Here’s something I’ve been wondering recently: how was the bass line in “The Thin Wall” by Ultravox done? (A Google search will reveal links to the video and other ways you can listen to it. I sprang $0.99 at Amazon to get an MP3 of the remastered album version which has the cool cello stuff near the end. Unfortunately I think I sold my CD of Rage in Eden long ago.) We’re talking about 1981 sequencer technology here. Notice that it changes in subtle ways as it goes along. Is it just someone dinking with a CV sequencer? Maybe it’s just a gate programmed in the drum machine (a Linn, I think), which obviously has plenty of free voices since there’s nothing else coming out of it besides a kick and snare? Anyone? Anyone? Beuller? Anyone? (Wow, two 80s references in one post. Am I showing my age?)
They Shuffle With a Bovine Grace…
Maybe they played live?
I don’t think so; it sounds pretty mechanical to me.
I found this answer: http://www.gearslutz.com/board/electronic-music-instruments-electronic-music-production/894456-ultravox-bass.html
Fantastic–thank you! I’d like to know what sort of processing they did to the minimoog, but the only person who’s likely to know the answer is dead, sadly.
Yes, it sounds like Bovine Grace and its my favourite line. I would say my wife is a cow but that’s harsh.