MIXTAPE #002: HEAVY SLAP BASS
08 24 2010
It’s the underlying element that lifts a track up to a monster groove. It’s the spine of the song. It can be deep and dark, or it can be grinning right along with you. It’s the slap bassline.
1. Move On (Mutant Dance Move) – Fashion
A B-Side from one of the 80’s best forgotten dark New Wave albums, Fabrique by Fashion. Actually an instrumental/alternate version of the single ‘Move On’, I absolutely adore this track. Once it hits 2:34 things start to get fun.
2. My Spine Is the Bassline – Shriekback
Featuring former members of Gang Of Four and XTC, Shriekback’s roots lay in punk-funk and post-punk. ‘My Spine’ is only one of many gold tracks Shriekback released during their Y Records years, but sticks out in my head as most fun.
3. Funky Stuff – Lizzy Mercier Descloux
Of all the basslines featured here, French/NYC 80’s punk-funk queen Lizzy Mercier Descloux’s cut ‘Funky Stuff’, has got to be the hardest. It’s actually a mutant disco take on the Kool & The Gang classic funk cut of the same name.
4. Keep It Up (Superbreak Edit) – BT Express
BT Express (originally named Brooklyn Trucking Express) are totally worth digging through. Their back catalogue is crammed full of gold disco-funk, including this number, which for me is one of the ultimate party tracks. Liquid bass, horns reaching for the sky, feathery licks. So good.
5. Come Back Lover (Remix) – Fresh Band
Another party tune, only one for later on in the night when you’ve found that girl and want to get to dance a little closer.
6. Make Change – Eddie C
Another bouncy funk edit courtesy of Canadian Eddie C on Flashback records.
7. Do It Anyway You Wanna (Greg Wilson Edit) – Mike T
Coming off his legendary Credit To The Edit comps, Greg Wilson delivers more solid gold with a sharp edit of the classic 1983 Mike T cut on Golden Pyramid records.
8. Slang Teacher – Wide Boy Awake
A total classic Goth/New Wave club forgotten gem. Wide Boy Awake was Kevin Mooney, bassist for Adam and the Ants on his iconic ‘Kings of the Wild Frontier’ album. They only released a few EP’s and 12″s but never an album before dissolving. Slang Teacher was the B-Side to the cheeseball track ‘Chicken Outlaw’ and god only knows why they didnt just stick to this style.
9. Knife Slits Water (7″ Mix) – A Certain Ratio
Masters if the post-punk rubber bass, maybe only second to Factory Records labelmates New Order, A Certain Ratio never seem to get the kudos they deserve. Still one of my favourite bands, from one of the most iconic defunct records of all time.
