deleted user 13.11.2006 14:20 |
Where do you think John ranks among the best rock bassists? My sister plays bass and insists John isn't very good, but he's got excellent technique and rythm. He's one of my favorites! I'd only put Flea, Geddy Lee(reluctantly), and John Paul Jones above him...oh, and the guy from Rage Against the Machine. |
Rick 13.11.2006 15:15 |
John is just a classic bassplayer. Sure, he has his highlights here and there, but it's just another bassplayer. Although his feel and focus and especially his own sound is way better then Danny Miranda, and that won't change. |
Micrówave 13.11.2006 15:17 |
1. Jaco 2. Chris Squire 3. Rocco Prestia 4. Mark King 5. YOUR SISTER 6. Flea 7. Tony Levin 8. Paul McCartney 9. Stanley Clarke 10. JOHN DEACON |
Phill the Thrill 13.11.2006 15:21 |
yeah, as much as i love John, he's playing was solid and sound, and his technique was good, but for the most part his playing was uninspiering. There are MANY bass players far ahead of him for inventivness and ability. Such as (in no paticular order) Les Claypool - Primus Jason Newsted - Metallica Flea - chilli peppers Auf De Maur - Hole/Smashing Pumpkins Fieldy - Korn Sorry John, I (we) all love you, but there are deffinetly greater players out there, especcially since you are not really in the running anymore. |
Lester Burnham 13.11.2006 16:17 |
¼Microwave wrote: 1. Jaco 2. Chris Squire 3. Rocco Prestia 4. Mark King 5. YOUR SISTER 6. Flea 7. Tony Levin 8. Paul McCartney 9. Stanley Clarke 10. JOHN DEACONThere's a serious lack of John Entwistle and Chris Squire on your list, Household Appliance 33 1/3. |
deleted user 13.11.2006 16:26 |
Still John IS more than your average bass-player. I don't rate him for that (despite his classic basslines in AOBTD and Under Pressure) as much as his songwriting. I love Deaky's songs. I can't choose a favourite songwriter when it comes to Queen because they all wrote some excellent songs, John's are some standout as he wrote so few. |
Deacons 1st Choice 13.11.2006 17:55 |
Deacon rocks!! Chris Squire is incredible....puts everyone under the table in any class when it comes to bass, and i think John would agree. Chris was a huge inspiration for him i once read in a early interview.... So yeah...that settles that. :) |
saltnvinegar 13.11.2006 18:07 |
link this site had a load of these kind of lists |
Bohemian MAY-niac/Deaconite 13.11.2006 18:22 |
<font color =BrianJM> RollingBowieQueen wrote: Still John IS more than your average bass-player. I don't rate him for that (despite his classic basslines in AOBTD and Under Pressure) as much as his songwriting. I love Deaky's songs. I can't choose a favourite songwriter when it comes to Queen because they all wrote some excellent songs, John's are some standout as he wrote so few.I agree with you!! He's #1 in my heart for the greatest Bass player and songwriter of all time!! ;-) |
Micrówave 13.11.2006 18:31 |
Lester Burnham wrote: There's a serious lack of John Entwistle and Chris Squire on your list, Household Appliance 33 1/3.#2 on my list was Chris! And you can blame John Deacon for not letting Entwistle in my top 10. That was my toss-up. I have more Queen albums. |
deleted user 13.11.2006 20:21 |
I can't believe I forgot to put Entwistle on my list, I love him so much! Yeah, John's a great songwriter, all his songs are catchy and well put together. I always argue with my sis that John Deacon is a way better songwriter than John Paul Jones...does anyone agree? Zeppelin songs tend to be a little generic...brilliant...but generic. I like Queen because they write about everything. |
mircal 13.11.2006 20:49 |
iLOVEFREDDiEMERCURY wrote: Where do you think John ranks among the best rock bassists? My sister plays bass and insists John isn't very good, but he's got excellent technique and rythm. He's one of my favorites! I'd only put Flea, Geddy Lee(reluctantly), and John Paul Jones above him...oh, and the guy from Rage Against the Machine.Hhmm, i dont know how your sister can say he is not very good... I mean, its ones thing to read his notes on paper and say what ever about them but its much harder to come up with them. I am trying to pick a fight here or anything,,,lol,, but i dont see how it could be said that he is not very good, i mean look at all the other top bass players, John is a Versatile a player as queen were to music. All the different stlyes and pace's and ... everything!! he is up there. |
