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In this “From the Bottom” episode, Paul Thompson digs into one of the most creative bass lines in pop music: Tears For Fears’ iconic “Head Over Heels” from the “Songs From the Big Chair” album (1985).

Is there a more “bassist photo” than this? Paul Thompson tells the story behind Art Kane’s "Harlem, 1958" pic you (probably) don't know about, and the four bassists in it.

All the time, we hear stories of how music today is nowhere near as good as in the “good old days.” If we pick an example of the best artist that proves this wrong, it would be either Vulfpeck or The Fearless Flyers. And if there’s a bassist who proves it wrong, then it’s the almighty Joe Dart.

1984 was a special year for music. In this episode, Paul Thompson dives into his top 10 favorite bass lines from that year, including the works of Abraham Laboriel, Tony Levin, Geddy Lee, Darryl Jones, Paul Denman, Cliff Burton, Benny Rietveld, Mark King, Nathan East, and Marcus Miller.

Touring can have plenty of highs and lows, which is something You Bred Raptors? bassist Peat Rains knows all too well. The band was back on the road again this summer. Peat concludes this tour diary with Part 3.

In this episode, I’m breaking down my favorite Tower of Power song: “Soul Vaccination” (1973). We’ll dive into how each member of the band (including the late, great Rocco Prestia) serves a function to create an iconic groove.

Touring can have plenty of highs and lows, which is something You Bred Raptors? bassist Peat Rains knows all too well. The band is back on the road again this summer and we’re happy to share his tour diary along the way. Here's Part 2.

Touring can have plenty of highs and lows, which is something You Bred Raptors? bassist Peat Rains knows all too well. He’s back with a new tour diary for 2024.

In this “From the Bottom” episode, Paul Thompson honors the late, great jazz bassist Charlie Haden on the 10th anniversary of his passing.

In this episode of “From the Bottom,” Paul Thompson is celebrating one of the greatest - yet unsung - bass players to ever do it: Dennis Belfield. Paul breaks down his top 5 Belfield bass lines.

Summer school is officially in session. So I’m handing out grades for five different takes on Prince’s “I Feel For You” from 1979-1984.

In this episode, I’m breaking down one of the most iconic sounds in music – the Music Man bass and the 10 greatest recorded bass lines that used it. From punk, to funk, to rock, to hip hop, to jazz, I’ll break down MY Top 10.