As a child of the 80's, I can whole-heartedly say Tear For Fears was an essential part of the 80's musical landscape. I can't imagine the 80's without them.
I was a young adult in the ‘80’s and you are absolutely correct, Tears For Fears was an essential element of the soundtrack of the ‘80’s. “EWTRTW” was the greatest pop song of the decade.
@@SatansSimgma - Okay, you like (to the point of bragging about it) licking up Satan's smegma (THIS is the proper spelling of that word) and you have little, if any, clue what you're talking about (and you obviously didn't watch the video you're commenting about) or you'd know they had more than that... The video listed at least three (maybe four) of their biggest hits. And yet you're calling another person unstable? C'mon, man!
I've written this before here but it never fails to positively surprise me how respectful, humble and elegant you are when talking about other people's prowess as musicians. We need more people like you in this world.
I agree. The emition of this song, the breath taking bass line and the non-stop build during this whole track, was brought out in your wonderful critique.
Honestly any real musician should be this way! We're all creatives, we can all appreciate others' skills. Even if genres are different, we should all be here to help eachother fulfil our visions and elevate our skills.
Yes! As I "roam in the realm of covers" (lol), Everybody Wants to Play Everybody Wants to Rule the World, but this one... I'm still amazed not one of my known fellow bassists ever talk about this!
I grew up in the '80s but I always had a crappy stereo or radio without much bass response so I never heard any of this stuff at the time. It's wild to re-listen to all the '80s music I was into at the time and hear this entirely new (to old me) dimension. It's really noticeable with Big Country as one example. Back then I always wondered why Tony Butler was even in the band at all, but now I realize how amazing his bass playing actually was.
Jealous of their natural talent and overnight success. Not a bad album made by them. Ian Stanley having a studio at their disposal was very convenient however. Picture perfect 80's success story really.
I alwyas heard that roland was the driver of this musical vehicle, whereas, curt was just a friendly passenger. Still, the hurting - what a great drive!
@@stiiffyrabbitRoland was the main songwriter, but Curt put them on the map with his lead vocals on all their early hits. Roland didn’t like his own voice in the beginning and he wanted Curt to sing all the singles.
Curt Smith is such a vastly overlooked bass player. His parts captured all the essential elements of music; rhythm, melody and harmony. His choices of basses has evolved very interestingly over the years too; Steinberger, Warwick and now Duesenberg hollow bodies. Another excellent analysis, Bassman ✌️❤️
Indeed, it seems he rarely comes up in the conversation when we talk about great bassists. He clearly approaches his bass lines with a songwriter's mentality, so they serve the song more than showing off his chops, but he has given us glimpses into his playing prowess. I love players like him. Colin Moulding is another one who's clearly thoughtful about his lines. Of course, there's also McCartney and plenty of others.
@@BassByTheBay Check out Charlie Colin on Train’s first three albums. Very much the same school of thought and a tone all of his own. Such a shame he passed away this year at 58 🙏❤️
I've always loved this comment from Curt on the band Japan's genius bass player, Mick Karn, and talking about why they were looking for a studio where they could be alone. "If you work in a big studio complex, you walk down the corridor and hear Mick Karn playing bass next door, and he’s so good you wonder why you bother.”
Brilliant comment there plasticsoul. Mick Karn was an exceptionally gifted bass player. Taken from us too soon. He played on Bill Nelson’s Chimera album, which is mind-blowing. If you like his playing and have never heard Chimera you must seek it out. I played Tears for Fears Sowing the Seeds of Love album recently while cooking and my daughter and son-in-law walked in and heard it and were blown away. They are in their mid-30s and had never heard the album. Now they are fans.
Don Freeman here. Tears For Fears are one of my favorite bands and an incredible songwriting duo since day one. I wore out Songs From The Big Chair all the time when it was released. Head Over Heels is great songwriting , arranging and production and simplicity. Every part serves the song, composition. Had the pleasure of seeing them live at The Forum in L.A and they were great and understated when it fit. They closed with Sowing The Seeds of Love which is a masterpiece in my opinion. Peace.
I wish I had known they'd be in Toronto I would have attended whatever the cost. This is the sound of my youth. TFF were one of the hugest musical acts of the 80's.
I could not agree with you more. This is one of the best songs of the 80’s. I’ve always loved the bass-line and the arrangement. As usual, you did a great job at illuminating the bass’ contribution to a great work of pop music.
Tears for Fears IS phenomenal. Their 80s work stood head and shoulders above the so much other 80s music. Fun fact, I just listened to their 2021 release, The Tipping Point this morning. The song No Small Thing is one of those songs I could listen to again and again.
May 2, 2010 the first time Tears For Fears went to the Philippines. The venue was sold out. We could not almost hear the band as the crowd was singing almost every song on the set. It was the greatest concert I have ever seen.
A great duo from the UK. Interestingly, another brilliant Head over Heels titled album and a must hear - by Poco - features Timothy B Schmidt on bass; he later joined the Eagles.
@@bpabustan Poco was first Jim Messina's band but Paul Cotton and Tim, Rusty Young and George Grantham (drummer) were the band for many years after Richey Furay left. Great band but the Eagles were commercially more effective.
