Bo Diddley - Road Runner: The Chess Masters 1959-1960

Two CD set. The 52-track volume covers all of Bo Diddley's 1959 home and Chess studio recordings, plus half of his first 1960 session. This collection shows Mr. Diddley expanding his musical base far and wide, including adding a second guitarist, emphasizing melodies very different than his original blues base, and working on a number of intriguing guitar and rhythm-based instrumentals.This volume is a treasure trove of Diddley-ized rare gems. 23 previously unreleased songs or alternates plus many tracks seeing life on CD for the first time in the U.S. and sometimes anywhere. The double CD also includes insightful liner notes by Diddley biographer/discographer George R. White, plus complete track by track credits. Hip-O Records. Album Description

Bo - Part Deux!

This is the second volume of Hip-O-Select's (hopefully) complete review of Bo's incredible output from the late 50's, into the 60's (and maybe the 70's?). The first set was released earlier this year and is called "Bo Diddley - "I'm A Man / The Chess Masters, 1955-1958". That was a two CD set covering every recorded track from 1955-1958 and this set picks up with 1959 and covers tracks recorded into early 1960. Obviously the first set is a bit stronger as it contained all of the classic early tracks like "I'm A Man", "Bo Diddley" etc.. but in some ways this set is almost more fun and interesting. I say that because those earlier tracks have been released a thousand times and this set includes some fantastic tracks that have not had the airplay and as many different releases that the earlier tracks have. There are some incredible tracks that have been unavailable (in the U.S at least) for several years and only available as imports with fairly poor sound and no sense of order.

This set (along with the first) have all the masters with very nice sound and an abundance of alternate versions including some rough demos and studio chatter that just makes it a great - 5 star release.

Bo's 1959 and early '60 tracks are every bit as good as the 1955 stuff and in fact he began branching out with some beautiful ballads and different rhythms. Pick up this set (and the earlier one if you don't have it) as it is some of the most important music of Rock's early years.

Both sets include nice booklets with an essay about Bo and track by track recording data.

I believe they are both limited editions also - limited to pressings of 5000 each. September 13, 2008

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