Ain’t That Lovin’ You Baby
Link Wray – 1960
The legend began in 1958.
Originally written in 1956 by blues icon Jimmy Reed, “Ain’t That Lovin’ You Baby” had an upbeat rhythm that grooved it’s way to a number 8 spot on the Billboard R&B chart in March of that year.
Now here comes Mr. Link Wray, “King of the Power Chord”, “Master of the Distorted Electric Guitar Sound” and “Originator of the First Instrumental Song to Ever Get Banned”.
That’s right folks, no offensive language, just pure raw power that struck fear in the hearts of men. Actually, Boston and New York were so terrified the song “Rumble” would incite gang fights in their cities, they banned it.
Anyway, enough of the history lesson, the song I want to talk about – or just listen to over and over again, is the Jimmy Reed tune that Link Wray took in his bare hands and transformed it into a crunchy, visceral masterpiece that has never been duplicated in any of the insane amount of versions this track has gone through. I mean top notch, A-1 musicians have covered this tune including Etta James, Eric Clapton, The Everly Brothers, Dale Hawkins and the list goes on, but nothing sounds like this man.
The moment you hear the opening guitar riff you are caught in an ultimate translucent groove. Then, when the vocal comes in you’re like “What the hell is that sound?”
So you’re like, “Oh my God, that’s like the coolest thing I’ve ever heard”, but what you’re not prepared for is that fact that it gets much cooler.
Now you’re like “Holy shit, I don’t believe this!” And then the power solo rips your face off your skull.
I have never heard a track like this before or after. Link Wray changed me in so many ways with this interpretation and I thank him for it all the time.
Do yourself a favor and get this!
It’s available on vinyl via “The Rumbling Guitar Sounds Of Link Wray”. Although probably not the best label, for the price you also get some of the best stuff Link is known for.
Check out the whole track here and thanks for stopping by!