Lester Burnham 13.11.2006 20:54 |
¼Microwave wrote:Did I mention that I can't read?Lester Burnham wrote: There's a serious lack of John Entwistle and Chris Squire on your list, Household Appliance 33 1/3.#2 on my list was Chris! And you can blame John Deacon for not letting Entwistle in my top 10. That was my toss-up. I have more Queen albums. |
The Real Wizard 13.11.2006 22:59 |
iLOVEFREDDiEMERCURY wrote: I always argue with my sis that John Deacon is a way better songwriter than John Paul Jones...does anyone agree? Zeppelin songs tend to be a little generic...brilliant...but generic. I like Queen because they write about everything.John Deacon wrote pop songs, and John Paul Jones wrote rock songs outside of the pop format, so you really can't compare the two so easily. Jonesy wrote things like Black Dog, No Quarter, and In The Light, while Deacy wrote Spread Your Wings, AOBTD, and Back Chat. As for Zeppelin being generic, I completely disagree. Sure, their earlier stuff is blues-influenced, but that certainly doesn't make it generic. Check out songs like Trampled Underfoot, Achilles Last Stand, Carouselambra, and the entire Houses Of The Holy album, and then tell me Zeppelin wrote generic songs. ¼Microwave wrote: 1. Jaco 2. Chris Squire 3. Rocco Prestia 4. Mark King 5. YOUR SISTER 6. Flea 7. Tony Levin 8. Paul McCartney 9. Stanley Clarke 10. JOHN DEACONInstead of my sister, let's put Geddy Lee of Rush in at #5... and Jack Bruce as #10. He was a huge influence on Chris Squire. Otherwise, it's a great list! Also worthy of mention in any topic about bassists is Victor Wooten. He is nothing short of brilliant. |
Lester Burnham 13.11.2006 23:23 |
Sir GH<br><h6>ah yeah</h6> wrote: Check out songs like Trampled Underfoot, Achilles Last Stand, Carouselambra, and the entire Houses Of The Holy album, and then tell me Zeppelin wrote generic songs.I swear, Bob, you are a man after my own heart. Too bad you're a man, of course... |
greaserkat 13.11.2006 23:41 |
You guys have forgotten of possibly the best bassist, Cliff Burton from Metallica |
The prophet's song 14.11.2006 00:58 |
saltnvinegar wrote: link this site had a load of these kind of listsoooo that's a good site, I was pleased to see Freddie topped greatest rock vocalists. And I don't know much about music, but I reckon John is a bloody good bass player. Just listen to Millionair Waltz with only the left headphone in and you'll hear his brilliance |
mike hunt 14.11.2006 02:08 |
John is good, but he doesn't rank very high. Top 50 or 40 I guess. |
Brian_Mays_Wig 14.11.2006 02:08 |
How the fook can Steve Harris be 28th? |
Bohemian Rahpsody 14.11.2006 04:01 |
A well put together site, with a lot of lists that were fun to check out. Didnt agree with Freddie being at 62 on the songwriting side of things, and Brian and Roger could have been a fair bit higher, but there you go. Good on the creators of that site for making so many lists, and once again Freddie does top the best vocalists, so there you go. Take care all, B.R |
mike hunt 14.11.2006 04:38 |
actually for songwriting queen came in 17. |
7Innuendo7 14.11.2006 07:32 |
James Jamerson -- Motown session player, established modern bass technique -- played bass on more number one singles than ANYONE |
Bob-Plant 14.11.2006 08:02 |
greaserkat wrote: You guys have forgotten of possibly the best bassist, Cliff Burton from MetallicaI was hoping somebody would make note of this omision-any list of "best of's" is going to be subjective, but I think Cliff doesn't get his due because Metallica is a heavy metal band-same with Steve Harris of Iron Maiden. |
liam 14.11.2006 08:08 |
john is a fantastic bassist and i play bass. He used the bass as a front instrument quite often rather than just a rhythm keeper. Just listen to his basslines in millionaire waltz, your my best friend and killer queen. For people to say he isnt good is rubbish. |
Bob-Plant 14.11.2006 08:09 |
How come nobody has mentioned Paul McCartney at the top of their list? Maybe it's because he's such a successful song writer, but he's recorded many songs that feature great bass playing-in particular "Paperback Writer" and the under-appreciated "Everybody's Got Something to Hide Except Me and My Monkey"-check it out! |
