Link Wray & the Raymen - Mr. Guitar (Norton)

Link’s been in the ground a few years but his spirit lives on in the sonic DNA of innumerable bands. “Grandfather of the Power Chord” isn’t some idle boast. This generously sequenced Norton set documents the genesis of that sobriquet over the course of 63 singles cut for the Swan label in the Sixties. The crunch and growl of his signature pen-perforated amp sound is in full effect throughout. Raw-boned riffs are regularly recycled and many of the tune titles are tacked on, one fuzz-tone roof-raiser folding easily into the next. But between the various “Rumble” variations and other largely interchangeable instrumentals arise surprises, like Link’s raucous takes on Howlin’ Wolf’s “Hidden Charms” and Elvis’ “Hound Dog” and his heartfelt interpretation of Dylan’s “Girl From the North Country”. Also endearing are weirdo novelty tunes like “The Shadow Knows” and an organ-blitzed send-up of the “Batman Theme” with Wray voicing the part of the Caped Crusader. The B-sides well out number their A-list counterparts, but that attention to obscurata is a chief reason why this exhaustive collection is so much fun. The booklet contains a boon of period snapshots and Wrayological anecdotes and in true Norton style even includes a marble-patterned guitar pick. Amidst the continuing proliferation of compilations that offer piecemeal portions of Link’s catalog, this set is still the one to get, both for its Bear Family-worthy inclusiveness and its attention to his salacious salad years.