 |  | and ed sullivan said he wouldn't last six months |  |
When this album came out and became a hit, I hope bo gave a copy to Ed Sullivan and told him where to go cuz this record just like his music is hot to death. I know I was born twenty-three years after it came out but it strikes a chord with me from gunslinger down to better watch yourself.But what caught my ear was the guitar intro to do the crawdaddy and the hard harsh sound on it.It is a must for new and old blues and rock lovers alike. keep it rockin bo and everybody else keep it clean
January 27, 2007| | | His most well-thought out album | |
Not only are the songs great, "Bo Diddley Is A Gunslinger" is a great ALBUM as opposed to being just a collection of singles. Many of the tracks were recorded at Bo's home studio, and the album in general has an upbeat humorous feel to it. One of my favorite lyrics: "If you do the Craw-Dad right, I'm gonna buy you a popsicle tonight!" (from Doing The Crawdaddy). The bonus tracks are very good too. I really don't know what else I can say about this without ruining it for you if you haven't heard it. It's loud, it's fun, and it's Bo Diddley.
October 18, 2006A must-have for Bo Diddley fans! The song "Better Watch Yourself" is worth the price alone. Think - "I'm A Man" part 2. Blues Bo Diddley-Style! I give it 4 stars because most of the songs don't have the "Bo Diddley Beat" that we all love. Still a great cd and a good buy!
July 23, 2004 | | Solid album of bedrock rock 'n' roll | |
Diddley's fifth album, originally issued in 1961, didn't really expand on his formula - Diddley beat, propulsive rhythm guitar and maracas, and boastful lyrics - but it's such a bedrock sound, he didn't really need to. In addition to the title track's toast-worthy brag and the well-known "Ride On Josephine," the album is filled with treats. Diddley's bluesy recitation of "Sixteen Tons" has a darkness that (unsurprisingly) eluded Tennessee Ernie Ford, "Do What I Say" has a hypnotically twangy rhythm-lead, and though "Do the Crawdaddy" may never have caught on as a national dance craze, it's a fine tune, with Diddley's guitar forming a virtual wall-of-sound.
Diddley's music is more carnal than that of labelmates like Chuck Berry, fueled more by the beat and the energy of the reverb than by clever stories or characters. Most of the album keeps the beat cranked, but even when it pauses for ballads like "Somewhere" and "No More Lovin'" there's a raw edge that leaps out. The melodies may be reminiscent of standard '50s rock ballads, but Diddley's singing and the production are incredibly electric.
Bonus tracks include a loose take of "Prisoner of Love" that sounds as if it was arranged by Screamin' Jay Hawkins, the stompin' novelty "Googlia Moo," and Little Walter's (or Lightnin' Hopkins') "Better Watch Yourself." The latter two help flesh out other sides of Diddley's musical background. April 15, 2004
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