The Coasters - Very Best of the Coasters (CD)

All Music Guide

The Coasters were the 1950s' (and early rock's) dominant novelty/comic RB ensemble, benefiting from Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller's lyrical wit and inspired production. They weren't simply proficient clowns; The Coasters were a skilled vocal unit whose talents were utilized on sliceoflife narratives, prophetic youth manifestos, and even an occasional teen anthem, as well as the prototype humorous vehicles "Yakety Yak" and "Poison Ivy." Although Rhino has already given them the deluxe twodisc treatment, consumers who either don't want that much Coasters material or prefer only the hits are nicely served by this 18track anthology. It contains every major release, plus valuable lesserknown selections such as "Shoppin' for Clothes" and "What About Us."

- Ron Wynn, All Music Guide