In The Spotlight – BO DIDDLEY***

Road Runner/Story Of Bo Diddley/Scuttle Bug/Signifying Blues/Let Me In/Limber/Love Me/Craw-Dad/Walkin’ & Talkin’/Travellin’/West/Deed & Deed I Do/Live My Life

Recognised by his trademark rectangular guitar, blues rocker Bo Diddley achieved only limited commercial success. However, he exerted a strong influence on many musicians, particularly The Rolling Stones. In The Spotlight was one of his more highly regarded releases.

“Listening to this record, it's easy to see where Mick Jagger and his contemporaries got their egos. While Elvis was making women swoon, Bo Diddley was arguably pioneering one of rock's most essential elements: self-mythology. Who else would have the audacity to claim that they invented a two-measure, six-note rhythmic pattern? Here he sings a song called Story Of Bo Diddley, which would not be the last time he would write a song about himself.”

“This album is quite a bit louder and swampier than Chuck Berry recordings from the same time. Special mention goes to the West Indies-influenced Limber and the original storming version of the perennial Road Runner, but this entire album is eminently listenable and is one of the most enjoyable 50s/early 60s rock albums.”

“The two openers Road Runner and Story Of Bo Diddley are rightly considered Diddley classics, but otherwise there is nothing new on this album. Instead many tracks are recycled oldies or are simply standard R & B offerings.”

“Bo is the real king of rock and roll. This is an amazing set of songs, every one a gem."

“Every track on this sounds 'hit worthy'. Anyone interested in how we got where we are in rock & roll should buy this. The Rolling Stones owe him a lot.”

“Bo Diddley was never as commercially successful as his Chess Records label mate Chuck Berry, but the music that he created in the late 1950s and early 1960s would influence a legion of rock 'n' roll followers.”

"Live My Life is a mid-tempo blues tune with a strolling rhythm, Diddley's uncharacteristically soulful vocals, backing harmonies, and scraps of wiry guitar.”