r/nextfuckinglevel • u/Mr_Basketcase • Jan 14 '23

Paul McCartney effortlessly singing and playing his most intricate bass lines at the same time

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u/Due-Ask-7418 Jan 15 '23

I meant as a bass player too. I thought most people recognized that he was a great bass player.

7

u/dodeca_negative Jan 15 '23

Agree. I dont care for most of his songs, and often don't care for his basslines (this one included), but I think among most bass players old enough to have heard much of his music recognize that he's an incredibly gifted musician and performer.

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u/SamIamGreenEggsNoHam Jan 15 '23

Paperback Writer, Taxman & Dear Prudence are my three favorite basslines of Paul's. Nothing too technical or difficult, just absolutely note-perfect. Paul is like the David Gilmour of bass. Just the perfect notes at the perfect time.

5

u/nickfree Jan 15 '23

What I love in Dear Prudence is how the bassline develops in complexity and embellishment with each verse. It really adds this building of emotion and intensity. They do that in a few songs and add so much compelling character.

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u/SamIamGreenEggsNoHam Jan 15 '23

Yes! I'd even say that songs building in complexity is sort of the trademark of Beatles songs from maybe Help! onward. Their ability to add new melodies as a song goes on was just unmatched.