Link Wray

Law of the Jungle: The 64 Swan Demos from 1964 are part of Sundazed's Link Wray reissue program. They've done the singles; now they're digging into the bucket. These sides were already issued by Hangman in 1989, but they haven't been available since that time -- except on the now-out-of-print Norton Records' title Mr. Guitar -- which had many more cuts. There are 15 tracks here, though, and that's a nice slab of the raw, roaring, screaming Ray Men. This is second- and sometimes third-tier material, as these were not released as singles in their own right. But there are fine cuts here, including "Bo Diddley," "Ace of Spades," "Run Boy Run," "Mustang," the failed but compelling country/New Orleans workup of Fats Domino's "What a Price," with Wray trying to really sing. "Scatter," with its crazy Farfisa organ, is also a treat. This is for Wray nuts only -- many of whom will already have this material. Beginners should start with Sundazed's reissues of the singles collection, or the Slinky! Epic Sessions, 1958-1961, or the Rhino set Rumble! The Best of Link Wray. ~ Thom Jurek, All Music Guide