OFF: Great Bassists (was100 Greatest Guitarists)

[DRider]

Doug,

Thanx for yet another articulate post!

I am wondering what you (and others) think of Paul Barker
and Peter Hook?

Also, please go ahead and tell us your thoughts about Phil Lesh
and the GD rhythm section. Sure, I am a fan of theirs, but I would
like to know your thoughts. Personally, I like the years 1972-1974
the best. Part of that has to do w/ them only having one drummer
during that time. Let it rip man. I certianly won't be offended.
We all have a right to our own opinions. Good or bad.
It's interesting to see how someone came to form their opinion.

Peace,

D

----- Original Message -----
From: "Doug Pearson" <jasret at MINDSPRING.COM>

> Personally, I have zero interest in bassists I consider showy/flashy.  I
> can appreciate the virtuosity of Stanley Clarke, Tony Levin, Billy
> Sheehan, Jeff Berlin, Victor Wooton, Jaco, and all the other players they
> drool about on 'The Bottom Line' (renowned bass player email list that has
> included Berlin [an egotistical asshole], Levin [a super-nice guy], and
> Mike Watt [even nicer guy], among its contributors), but their playing
> does little to move me, personally (in marked contrast to the two players
> I mention in the previous paragraph).  Speaking of Mike Watt, it was very
> cool to see him playing in a more-restrained-than-usual manner when
> filling in for the late Dave Alexander in the Stooges reunion - if he had
> played "to his peak ability", he would have ruined their set, but the few
> extra fills and runs he added to Alexander's original lines all fit the
> songs perfectly (the Red Hot Chilli Peppers played immediately after them,
> and you can add Flea to my list of players that don't do much for me).
>

> And Jack Casady (but not Phil Lesh - great musician;
> rotten, or at least inappropriate, bassist, but don't get me started on
> the Dead's rhythm, or lack thereof, section).
>
>     -Doug
>      jasret at mindspring.com