In the truest sense of the words, the Coasters were a rock 'n' roll vocal group. They didn't really sing doo wop, they were too straight ahead for R&B, and their irreverent songs were miles away from anything mainstream at the time. Simply, they rocked. Led by the writer/producer team of Mike Leiber and Jerry Stoller, the Coasters (originally known as the Robins) created a series of vignettes that spoke to and about teenagers - the very essence of rock 'n' roll in its early days. Sure, the group (all black) and their handlers (both white) came from an R&B background. But, if you believe in rock 'n' roll as a place where race becomes secondary, a place where ethnic traditions meet to serve a higher purpose, then the Coasters were a great rock 'n' roll band.

All of which makes the Coasters sound a lot more serious than they were. "Smokey Joe's Cafe," "Along Came Jones," "Charlie Brown," and "Riot In Cell Block Number Nine" are among the funniest rock songs ever recorded. The Coasters music is timeless, and I can't recommend Rhino's 50 Coastin' Classics enough. It is the answer to the prayers of every Coaster fan who ever drew a rockin' breath. The Very Best Of The Coasters (also on Rhino) is an adequate substitute, but if you go for the gusto on this one, I know you'll thank me.