Saw TfF play with Daryl Hall & John Oates @ PPG Paints arena a few years ago...two of the greatest pop duos ever...they played quite a long set! Including the hits, and as I recall, Mad World, and I think they might have even played Break it Down again. Great concert, and Curt played much of the bass parts as well. So cool! Thanks for this breakdown!
@@fantasyguru26💯💯🎯🙏👏👏pale shelter is the most sublime song & the musicianship is amazing. The extended version is beautiful & elevated the song wonderfully. One of my top ten fave songs. ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️
I KNEW which one you were referring to, the moment I looked at the thumbnail! This bass line(s!) is right up there with Duran Duran's, John Taylor's "Rio", without a doubt.
Man, I'm so glad you've highlighted this epic track and Kurt's mind blowing bass lines. This is without doubt my favourite Tears for Fears track because of the bass complexity and relationship with the other instruments as you rightfully pointed out. I've been lucky enough to see them a few times, the last time was in Nimes colosseum in the south of France a couple of years ago and they just get better and better every time I see them. One of the best bands you can see live so do it if they're ever in your time zone.
Great video, Paul! This duo was one of the most distinctive "voices" of the 2nd British invasion (New Wave). Brilliantly crafted songs, great musicianship, excellent production.
Tears For Fears, were too pop'y, and ear friendly to be New Wave ! Nothing wrong with that tho done properly . XTC, Echo And The Bunnymen, etc were wot i would call NW ? TFF were defo more mainsteam .
I knew exactly what this was going to be before the first note! I was only 9 when this was released and remember liking it, but by the time I was 12, 13, 14 I could really appreciate by the lyrical themes and playing. I finally saw them live 2 years ago and was overcome with emotion. He not only plays this but does backing vocals. Not easy!
Love your analysis of these old 1980s tracks. Grew up with them but never thought anything more than they sounded great but you take it to another level.
Super bass line. I really love this one. So…I can’t help but think this line has some roots going back to 1982 with Pretenders bass line on ‘My City Was Gone’ [Tony Butler]. Anybody else hear that? -But anyway, supreme kudos to both Curt and Roland. Saw them live back in the early 90’s and they were fantastic. Cheers.
Seems like every YT channel I listen to has rushed out to cover Tears for Fears recently. I'm not complaining. Really, I'm not. Back in the day when I didn't know anything about music, I thought they were too pop for my blood - but they were certainly a guilty pleasure. They grew on me over the decades, such that I bought their next few albums. Now I use their bass lines as part of my practice routine, and I'm quite pleased to see my favorite YT channels analyzing their music. Need more TTF!
Tickets are too pricey for me now but I saw them on the Seeds of Love tour with the incomparable Oleta Adams in I think 1990 and again 20 years later when I was lucky to get front row seats in front of Curt. Excellent performances.
When you were actually around when these songs were beaten to death by radio and MTV. It made them hard to appreciate. Thanks for showing us how cool these songs actually were. I honestly had no idea on this one. I tuned the song out weeks after it came out.
So, so true. I was a metalhead then, and still am now, but have come back to appreciate so many of those “overplayed” songs of the 80a that were in fact underheard…
100%, I can barely stand listening to anything from this record as it was so ubiquitous. I’m more down with The Hurting, though clearly Songs is an excellent album.
I didn’t learn to love it til I rewatched the video in about 2006. I hated it in the 80s too! Hated the synth drums the most back then. I love the song now though! Weird. Had to let its raging fire burn down in order to appreciate it ;)
Just discovered your channel and wow did I enjoy this video. Aside from Head Over Heels being an amazing song with an amazing bass line by Smith, your breakdown is incredibly thoughtful. Love that you focused on the articulation that Smith puts into play on this line. It's a great bassline on the page, but his articulation on the line is so damn SASSY and you re-create it perfectly. BTW, love your playing and GREAT bass tone. Needless to say, you have a new fan and a new subscriber. Great video, sir!
Great song. The bass lines on Broken are killer too. I think of the whole thing Broken > HoH > Broken as one song, it's the only way to really listen to it... 🙂 The whole Songs from the Big Chair is a great album and one of my 80s favorites.
The baseline is fantastic, you’re right, but it is you, the narrator, the producer of this channel, that made this video great. You brought to life something I hadn’t thought of, and you articulated it perfectly. Bravo!
Possibly TFF's finest song and that run on side 2 of "Songs from the Big Chair" where it links from Broken through Head Over Heals and back to Broken, is genius. Great video. Lovely to see those bass lines being played up close.
First time viewer here. I saw the thumbnail and title pop up in my suggestions (right hand side of screen) and before I clicked on the link I knew this video would be about Head Over Heels. My favourite Tears For Fears single. It has everything except a ripping guitar solo (which it actually does not need and is why it is not there!!) Incidentally, you mention Curt using a plec but in the recent live clip you show, he is playing using his thumb!! Nice 🙂 Bass players can get very snotty about plectrums. I personally don't think it is important. Just good playing that feels the song
I knew what this one would be right away! I love how well "composed" this line is - such a great concept and woven so tightly into the song. Thank you for spotlighting the articulation - such a huge part of what makes this line (and song) work so well. Cheers to another great video, thank you!
