Ten brilliantly bouncing bass lines from 1970s classic songs
By StevieMac
The Clash - "London Calling"
A change of style now with The Clash and the title track from London Calling. Paul Simonon’s excellent bass on this 1979 song has been said to have been supplemented by Mick Jones, for added depth. Whether that's correct or not, the striking photo on the album cover is Simonon smashing his Fender P-Bass on stage in New York that same year. He explains why below.
Before he trashed that bass in frustration, Simonon used it to add a punchy baseline to “London Calling”. It's like an angry burbling tone fitting within the overall protest rant of the song. The bass is distinctive, and notable, adding an extra dimension. This is another example of making the song work rather than being just another instrument.
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Talking Heads - “Psycho Killer”
What a way to end the list. Talking Heads’1977 song “Psycho Killer” has one of those brooding and persistent bass lines, somewhat appropriate for the title and words of the song. Played by Tina Weymouth she shows her amazing talent on the instrument on this memorable tune and bass part.
It’s consistent throughout the song adding the right level of edginess in a persistent and still funky rhythm. It’s no disco song, though it was originally planned as a ballad, which seems odd. Once you have heard Weymouth’s bass on this it’s hard, if not impossible, to get it out of your head. Memorable and iconic, this is deserving of its place in any best bassline lists.
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