Kicks bass line - Tribute to Fang - Paul Revere & the Raiders

[MBZMDFAN]

great job! very enjoyable.

thanks for posting.

[tubefluid]

Good job on the riffs.

[nutbagbrew102]

thanks dude for posting and playing - keep the music alive

[billkex]

NIce, very nice! The Bass playing really sounds GREAT!

[gsmmax1]

This band was way ahead of their time. I've read that Jimi Hendrix was inspired by Drake.

[goldfortress]

Great tribute to a great musician, I wish as a lead guitarist I done a tribute for Drake Levin. I had an exact replica of the three corner revolutionary hat as the ones worn on the album with Just Like Me ...on it. All I needed the vox guitar and I would have done it.

[Stuckinthe6Ts]

I don't suppose we'll ever know whose playing ended up on the final mix on any Raiders' track. Often, members of the "Wrecking Crew" were brought in after the fact to sweeten a track, so it's possible Phil played on tracks, but never knew if someone "cleaned up" after him. Smitty once raved about Hal Blaine in a Hit Parader interview in the mid-60's, so surely they knew of the "Wrecking Crew's" reputation. It's a well-known fact that Mark Lindsay and Terry Melcher did most of the backing vocals.

[Stuckinthe6Ts]

@Stuckinthe6Ts Not that I think the Fangster needed any cleaning up after, but who knows what evil laid in the mind of Terry Melcher. A well-placed source in the Raiders' camp (who shall remain nameless) once told me there was so much dysfunction within and surrounding the group, a LOT of feelings were bruised during that time period. Can't say I blame Phil, Drake and Smitty for moving on. Don't know what Phil would say to that, but I guess those wounds have healed.

[jazzbo89]

@Stuckinthe6Ts Someone brought in to "sweeten" your track in 1965 while you tour is no biggie to me. However, fully replacing the track with someone else is! I'm no bass player so I can't say but I have played guitar for 45 years & recorded a lot. If I recorded a part and then the record comes out with someone else playing MY part, I'd know it pretty quickly. I think a lot of musicians would agree. The WC definitely showed back up on late 67's Revolution. No P.Revere from Revolution on, either.

[Stuckinthe6Ts]

@jazzbo89 'Nuff said from me. I'll defer to your experience. I have to agree with a musician recognizing his own work (Ringo vs Paul on "Back in the USSR"). But I suppose I've always suspected that P,D & S were treated as sidemen in more ways than one.

[jazzbo89]

@Stuckinthe6Ts The amazing thing to me is that the controversy still exists and people still care, yet the band never gets played on oldies radio. Smitty and the band would definitely be aware of the Wrecking Crew because WC was used on Sometimes, from the Here They Come album. Lindsay told the story how it occurred & everyone knows. Yet, he's never mentioned WC being used on Kicks, Hungry, Steppin Out, Just Like Me, or any of the hits from that 65-67 timeframe. Plus, he lived with Melcher so..

[Stuckinthe6Ts]

@jazzbo89 I have no doubt that Phil and the gang played on the tracks. But it would NOT surprise me if later dubbing was done that MIGHT have involved the Wrecking Crew. "Good Thing" bothers me in that it has the sound of too much overdubbing on top of an basic track (to my semi-trained ear). To me, Hal Blaine left his fingerprints on this one, but I may very well be wrong. It does bother me that Phil is not mixed forward in backing vocals or is entirely missing. Helluva voice!

[Stuckinthe6Ts]

@jazzbo89 And truly, none of this is meant to stir up controversy, or take away from "The Brotherhood". Yes, I know Lindsay and Melcher were "roomies" at the time, but stories have changed to fit the players' moods and circumstances. The back and forth that went on in the music press at that time was ugly - but no one owns up to it now. Which is fine. Let it rest. Smitty, Drake and Phil belong in the H of F, and if I ever outbid someone on eBay for "The Brotherhood" CD's, I'll be a happy man!