Your on point with this one😅 ! The only thing I can say is ..🤔..that when Artist try very hard to express something that is SO universaly felt... sometimes the universe and what human beings do cross paths and combine to create - universal MAGIC - the past five decades have spoiled us to today's vacuum of non universal creativity and magic within the music industry today 😐.... Thank you for helping us relive the magic of a great group lyrically, and instrumentally..with sn inspirational driving base line 👍👍😅
One of my favorite bass lines from the 80's era of music, and there are a whole lot of great bass lines from that time period. Thank you for breaking it down and putting a smile on my face. Cheers. Subscribed.
Thank you for showing some love to my favorite song for all time, Head Over Heels! I have loved Tears For Fears since the 80's and just had the pleasure of seeing their amazing limited run show in Las Vegas. The brilliance of their music and their musicianship still shines brightly after all these years.❤️
Like a lot of bands in the 80s, through no fault of their own, the way the media portrayed popular musicians often overshadowed the actual talent and quality of their work. Loved them in the 80s when I was in high school and college, even in my hard rock, progressive rock, and jam bands phases (all of which I still appreciate), and with the benefit of time, love Tears For Fears even more now. Thanks for featuring this outstanding song by a superb band.🙏🏽
I knew this was the song you were going to talk about😊 Tears For Fears had perhaps the best arrangements of any of the 80s bands and the bass lines were definitely an important part of that. This is an incredibly fun to play baseline and not that difficult to play as long as you get the *articulation* right.
I love the way you describe other artists' work. So generous but so honest. You have a sincere respect for artists that only another artist can possess but few can articulate their insights as eloquently as you. You celebrate the artists that inspire you then bring us back to the artists and source material that inspired them. Very cool.
Paul, thanks for this Curt Smith breakdown. It’s a wonderful example of the thoughtfulness of the bass player - the decisions about how to execute the notes, the lines, the choice of the instrument… The intentional process of the bass player is often overlooked and undervalued. Your students are fortunate to have you. As a teacher myself (psychology, not as complex as music), I commend your ability to weave so much detail in 5 and a half minutes with such clarity and organization! Masterful!
they're the glue between the vocals/other instruments and the drums, and you don't notice how foundational they are to the song until they're "not" there...
I’m not a bass player, I play guitar, but when you played that verse phrase I did marvel at the piece itself but I IMMEDIATELY was wowed by your execution(articulation). We musicians know that context, phrasing, articulation and touch are everything. Really informative video and I now have a newfound appreciation for this gem I’ve loved from say one.
Man, been subscribed to your channel for a long time. Need to address that I LOVE your approach to bass guitar related videos. The way you put a historical perspective, mixed with musical explanations is perfect. Keep the good work! Cheers from Brazil!
I love the band Tears for Fears. The bass sounds so great. This band is so very, very talented. I would love to see them in concert. God bless everyone!🙏💜
Thanks for this bro.....So many tracks from the 80s I now look back on as a 50 something yr old, realising it was the bass that had me hooked, and dancing to. To be able to go back and recreate the sound I never knew I was listening to is ...full circle.
These guys are still creating some amazing music. Their concerts are incredible and they seem very content with where they are in their career. So glad they got back together. Thanks for covering this. Love your channel.
Damn, that was Curt Smith playing that line? I always thought it was Pino. Sounds exactly like something he would come up with. Kudos to Curt! A great performance.
As a bassist, I always loved the work on this track. Thanks for this episode. I am so happy to know you appreciated his work here as much as myself and many others have.
Thanks, PD! I have always liked this bass line as well. The small spaces he strategically places (which he gets through his articulation that you talk about) are stellar. Thank you for reviewing this and for your wide musical palette; it is tremendous and many musicians could learn from that.
An extremely musically sophisticated duo that combined great songs / composition, stunning arranging and production. When I hear these songs I still marvel at the harmony, rhythms, melodies etc, and they do all of that with heart and soul and never fail to put the song first - such a rare combination.
I woke up today with this song in my head. What an amazing coincidence! This is such a fun line and to me is decidedly an autumn song. Perfect timing for the season
Very under-appreciated 80s bass playing here, and songwriting too. TFF has been a favorite of mine for years, and features some of my personal favorite bass lines, from Curt himself, and the likes of Pino Palladino. These guys are a gift that goes on giving. Thanks for spotlighting them 🙏🙏 Appreciate the great content, sir.
I saw Tears For Fears 7 or 8 years ago in Cebu, Philippines. It was one of the best live concerts I have ever attended. Absolutely brilliant! This video breakdown was so refreshing to watch… actually seeing how the bass lines were played gave me an entirely new perspective on how unique they really are 👍🏻
Awesome break down and demonstration. Curt's great. Roland's a beast singer. I was in a band playing bass and lead singing and we played this and Shout. HOH is a sneaky hard 3D puzzle to get the articulation down in the bass line and vocal. Incredible writers.
Great take as usual, professor. When I found the video and missread the title as "New wave's greatest bass line" and my mind shouted "After a Fashion!", but I'm not dissapointed. Back in '85 I struggled long with this line, so much movement, and the articulation is a beast. This is another video of yours I'll be coming back to. Thank you very much for your work!
