Cliff Burton vs. Geezer Butler: Bass Solos

Hi ATS,

I don't often find myself at an impasse when it comes to being an art critic; I know what I like, and I'm usually a giant snob about it.

Yet today I find myself in a quandary: Whose bass solo is better? Geezer Butler's Basically, or Cliff Burton's Anesthesia (pulling teeth) from KILL EM' ALL?

Which is "better"?

Should any comparison be made at all?





What do you think, Metal Heads?

a reply to: Bybyots

For me it's Geezer Butler , cleaner and more melodic.
Geezer was the coolest member of Sabbath , also the best base player of the two.

a reply to: Bybyots

Neither compare to the legendary John Entwistle. The greatest bassist of all time.

a reply to: Bybyots

Burton was a musical Genius his input in Metallica was what made Metallica after he died IMO the y never acheived that musical continuity.

Anyway, Burton's Bass solo is far beyond Butler's solo no matter how you measure it.

The use of harmonics, double line rhythm, chord bending, speed, double taping are far beyond the other solo.

He is also using a wah pedal to give further effect. Burton was able to play his bass better than many can play guitar.

a reply to: Grimpachi

Geezer Butler was one of Cliff Burton's influences , the puplil to the master as it were , unfortunately Burton didn't get the chance to live long enough to reach his full potential
www.artistwd.com...

After listening to both tracks twice I conclude that I like neither more than the other. Observations: I was drawn more to the motivic arpeggios that lead Cliffs track. However, as the track progresses, the music lost me and I began to find the heavy distortion distracting. I like the tone and feel of Geezer's solo at the the beginning of the Sabbath track, but the content - largely pentatonic noodling - isn't inspiring to me personally. Not bad by any means. Thanks for posting in music! Even though I'm not particularly a heavy metal fan, it's fine playing by both.

a reply to: gortex

Burton's had a lot of influences including the chemical kind, but on skills demostrated in their works IMO Berton wins.

As far as the best bassist I have heard or seen this guy was the best.

As a bass player, both bass guitar and standup, I find it hard to turn music into a competition sport.

Aesthetics, imo is difficult to qualify into good, better, best.

For me it's about soul. Technique comes in a distant second.

a reply to: Bybyots

Between the two tracks, it's Burton for me.

Overall, career-wise, Geezer Butler takes the prize. N.I.B. stormed it

a reply to: Kandinsky


Are we Brothers-from-another-mother?



Thanks Kandinsky!

a reply to: gortex

Goddamn that was so epic.

3:01!

Hell yes!

a reply to: Bybyots

Well it depends on highly you rate John Paul Jones lol

...or Jack Bruce

These guys were in the panoply of GODS on the bass.

a reply to: Kandinsky

John Paul Jones

You speak of the holy writs of Metaldom.

Indeed, Gods.

I wouldn't throw JPJ in with these dudes.

IMO Burton's ability shines through best in Metallica's instrumentals more so with Orion. Burton had a formal education in Music at Berkeley and had an ability to compose works.

Three main parts of the song: the heavy beginning, the spacey bass-led interlude, and the ending recapitulation that brings back the heaviness. The song features four solos: the first one by Kirk Hammett, the second by Hetfield, the third, a bass solo by Cliff Burton shortly after his bass interlude, and the last by Hammett again.

a reply to: Grimpachi

You are so dead-on...

This is my favorite way of viewing Orion:

a reply to: Bybyots

I'm thinking these guys were famed for their bass skills and encouraged people to choose the bass guitar. Noel Redding for a 'testify' too

It shouldn't be forgotten either that the session player bass guitarists of Motown and Atlantic had it down.

So many names and songs are clammering in my mind...

butler the master,burton was good , but i think harris from iron maiden is a killer bassist imho.....

Man I have a hard time choosing between the two. To be honest im not in favor of either.

To add to the list of good rock bassists. Id add

Chris squire for his bright, melodic and cheery bass lines.
m.youtube.com...

Billy sheehan
m.youtube.com...

Then theres guys like John myong, rob Trujillo, etc..

Are we allowed to throw wooten and jaco in the mix?

a reply to: Kandinsky

So many names and songs are clammering in my mind...

!

originally posted by: eyeinoz
butler the master,burton was good , but i think harris from iron maiden is a killer bassist imho.....

YES!!

Rhyme of the Ancient Mariner from Live After Death*

* and in the earlier Dianno days