The Coasters include: Carl Gardner, Bobby Nunn, Leon Hughes, Billy Guy,
Obie "Young" Jessie, Cornell Gunter, Will "Dub" Jones, Earl "Speedo" Carroll.
Producers: Jerry Leiber, Mike Stoller.
Compilation producer: Gary Stewart.
Includes liner notes by Randy Poe, Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller.
Digitally remastered by Bill Inglot and Dan Hersch (Digiprep).
by Ron Wynn (All Music Guide)
The Coasters were the 1950s' (and early rock's) dominant novelty/comic R&B 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 slice-of-life 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 two-disc treatment, consumers who either don't want that much Coasters material or prefer only the hits are nicely served by this 18-track anthology. It contains every major release, plus valuable lesser-known selections such as "Shoppin' for Clothes" and "What About Us."
Total R&B fanatics can be appeased with Rhino's 2CD 'Fifty Coastin' Classics' anthology; for the rest of us, this single disc will suffice to enjoy the raving, stylish music of one of the all time greatest R&B combos ever to walk this Earth.