[jazzbo89]

@Stuckinthe6Ts I've got that Brotherhood compilation CD. Joyride seemed too "chemically inspired" for my taste but those first two albums were great. If the power trio had stayed and their looser, heavier style was allowed to influence Lindsay just a little to the left, history might shine differently on the Raiders today, given the direction rock had moved and the image shift. But hey, who really knew at the time? Nothing lasts forever and the band has a TON of success to be proud of.

[Stuckinthe6Ts]

@jazzbo89 Lindsay came from the Mike Love "Don't fuck with the formula" school. Too bad. Let's just hope that Jann Wenner and company see the light before the inductions are posthumous. It's bad enough Smitty and Drake will miss the party. Then again, they may have the best seats in the house.

[KatseGatcha]

@Stuckinthe6Ts Rolling Stone Magazine has given them good reviews and has listed them in several "best of" categories. So what are they waiting for?

[Stuckinthe6Ts]

@KatseGatcha I wonder the same thing. No doubt there is a clique-ish "hip" element that serves on the Hall of Fame committee. I began to have my suspicions the year that Buffalo Springfield was inducted. Nothing against Buffalo Springfield, I bought their albums. But as a group, I don't feel they measured up to the previous inductees. In my opinion, they were inducted because of the "hipness" quotient of individual members, not for group accomplishments.

[KatseGatcha]

@Stuckinthe6Ts Rolling Stone Magazine has given them good reviews and has listed them in several "best of" categories. So what are they waiting for?

[wouldntyoulike2know]

Gorgeous tone you have. :) It has a great vintage flare, I love the way the basses sounded in the 60s. Like honey. And this bass line looks soo cool. I can't want to give it a shot on my bass. All the lines from the 60s are so notey, gives lots of movement to the playing and really fun always. Keep up the great work and the Raider's outfit just made it all that more special. Cheers!

[lmthj]

This was always one of my favorite songs from the 1960's. PR&TR did not get the overall credit they deserved. Should be in RR Hal of Fame given what standards they have applied recently. The bass line in this recording makes the song, Mark Linsday's great vocal not withstanding. This is a great example of a good song with a lead guitar and bass counterpoint, with no real rhythm guitar present - a rare song in those days. Thanks for posting.

[MrMoniz1]

@lmthj I AGREE!!!!!!! GREAT GROUP!!

[ctaesque]

Outstanding tribute to a very effective bass line and musician. I also thought that Joe Osborn played on this track - the bass sounds similar to the round tone of a '60 Fender Jazz being played with a guitar pick, but I'm glad to hear that Fang was the player. He nails it. Sometimes a simple & effective bass line can be hard to play. Great job, jazzbo, you're a gifted player. Keep it rollin'.

[jazzbo89]

@ctaesque Thanks for the nice compliment. You've got a great ear for bass tone! Fang recorded the track on his white 62 Jazz bass (which he still plays to this day) & he uses a pick. The bass tracks were largely recorded using his Jazz bass because Terry Melcher preferred the sound. Most people seem to think the Vox Phantom MkIV was used on all those tracks since Phil was so widely associated with it on TV. I'm uploading a couple more soon that show some really cool parts on Midnight Ride.

[zuneslave]

Great job, love it ! Quick behind you, the British are comin' !

[skipper8257]

Great band with excellent musicians and of course Mark.

[gradual99]

Just a comment from a Cincinnati Musician who learned a lot from that group

Fang did all those bass lines while at the same time doing dance steps that were harder than Chineese Algebra

[GARDNERKSGUY]

Sign the petition for the R&R Hall of Fame! thepetitionsite. com/1/raidersrockhall/ and take out the space before dotcom

[1uptospeed]

de ace of BASS!

[obbor4]

That was too cool! Makes me wonder what the one shmuck who gave it the "thumbs down" was looking for...?

[STUGOTZ01]

I'mi mpressed.Played fender bass in high school.Commack,class of 70.Nice to listen to someone who appreciates and can play this music.Try bass line from grand funks mr. limosine driver.I think you get into it.You have the talent.Thanks for the upload.

[AcebassII]

Fang rules!

[realjuvelive]

Bass line I barely listen to it in a song 

[gittahfiend]

Isn't that joe osbourne on the record? it should be tribute to joe Osbourne.

