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.

REVIEWS

“This round-up of power-chord distorted singles and album tracks from Link and The Wraymen often gives variations on delinquent feral wonder Rumble - some sentimental, some goofy, mostly hard as nails and metallic-Dionysian - but what a theme it is.”  **** (Mojo February 2020)

“Link was never exactly gentle, but if his later recordings are just a tad too heavy for you, this plunge through the earlier period will serve you well. He was a monster of rock 'n' roll and you cannot have too much of him in your collection.”  – Shaun Mather  (Now Dig This Issue 442)

“Rumble and The Swag sit side-by-side on this must-have 2CD collection, a generous 38 tracks covering his most important recording era, across various labels, including the Cadence and Epic hits like Comanche, Rawhide and Ace OF Spades. Included are detailed sleevenotes from Paul Watts, many action photos and some of the most compelling instrumentals to shake the room. Link was an ace guitarist, as a vocalist, not so much. However, this compilation remains instrumental dominated, and that's as it should be.” *****   –  John Howard (Vintage Rock Issue 46)