Micrówave 14.11.2006 11:58 |
Bob-Plant wrote:How many albums did Cliff make? and yes, I don't think it takes as much to play heavy metal bass, as it does to play Funk, R&B, Jazz, and some Rock. Most of the time, you're just hammering the same two or three notes. All Metallica did was mix up the syncopation. That's why I pretty much ignore HM bassists, Stu Hamm is pretty good, so is Billy Sheehan.greaserkat wrote: You guys have forgotten of possibly the best bassist, Cliff Burton from MetallicaI was hoping somebody would make note of this omision-any list of "best of's" is going to be subjective, but I think Cliff doesn't get his due because Metallica is a heavy metal band-same with Steve Harris of Iron Maiden. Bob-Plant wrote: How come nobody has mentioned Paul McCartney at the top of their list?#8 on my list. Paul is greatness. |
Gone. 14.11.2006 12:06 |
I dunno that many bassists xD xD xD...But...from my knowledge...and Brian said this before...John is a GREAT bassist..lol...but I don't know where he ranks professionally. :X My list: 1.Jaco Pastorius 2.John Paul Jones 3.John Deacon the 3 J's...xD Also...I must admit...I'm a bit biased on this subject...because obviously with Queen being my favorite band...I'm leaning more to John Deacon's side xD Dx |
Deacons 1st Choice 14.11.2006 15:30 |
There was nothing "average" about John's playing. Drives me mad when i hear people brush off his work like that.... It's not the notes you play...it's HOW you put those notes across. There is definately more going on in John's playing then most realize. Maybe it's just my ears, but when i hear Queen songs covered in, say, WWRY...i can hear quite a bit "missing" as far as the basslines go. No offence meant to the players of course....it's just that only John Deacon can play those passages with the passion that he did back in the day. It's all about Deacy! |
Deacons 1st Choice 14.11.2006 15:33 |
liam wrote: john is a fantastic bassist and i play bass. He used the bass as a front instrument quite often rather than just a rhythm keeper. Just listen to his basslines in millionaire waltz, your my best friend and killer queen. For people to say he isnt good is rubbish.Agreed. Listen to those tracks, and check out some of the clever stuff he did live back in the late 70's. I don't think anything tops the bass solo from "Liar" live... |
Bohemian MAY-niac/Deaconite 15.11.2006 00:15 |
Well said, D1C!!! John Rules!!!!!!! |
The Real Wizard 15.11.2006 01:32 |
Lester Burnham wrote:Hahaha!! Hey, I had a 50% chance of being a girl, and I lost! Better luck next time, I guess.Sir GH<br><h6>ah yeah</h6> wrote: Check out songs like Trampled Underfoot, Achilles Last Stand, Carouselambra, and the entire Houses Of The Holy album, and then tell me Zeppelin wrote generic songs.I swear, Bob, you are a man after my own heart. Too bad you're a man, of course... The prophet's song wrote: And I don't know much about music, but I reckon John is a bloody good bass player. Just listen to Millionair Waltz with only the left headphone in and you'll hear his brillianceHe nailed it in the studio, but probably after 10 takes. He never could nail it live. He often missed the little licks in Killer Queen and You're My Best Friend, too. He never struck me as a bass player who practiced a lot. On the other hand, you don't see John Myung or Victor Wooten missing a note, ever. 7Innuendo7 wrote: James Jamerson -- Motown session player, established modern bass technique -- played bass on more number one singles than ANYONETo anyone remotely interested in music: If there's ONE movie you ever need to see, it's "Standing In The Shadows Of Motown". This is what music and western music culture is all about. |
mike hunt 15.11.2006 02:26 |
