This question is related to the "Best Bassline" thread below. However, I wanted to start a new topic so my question would be more in the forefront.
How can you hear the bassline so well in all of these songs? I realize some are easier than others, but most are masked by the other instruments. Do you just really concentrate on that one instrument or what? I have a similar idea that the bass is extremely important and do try to listen for it...but it gets really hard at some points. Another problem for me is that I'm deaf in one ear, so with headphones I often hear only parts of the songs. Any ideas?
It honestly depends on the band. Sometimes Deaky's bass lines are buried into the mix... but if you listen to Rush for example, Geddy Lee's bass is an instrument in itself, and always at the front of the mix with the guitar.
You just have to pick out the bass in the beginning and focus on it by tuning out the other instruments and vocals. It's always interesting to hear the intricacies, especially since the bass doesn't always stand out.