LINK
By Willy van Buel
THE STORY:
Yes, again another classic AOR - POMP band reformed and thanks through the power of the NET and last but not least, thanks to Eric Abrahamsen, we were able to do an interview with LINK. Not many are aware of this US band, who released 2 albums (one full and one 6-track mini album) at the beginning of the eighties. Both were released on a small indie label, called MIRUS/OUR GANG and are pretty rare. Especially their 6-track mini album called ' Temptation ' is popular amongst collectors. But, before we go to this one, first some words on their debut called ' ALL FOR YOU ', from 1980. Covered with a nice dino- saur bone artwork this album contained good POMP-rock reminding a bit of STYX, THRILLS, STONEBOLT....
First track ' One more time ' hits off very strong with plenty use of keys and catchy chorus. Other great songs are ' Music in my head ' and the really nice Bowie cover ' Space Oddity' , together with the riffy ' Moment by Moment ' and the epic final title cut ' All for you' . Although, and I know most of you hate it, there're some subtle sax touches once and a while, this album sure is worth tracking down and if you like the bands mentioned above, you won't be disappointed. Three years later, they returned with a 6 track album called Temptation. There were 2 fresh members and their style changed a bit more AOR, altough many see this album as one of the best POMP albums ever released, mainly off the massive use of key- boards on nearly every track. And they're right, because Temptation is one off the best.
All 6 tracks are real killer songs combining guitars, keys and the really good singing of newcomer Paul Christensen in the right proportions. Again, we're spoiled with songs like ' Hang on ' (memorable chorus, pomp all the way), ' Temptation ' and ' Gone are the times' (maybe their best songs ever...) and on side B ' Shadow of myself ' (like early STYX), ' Can't get enough ' and the final cut ' Long live Rock' , to end this fine album in a fine style. LINK also released a 7" ( can't tell much about it, because I never saw or heard it) and they recorded an unreleased album called Maximum Air. According to LINK, this Maximum Air is the best they ever recorded and maybe they're gonna send me a tape with the music. I can hardly believe it's better than Temptation, because, for me, even better is nearly impossible. Personal gradings: 7.5 and 10.
At this moment, the band is back together writing new songs and maybe this new start carries out the plan to rerelease both albums on CD, a release of their unreleased Maximum Air album (like Thrills 3th) and hopefully also new material. In the mean while, we had a talk with the guys and let's see what they have to say:
THE INTERVIEW
Q: Can you tell us where and how it all started way back in the early eighties? How did Link form?
A: Burt: In 1979, Link was formed as a sci-fi concept band originally called "Link Laser". Big production, 10-foot robot on stage, mylar outfits…you get the idea. Some record companies scouting us at the time told us to tone down the production a bit. So, we dropped "Laser" from the name and focused our attention on the music and recording.
Q: I always ask myself, how does a band find their musical direction or style? I mean, a band like Link, you’re five guys with five different characters. How easy or difficult was it to hold this lineup steady?
A: Kevin: It seems that musicians with similar musical tastes gravitate toward each other. Link has had its share of personnel changes over the years, but the core of the band… my brother Kent, Burt and myself…has stayed consistent throughout.
Q: Which were the bands that influenced Link in the beginning?
A: Kevin: As a band, I know we were all into good songwriting. The Beatles, the Stones, and The Who come to mind.
Burt: For me, I was heavily influenced by Led Zeppelin. I really liked Yes a lot.
Kevin: As a keyboard player, I was influenced by great players like Josef Zawinul, Keith Emerson, and Jan Hammer.
Q: In 1980 and 1983 you released two fine albums. Which was the most successful and how was the reputation of Link back then? Did the band have a big following? Can you please tell us more about the scene at that time?
A: Burt: All For You, our first album, got a considerable amount of FM airplay after it was released in 1980. That album was pre-nominated for seven Grammy Awards and we did a lot of touring to promote it in the U.S. Midwest. Our following was loyal, large, and growing. 1983’s release, Temptation, received a fair amount of airplay and sold well in selected markets. However, the band always felt that some of our best work was done on an unreleased album recorded in 1981. It was entitled "Maximum Air". This album had a more progressive, less mainstream feel. Unfortunately, our record company thought it was too "outside" for their tastes. The band’s disappointment at the time resulted in a change of personnel for the Temptation album.
Q: What happened with Ron Marrone and Roger Hatfield? What were the reasons they left the band and were replaced by Gregg Orr and Paul Christensen on the Temptation album?