¼Microwave wrote:I agree, steve harris had his own style, so I think he belongs. Cliff burton is grossly overated by metal fans. He never did anything different in his brief 3 albums. I think john is a better all around bassist in my opinion.Bob-Plant wrote:How many albums did Cliff make? and yes, I don't think it takes as much to play heavy metal bass, as it does to play Funk, R&B, Jazz, and some Rock. Most of the time, you're just hammering the same two or three notes. All Metallica did was mix up the syncopation. That's why I pretty much ignore HM bassists, Stu Hamm is pretty good, so is Billy Sheehan.greaserkat wrote: You guys have forgotten of possibly the best bassist, Cliff Burton from MetallicaI was hoping somebody would make note of this omision-any list of "best of's" is going to be subjective, but I think Cliff doesn't get his due because Metallica is a heavy metal band-same with Steve Harris of Iron Maiden.Bob-Plant wrote: How come nobody has mentioned Paul McCartney at the top of their list?#8 on my list. Paul is greatness. |
maxpower 15.11.2006 08:35 |
Cliff Burton played on Metallica's first 3 albums Kill Em All, Ride The Lightning & Master of Puppets just thought I'd clarify that |
Micrówave 15.11.2006 13:31 |
What about the $5.98 EP? Garage Days Revisited |
Poo, again 15.11.2006 14:02 |
jon deekon is teh secks |
deleted user 15.11.2006 20:09 |
I do listen to A LOT of Zeppelin...it's a requirement in my house. I just find all their songs to sound the same after awhile...although I give Physical Grafitti and Zeppelin 2 major props. I think John's better than John Paul Jones because John Paul Jones hasn't really written anything by himself like John Deacon has. I guess my sister doesn't think much of John because he doesn't use all the slapping and popping and other jazzy techniques. I still think he's amazing no matter what. |
Markman38 16.11.2006 03:17 |
Well I'm a bassplayer myself and I play for a long time now (over twenty years) John is a more then avaerage bassplayer, but comparing to Jaco Pastorius, Jack Bruce, Paul McCartney, Brian Wilson (yes he is origin bassplayer), John Paul Jones, Flea, John Entwistle (shame nobody names him he was the god of bass), Sting (in his Police days off course). John Deacon isn't the best playerethere was. I think he knew that that was his role and to play that role withinn Queen made him the perfect bassplayer Queen could ever had. |
The Real Wizard 16.11.2006 11:39 |
iLOVEFREDDiEMERCURY wrote: I think John's better than John Paul Jones because John Paul Jones hasn't really written anything by himself like John Deacon has.So, in other words, you think that people who write in a band environment are inferior to people who write alone? Then I guess Johnny Ramone is a better writer than all the guys in Yes. |
Drowse1 16.11.2006 12:08 |
I'd say Chris Squire was probably best but John was top bass player. His problem was he also wrote some of Queen's best tunes later on in the 70's and into the 80's and is more regarded as someone who became a good songwriter rather than a good bass player. But as for John Paul Jones I don't think he was THAT good. He was in a great band but almost any bass player would have fit in to Led Zep as long as they did as they were told! Guys like Ronnie Lane of both The Small Faces & The Faces wouldn't have lasted 5 minutes because they would have wanted their input as well, while JPJ kept pretty quiet and just played what was put in front of him. |
Micrówave 16.11.2006 13:01 |
Sir GH<br><h6>ah yeah</h6> wrote: Then I guess Johnny Ramone is a better writer than all the guys in Yes.Well, that goes without saying. Siberian Khatru is no Rock & Roll Highschool!!!! |
red special 2008 17.11.2006 15:49 |
Although john didn't really stand out from the rest of Queen, his bass lines were incredibly invented and rarely stuck to just one end of the neck! |
Bobby_brown 17.11.2006 19:20 |
Try this exercise (it´s simple, but you´ll get the point): By this time everybody knows the "AOBTD" bass lines and "AKOM". But imagine now "Play the Game". Hear it in your head. Can you hear the basslines in your head? Try again! It´s hard to remember this one, isn´t it? But even if you don´t remember, try to put one that sounds good to you (this is great for your creativity!). Compare it with the original! So, what´s the result? Let me tell you, this is the essence of John Deacon. You don´t realise that he´s there, because his basslines just melt into the songs perfectly, but when you hear his creativity, for me it´s just breathtaking!! Take care |
Bobby_brown 17.11.2006 19:39 |
