Another of Macca's love songs about pot, along with "Got to Get You Into My Life," "Hi Hi Hi," "Let Me Roll It," and others.
Enjoy the benefits of a premium membership!
Upgrade Account
-
Welcome to TalkBass! Want to remove ads? Register an account and login to see fewer ads, and become a Supporting Member to remove almost all ads.
Well...I think we've answered the "is he a virtuoso" question...!
Personally, I love it. This takes me back the first time I heard Sgt Pepper. I love Paul and his playing on this song.
I think that I'm going to start avoiding these isolated bass tracks....
There's nothing wrong with this, but anyone who tries to argue that McCartney is a virtuoso bassist needs to see a doctor.
And I highly doubt that Wooten or Miller would overplay this. They'd have a far better feel than is displayed here. Simply because they are both incredible soloists, doesn't mean they are unable to support a song. Listen to Bela Fleck with Wooten. Great lines.
I think that I'm going to start avoiding these isolated bass tracks....
They are underwhelming, aren't they. I enjoy hearing them out of context, though. It's a real eyeopener for me.
I enjoy the bass and drum tracks more. Brings the line into context, and I like the interplay between the two.
Because the yardstick of artistic merit is divided by markings of technical flamboyance.
I think Macca has more than enough technique for the bass parts in his songs. I also agree that the idea that he's a "virtuoso" totally misses the point of what he's about, musically.
But in my book, he's one of the great bass guitar players in the history of popular music. Technical considerations are irrelevant, despite the desire of some of his fans to insist otherwise.
But in my book, he's one of the great bass guitar players in the history of popular music. Technical considerations are irrelevant, despite the desire of some of his fans to insist otherwise.
The thing is they'd never be remotely able to write such a good song (or any of Macca's more mediocre pieces for the case) to save their lives. Songwriting is a far superior art and that's what makes Paul a much greater musician. I really don't foresee history books 100 years from now dedicating any Wooten guy 1% of what they'll devote to McCartney, sorry.
I would agree. Also, with Sir George Martin at the helm, the songs were more or less orchestrated, despite the instrumentation used. I've always felt the production behind
those simple songs, using each instrument as if it were an instrument in an orchestra,
is one of the key ingredients that made them such great songs. Yes, Fixing a Hole has a very simple bass part, but combined with the other parts, none of which step on each other and all of which accentuate the arrangement, the song doesn't require any more complicated bass part than what they recorded. I think everyone who plays enough to know their instrument well and has some degree of musical knowledge realizes that it's not easy to keep it simple. And sometimes simple is what works best.
I think that I'm going to start avoiding these isolated bass tracks....
Don't mean to throw off the thread, but this kicks ass on it's own...LOVE this bass line.
One of my top5 bassists definitely. I've always thought this line is so "what would Geddy play here?". /OT
According to this story, the song is not about pot (nor heroin):
When Jesus Dropped by Beatles' 'Fixing a Hole' Sessions
In Macca's autobiography "Many Years From Now," he calls it "another ode to pot" and then describes in detail how marijuana made him feel creative and proactive, which is what he meant by "fixing a hole." It's on pages 314-315.
I just happened to chance upon a bit of info about the song. Engineer Richard Lush has asserted that John Lennon played bass on the song. However, this was just his opinion and no one (including George Martin) seems to agree with him.
"Fixing A Hole" by The Beatles. The in-depth story behind the songs of the Beatles. Recording History. Songwriting History. Song Structure and Style.
And, while engineer Richard Lush wasn’t present on this day, he is quoted in Andy Babiuk’s book “Beatles Gear” as saying: “I do remember that Lennon played the bass on that track. He used a Fender bass on it. If you play the album you can pick it out because it’s very simple, and a ploppy sort of sound. It didn’t sound as rich as Paul’s Rickenbacker bass.”
While this seems to settle the issue, there is much more to consider. We have to remember that, since Richard Lush wasn’t allowed to be present by EMI on that day, his opinion is based on listening to the recordings of that day when they re-convened to add overdubs to it nearly two weeks later (February 21st).
"Fixing A Hole" by The Beatles. The in-depth story behind the songs of the Beatles. Recording History. Songwriting History. Song Structure and Style.
And, while engineer Richard Lush wasn’t present on this day, he is quoted in Andy Babiuk’s book “Beatles Gear” as saying: “I do remember that Lennon played the bass on that track. He used a Fender bass on it. If you play the album you can pick it out because it’s very simple, and a ploppy sort of sound. It didn’t sound as rich as Paul’s Rickenbacker bass.”
Last edited:
AHA! Thanks for sharing, A.K. It appears Macca's memory may be slip...pin...g after all these years!
The Lewisohn book c. 1988 claims that this track was the first Beatles EMI recording session not held at Abbey Road. It was held at Regent Sound. Richard Lush would not have been permitted there as per EMI policy. Neil
Aspinall was there, and claimed that Paul played harpsichord on the two complete takes that day. Instrumentation recorded simultaneously was harpsichord, guitar, bass, drums, and lead vocal. Later, at EMI, a new take was attempted and abandoned. Efforts were then made with overdubs on the second take from Regent Sound.
Taking this information at face value would suggest that John Lennon was the bassist for this track. It certainly fits his style, to my ears.
Aspinall was there, and claimed that Paul played harpsichord on the two complete takes that day. Instrumentation recorded simultaneously was harpsichord, guitar, bass, drums, and lead vocal. Later, at EMI, a new take was attempted and abandoned. Efforts were then made with overdubs on the second take from Regent Sound.
Taking this information at face value would suggest that John Lennon was the bassist for this track. It certainly fits his style, to my ears.