Once upon a time, what we call “rock and roll” had guitarists who swung hard on popular instrumentals. One of the most important of this lost genre was Link Wray (1929-2005), whose fuzzy and distorted tone teamed up with his rebel attitude to spawn a number of genres, ranging from rockabilly to punk to new wave.
This two disc set collects the A and B sides of his singles from a plethora of different labels including Cadence, Mala and Trans Atlas, tunes from his 1960 Epic album Link Wray & The Wraymen as well as 1962’s Great Guitar Hits on the Vermillion label. He also sang a bit as well, snarling out lyrics of defiance on “I Sez Baby” but for the most part he is creating film noir soundtracks by the 45rpm, echoing out a “Raw-Hide” and the classic “Rumble” that was a big hit in both R&B and pop radio circles. His thick and black leather jacket sound on “Jack The Ripper” was definitive, sounding like Marlon Brando in The Wild Bunch if Brando were a guitar player, with “Big City After Dark” not too far behind. His deep and dark lower tones on “Caroline” and “Right Turn” are downright visceral with a remake of “Rumble” reflecting a Duane Eddy influence. You probably need a pair of shades, a white T shirt and dungarees rolled up a couple inches to truly appreciate how important this six-slinger was, and if you’re playing it at a party, all conversations will stop, look and listen. Check him out!