[jazzbo89]

@gittahfiend No, Phil says it's him. From various interviews I've read with Phil and Mark Lindsay, they both say Joe Osborn only played bass on the song Sometimes, along with Billy Strange on guitar, Hal Blaine on drums & either Melcher or Larry Knechtel on organ. It was reportedly the only time studio musicians were used around that early era although some started showing up around the 67 time period (Him or Me) and others. You could always ask Osborn himself to clarify. He's on facebook.

[jazzbo89]

@jazzbo89 Now that I think of it, Van Dyke Parks also volunteered to play keyboards on "In My Community" in 66 because he liked the song and thought he could come up with a great keyboard part (which he did).

[oranger2525]

Fang wished he could play like that. Great use of visual and musical illusion.

[gladerunner]

Great stuff! Would be awesome if you did a bass version of my fave "Him or Me?"!! Would love to learn how to play that monster! Cheers Mate!

[jazzbo89]

@gladerunner Hmmm. I do sort of a combination of the Jerry Cole/Ry Cooder/Keith Allison guitar parts to Him or Me, but haven't ever done the bass part. I'll try to work it up and post this winter. thanks for watching!

[TyDyeBeverly]

Terrific tribute to Cutie-Pie Fang. Loved the dance moves too!

[arouh100]

jazzbo89...every time I watch this video its get better...you really hit on something here...great stuff.

Next time how about the bass line "Hungry"??? Love to hear it from your talented hands.

Peace!!

[pillroller88]

Now try it again while doing the hop-high step. Gotta have the hop-high step if you're doing the Raiders- Love your video

[jazzbo89]

@pillroller88 - Dude, I wish!! I could never pull it off as well as Fang and Drake. I'm afraid I'd look more like Freddy Weller or Charlie Coe! : P

[you166mhz]

@jazzbo89

I agree with pillroller88 -- you've got to do the hop-high step .. or at least give it a try .. you've got to admire Paul Revere & the Raiders fans .. they're one of a kind - that's for sure .. Thanks- for sharing ..

[tvtek]

I have ALWAYS loved the bass line in this song, but now I can respect it even more. Thanks for keeping such great music as this alive.

[iowa61]

Couldn't agree with your take more. RIGHT SPOT ON!

[mightybeeb]

nice job!!

[hollyyt53]

Oh GOD, this is heaven for a Raiders fan.....thank you sooooo much.

[chookiechooks]

I like these little "tributes" - kinda isolating tracks to highlight what the Raiders were doing. Thanks for ending it with "Viva Fang." Means a lot!

[dejagrace]

mine too :-)

fang was my main bass influence

[harvey1954]

Thanks alot to the Headless Bassist for teaching the bass part. This type of stuff is helpful to those starting out. You can see what he's playing and hear it in time to the record. Maybe turn the record volume down a smidge.

[Koolikoo]

thats the way you're soupose to play!!! :D finaly somebody got it!!! just awesome!!!:D

[geoabe302]

The bass player always hears the song a bit differently than the other musicians, through the bass line. I have always found that interesting. As a rhythm guitarist I heard the songs through another venue, interesting to think about.

[dunskie]

I didn't know Fang was anyones fav bass player!

Great taste and dynamite job on the tune. It's a good one.

Love the coat!

5*****

[manzione2009]

GREAT,GREAT post and GREAT PLAYING !!!!..."FANG'" definately the most underated Bass Player of ALL TIME....HOPE you post more....THANKS AGAIN for the post

[astronomius]

hmm, you reminded me about the Vox T-25 i heard about before. thanks

[iamgrayhaven]

In the words of my late grandmother

"DUDE THAT YOUTUBE VIDEO WAS AMAZING!!1!one!!11!"

[astronomius]

yeah, hmm, here's another bass guy that inspired me... what guitar and amp you playing, jazzbo?

[jazzbo89]

Bass is a 1989 Peavey Sarzo signature. It was a precursor to the current Peavey Cirrus line. Amp is a little Vox T-25. Thanks for watching!

