Dear Dan Roberts,
Your bass work on the album God Shuffled His Feet, the 1993 classic album from your band, the Crash Test Dummies, is perhaps one of the best achievements in modern pop/rock bass playing.
First, let me say that I am a huge fan of the album and have probably listened to it over 100 times. I keep running back to the album, over and over again, throughout all the years since 1993, mainly to satisfy my meth-like addiction to your kickin' bass lines provided throughout the tracks. Honestly, your bass work brings that album to another level and makes listening to it so enjoyable. Yes, the melodies and song crafting are impeccable (I always cry in shock when people think your band only had one hit, "MMM MMM MMM"). Yes, the baritone singing of your brother, Brad, the contrasting, high-pitch singing of Ellen Reid, and the patient, "give 'em space" drumming of Mitch Dorge, are all part of the magic formula that made the album sell 8 million copies, but, it is your bass work that stands out above all... Below are just a few reasons I admire your work:
1) Your bass lines work with the drums perfectly. A good band always has a rhythm section that collaborates together. You are in the pocket with the drummer. You are creating very good grooves that fill in the generous space provided by Mitch. Key examples are your work on "How Does a Duck Know?" and "I Think I'll Disappear Now"; they are fantastic.
2) Your bass lines are fun. You have imaginative, original fills peppered throughout the tracks. This album is one of my favorites because I thoroughly enjoy listening to the bass work. Its fresh. Your fills aren't designed to "show off" either. They are well-disciplined expressions that help guide each song along. I put you up there with Sir Paul McCartney in all of these respects. Every time I listen to this album I have to go play bass immediately after. Your work is inspirational.
3) Your bass lines are very creative; arguably genius. The note selection, rhythm, fills, etc., are very original and do each song a service. If you took each song from the album and asked AI to develop the perfect bass line for them, it would spit out your bass lines.
4) The "run" you do at the end of the titular song is EPIC.
5) I am not much of a tone guy, i.e. gear head, but I do enjoy your consistent natural bass tone throughout the album.
You are severely underrated, as many great bass players are. So this letter is to let you know that you are appreciated for your artistic ability, mechanics, and groove. You are a bass player's bass player. May God bless you, and may God bless the United States of America.
Your bass work on the album God Shuffled His Feet, the 1993 classic album from your band, the Crash Test Dummies, is perhaps one of the best achievements in modern pop/rock bass playing.
First, let me say that I am a huge fan of the album and have probably listened to it over 100 times. I keep running back to the album, over and over again, throughout all the years since 1993, mainly to satisfy my meth-like addiction to your kickin' bass lines provided throughout the tracks. Honestly, your bass work brings that album to another level and makes listening to it so enjoyable. Yes, the melodies and song crafting are impeccable (I always cry in shock when people think your band only had one hit, "MMM MMM MMM"). Yes, the baritone singing of your brother, Brad, the contrasting, high-pitch singing of Ellen Reid, and the patient, "give 'em space" drumming of Mitch Dorge, are all part of the magic formula that made the album sell 8 million copies, but, it is your bass work that stands out above all... Below are just a few reasons I admire your work:
1) Your bass lines work with the drums perfectly. A good band always has a rhythm section that collaborates together. You are in the pocket with the drummer. You are creating very good grooves that fill in the generous space provided by Mitch. Key examples are your work on "How Does a Duck Know?" and "I Think I'll Disappear Now"; they are fantastic.
2) Your bass lines are fun. You have imaginative, original fills peppered throughout the tracks. This album is one of my favorites because I thoroughly enjoy listening to the bass work. Its fresh. Your fills aren't designed to "show off" either. They are well-disciplined expressions that help guide each song along. I put you up there with Sir Paul McCartney in all of these respects. Every time I listen to this album I have to go play bass immediately after. Your work is inspirational.
3) Your bass lines are very creative; arguably genius. The note selection, rhythm, fills, etc., are very original and do each song a service. If you took each song from the album and asked AI to develop the perfect bass line for them, it would spit out your bass lines.
4) The "run" you do at the end of the titular song is EPIC.
5) I am not much of a tone guy, i.e. gear head, but I do enjoy your consistent natural bass tone throughout the album.
You are severely underrated, as many great bass players are. So this letter is to let you know that you are appreciated for your artistic ability, mechanics, and groove. You are a bass player's bass player. May God bless you, and may God bless the United States of America.
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