May 092011
Just how many songs have utilized or sampled the bass/guitar riff from Chic‘s “Good Times?”
Yesterday, when I watched the videos included in machinery‘s post, Everything Is a Remix, I was reminded that in addition to the Sugar Hill Gang, Queen prominently used it in “Another One Bites the Dust.” And then—synchronicity!—while looking up some videos by The Damned’s Captain Sensible, I was reacquainted with his “Wot,” another song to trot out that bass line. My beloved Orange Juice also used the riff in “Rip It Up.”
So, how many songs can you add to the list?
The bass line appears at 2:36 in Taco’s “Puttin On the Ritz”. Forgive me for knowing this.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OG3PnQ3tgzY
You are forgiven. I NEVER would have thought of that.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o7Y4F-UPGHw
Another 80’s special. Did the riff make ever it out of the ’80’s?
Blondie’s “Rapture” seems inspired by the “Good Times” bassline, but I don’t think it’s the same bassline. A lot of early rap songs seem to following the model of “Rapper’s Delight” more than the bass line, specifically, of “Good Times.” That Kurtis Blow song, “The Breaks,” also borrows heavily from the meter of the Sugarhill Gang’s song and the guitar part in “Good Times.”
I’d thought about “Rapture” too, and gave it several listens, but like you, decided it wasn’t the same thing.
I can think of a few more 80’s examples, but I wonder why the riffs didn’t make it out of that decade? Any 90’s or 2000’s examples?
By the way, it has escaped prior comment, but that Marie Osmond take on Another One Bites the Dust is pretty spectacular. The only possible improvement would have been if it were done on ice, like some of D&M’s other big numbers. But don’t let’s ask for the moon, we have the stars.
You have a way with words, misterioso.
I found a list of songs that supposedly either sample or re-create motifs from “Good Times,” and this Daft Punk song, “Around the World,” was on it. Until now I don’t think I’ve ever knowingly heard a Daft Punk song. Maybe this is an example of the bassline making it out of the ’80s, but I think it’s stretching it:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s9MszVE7aR4