[Regult]

My band just decided to add this, and as I am not familiiar with the material this was the best learning aid I could find! Excellent work, and a great look with the costume.

[koolbossjock]

Great band and a Great song,one of many by this group.Are you using a Vox SuperBeatle?

[jazzbo89]

No, just a small Vox T-25 bass amp.

[koolbossjock]

@jazzbo89 They don't make those anymore,I have been trying to find one on ebay.Cool little amp.I had no idea Drake died.Realy sorry to hear that.

[mysticmaverick1]

Enjoyed your playing and will pay more attention to the bass in the Raiders' songs. Thanks for the Fang tribute! But no one can imitate Mark Lindsay!

[Waldocounty]

Excellent post. The bass back-beat helped make this song a hit. Let's give the bass-men credit where credit is due!

[plowboyes]

Great job of it my friend, P.R. & the raiders are a bunch of great guys. Mark Lindsay's vocals were no joke either. That engine can sing. Thanks for keeping their music alive. winston

[tornmask]

FANG-TASTIC RAIDERS FANG-FABULOUS Bass-lines on this NUMERO UNO (#1) FANG-CREDIBLE "KICKS" song!..thank U so much fer dis lesson Mr. FANG-jazzbo89-BASSIST!...FANG-­RAIDERS rulz 4EVER! =oD

[RSUEMICHIGANUSA]

Another great gift showing us non-musicians how it was done. Thanks so much!

[videogeekin]

Paul Revere(from Washington State) started the concept of 'looking' Britsh to cash in on the fact that all the American kids were going crazy about the'British Invasion' groups of the mid 1960's....another band that wore similar costumes was 'The Royal Guardsmen' (actually from Florida USA)..for a long time I thought they were British until the 'Internet' came along..... thought they were either German or English guys.

[Deltoid71]

@videogeekin I'd have to disagree......they weren't trying to "look British".....if anything it was an "anti" British response, with all the Brit groups at that time......they were meant to look like American colonials, as a play on the group's name.

[thunderfingers1]

nice tribute but i think the costume you have is that of a canadian mountie nice try though

[jazzbo89]

Thanks for the backhanded compliment. You have a gift for pointing out the obvious. However, it's actually a British Grenadier Guards tunic.

[thunderfingers1]

jazzbo what i said was NOT meant as an insult The tone of your reply was at best curt It appears to me that you have an issue with insecurity

[jazzbo89]

Studio musicians don't reduce the legitimacy of a band IMO. Common practice in the 60s. Trying to make the best record possible. No different than now using Autotune, punching in/out mistakes, taking pieces of 10 good takes to make one great track. Also, the uniforms & act were part of the charm! Remember, they were "single handedly fighting off the British invasion". The suits had to evolve but they became a trademark of ths American SHOW BAND. Mozart's wig looked weird 50 yrs later, also!

[PAULLONDEN]

Great performance .

Agree wholeheartedly with your comment,

You seem to know a bit about this band,

but correct me if I'm wrong,

I always thought it was all down to Terry Melcher and his merry band of ace session men,that made all these tracks

so outstanding.

And the only one that was at those sessions most of the time was Lindsay.

It might have been the 'innocent" 6T's,

but that doesn't mean that everything is allowed.

[PAULLONDEN]

It's because of these suits and larking about,that almost nobody took this band serious,and consequently missed out

on some great music.

I was one of the few that was hip to this band ,here in Europe.Apart from 'Let Me' ,

they meant nothing here.

I hope more people are beginning to re evaluate this band, their songs are timeless ♫

[pudd750]

wow sweet bass lines always freaked @ the echo delay reverb in the chorus

[Klattu]

Cool that you even found a outfit !!!!!

[conuregirl007]

Awesome bass!

[fvshkatie]

Beautiful job! Fang and Drake were the greatest one two punch in rock n roll!

[jazzbo89]

Thank you! for the compliment I agree about Fang and Drake. There was something special about those two guys when they stood beside each other. I am planning a similar tribute to Drake when time permits.

[Pumper4]

Haha... Wow! Fang! You and Drake were my heroes. So sad to hear about Drake's passing on 7-4. You guys belong in Cleveland. (Got any Brotherhood vids to post? Love to see some.)

