Link Wray's 3-Track Shack

I am so glad to see this. I used to have the "Link Wray" album, but sold it for semi-big bucks. I had always regretted it. Having owned the record, I was aware of the lore of the chicken coop studio and the three-track Ampex. I knew about the Mordicai Jones, and Beans and Fatback albums, but never saw either one in the flesh. And I still haven't. But thanks to this reissue, I know what they looked like because of the excellent photography and history in the included 28-page booklet.These albums were once released on CD in a similar fashion, on two discs, but that version was expensive and disappeared anyway before I could buy it. This version has it all - great sound, great notes, good price. No other recordings sound like these. The conditions were primitive, but I wouldn't call the results "lo-fi" by any means. Listen to the percussion on "God Out West". Is part of it really boots stomping on the floor? Can't say for sure if it is, but the world's best studio drummer playing a $2800 drumset couldn't make a more effective track. There is great clarity and little distortion in all these recordings of Link playing heartfelt, mostly acoustic songs that have nothing to do with commercial music making. And there are flashes of his monster electric guitar as well. These are Recordings that sound like nothing else, wonderfully remastered, with fascinating notes in a plastic jewel case the way God (Out West, or wherever) intended. My sole complaint (nitpicking) is that the cover photo of the iconic shack could have been larger. They ought to pass a law requiring all music to be recorded in a three-track chicken coop.

I have been a huge Link Wray fan since "Rumble" was released in my high school years. I bought the single and played it to death. In the early '60s I had the great fortune to see him & his Raymen live in a local bar once or twice a year for 4 years straight while in college. They were fantastic live performers. In the mid-'70s, I started buying any albums I could find of Link's and continued on with cds all the way up to the present. I loved this particular period of his, even though it was nothing like the heavy instrumentals I was used to. These songs were Americana many years before the term Americana was coined. They are still among my favorite Link recordings. After the many times I saw Link in the early '60s, I didn't have the opportunity to see him again until 1979 (still great) and then again quite a few times in 2002, 2003 and 2005 (a few months before he died). Every one of those shows was still classic Link Wray. Other than the original Raymen, to me, his best backup on tour was provided by the bassist and drummer of The Jet City Fix in 2003. His is sorely missed, but I will always be able to enjoy his music.

I haven't been able to stop listening to this CD since I got it. I LOVE Link Wray, but this isn't the Link Wray you're thinking of. This is primitive, stripped-down swamp-a-billy Link Wray. SERIOUSLY....if I had the money I'd buy multiple copies of this CD and hand them out to people who I might deem worthy. Hot damn!!!..... just buy it! If you have any soul at all you'll dig the sh*t out of it.

This is absolutely great. We have it in the car (yes, we had our new car fitted with a CD player. We also played it for our musician friends. WHY WHY WHY isn't Link Wray in the Hall of Fame where he belongs???

How is this not a famous best selling CD? This purchase was intended to be an introduction to Link Wray based on his name coming up time and again from artists who we admire. This CD is a real surprise and real find. A man before his time.

Link's venture into the music of the late 60's and early 70's. A little rough around the edges but really good trip.Saw Link a little before he passed and he could play his original stuff as good as ever. Also have a dvd of a liveperformance around that time. A one of a kind, Thanks Link!

Enjoy driving and listening to there CD.

Not the black jacketed rocker Link Wray but the same talent and ability. Should be in your collection.

It's a bit weird with the Mordecai Jones tracks spread across the 2 cds. I can't think why Link doesn't sing on those tracks as I think he was a fine singer.

Bought for a friend

i love the rawness & "downhomeliness" of link's vocals,i miss him not singing on the 2nd album of this series. i feel like he's on the back porch with me stompin' out these great tunes, "la de da" & "in the pines" are my favs.

Not quite what I expected, non the less very interesting and enjoyable and good liner notes.Highly recommended.

Simply one of the best records ever recorded. I love this record so much I blogged about it. [...].See blog at lilmoxie.com