, then why the hell aren't you out there doing anything? Who are you?
It's you against Muse's millions of fans that disagree. Good luck.
No, it's me and the millions of other people who feel the same against Muse's millions of fans. Idiot.
There's no way in hell Muse have the best bassline of all time. What about Duff McKagan's bassline in Sweet Child O' Mine which practically drives the song? John Paul Jones' bassline in songs such as Heartbreaker, Kashmir, Rock N Roll etc.? Flea? Cliff Burton? No?
I'm really sick of Muse winning these 'best of' awards, they're not that great. They had one OK album. It's like when Plug In Baby won the best riff of the decade. What about stuff like Slither? Dirty Little Thing? It pisses me off. I really hate Muse and I hate Matt Bellamy even more, he's an unoriginal, unexciting, pretentious twat. You, my friend have just stated your Opinion way too stupidly. I sick of hearing people talk about Muse as if they were some Over-rated, piece of shit band. Muse is a ****ing amazing band. And That's not an opinion, they are, in every sense of the word, Amazing. As for Matt being Un original? I DARE you to give em another band to even sound remotely like Muse does. And don't even toss Radiohead In there. I've listened from Pablo Honey to The King of Limbs, and From Showbiz to The Resistance. Muse and Radiohead are nothing alike, Muse is so Fucking original, you never hear anything quite like them. As for Un-exciting, you ever see Matt on stage? That guy puts on a show every single time he's on-stage. And when hey won "Best riff of the last decade" he ****ing deserved it. I can play the Plug in baby riff and let me tell you, Even If I knew a shitload more about Music than I do now, I don't think I could ever write something so intricate, and unless you're a virtuoso, that goes for you too. Muse work hard to please their fans, put on AMAZING Live performances, and deliver the best Innovative, progressive music they can. They're a HELL of a band, and my Personal favorite. So please, Honestly, don't talk shit about Muse and Matt just cause you think they don't deserve the awards they recieve.
You say he came across stupidly? You sound like a raging fanboy, mad that someone doesn't like your favorite band
The difference, of course, being that I named songs and musicians who are often regarded as some of the best at what they do. The guy who slated me probably heard Muse from Guitar Hero or something, and thinks it's 'really cool' when Matt Bellamy gets high on mushrooms and acts like a total tool.
Why is Bloodmeat by Protest The Hero not on here ? Arif is a contemporary master and the tapping solo shows .
Well, it said 10,000 people voted on this list. Out of that 10,000, it would be safe to assume that only about 5 of them know who Protest the Hero is. Its hard to win a majority vote with that kind of numbers.
...that and it's not really 'best bassline' material.
I think this list is severely lacking Bassically/N.I.B., Peace Sells, and Les Claypool.
Any bass related list, aside from 'Worst Bass Players', that lacks Les Claypool is a biased list.
yeah but if all of them included les it would be biased aswell
There's no way in hell Muse have the best bassline of all time. What about Duff McKagan's bassline in Sweet Child O' Mine which practically drives the song? John Paul Jones' bassline in songs such as Heartbreaker, Kashmir, Rock N Roll etc.? Flea? Cliff Burton? No?
I'm really sick of Muse winning these 'best of' awards, they're not that great. They had one OK album. It's like when Plug In Baby won the best riff of the decade. What about stuff like Slither? Dirty Little Thing? It pisses me off. I really hate Muse and I hate Matt Bellamy even more, he's an unoriginal, unexciting, pretentious twat. You, my friend have just stated your Opinion way too stupidly. I sick of hearing people talk about Muse as if they were some Over-rated, piece of shit band. Muse is a ****ing amazing band. And That's not an opinion, they are, in every sense of the word, Amazing. As for Matt being Un original? I DARE you to give em another band to even sound remotely like Muse does. And don't even toss Radiohead In there. I've listened from Pablo Honey to The King of Limbs, and From Showbiz to The Resistance. Muse and Radiohead are nothing alike, Muse is so Fucking original, you never hear anything quite like them. As for Un-exciting, you ever see Matt on stage? That guy puts on a show every single time he's on-stage. And when hey won "Best riff of the last decade" he ****ing deserved it. I can play the Plug in baby riff and let me tell you, Even If I knew a shitload more about Music than I do now, I don't think I could ever write something so intricate, and unless you're a virtuoso, that goes for you too. Muse work hard to please their fans, put on AMAZING Live performances, and deliver the best Innovative, progressive music they can. They're a HELL of a band, and my Personal favorite. So please, Honestly, don't talk shit about Muse and Matt just cause you think they don't deserve the awards they recieve.
You say he came across stupidly? You sound like a raging fanboy, mad that someone doesn't like your favorite band
The difference, of course, being that I named songs and musicians who are often regarded as some of the best at what they do. The guy who slated me probably heard Muse from Guitar Hero or something, and thinks it's 'really cool' when Matt Bellamy gets high on mushrooms and acts like a total tool.
Heard it on Guitar Hero? Dude we get you love Muse, but it seems you are trying to prove his opinion wrong of something...If he hates Muse, let him hate; You love Muse, go listen to Muse rather than argue with a guy about how much they are awesome\suck
People don't know what the **** a bass line is anymore! No Graham Central Station!???? No Primus!? Orion over Pulling Teeth?! What the **** has this world come to.
There's no way in hell Muse have the best bassline of all time. What about Duff McKagan's bassline in Sweet Child O' Mine which practically drives the song? John Paul Jones' bassline in songs such as Heartbreaker, Kashmir, Rock N Roll etc.? Flea? Cliff Burton? No?
I'm really sick of Muse winning these 'best of' awards, they're not that great. They had one OK album. It's like when Plug In Baby won the best riff of the decade. What about stuff like Slither? Dirty Little Thing? It pisses me off. I really hate Muse and I hate Matt Bellamy even more, he's an unoriginal, unexciting, pretentious twat.
You are an ignorant twat with a short palette of musical experience. Go and listen to more music before you comment with such little taste.
It's a good list, as they go. Yeah, some major songs are missing but that's inevitable, you can't have it all. I'd put Leave That Thing Alone at the top, but Hysteria's got a fun bassline and deserves a place on the list.
I'm sure we could all dredge up some relatively obscure (and incredible) bassists that have a shout at being on a list like this - Squarepusher springs to mind - but ultimately that has to be tempered by popularity and perception. Decent list anyways.
This is so misguided! Hysteria's bass line is really good, but by far not the best. They only got so many votes because its known to so many people. Most people I know who aren't musicians go immediately to Hysteria. People with broader musical tastes and a better ear can find way better bass without much trouble. Not to dis on Hysteria, its just not as deserving as people make it.
Come on guys, there can never be a definitive 'best' bassline and every list is gonna throw up something slightly different. That being said, however, Hysteria as a brilliant bassline and saying anything to the contrary is a delusional at best.
I think everyone should stop talking shit about Muse. If you'd actually give their music a try instead of just assuming they aren't good, then you'd come to realize most of their music IS very good. Bellamy is a musical genius. Have you heard that man play piano? If not, go look it up. He's quite the composer and overall musician, as well as Dom Howard and Wolstenholme. So before you talk shit about someone, do your homework.
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That being said, Muse first... Really? It is a wicked bass line, but shit, it's another thing to say it's the best ever.
Also, severe lacking in Radiohead, Parliament, Sly and the Family Stone, and The Smiths.