ribbons

It's a really good book which I think is well worth reading, blastingas [Paul McCartney - Bass Master by Gareth Morgan & Tony Bacon].

A bit from the introduction:

". . . There was a real sense of adventure and exuberance in many of McCartney's lines from Rubber Soul onwards, and this helped to clear away forever the stagnant atmosphere around many pop-group rhythm sections. . . . By the time McCartney was really blossoming on Revolver he had already displayed another of the qualities that marks out the great bassman: a musical instinct that led him to make the right choices. He was never afraid of hard work. Beatle folklore has him as usually the last one to leave the session, the one who did the most work on any of the songs, and the one who was the most interested in a high level of excellence in writing, performing, and recording. . . . He spent many, many hours playing and thinking about bass guitar. Go back and try to calculate the proportion of their working life that the group spent in the studio simply developing songs, working out parts, doing takes, overdubbing, re-working pieces, and generally honing their material before it was released -- and all among a punishing touring schedule that continued to late 1966. . . . Nobody ever worked harder on their music prior to the Beatles and precious few have ever worked so hard since."

Burning Down

I love it! Thanks for posting that. I was always under the impression that George Martin had played it on a harpsichord. But now I realize that the sped up recording of that solo made the piano sound like a harpsichord. It has a very Baroque texture to it, and I'm not surprised, since Martin was a classically trained musician himself.

blastingas10

So, Paul is a really good bassist? I'm not trying to say he isn't, but his bass-lines always seemed really simple, yet really tasteful, which is what really matters. I guess what I'm trying to say is: On technical terms, he was really good? I guess I should get this book and find out

ribbons

I always thought it was a harpsichord, too! - until I read Janszoon's comment about it being a piano. You're very welcome.

ribbons

Paul may not be a technical virtuoso (although I think he's technically very good) but he is an extremely melodically inventive and musical bassist. Paul's melodic genius extended to crafting great counterpoint melodies on bass. Even John Lennon, who could be snarky when it came to evaluating Paul, said that he was one of the most innovative bass players ever.

You are now expected to read the book and agree with me.

blastingas10

I do agree. His bass lines just sounded so damn good. I'm definitely going to have to check that book out.

When you think about it, what bass players really stand out in pre-beatles rock n roll?

blastingas10

So janszoon, what's your overall opinion on the Beatles now?

Key

I've noticed this thread time and time again but haven't had a chance to post in it. But I have to say, your reviews definitely do the albums justice, especially seeing them being written in an unbiased point of view. Nicely done. Glad to see that you have a good appreciation for Revolver and Abbey Road, two of my all time favorite Beatles records.

midnight rain

I don't think his reviews are any more or less unbiased than a Beatles fan. It's his opinion, which by definition, is biased. But I kind of see what you're saying.

blastingas10

By unbiased I think he means someone who isn't a huge beatles fan.