Scum? Now that would be the stuff that floats on top of the cream, right? 
Quick question - to keep this within the topic field - are there any prog bassists you're influenced by?
My main prog influences (as a bassist) are Pete Trewavas and Colin Kimberley
My Non-prog influences are JJ Burnel, Keith da Bass, Ian Kilmister, Robbie Shakespear, Jasper and Cliff Burton.
I think there's another thread on who plays what, but hey, I don't mind repeating myself. There is a good recent thread on bass sounds which may point you to bassists you haven't come across - there were several in there I'd never heard of.
I also play guitar, piano and sing (classically trained to Honours Degree level). I'm not too bad as a lyricist either.