Link Wray: Shadowman

Link Wray will always be known as "the guy who wrote 'Rumble'"—and, unfortunately, as "Who" to most others. Shadowman isn't about to change that sad fact. As the man who made the electric guitar sound dangerous and menacing, Wray has been a national treasure since the '50s. His sound has branched off into surf, hard rock, heavy metal, punk rock… You name it, he's influenced it. While not unlikable, the warbly hooks on Shadowman blend in with the work of those who have followed in Wray's wake. One thing that sets the album apart from previous efforts is the fact that Wray sings here, but his choice of covers (Creedence Clearwater Revival's "Run Through The Jungle," Elvis Presley's "Heartbreak Hotel") doesn't help matters much. It's sad to say that Shadowman is a neutral move in the grand scheme of things. The only thing that would make this album a must-have is a burning desire to contribute to Wray's retirement fund.