A: Kevin: Ron became disenchanted with the fact that Maximum Air was not released. He felt obligated to leave the band on principle, even though he loved Link. It was a sad time for us because we were very close. Roger became involved as a record and video producer and left to explore those interests. During our search for replacements, the rest of us worked as studio musicians and recorded several projects. One was the world’s first aerobic exercise album. It went Platinum.
Burt: Gregg was a long time high school friend of ours…great guitar chops and voice. Paul was a progressive rock musician/writer from Cleveland. We thought it was a good fit for Temptation.
Q: There are rumors about a seven-inch released after the Temptation album. Could you please tell us more about that?
A: Burt: we independently released a single record in 1987. It had a song called "Baby Can’t Wait’ on the "A" side and a remake of The Cream’s "Sunshine of Your Love" on side "B". Those cuts were with our new guitarist, Jeff Moore, which brings us to the lineup that still exists.
Q: Can you remember the best gigs or tours you did and with which bands? Did Link ever play in Europe?
A: Kevin: We played with such acts as Ted Nugent, REO Speedwagon, The Edgar Winter Group, Manfred Mann’s Earth Band, Rick Derringer, Patty Smith, and The James Gang. At least those are the ones that come to mind right now. Unfortunately, Link never played any overseas gigs, although we would have really liked to do that. Is that an invitation?
Q: As you now look back, what was the nicest thing you can remember about Link, Part One?
A: Kevin: I think that the greatest thing about playng with Link was the fact that we were doing exactly what we wanted to do…make music, and the audiences were responding. It was an intense feeling to produce this "creation" and show it to the world. Another great feeling that I have to mention is the band’s comraderie. We had a lot of excellent times just being together and working toward mutual goals.
Q: What was the biggest disappointment?
A: Burt: By far, the biggest disappointment was the month following the release of Temptation. Our record company was involved in some legal disputes that affected Link directly. A court order stopped the business in its tracks and halted the promotion of the record at the same time. We had record stores selling out of Temptation and they couldn’t get restocked.
Kevin: Yeah, the band was stuck in limbo. We couldn’t record for our current label and couldn’t be released from our contract to pursue another label for several years. That hurt. It was a terrible time for us, waiting out that contract. That’s why we didn’t make another record until 1987. We continued to play "live" with success, and that kept us sane.
Q: What happened after the breakup? Did all of you go your own way or did you stay in touch? Were there still connections in a musical way?
A: Kevin: In 1988, we decided to pursue individual interests, some of them musical, some of them personal. We have always stayed in touch...after all, we’re friends. It’s interesting that recently we’ve been working on new material as a band for recording and, hopefully, for release.
Q: What or who turned the scale for this reunion?
A: Burt: I think part of the reason for our reunion is the continued and new interest in AOR music worldwide. Our previous albums have received many favorable reviews. I also think that in the back of our minds, there was still some music that needed exploring. Our interests were renewed simultaneously.
Q: What is the lineup, now?
A: Burt: I’m still playing the drums because no one will let me sing. Paul Christensen is doing keys, sax, and vocals. Jeff Moore does the guitar work. Kent Mazey is on bass and vocals and Kevin does keyboard work and vocals.
Q: Ok, the last half year we have heard many great things about classic rock bands giving it a second try, but aren’t you afraid for the scene? As you know, the U.S. music scene isn’t exactly AOR or POMP friendly. Also, in Europe the scene is very underground. What are the hopes for this restart?
A: Kevin: Link’s hopes and dreams are the same as ever…in spite of current AOR markets. We just want to make Link music. We have never judged success in monetary terms. We are successful musicians because we make good music, not because of financial promise.
Q: I’ve heard you’ve already written and recorded new songs. Will the style be a return to the sound of the two released albums? Could you tell us more about the songs, who did the writing, and so on?
A: Kevin: Our latest recordings are band efforts and are readily identifiable by those familiar with Link’s sound. We are really happy with the material and feel that these are our best cuts to date. Look for songs like "Physical Communication", "All Gone Now", and "No Way Out".
Q: Have you already played gigs with the new band? How was the response?
A: Burt: No live gigs yet. Let’s just say that right now we’re focusing on writing, recording, and refining our songs.
Q: Is there a possibility that Temptation and All For You will be re-released on CD in the future? As you probably know, both albums are kinda rare nowadays and hard to get.
A: Burt: Re-releasing All For You and Temptation is a possibility if the demand exists. It would take a little doing, but anything’s possible!
Q: Last question. Do you have some last words for the fans in Europe and, of course, the rest of the world?
A: Kevin: To Link fans everywhere…thanks for listening. Keep your ears open, the future sounds great.
Let's hope, soon, we'll be able to listen to new LINK songs, as well to the music of all their recordings on CD quality. Keep your fingers crossed because LINK aren't fossilized yet .....