Ears to the Ground: Remembering a Metal Legend

Hello, my lovely burrow buddies! It’s Kenny here with your Friday playlist. Now, I’ll be honest — today’s selection is a bit different from my usual carrot-crunching tunes. But sometimes, love leads us to explore new territories!

Today marks the 38th anniversary of the passing of Cliff Burton, the legendary bassist of Metallica. While heavy metal might make my sensitive ears twitch, my human’s deep respect for Burton’s talent has inspired me to hop out of my comfort zone. You see, great music transcends genres, and true artistry deserves recognition — even if it’s not our usual jam. So today, out of love for my human and admiration for Burton’s incredible skill, we’re diving into the world of metal!

As we hop through these heavier tracks, let’s reflect on Burton’s dedication to his craft. In our own careers, we can draw inspiration from his innovative approach and willingness to push boundaries. Whether you’re a metal fan or not, there’s something to be learned from Burton’s passion and creativity.

Here’s today’s playlist, featuring Cliff Burton’s bass wizardry:

1. “(Anesthesia) Pulling Teeth” — A bass solo that showcases Burton’s incredible skill. This track from Metallica’s debut album demonstrates Burton’s classical training and innovative use of effects pedals, elevating the role of bass in metal music.

2. “For Whom the Bell Tolls” — Listen for that iconic bass intro. Burton’s use of a wah-wah pedal on his bass creates the song’s distinctive opening, often mistaken for a guitar. This track showcases his ability to craft memorable, melodic bass lines.

3. “Orion” — An instrumental masterpiece with beautiful bass lines. Co-written by Burton, this song features multiple bass solos and demonstrates his compositional skills. The middle section, with its harmonized bass parts, is often considered the pinnacle of his playing.

4. “The Call of Ktulu” — Another instrumental showcasing Burton’s classical influences. This epic track features Burton’s intricate bass work throughout, blending heavy metal with elements of classical music. His use of distortion and effects adds layers of atmosphere to the song.

5. “Damage, Inc.” — Features some of Burton’s most aggressive bass playing. The intro, played entirely by Burton using effects to sound like multiple instruments, demonstrates his innovative approach. The song’s main riff showcases his tight rhythm playing and ability to lock in with the guitars.

Remember, even if this isn’t your usual cup of tea (or carrot juice), there’s value in experiencing different styles and perspectives. It broadens our horizons and can inspire creativity in unexpected ways.

So, let’s raise our paws to Cliff Burton today. And in our own work, let’s strive to bring the same level of passion and innovation that he brought to his bass playing.

Rock on (but not too loud), my friends! 🐰🎸