Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Well, my wife and I were watching the video disc included in the Stereolab boxed set, "Oscillons from the Anti-Sun" last night...this is perhaps my favorite band working these days. Exceptional tunes, very artistic videos...a class act all the way around. We saw them live a few years ago up in Boulder, and they were absolutely excellent. Anyway, midway through the disc, here's a video made to accompany the song The Free Design, from the band's 1999 Elektra release, "Cobra and Phases Group Play Voltage in the Milky Night". I remember thinking every time I'd heard that song (and the rest of that CD): 'Man, that sounds like a Rick bass'...sure enough, there's the bassist (at the time) playing a 4001. The bass line on that particular tune is classic 4001 material.

So I went on line and found some live images of the band from several different time frames, and downloaded the ones I could find that feature this guy. As well as I'm able to make out, this is Simon Johns, the third of four bass players they've had in the band...a really great player, as you'll hear if you have a chance to check out that track. Anyway, I'll put up a few of the shots following this post. What fun...a band of folks under forty with a Rick bass!

I hate to admit this, but I have never heard of this group Dane. After your glowing description, I feel like I may have missed out on something special.

A really excellent band IMO; you won't regret making some room on your CD shelves for their music, I hope...

Unfortunately, they made industry news back in Dec. 2002, when their superb rhythm gutarist and backing vocalist Mary Hansen (originally from Brisbane, Australia) was killed bicycling on a London street by a 'lorry' backing out into traffic...she was only 36. Her amazing harmonies are missed by fans and the band alike.

TANJ (There Ain't No Justice...)

Sooo...nobody else has heard of this band either? What a bunch of old fogies we are...

Notice I said 'we'...if I hadn't gotten together with a brilliant woman who's thirteen years younger than I am, my musical knowledge, taste and listening habits would probably be stiffer than my aging spine.

Visit the 21st Century...it's the World Of Tomorrow...

I have loved this band for years. Great to see other forumites digging as well.

I've seen them in concert a few of times, and they are GREAT live! The first time I saw them was in '95 and MAN what a mind blower!

Right on, Jason and Ethan...bands like Stereolab give me a tremendous amount of hope for the future...and they make the present easier to take as well.

Perhaps our discourse here will make for a few new fans...

Stereolab are cool.

Stereolab are a great band. Emperor Tomato Ketchup is a certifiable classic. Very good live too. I didn't know they used Ricks though. (Not that it surprises me with their particular aesthetic.)

Welcome to the forum, Elmyr! Yes they are a really great band.

Another big fan here. Been digging for quite a while and have them heavily rotated on my iPod.
Dots and Loops and Space Age Bachelor Pad Music are my favs.
I'm more the fan of the Mary Hansen era since she did make the signature vocal trademark they've come to known by.

Agreed, Edgar...it is inspiring that they've got the motivation to continue. I'm expecting more great things from them...

Time to brag!! I gots me an awesome copy of Emperor Tomato Ketchup on double vinyl. It must be an import because every other one I've seen is single vinyl. Anyways, The vinyl is thick and yellow/clear and has sparkles. It's the coolest looking record in my posesion. Besides my butcher Cover LP.








JK!!! got you all you Beatle freaks.

I just found out about this band, as we are going to do a cover of Wow and Flutter. Here is French Disko, featuring a Rickenbacker bass. I love finding out about what I missed...there is so much out there.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IH3aQJj1 ... plpp_video