Did you know that they ripped, XTC's Senses Working Overtime,for " Sowing The Seeds Of Love " Roland reveiwed it on Round table BBC Rad 1and loved it ! Andy Partridge, mentions it in the XTC Autobiography " ChalkHills And Children ! But decided to take it as a compliment as lawsuits, can be very exspensive as XTC found out with they're former manager. Check the songs out AP has a point. You can defo hear the simalarities .
Lots of incredible layers in all the TFF records. Love this breakdown and appreciation for Curt! ❤ "Head Over Heels", all by itself, captures so much of what made those guys so unique and memorable.
one of my mostest favoritest songs by one of my mostest favoritest groups ever. As I get older, I am becoming more of an audiophile and really appreciate getting deeper into the music that shaped me. Thank you so much for that! I was so lucky to see them in concert three times, and I do get a kick out of re-watching Psyche just for Curt Smith in Shawn 2.0.
Thank you for highlighting the genius of these 2 consummate musicians & songwriters, Roland Orzabal and Curt Smith. Heavily influenced by the Beatles, they deftly carried the sonic torch of the Fab Four into the 80’s. I saw them up close at a small venue in Southern California many years ago. They were personable, down-to-earth, and absolutely amazing to watch performing their songs. The entire concert was a transcendent experience!🙌🏻🙌🏻🌎🍎
Loved that video. I wasn't even sure you guys over the pond were even aware of Tears For Fears. The fact that you'd stripped it back and deconstructed what was amazing about them made me smile. Can't wait to see more of your content. I had to smash the like button
As a child of the 80's, I can whole-heartedly say Tear For Fears was an essential part of the 80's musical landscape. I can't imagine the 80's without them.
I was a young adult in the ‘80’s and you are absolutely correct, Tears For Fears was an essential element of the soundtrack of the ‘80’s. “EWTRTW” was the greatest pop song of the decade.
They had 2 songs, you sound unstable
@@SatansSimgma - Okay, you like (to the point of bragging about it) licking up Satan's smegma (THIS is the proper spelling of that word) and you have little, if any, clue what you're talking about (and you obviously didn't watch the video you're commenting about) or you'd know they had more than that... The video listed at least three (maybe four) of their biggest hits.
And yet you're calling another person unstable?
C'mon, man!
Absolutely spot on
@@SatansSimgma Why so bitter? Still butthurt about Milli Vanilli losing their Grammy? 😘
I've written this before here but it never fails to positively surprise me how respectful, humble and elegant you are when talking about other people's prowess as musicians. We need more people like you in this world.
Agreed
I agree. The emition of this song, the breath taking bass line and the non-stop build during this whole track, was brought out in your wonderful critique.
Really well said. He loves great music and he doesn't care who writes it.
Honestly any real musician should be this way! We're all creatives, we can all appreciate others' skills. Even if genres are different, we should all be here to help eachother fulfil our visions and elevate our skills.
Totally. This guy knows how to listen and ENJOY music. 🫡
The bass line on this song always stood out to me too. I don’t think I’ve heard anyone ever talk about it before.
Rick Beato did in a "What Makes This Song Great?" Video. He especially liked how the slides in the 3rd bassline elevated the ending.
@@Bobbnoxious the One Song podcast (which is great!) also did an episode on the song
Mean either and i didn't know Curt played the bass and i'd seen them live in the hazy '80s.
Yes! As I "roam in the realm of covers" (lol), Everybody Wants to Play Everybody Wants to Rule the World, but this one... I'm still amazed not one of my known fellow bassists ever talk about this!
I grew up in the '80s but I always had a crappy stereo or radio without much bass response so I never heard any of this stuff at the time. It's wild to re-listen to all the '80s music I was into at the time and hear this entirely new (to old me) dimension. It's really noticeable with Big Country as one example. Back then I always wondered why Tony Butler was even in the band at all, but now I realize how amazing his bass playing actually was.
People used to put Curt Smith down. But he plays fretless bass live. The guy rocks.
That's something I never understood, people putting him down. He's brilliant!
Jealous of their natural talent and overnight success. Not a bad album made by them. Ian Stanley having a studio at their disposal was very convenient however. Picture perfect 80's success story really.
Who put him down? I want names!
I've literally never heard anyone put Curt Smith down.
Haters can kick rocks. Barefoot.
The bass line on Head Over Heels is sublime and a great tone.
Curt Smith is a very underrated player.
I think you're right- it's not so much the technique, it's the creativity.
SO Macca was an influence? Mmm.
And what a GORGEOUS record ❤
That was always my favourite. Aaaah the nostalgia.
Poor sod , he has to be in a band with the other bloke
@@Play-gl2ywRoland is a very talented musician, too.
Without knowledge of the art of music there’s no way to be able to realize what a masterpiece this song is . Thank you for educating us .
Roland and Curt are musical geniuses.
I alwyas heard that roland was the driver of this musical vehicle, whereas, curt was just a friendly passenger.
Still, the hurting - what a great drive!
@@stiiffyrabbitRoland was the main songwriter, but Curt put them on the map with his lead vocals on all their early hits. Roland didn’t like his own voice in the beginning and he wanted Curt to sing all the singles.
