Mix CD: Sexy Songs, Awesome Bassline
July 23, 2011 2:22 PM Subscribe
I'm looking for sexy and romantic songs with a wicked bass line.
I want to put together a killer mix CD for my musician boyfriend, one that he will appreciate and enjoy. But my lack of music knowledge is getting in my way of creating this awesome mix. I need some help!
He plays electric bass (among other instruments), so I'm looking for songs with an awesome bassline. I am all about the lyrics, though, and I need the songs to be sexy and romantic. I want to make a good makeout mix that he can enjoy even when we're not together.
Genre-wise, decade-wise, I am flexible. We both love all kinds of music. (We're both in our mid-30s if that means anything.) I am hoping for more obscure or deep cut tracks rather than anything obvious (obvious here meaning '90s-'00s indie/college radio standards, though I can make exceptions). Personally, I love '60s-'70s pop and funk. As for him, he's played in blues & flamenco groups as well as more standard rock, as far as I know, and has mentioned repeated love for New Order, Tears for Fears, and other '80s bands that I have only passing familiarity with. But overall he has an encyclopedic knowledge of music that spans time and space (and kicks some regular ass at trivia night).
I so want to impress him, guys, not necessarily with obscurity, but with quality and mood. I have just been flailing about on this project for months now. It is a daunting task. Please help!
I want to put together a killer mix CD for my musician boyfriend, one that he will appreciate and enjoy. But my lack of music knowledge is getting in my way of creating this awesome mix. I need some help!
He plays electric bass (among other instruments), so I'm looking for songs with an awesome bassline. I am all about the lyrics, though, and I need the songs to be sexy and romantic. I want to make a good makeout mix that he can enjoy even when we're not together.
Genre-wise, decade-wise, I am flexible. We both love all kinds of music. (We're both in our mid-30s if that means anything.) I am hoping for more obscure or deep cut tracks rather than anything obvious (obvious here meaning '90s-'00s indie/college radio standards, though I can make exceptions). Personally, I love '60s-'70s pop and funk. As for him, he's played in blues & flamenco groups as well as more standard rock, as far as I know, and has mentioned repeated love for New Order, Tears for Fears, and other '80s bands that I have only passing familiarity with. But overall he has an encyclopedic knowledge of music that spans time and space (and kicks some regular ass at trivia night).
I so want to impress him, guys, not necessarily with obscurity, but with quality and mood. I have just been flailing about on this project for months now. It is a daunting task. Please help!
(wicked bassline kicks in at 2:45)
posted by elizardbits at 2:28 PM on July 23, 2011
posted by elizardbits at 2:28 PM on July 23, 2011
Look at a lot of the stuff by the XX. I think Islands is wicked sexy.
posted by threeants at 2:28 PM on July 23, 2011
posted by threeants at 2:28 PM on July 23, 2011
Almost anything by the jazz singer/bassist Esperanza Spalding. For instance, I Adore You. I don't know how much you care about the lyrics here. That song is in a made-up language, but many of her other songs are in English.
posted by John Cohen at 2:32 PM on July 23, 2011
posted by John Cohen at 2:32 PM on July 23, 2011
This even has a bass solo, by the great Larry Graham.
posted by timeistight at 2:41 PM on July 23, 2011
posted by timeistight at 2:41 PM on July 23, 2011
Raze - Break 4 Love
I love how there is a whole generation of people who only know this song because of GTA: SA
posted by elizardbits at 2:47 PM on July 23, 2011
I love how there is a whole generation of people who only know this song because of GTA: SA
posted by elizardbits at 2:47 PM on July 23, 2011
The first thing that came to mind was Baby I'm Yours by BreakBot.
posted by saladin at 2:47 PM on July 23, 2011
posted by saladin at 2:47 PM on July 23, 2011
The Cure - Lovesong
It's pretty obvious, but still.
posted by Sys Rq at 2:51 PM on July 23, 2011 [3 favorites]
It's pretty obvious, but still.
posted by Sys Rq at 2:51 PM on July 23, 2011 [3 favorites]
I don't know if she's too obvious, but man, Me'Shell Odegeocello is freaking amazing. "Lovely Lovely" comes to mind.
posted by smirkette at 2:52 PM on July 23, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by smirkette at 2:52 PM on July 23, 2011 [1 favorite]
I wouldn't call it wicked, and it's certainly not obscure, but Chris DeBurgh's The Lady in Red has some gorgeous fretless bass work in it.
posted by Balonious Assault at 2:59 PM on July 23, 2011
posted by Balonious Assault at 2:59 PM on July 23, 2011
Shriekback's Hand On My Heart is sexy but not romantic. Does that qualify? Its bassline is an absolute killer.
posted by HandfulOfDust at 3:05 PM on July 23, 2011
posted by HandfulOfDust at 3:05 PM on July 23, 2011
Simple bass line, but perfect for the song: Melissa Ferrick's Drive (video is SFW, music is totally NSFW).
posted by rtha at 3:26 PM on July 23, 2011 [2 favorites]
posted by rtha at 3:26 PM on July 23, 2011 [2 favorites]
The Deodato remix of Bjork's Isobel from Telegram might fit the bill. Excellent Motown style bass line in the choruses, and sultry and building otherwise.
posted by dr. fresh at 3:35 PM on July 23, 2011
posted by dr. fresh at 3:35 PM on July 23, 2011
Response by poster: Lyrics-wise, I just want to avoid songs that sound like they're about love, but then on closer listen are actually about an imminent breakup or masked pain, etc. You know what I mean. I'll check the lyrics to be sure, though. When I listen to music, it's about the lyrics for me, and that's not the case for him. I am trying to choose songs for him.
