Originating from Louisville, Kentucky, the band Bodeco derived its name from a blend of Bo Diddley and zydeco. Among the early-'90s indie roots-rock acts—including '68 Comeback, Reverend Horton Heat, the Jon Spencer Blues Explosion, and Southern Culture on the Skids—the group stood out as perhaps the most overlooked. Its approach centered on straightforward grit and drive rather than self-conscious retro mannerisms. Ricky Feather fronted the lineup, supported by Matthew O'Bannon on guitar, Brian Burchett on drums, Jimmy Brown on bass, and Gary Stillwell on percussion. Bodeco debuted with the Homestead Records album Bone, Hair and Hide in 1992; its songs chronicled rough living through Duane Eddy-style riffs, aggressive rockabilly, and lively instrumentals. The next release, Callin' All Dogs, arrived in 1995 after some delay and reflected a broader, more seasoned sensibility while retaining the prior record’s raw force and sharp guitar attack. During the gap between the two albums, Matthew O'Bannon issued his solo project Wink on Safehouse Records in 1993. Assembled piecemeal across roughly ten years, the album mixed rock and roll, country, and blues tracks with intense instrumentals. O’Bannon also played with Eleventh Dream Day during the mid-'90s.