Actually Ian Stanley was the musical mastermind of TFF
@@stiiffyrabbit Ian Stanley figured out their sound and musical ideology.
@@stiiffyrabbit Apparently Kurt wrote many of the early songs.
I can't listen to this track without wanting to immediately hear 'Broken' at the end. It's pure 'Power Windows' era Rush.
Just found out it was not part of HOH, but a segue.
Heck yeah that version kills
"RUSH!!! Power
Windows??"
What 'chu know about,
"Territories"?!!?
"What 'chu know about it?!?"
@@busterheine3806I play drums and I've studied Rush for a long time. I know a lil bout Territories!
And the bass line in Broken is excellent too.
Curt Smith is such a vastly overlooked bass player. His parts captured all the essential elements of music; rhythm, melody and harmony. His choices of basses has evolved very interestingly over the years too; Steinberger, Warwick and now Duesenberg hollow bodies.
Another excellent analysis, Bassman ✌️❤️
Indeed, it seems he rarely comes up in the conversation when we talk about great bassists. He clearly approaches his bass lines with a songwriter's mentality, so they serve the song more than showing off his chops, but he has given us glimpses into his playing prowess. I love players like him. Colin Moulding is another one who's clearly thoughtful about his lines. Of course, there's also McCartney and plenty of others.
@@BassByTheBay Check out Charlie Colin on Train’s first three albums. Very much the same school of thought and a tone all of his own. Such a shame he passed away this year at 58 🙏❤️
It's like he never heard of a Fender P-Bass or something, you know?
@@YippeeSkippie426 😁
@@BassByTheBay Interesting, because Curt Smith (at least in the early days of TFF) was not really a songwriter.
I've always loved this comment from Curt on the band Japan's genius bass player, Mick Karn, and talking about why they were looking for a studio where they could be alone. "If you work in a big studio complex, you walk down the corridor and hear Mick Karn playing bass next door, and he’s so good you wonder why you bother.”
Brilliant comment there plasticsoul. Mick Karn was an exceptionally gifted bass player. Taken from us too soon. He played on Bill Nelson’s Chimera album, which is mind-blowing. If you like his playing and have never heard Chimera you must seek it out. I played Tears for Fears Sowing the Seeds of Love album recently while cooking and my daughter and son-in-law walked in and heard it and were blown away. They are in their mid-30s and had never heard the album. Now they are fans.
Don Freeman here. Tears For Fears are one of my favorite bands and an incredible songwriting duo since day one. I wore out Songs From The Big Chair all the time when it was released. Head Over Heels is great songwriting , arranging and production and simplicity. Every part serves the song, composition. Had the pleasure of seeing them live at The Forum in L.A and they were great and understated when it fit. They closed with Sowing The Seeds of Love which is a masterpiece in my opinion. Peace.
I got to see them not too long ago in Toronto with my daughter and they still crush it. So talented. Amazing concert.
I wish I had known they'd be in Toronto I would have attended whatever the cost. This is the sound of my youth. TFF were one of the hugest musical acts of the 80's.
I saw TFF in Toronto too, about a year ago. We probably saw the same show. Absolutely amazing show!
You're an excellent communicator, combining competence with enthusiasm and empathy.
agreed
I'm sitting in my big chair listening to this classic
I SEE WHAT YOU DID THERE
Their music seriously holds up over the decades. They were ahead of their time then and are still pioneering today. TFF is an incredible band.
The slides in the coda just take the song to another level.
I could not agree with you more. This is one of the best songs of the 80’s. I’ve always loved the bass-line and the arrangement. As usual, you did a great job at illuminating the bass’ contribution to a great work of pop music.
👍👊
I'm not sure how I missed those bass lines. But now they've been revealed - brilliant!
Tears for Fears IS phenomenal. Their 80s work stood head and shoulders above the so much other 80s music. Fun fact, I just listened to their 2021 release, The Tipping Point this morning. The song No Small Thing is one of those songs I could listen to again and again.
May 2, 2010 the first time Tears For Fears went to the Philippines. The venue was sold out. We could not almost hear the band as the crowd was singing almost every song on the set. It was the greatest concert I have ever seen.
A great duo from the UK. Interestingly, another brilliant Head over Heels titled album and a must hear - by Poco - features Timothy B Schmidt on bass; he later joined the Eagles.
@@Afficionadoh Tim actually replaced Raindy Meisner on BOTH Poco and Eagles.
@@bpabustan Poco was first Jim Messina's band but Paul Cotton and Tim, Rusty Young and George Grantham (drummer) were the band for many years after Richey Furay left. Great band but the Eagles were commercially more effective.
Saw TfF play with Daryl Hall & John Oates @ PPG Paints arena a few years ago...two of the greatest pop duos ever...they played quite a long set! Including the hits, and as I recall, Mad World, and I think they might have even played Break it Down again. Great concert, and Curt played much of the bass parts as well. So cool! Thanks for this breakdown!
I absolutely love the bass line in the bridge of the song "Pale Shelter".
Funny you mention that Pale Shelter is my ATF Tears For Fears song. And this one is #2.
