Bruce Thomas

Bruce Thomas, late of Elvis Costello's band, The Attractions, is one of my all-time favorite players. His work on the albums This Year's Model, Armed Forces, and Get Happy!!, in particular, is just spectacular. Drop the needle anywhere -- Bruce is doing something that will blow your mind. Frankly, I'd be hard-pressed to name a stronger band than The Attractions during their late-70s/early-80s peak. Just listen to Elvis' Attractions-free debut record, My Aim Is True, to hear how essential Steve, Bruce and Pete were to his sound.

There's nothing particularly flashy on this song, it's just one of my favorites -- I particularly love his playing in the bridge:

Accidents Will Happen

My old band did a cover version of this one -- what a great part!:

Lip Service

Mike Rutherford

Mike Rutherford of Genesis (and -- Shhhh! Not so loud! -- Mike + The Mechanics) doesn't get nearly the recognition he deserves for his brilliant bass playing. One of these tracks is from the Gabriel-era and one from the Collins-era, and both feature bass parts which ROCK:

Watcher of the Skies

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