[Bmille1965]

Volk doesnt drop 2 frets at the end of each bar like you. Listen to it again and watch Charlie Coe play it on the Kicks video on youtube. Good job though !

[SonicWheelRecords]

Dear Jazzbo I'm really touched by this tribute. What can I say.? Wow, man! You're awesome, and you played my lines flawlessly. That last little clip of you flipping over your bass with the "Viva" thing was way cool it brought a huge

smile to my face! Then the final surprise shot with my Vox Phantom bass from the old days put a lump in my throat. I'm kind of a sentimental guy about all this rock & roll history, so thank you very much for remembering my contribution. Phil "Fang" Volk

[jazzbo89]

Phil! Wow! Thank you for the kind words. I am honored and humbled. Listen, I want to thank YOU for all of the spirit you always exemplifed. On Raiders TV performances, my eyes were always drawn to you and Drake/Harpo because of the smiles & cool dance steps. I never forgot it. With the remastered Raiders recordings from a few years ago, I gained a more mature appreciation of the songs & performances. You personified "rock, fun & entertainment" and hold a very distinctive place in rock history.

[jazzbo89]

PS: LONG LIVE FANG!!!!!

[Syndicate93]

Are you really "that" Phil Volk? You are simply amazing, I'm just 15 but i love your songs and your dance steps in your videos are great. Your stage "shows" are hilarious you really made everything perfect. the song, the show, the lyrics. I must say I'm very impressed rock on and i hope you come to Sweden in the future Paul Revere & The Raiders for ever, Rock on!

[fangfan9]

Yep, that was the real Fang responding. So glad to find a young fan here. Do you have his latest CD "Fang Revere's The Raiders"? It's great and a must have! I think you can still find it on CD Baby, or go to Phil's official web site and order directly from him.

[StefioProductions]

Phil is that really YOU? OMG You were so good, I really enjoyed your music and still do. Still a big OR & Raiders fan, Glad you're still around. This brings a smile to my face, I play bass and if that's your lix you smoke me! Thanks for the great music!

[franklinrocks1]

If this is Phil Volk, I cannot thank you and the rest of the Raiders for your contributions to music. You guys got me interested in rock n roll in the first place (from WTAI shows) and no one can compare to the stage presense you, Mark, Paul, Smitty and Drake had - no one is even close! It makes me sad as a fan that Mark and Paul dont speak anymore - I wish the past could be the past. THE RAIDERS ROCK FOREVER!

Dave

[manzione2009]

@SonicWheelRecords -Hi Phil..was that really you sending a coment on your great bass playing on "Kicks" on U Tube..if so..I just want to tell you that you were definetily my favorite AMERICAN Bass Player ( there was none better) ...you are second only to Paul McCartney...Seeing you on "Where The Action Is" was a very big part of my growing up.....THANK YOU Phil "FANG" Volk....LONG LIVE FANG !!!!!!!!!!!!

[nach2821]

@manzione2009 I have to agree. I had a garage band and were heavily influenced by the Raiders. My afternoons were spent watching them on TV after school, then trying to replicate Phil's bass lines...To see him responding here makes my day...Class act.. THANKS FANG!! doc

[gdholmfirth]

@SonicWheelRecords Who could ever forget "Fang"?!!!

I never saw Paul McCartney play bass while dancing.

[rocksinger45]

@SonicWheelRecords Fang you and your group were the best, thanks for putting a smile on my face daily on "Where the action is", yours group are a true oversight by the people at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Rock & Roll is suppose to be fun and you and yours were Fun with a capital F.... Best to You and your family.... I too am sentimental about music of that era.

Regards

RS45

[44440414]

@SonicWheelRecords

This video really is a great tribute; it shows how your bass playing does so much more than simply mark a beat for the guitar to play over - truly a second lead instrument. And, this video shows what a great thing YouTube can be - there is no where else I could have seen this, not to mention being able to watch all those wonderful PR&tR clips. Still one of my favorite bands of all time; terrific, timeless songs