@@fantasyguru26💯💯🎯🙏👏👏pale shelter is the most sublime song & the musicianship is amazing. The extended version is beautiful & elevated the song wonderfully. One of my top ten fave songs. ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️
This is crazy! I’ve been playing THIS Bass line all summer (2024) It’s a great bass line and a great song actually!!
Good work pd.
Head Over Heels is the song why I got into bass playing.
It's about time someone spoke on this bassline. Thank you
The BEST example of the versatility of musicians in the eighties.....EXCELLENT
A great decade for great bassists - Andy Taylor, Peter Hook, Mark King, Curt Smith, Nick Beggs amongst many.
My favorite track from Tears for Fears. Thank you for this video as I never paid attention to what the bass was doing in this song.
I KNEW which one you were referring to, the moment I looked at the thumbnail! This bass line(s!) is right up there with Duran Duran's, John Taylor's "Rio", without a doubt.
Rio baseline is absolutely mind blowing especially when it’s isolated.
John Taylor is the best bass player I've ever heard
Man, I'm so glad you've highlighted this epic track and Kurt's mind blowing bass lines. This is without doubt my favourite Tears for Fears track because of the bass complexity and relationship with the other instruments as you rightfully pointed out. I've been lucky enough to see them a few times, the last time was in Nimes colosseum in the south of France a couple of years ago and they just get better and better every time I see them. One of the best bands you can see live so do it if they're ever in your time zone.
Great video, Paul!
This duo was one of the most distinctive "voices" of the 2nd British invasion (New Wave). Brilliantly crafted songs, great musicianship, excellent production.
Tears For Fears, were too pop'y, and ear friendly to be New Wave ! Nothing wrong with that tho done properly . XTC, Echo And The Bunnymen, etc were wot i would call NW ? TFF were defo more mainsteam .
@@stephenbennett1643their first album was defenitly not mainstream. A large portion of their second album wasn't either.
I knew exactly what this was going to be before the first note! I was only 9 when this was released and remember liking it, but by the time I was 12, 13, 14 I could really appreciate by the lyrical themes and playing. I finally saw them live 2 years ago and was overcome with emotion. He not only plays this but does backing vocals. Not easy!
Love your analysis of these old 1980s tracks. Grew up with them but never thought anything more than they sounded great but you take it to another level.
This was a really great analysis of the song! I always feel like Tears For Fears' best tracks are overshadowed by their two biggest hits.
Super bass line. I really love this one. So…I can’t help but think this line has some roots going back to 1982 with Pretenders bass line on ‘My City Was Gone’ [Tony Butler]. Anybody else hear that? -But anyway, supreme kudos to both Curt and Roland. Saw them live back in the early 90’s and they were fantastic. Cheers.
Tony Butler of Big Country played it? I had no idea! He and the band both deserve more appreciation; Stuart Adamson RIP.
Seems like every YT channel I listen to has rushed out to cover Tears for Fears recently. I'm not complaining. Really, I'm not.
Back in the day when I didn't know anything about music, I thought they were too pop for my blood - but they were certainly a guilty pleasure. They grew on me over the decades, such that I bought their next few albums. Now I use their bass lines as part of my practice routine, and I'm quite pleased to see my favorite YT channels analyzing their music.
Need more TTF!
Tickets are too pricey for me now but I saw them on the Seeds of Love tour with the incomparable Oleta Adams in I think 1990 and again 20 years later when I was lucky to get front row seats in front of Curt. Excellent performances.
Oh my gosh- so jealous. That tour was so legendary … and he was very nice to look at in 1990 especially
I love your channel. You have very big ears in all the good ways.
I'm not a huge fan of the pick, but the bass solo on Shout had me obsessed. Amazing!
When you were actually around when these songs were beaten to death by radio and MTV. It made them hard to appreciate. Thanks for showing us how cool these songs actually were. I honestly had no idea on this one. I tuned the song out weeks after it came out.
So, so true. I was a metalhead then, and still am now, but have come back to appreciate so many of those “overplayed” songs of the 80a that were in fact underheard…
100%, I can barely stand listening to anything from this record as it was so ubiquitous. I’m more down with The Hurting, though clearly Songs is an excellent album.
I can't imagine being tired of these songs. I still listen to them today, and never stopped.
I didn’t learn to love it til I rewatched the video in about 2006. I hated it in the 80s too! Hated the synth drums the most back then. I love the song now though! Weird. Had to let its raging fire burn down in order to appreciate it ;)
@@JeffMTX I actually played bass for a short stint back in the 80s. I really like watching this guys show. He is full of a lot of really good info.
One of the greatest bands ever.
One of the best bands ever and what a fantastic bassline! Thank you!
This is one of my all time favorite songs. The bass lines is amazing.
As a bass player from the 80s this is one of my all time favorites.. thanks for sharing
Just discovered your channel and wow did I enjoy this video. Aside from Head Over Heels being an amazing song with an amazing bass line by Smith, your breakdown is incredibly thoughtful. Love that you focused on the articulation that Smith puts into play on this line. It's a great bassline on the page, but his articulation on the line is so damn SASSY and you re-create it perfectly.
BTW, love your playing and GREAT bass tone.
Needless to say, you have a new fan and a new subscriber. Great video, sir!