Sir GH<br><h6>ah yeah</h6> He nailed it in the studio, but probably after 10 takes. He never could nail it live. He often missed the little licks in Killer Queen and You're My Best Friend, too. He never struck me as a bass player who practiced a lot. On the other hand, you don't see John Myung or Victor Wooten missing a note, ever.I have to disagree!! He could have missed it some times, but that wasn´t the rule! Listen to the 23th November 1977 in Philadelphia. He allways play with confidence, and compared to Brian he hardly misses a note! He plays very different styles, and in 78 he would play a fretless bass in '39. In 1986 the live version of "AKOM". Even in the tribute concert. He has class, and he has created great bass lines. --------------------------------- --------------------------------- Paul McCartney wasn´t better that John, and that´s for sure ok? And Cliff Burton reinvented bass guitar. Please boys and gals let´s just talk about what we know. You would be amazed about his licks in those Metallica albums. You would think that some of the licks were made by the guitar player!- That´s how good he was!! Thay are all great in their styles! Take care |
irma 18.11.2006 05:20 |
I agree exactly with what was said above about Play the Game (and theres quite a lot of other songs like this where the bass is part of the tapestry of the song) As for John not being able to nail it live (so is therefore not so good) is utter bollocks. That has nothing to do with his standard of playing at all. There would have been a gap of, lets say a year, between the song being put to tape and it being taken out on tour. Then during rehearsals for a tour the song would be re-learned to suit the live environment. Then that song wouldn't be played for another year until the next tour by which time it has evolved again... and so on and on. Also getting back to the original post.... If your sister thinks that John's bass playing standard is not very high, I would suggest she try to learn another instrument as she obviously knows very little about playing bass. |
deleted user 18.11.2006 21:24 |
My sister knows a lot about bass..she's brilliant. She's just not very tolerant of John Deacon's style of playing, she prefers the funk or really complicated Zeppelin bass lines. Personally, I find John's bass lines to be challenging and melodic...I think they're beautiful. |
The Real Wizard 19.11.2006 18:38 |
Drowse1 wrote: But as for John Paul Jones I don't think he was THAT good. He was in a great band but almost any bass player would have fit in to Led Zep as long as they did as they were told! Guys like Ronnie Lane of both The Small Faces & The Faces wouldn't have lasted 5 minutes because they would have wanted their input as well, while JPJ kept pretty quiet and just played what was put in front of him.I completely disagree. JPJ and John Bonham were the BACKBONE of Led Zeppelin, who did not do what they were told. JPJ laid down some amazing bass work, especially in LZ's concerts, where he never played a song the same way twice. I have never heard a single wrong note from JPJ, and I've heard 150+ Zeppelin bootlegs. He is a far better musician than Page. Jonesy wrote many of the great Led Zeppelin songs, including Black Dog, No Quarter, and Carouselambra. In the late 70s, when Page and Plant were heavy into drugs, and Bonham was drinking, John Paul Jones was the glue that held the band together. ¼Microwave wrote:Absolutely! Ha ha...Sir GH<br><h6>ah yeah</h6> wrote: Then I guess Johnny Ramone is a better writer than all the guys in Yes.Well, that goes without saying. Siberian Khatru is no Rock & Roll Highschool!!!! |
The Real Wizard 19.11.2006 18:41 |
Bobby_brown wrote: He could have missed it some times, but that wasn´t the rule! Listen to the 23th November 1977 in Philadelphia.Yeah, he definitely nailed it at that show! But he often didn't. That's all I was saying. He allways play with confidence, and compared to Brian he hardly misses a note!Yes, that's very true. Brian is sometimes a bit sloppy on stage. John always tries to stick to the plan, whereas Brian often tries to be adventurous. Usually he succeeds, but sometimes he just has an off night. These things happen! Paul McCartney wasn´t better that John, and that´s for sure ok?I'd put McCartney and Deacy at about the same level as bassists. There is plenty of great bass work all over the Beatles catalogue. Deacy and McCartney were integral parts of their respective bands both as writers and bassists, but there should be no debate over who was the better writer. And Cliff Burton reinvented bass guitar. Please boys and gals let´s just talk about what we know. You would be amazed about his licks in those Metallica albums. You would think that some of the licks were made by the guitar player!