Basslines #10: Bernard Edwards is the man behind a bassline that surely deserves that most overused of adjectives – “iconic” – and Good Times is arguably the first song I think of (alongside I Feel Love) when I hear the word disco.

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Basslines #9: Robbie Shakespeare was widely regarded as the king of reggae bass guitarists, usually as one half of the “Riddim Twins” with drummer Sly Dunbar.

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Basslines #7: John Gustafson plays the iconic intro to Roxy Music’s last great single, Love Is The Drug – but he was never officially in the band.

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Basslines #6: “The incomparable James Jamerson,” as he was first credited on this album’s sleeve notes, was the beating heart of Motown’s house band The Funk Brothers. Even when he was blind drunk.

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Basslines #5: Peter Hook’s basslines with Joy Division don’t just anchor the songs – they often provide the lead melody.

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I’m not going to present a case to reappraise the underrated musical genius of Captain Sensible, but this bassline is iconic.

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Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons – The Night (more…)

Lou Reed – Walk On The Wild Side (more…)

Paul Young – Wherever I Lay My Hat (That’s My Home)

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