Link Wray – The Rumbling Guitar Sound of Link Wray

Few musicians changed the course of popular music as dramatically as Link Wray. The Rumbling Guitar Sound of Link Wray collects thirty-two of his most influential recordings across two LPs, tracing the groundbreaking guitar work that helped invent distortion, popularize the power chord, and pave the way for generations of rock musicians.

From the immortal “Rumble” and “Raw-Hide” to classics like “Jack the Ripper,” “Ace of Spades,” and “Comanche,” this collection captures the raw, aggressive sound that made Wray one of the most important guitar innovators of the 20th century. Complete with extensive liner notes by Nigel Cross, it’s an essential retrospective for anyone interested in the roots of rock guitar.

Why We Carry It

Without Link Wray, rock music—and surf guitar—would sound very different. His fearless experimentation with overdriven amps, cavernous reverb, and heavy power chords directly influenced everyone from The Kinks and The Who to garage rock, punk, heavy metal, and countless instrumental surf bands. If you’re building a guitar record collection, this isn’t just recommended—it’s required listening.

Track Listing

LP 1 – Side A

• Rumble
• Raw-Hide
• Comanche
• Slinky
• Right Turn
• Hand Clapper
• Pancho Villa
• El Toro

LP 1 – Side B

• Radar
• Dance Contest
• Run Chicken Run
• Alone
• Rendezvous
• Lillian
• Golden Strings
• Poppin’ Popeye

LP 2 – Side A

• Jack the Ripper
• Big City Stomp
• Ramble
• Studio Blues
• Black Widow
• Ace of Spades
• The Swag
• The Outlaw

LP 2 – Side B

• Caroline
• Dixie-Doodle
• Tijuana
• The Stranger
• Trail of the Lonesome Pine
• Ain’t That Lovin’ You Baby
• Teenage Cutie
• Mary Ann

For Fans Of

The Ventures, Dick Dale, Duane Eddy, Johnny Burnette Trio, The Shadows, garage rock, rockabilly, instrumental rock, proto-punk, vintage guitar music