- That´s how good he was!!Agreed. Metallica is over-rated as a whole, but Cliff Burton as a musician is under-rated. irma wrote: As for John not being able to nail it live (so is therefore not so good) is utter bollocks. That has nothing to do with his standard of playing at all. There would have been a gap of, lets say a year, between the song being put to tape and it being taken out on tour. Then during rehearsals for a tour the song would be re-learned to suit the live environment. Then that song wouldn't be played for another year until the next tour by which time it has evolved again... and so on and on.Yes, I agree with you. That's a good way of looking at things, as songs definitely do evolve over time. But when it comes to The Millionaire Waltz, even on the ADATR tour, he rarely played it like the album version. He just wasn't a proficient bassist. He was a certainly a great bassist, and a great writer, but he's nowhere near the ability of Squire/Jamerson/Wooten, etc... which of course is fine. Nobody has to be a technical master. It's just an observation. |
boca 29.11.2006 01:55 |
<font color=orange>iLOVEFREDDiEMERCURY wrote: Where do you think John ranks among the best rock bassists? My sister plays bass and insists John isn't very good, but he's got excellent technique and rythm. He's one of my favorites! I'd only put Flea, Geddy Lee(reluctantly), and John Paul Jones above him...oh, and the guy from Rage Against the Machine.It's like you ask: Who is the most beautiful woman on Earth? That's why I hate these kinds of conversation... |
The Real Wizard 29.11.2006 22:51 |
boca wrote:As long as people can give well-informed reasons for their choices, then it can be a good conversation. But if people just name musicians from their favourite bands, then yeah, it's pretty pointless.<font color=orange>iLOVEFREDDiEMERCURY wrote: Where do you think John ranks among the best rock bassists? My sister plays bass and insists John isn't very good, but he's got excellent technique and rythm. He's one of my favorites! I'd only put Flea, Geddy Lee(reluctantly), and John Paul Jones above him...oh, and the guy from Rage Against the Machine.It's like you ask: Who is the most beautiful woman on Earth? That's why I hate these kinds of conversation... |
Queen-Obsessed 29.11.2006 23:47 |
saltnvinegar wrote: link this site had a load of these kind of listsVERY pleased to see Queen and its members on may different lists :D Freddie made top male vocalist XD XD XD XD XD XD XD XD XD |
Legy 30.11.2006 10:33 |
My List 1. John Paul Jones 2. John Entwistle 3. Jack Bruce 4. Paul McCartney 5. John Mcvie 6. Roger Waters 7. John Deacon. I saw Enwistle play with The Who in 2000 and my GOD! WOW! WOW! I've never seen anyone play like that. I also had the pleasure of seeing John Paul Jones play with his solo band a few years ago, magic! Deacon was a solid bass player and I really enjoy his mid to late 70's style of playing. It's Late, Spead Your Wings, Dead on Time! Classic |
deleted user 01.12.2006 13:07 |
Fuck you. Deaky rules. |
Legy 01.12.2006 13:15 |
No one said he sucked, but there are better bass players. Deacon was a true musician, he knew how to play several instruments and he was a great song writer. Besides, it's just an opinion, there's no need to get so excited. lol |
The King Of Rhye 01.12.2006 21:26 |
just to give my two cents worth on this topic......I'd put John somewhere solidly in what I would call the 'second tier'... I think he's a dang good bassist, and really, underrated, but I dont think, in terms of sheer bass wizardry, he's quite on the level of a Geddy Lee or somebody like that.....(I'm a huge Rush fan as well, saw em live twice, Geddy rocked)..... Come to think of it, I've seen some awesome bassists in concert....Lee, Les Claypool (when Primus opened for Rush!), and Stu Hamm and Billy Sheehan (playing wiht Satriani and Vai) |