I love all of you so much. Thank you and keep 'em coming- this is great!
posted by aabbbiee at 3:42 PM on July 23, 2011
I love all of you so much. Thank you and keep 'em coming- this is great!
posted by aabbbiee at 3:42 PM on July 23, 2011
You want Morphine. They were pretty much nothing but sexy bass lines. And sexy saxophones. And sexy brushes on sexy drums. Doing sexy songs about sexy sex.
posted by BitterOldPunk at 3:45 PM on July 23, 2011 [5 favorites]
posted by BitterOldPunk at 3:45 PM on July 23, 2011 [5 favorites]
I'm pretty sure that "Average White Band - Love of Your Own" might be exactly what you're looking for. Slow and sultry and a nice bass line and groove.
posted by Seekerofsplendor at 4:10 PM on July 23, 2011
posted by Seekerofsplendor at 4:10 PM on July 23, 2011
Seconding BitterOldPunk. If Morphine doesn't fit the bill I don't know what would.
posted by bricoleur at 4:37 PM on July 23, 2011
posted by bricoleur at 4:37 PM on July 23, 2011
"... Lyrics-wise, I just want to avoid songs that sound like they're about love, but then on closer listen are actually about an imminent breakup or masked pain, etc. ..."
Her work isn't obscure, by any means, but this comment, in conjunction with your search for clever bass lines, means you're looking for at least one of several tunes by Sade.
posted by paulsc at 5:32 PM on July 23, 2011 [1 favorite]
Her work isn't obscure, by any means, but this comment, in conjunction with your search for clever bass lines, means you're looking for at least one of several tunes by Sade.
posted by paulsc at 5:32 PM on July 23, 2011 [1 favorite]
Check out Suffocated Love by Tricky. Not about love, but sex.
posted by pecanpies at 6:06 PM on July 23, 2011
posted by pecanpies at 6:06 PM on July 23, 2011
Seconding Morphine. Check out their song Swing It Low.
posted by squasher at 6:18 PM on July 23, 2011
posted by squasher at 6:18 PM on July 23, 2011
Tell Me Something Good Rufus & Shaka Khan is pretty much just wicked bassline and sex.
posted by apparently at 6:24 PM on July 23, 2011 [2 favorites]
posted by apparently at 6:24 PM on July 23, 2011 [2 favorites]
Again, not a particularly obscure artist, but if you look through Bonnie Raitt's catalog, you can find some songs that fit your bill of particulars.
posted by paulsc at 7:01 PM on July 23, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by paulsc at 7:01 PM on July 23, 2011 [1 favorite]
Sting plays bass. Sting also did one hell of a sexy song with the Police once on an obscure movie soundtrack. (The lyrics are also what you're looking for -- no "love lost" or anything, they're very definitely positive.) The instrumental vamp at the end has the most bass. (He also did it over differently when he went solo and went on tours -- that version's a little more soft and ethereal.)
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 7:02 PM on July 23, 2011
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 7:02 PM on July 23, 2011
Black Velvet by Alannah Myles
Baby Can I Hold You by Tracy Chapman
Love and Affection by Joan Armatrading (the base line doesn't ease in until about 1:00, but it's such a great song from an under-appreciated artist.)
Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow? by Carole King. (Is this too ghoulish? Amy Winehouse covered it too.)
No Woman No Cry by Bob Marley and the Wailers
posted by Multicellular Exothermic at 7:54 PM on July 23, 2011
Baby Can I Hold You by Tracy Chapman
Love and Affection by Joan Armatrading (the base line doesn't ease in until about 1:00, but it's such a great song from an under-appreciated artist.)
Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow? by Carole King. (Is this too ghoulish? Amy Winehouse covered it too.)
No Woman No Cry by Bob Marley and the Wailers
posted by Multicellular Exothermic at 7:54 PM on July 23, 2011
...has mentioned repeated love for New Order, Tears for Fears, and other '80s bands that I have only passing familiarity with. But overall he has an encyclopedic knowledge of music that spans time and space (and kicks some regular ass at trivia night).
