I think he was great back then because the bass was clear and upfront, unlike most other bands where the guitar overpowered everything. So you could hear the bass, and respect the band for having it loud, and just accept that the bassist must be good, rather than the production just making it a bit more upfront. If that makes sense.
I just like it how he gallops, best way to describe his basslines. Really fits the music.
But yeah, I guess it is nothing spectacular.