Link Wray – The Link Wray Collection 1956-62 – 2CD

Guitarist and rockabilly singer Link Wray was one of the key cult figures in the history of rock ‘n’ roll and modern rock, having pioneered the technique of using power chords on a distorted electric guitar, most notably on his landmark hit “Rumble”, that was an essential feature of later heavy rock, punk and other styles. Pete Townshend of The Who said that: “If it hadn't been for Link Wray and ‘Rumble’ I would have never picked up a guitar.” Of Shawnee native American parentage, he contracted tuberculosis while serving in the Korean War, losing a lung, and was told he might never sing again. However, he pursued a music career, and made rockabilly records before in 1958 recording “Rumble”, a brooding instrumental which was banned by some radio stations for fear it would incite gang violence. It proved an inspirational for just about every teenager who picked up a guitar. He had a chequered and brief recording career with major labels, frustrated by the corporate machine, and in the early ‘60s made his own records in an improvised studio. This collection comprises as many of the A & B sides of his early singles on a variety of labels as are available to include, plus the tracks from his two albums during this era not otherwise released as singles. It naturally includes “Rumble” plus his other two chart entries “Rawhide” and “Jack The Ripper”. It’s a fascinating showcase for one of rock ‘n’ roll’s true left-field heroes, an instinctive style icon and innovator.

Track Listing:

CD1:
Link Wray: 1. I Sez Baby - 2:00   2. Johnny Bom Bonny - 2:18   Link Wray And His Ray Men: 3.
Rumble - 2:25   4. The Swag 2:20   5. Rawhide - 2:05   6. The Dixie-Doodle - 2:09   7. Comanche - 2:04   8. Lillian - 1:50   9. Slinky - 2:31   10. Rendezvous - 1:54   Ray Vernon: 11. Roughshod - 2:19   12. Vendetta - 2:42   Link Wray & The Wraymen: 13. Trail of the Lonesome Pine - 2:35   14. Golden Strings - 2:46   15. Ain't That Lovin' You Babe - 2:46   16. Mary Ann - 2:22   17. Jack The Ripper - 2:25   18. The Stranger - 2:12   19. El Toro - 2:32   

CD2:
Link Wray: 1. Tijuana - 2:08   Link Wray & His Raymen: 2. Danger One Way Love - 2:21   Ray Vernon & The Raymen: 3. Hold It - 2:16   4. Big City After Dark - 2:51   Link Wray: 5. Poppin' Popeye - 2:17   6. Big City Stomp - 2:20   Link Wray & The Wraymen: 7. Caroline - 2:26   8. Right Turn - 1:45   9. Ramble - 2:15   10. Hand Clapper - 2:20   11. Radar - 2:18   12. Studio Blues - 2:03  13.
Run, Chicken, Run - 1:59   14. The Black Widow - 1:54   15. Pancho Villa - 2:10   16. Ace Of Spades - 2:18   17. Dance Contest - 2:23   18. Alone - 2:32   19. The Outlaw - 2:10