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Friday, February 20, 2015

The Beatles "Something" Isolated Bass

After The Beatles became hit makers Paul McCartney played more and more keyboards on basic tracks and did all his bass tracks as overdubs. Paul liked this process because he felt it helped him forge a better bass line that fit better with the other layers of the song. Some say that's why his lines were so melodic, and nowhere is this more in evidence than in George Harrison's classic "Something" from the classic Abbey Road album.

Here's the isolated bass track and some things to listen for.

1. You can hear the influence of Motown's James Jamerson in the way connects the notes between sections, weaving a line that gets from one part to another in a sometimes unusual manner.

2. The part is busy by today's standards with some sections that make you think, "How'd he think of that?"

3. The part isn't played perfectly as there are some occasional brief timing issues, usually being a little late on a note.

4. The very last note of the song is a flam.




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2 comments:

Anonymous said...

But of course these days, who would have to stick 10 different plugins to process this bass. LOL. Always thought Paul was under-rated for hid bass playing.

Rand said...

2. The part is busy by today's standards with some sections that make you think, "How'd he think of that?"

Because Paul's a true musical genius, and entitled to play anything he feels.

Our generation has been blessed to have him alive during our time.

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