Various Artists: Bo Diddley is a... Songwriter

Although Bo's far better known for his signature 'shave and a haircut-six bits' rhythm and 20 years of his own fabulous Checker albums and singles, he was also a songwriter of some distinction -- not just for himself but also for others. Bo Diddley is a... Songwriter brings together 24 titles from the E McDaniel catalogue, performed by a variety of acts that range from 50s rock'n'roll legends (Buddy Holly, the Everly Brothers, Ronnie Hawkins, Mickey & Sylvia) to 60s R&B and garage bands (the Animals, Johnny Kidd & the Pirates, Pretty Things) to later 70s and 80s cult heroes such as the New York Dolls and Los Lobos. Between them and their chosen repertoire, they show there was much more to Bo beyond those mesmerizing guitar riffs and out-of-this world rhythm patterns. The CD also features a rare appearance from Iggy Pop's first band - the Iguanas - performing (Mona) I Need You Baby.

As with other volumes in this series, the repertoire is carefully chosen to reflect all aspects of Bo's songwriting ability, from ballads (Dearest, I'm Sorry) to blues (Before You Accuse Me, She's Fine She's Mine) to pop (Love Is Strange) to the shave-and-a-haircut shakers that he's perhaps known for (Who Do You Love, Bo Diddley etc).

Copious track-by-track annotation, and the inevitable wealth of illustrations make this a must for everyone remotely interested in the work of one of the true legends of the rock'n'roll era.

Tracks

1. Bo Diddley - Buddy Holly
2. I Can Tell - Johnny Kidd & The Pirates
3. Oh Yeah - The Shadows Of Knight
4. Dearest - Mickey & Sylvia
5. Dearest Darling - Gizzelle
6. Before You Accuse Me - Delbert Mcclinton
7. Crackin' Up (What's Buggin' You) - The Gants
8. Love Is Strange - The Everly Brothers
9. Road Runner - The Zombies
10. I'm Sorry - Los Lobos
11. (Mona) I Need You Baby - The Iguanas
12. Mama (Can I Go Out Tonight) - Jo Ann Campbell
13. Beaux' Bounce A.K.A. Bo's Bounce - C.C. Adcock
14. Diddley Daddy - The British Walkers
15. I'm A Man - John Hammond
16. You Don't Love Me (You Don't Care) - The Birds
17. Pills - New York Dolls
18. She's Fine, She's Mine ("You Don't Love Me") -Willie Cobbs
19. Mama Keep Your Big Mouth Shut - Dr. Feelgood
20. Cadillac (Demo) - The Downliners Sect
21. Diddy Wah Diddy - Captain Beefheart And His Magic Band
22. The Story Of Bo Diddley - The Animals
23. Pretty Thing - The Pretty Things
24. Who Do You Love - Ronnie Hawkins And the Hawks

Various Artists - Bo Diddley is a... Songwriter - 2010 - Ace Records UK