To expand on my suggestion of Black Leather. This is an incredibly obscure song by Nightmares in Wax, the band that eventually became Dead or Alive, famous for 1984's You Spin Me Round. So slap this on your mix as a complete mystery song and see if he can figure it out...
posted by googly at 8:19 PM on July 23, 2011
To expand on my suggestion of Black Leather. This is an incredibly obscure song by Nightmares in Wax, the band that eventually became Dead or Alive, famous for 1984's You Spin Me Round. So slap this on your mix as a complete mystery song and see if he can figure it out...
posted by googly at 8:19 PM on July 23, 2011
Dave Matthews Band - Crush
Sadly, DMB has the same production habit as the Chili Peppers of burying their awesome bass lines under the rest of the instruments..
posted by mannequito at 8:24 PM on July 23, 2011
Sadly, DMB has the same production habit as the Chili Peppers of burying their awesome bass lines under the rest of the instruments..
posted by mannequito at 8:24 PM on July 23, 2011
...and speaking of the Chilis, this is my personal favorite of Flea's bass work. Some sexiness in there.
posted by mannequito at 8:32 PM on July 23, 2011
posted by mannequito at 8:32 PM on July 23, 2011
Something About Us by Daft Punk seems like it fits the bill. Although like some other songs mentioned, the bass line might not actually be bass.
posted by graphnerd at 8:51 PM on July 23, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by graphnerd at 8:51 PM on July 23, 2011 [1 favorite]
Try some of the samples on Amazon for "One AD" These are from 1994, but the rhythms are absolutely perfect for sex all night. It might be on iTubes too. Try Devotion, or listen to the bass on Soma Holiday
This CD set our relationship on fire for a long time. I noticed some samples end before it the song gets really good. Or the rhythm and bass in The Calling", but darn those short samples. It is one great mix of sex music!
posted by nogero at 10:04 PM on July 23, 2011
This CD set our relationship on fire for a long time. I noticed some samples end before it the song gets really good. Or the rhythm and bass in The Calling", but darn those short samples. It is one great mix of sex music!
posted by nogero at 10:04 PM on July 23, 2011
There's some electronica stuff here, but it's this is all first class make out music:
Prince - Erotic City
Al Green - Light My Fire
Bent - I Love My Man
Barry White - Playing Your Game Baby
Leon Heywood - I want to do something freaky to you.
Portishead - Glory Box
INXS - Never Tear Us Apart
Jackson Five - I'll Be There
Massive Attack - Unfinished Sympathy
Sunscreem - Love You More The original lyrics are a bit dark, but the radio mix isn't so bad, if you find it).
posted by empath at 12:51 AM on July 24, 2011 [2 favorites]
Prince - Erotic City
Al Green - Light My Fire
Bent - I Love My Man
Barry White - Playing Your Game Baby
Leon Heywood - I want to do something freaky to you.
Portishead - Glory Box
INXS - Never Tear Us Apart
Jackson Five - I'll Be There
Massive Attack - Unfinished Sympathy
Sunscreem - Love You More The original lyrics are a bit dark, but the radio mix isn't so bad, if you find it).
posted by empath at 12:51 AM on July 24, 2011 [2 favorites]
i feel love by donna summers is a synthesizer bass, but wow, what a synthesizer bass! v sexy.
posted by messiahwannabe at 3:04 AM on July 24, 2011
posted by messiahwannabe at 3:04 AM on July 24, 2011
Hey babe, take a Walk on the Wild Side.
This Lou Reed classic is not a romantic song, but it's very sexy, with one of my all-time favorite bass lines.
posted by Paris Elk at 3:17 AM on July 24, 2011
This Lou Reed classic is not a romantic song, but it's very sexy, with one of my all-time favorite bass lines.
posted by Paris Elk at 3:17 AM on July 24, 2011
Harry Nilsson - Jump into the fire
That bassline will hit you from second one.
posted by SurrenderMonkey at 7:09 AM on July 24, 2011
That bassline will hit you from second one.
posted by SurrenderMonkey at 7:09 AM on July 24, 2011
Okay, not really "sexy" but the bass is great. Big Bottom
posted by Splunge at 1:02 PM on July 24, 2011
posted by Splunge at 1:02 PM on July 24, 2011
Most music by Zero 7.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=72H5pNHPagQ&feature=related
posted by 4midori at 8:28 PM on July 26, 2011
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=72H5pNHPagQ&feature=related
posted by 4midori at 8:28 PM on July 26, 2011
Perfect Lovesong by The Divine Comedy
Absinthe Party at the Fly Honey Warehouse by Minus the Bear
High School Lover by Air. Can't find a good video (blocked on youtube by EMI). Bassline kicks in about 1/3 of the way through the song.
posted by bietz at 1:10 AM on July 28, 2011
Absinthe Party at the Fly Honey Warehouse by Minus the Bear
High School Lover by Air. Can't find a good video (blocked on youtube by EMI). Bassline kicks in about 1/3 of the way through the song.
posted by bietz at 1:10 AM on July 28, 2011
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by griphus at 2:27 PM on July 23, 2011 [7 favorites]