Great song. The bass lines on Broken are killer too. I think of the whole thing Broken > HoH > Broken as one song, it's the only way to really listen to it... 🙂 The whole Songs from the Big Chair is a great album and one of my 80s favorites.
Got the chance to see them in 2022 and it was a great show. No slow moments, just perfect.
Caught them on that tour as well, they were amazing. Roland's voice is as good as it's ever been.
The baseline is fantastic, you’re right, but it is you, the narrator, the producer of this channel, that made this video great. You brought to life something I hadn’t thought of, and you articulated it perfectly. Bravo!
bass line
Possibly TFF's finest song and that run on side 2 of "Songs from the Big Chair" where it links from Broken through Head Over Heals and back to Broken, is genius. Great video. Lovely to see those bass lines being played up close.
Don't forget about the bassline of "Advice for the young at heart"!! Love it❤
First time viewer here. I saw the thumbnail and title pop up in my suggestions (right hand side of screen) and before I clicked on the link I knew this video would be about Head Over Heels. My favourite Tears For Fears single. It has everything except a ripping guitar solo (which it actually does not need and is why it is not there!!) Incidentally, you mention Curt using a plec but in the recent live clip you show, he is playing using his thumb!! Nice 🙂 Bass players can get very snotty about plectrums. I personally don't think it is important. Just good playing that feels the song
I knew what this one would be right away! I love how well "composed" this line is - such a great concept and woven so tightly into the song. Thank you for spotlighting the articulation - such a huge part of what makes this line (and song) work so well. Cheers to another great video, thank you!
Your on point with this one😅 ! The only thing I can say is ..🤔..that when Artist try very hard to express something that is SO universaly felt... sometimes the universe and what human beings do cross paths and combine to create - universal MAGIC - the past five decades have spoiled us to today's vacuum of non universal creativity and magic within the music industry today 😐.... Thank you for helping us relive the magic of a great group lyrically, and instrumentally..with sn inspirational driving base line 👍👍😅
Curt's note selection is flawless.
One of my favorite bass lines from the 80's era of music, and there are a whole lot of great bass lines from that time period. Thank you for breaking it down and putting a smile on my face. Cheers.
Subscribed.
Thank you for showing some love to my favorite song for all time, Head Over Heels! I have loved Tears For Fears since the 80's and just had the pleasure of seeing their amazing limited run show in Las Vegas. The brilliance of their music and their musicianship still shines brightly after all these years.❤️
This is their best song IMO. LOVE it.
That bass has a beautiful tone.
Like a lot of bands in the 80s, through no fault of their own, the way the media portrayed popular musicians often overshadowed the actual talent and quality of their work. Loved them in the 80s when I was in high school and college, even in my hard rock, progressive rock, and jam bands phases (all of which I still appreciate), and with the benefit of time, love Tears For Fears even more now.
Thanks for featuring this outstanding song by a superb band.🙏🏽
My favorite 80s song. Honestly, one of my favorites ever.
I knew this was the song you were going to talk about😊 Tears For Fears had perhaps the best arrangements of any of the 80s bands and the bass lines were definitely an important part of that. This is an incredibly fun to play baseline and not that difficult to play as long as you get the *articulation* right.
This is why I love the genius of Tears For Fears. They are amazing and absolutely fantastic live too💜❤️👍🏿👏🏿
I love the way you describe other artists' work. So generous but so honest. You have a sincere respect for artists that only another artist can possess but few can articulate their insights as eloquently as you. You celebrate the artists that inspire you then bring us back to the artists and source material that inspired them. Very cool.
Paul, thanks for this Curt Smith breakdown. It’s a wonderful example of the thoughtfulness of the bass player - the decisions about how to execute the notes, the lines, the choice of the instrument… The intentional process of the bass player is often overlooked and undervalued.
Your students are fortunate to have you. As a teacher myself (psychology, not as complex as music), I commend your ability to weave so much detail in 5 and a half minutes with such clarity and organization! Masterful!
they're the glue between the vocals/other instruments and the drums, and you don't notice how foundational they are to the song until they're "not" there...
I’m not a bass player, I play guitar, but when you played that verse phrase I did marvel at the piece itself but I IMMEDIATELY was wowed by your execution(articulation). We musicians know that context, phrasing, articulation and touch are everything. Really informative video and I now have a newfound appreciation for this gem I’ve loved from say one.
Wonderful! Such a great song, and a stunning bass line from a musician who is so good his bass playing is often overlooked.
Every time I watch one of your videos, I get something out of it. Thanks!
Their songs are in some of my earliest memories. Simply timeless.
Man, been subscribed to your channel for a long time. Need to address that I LOVE your approach to bass guitar related videos. The way you put a historical perspective, mixed with musical explanations is perfect. Keep the good work! Cheers from Brazil!
Paul is simply the best!
So true!
I love the band Tears for Fears. The bass sounds so great. This band is so very, very talented. I would love to see them in concert. God bless everyone!🙏💜
Thanks for this bro.....So many tracks from the 80s I now look back on as a 50 something yr old, realising it was the bass that had me hooked, and dancing to. To be able to go back and recreate the sound I never knew I was listening to is ...full circle.
