AMG Review of Missing Links, Vol. 4: Streets of Chicago

Cub Koda
All Music Guide

Streets Of Chicago, the final entry in this superlative four volume set, holds the singular distinction of being the only one that wasn't originally issued on vinyl. But as a capper to the set, its existence sends it out on a loud, high note, indeed. The previously unissued title opus (16 of the 17 tracks collected here are seeing issuance for the first time here) is quite simply one of the finest Link Wray originals ever, equally on a par with his better known instrumentals, full of swagger, menace and another classic proto-metal lick. Other highlights include blistering guitar work on "Street Fighter" and live versions of "Soul Train," "Ace Of Spades," and a six minute plus rendition of "Drown In My Own Tears" where Link's screams and falsetto shrieking cuts through the badly damaged, low-fi recording with alarming clarity. Nothing on here is less than classic, with some of the selections bordering on essential.