This, Change and Mad World...chills. Love that they are still out there making music 🙂
Articulation … Perfect description, Paul . Great tune🙌🏽
These guys are still creating some amazing music. Their concerts are incredible and they seem very content with where they are in their career. So glad they got back together. Thanks for covering this. Love your channel.
Damn, that was Curt Smith playing that line? I always thought it was Pino. Sounds exactly like something he would come up with. Kudos to Curt! A great performance.
As a bassist, I always loved the work on this track. Thanks for this episode. I am so happy to know you appreciated his work here as much as myself and many others have.
Yes! The creativity in this bass line is just sublime. And the Coda…just wow. I always thought Pino was playing it.
Thanks, PD! I have always liked this bass line as well. The small spaces he strategically places (which he gets through his articulation that you talk about) are stellar. Thank you for reviewing this and for your wide musical palette; it is tremendous and many musicians could learn from that.
An extremely musically sophisticated duo that combined great songs / composition, stunning arranging and production. When I hear these songs I still marvel at the harmony, rhythms, melodies etc, and they do all of that with heart and soul and never fail to put the song first - such a rare combination.
Great content as always, Paul! Tears for Fear deserve more recognition than ever, they're almost like the unsung hero of the 80s pop music.
I woke up today with this song in my head. What an amazing coincidence!
This is such a fun line and to me is decidedly an autumn song. Perfect timing for the season
One of the absolute GREATEST basslines out there! So much emotion while constantly moving and grooving!
Very under-appreciated 80s bass playing here, and songwriting too. TFF has been a favorite of mine for years, and features some of my personal favorite bass lines, from Curt himself, and the likes of Pino Palladino. These guys are a gift that goes on giving. Thanks for spotlighting them 🙏🙏 Appreciate the great content, sir.
Genius band, genius album, and one of their best-ever tracks. Thank you for shedding so much light on it!
I saw Tears For Fears 7 or 8 years ago in Cebu, Philippines. It was one of the best live concerts I have ever attended. Absolutely brilliant! This video breakdown was so refreshing to watch… actually seeing how the bass lines were played gave me an entirely new perspective on how unique they really are 👍🏻
Awesome break down and demonstration. Curt's great. Roland's a beast singer. I was in a band playing bass and lead singing and we played this and Shout. HOH is a sneaky hard 3D puzzle to get the articulation down in the bass line and vocal. Incredible writers.
Great take as usual, professor. When I found the video and missread the title as "New wave's greatest bass line" and my mind shouted "After a Fashion!", but I'm not dissapointed.
Back in '85 I struggled long with this line, so much movement, and the articulation is a beast. This is another video of yours I'll be coming back to. Thank you very much for your work!
As a duo they they have a particularly unique and attractive take on Beatles song-smithing.
Some timeless tracks.
Did you know that they ripped, XTC's Senses Working Overtime,for " Sowing The Seeds Of Love " Roland reveiwed it on Round table BBC Rad 1and loved it ! Andy Partridge, mentions it in the XTC Autobiography " ChalkHills And Children ! But decided to take it as a compliment as lawsuits, can be very exspensive as XTC found out with they're former manager. Check the songs out AP has a point. You can defo hear the simalarities .
Agreed but to my ear the Beatles never wrote anything as powerful as 'Shout'
@@stephenbennett1643 which aspect is the most similar in your opinion?
I was just listening to this song yesterday and marveled at the distinctive bass line. I'm not even a bass player. Genius.
Lots of incredible layers in all the TFF records. Love this breakdown and appreciation for Curt! ❤ "Head Over Heels", all by itself, captures so much of what made those guys so unique and memorable.
Fantastic breakdown of a fantastic bass line from a fantastic song. Great job with this video!!
I’ve been a fan since the beginning and they still put on an amazing show. The musicianship is stellar.
Really wonderful analysis that really gives one an even greater appreciation of interesting music!
one of my mostest favoritest songs by one of my mostest favoritest groups ever. As I get older, I am becoming more of an audiophile and really appreciate getting deeper into the music that shaped me. Thank you so much for that! I was so lucky to see them in concert three times, and I do get a kick out of re-watching Psyche just for Curt Smith in Shawn 2.0.
Thank you for highlighting the genius of these 2 consummate musicians & songwriters, Roland Orzabal and Curt Smith. Heavily influenced by the Beatles, they deftly carried the sonic torch of the Fab Four into the 80’s. I saw them up close at a small venue in Southern California many years ago. They were personable, down-to-earth, and absolutely amazing to watch performing their songs. The entire concert was a transcendent experience!🙌🏻🙌🏻🌎🍎
Loved that video. I wasn't even sure you guys over the pond were even aware of Tears For Fears. The fact that you'd stripped it back and deconstructed what was amazing about them made me smile. Can't wait to see more of your content. I had to smash the like button
You have a great delivery, right to the point. So many channels pad their vid time with fluff. Subbed 😊
And he did this while singing. Awesome.
Shout is also a fun one, especially in the breakdown before the final chorus.
Thank you for that great video. Tears for fears are one of the greatest 80s Band. I loved them so much ....
Wonderful analysis, and playing. It's great to hear the louder bass emphasis. Much respect for your presentation.
When this popped up on youtube feed I knew it was Head Over Heels! That bassline has a drive that's out of this world. Nice review