This is a killer little collection of
Clyde McPhatter and
the Drifters. These are the early years, right from
Billy Ward & the Dominoes, and
McPhatter was making a name for himself as a solo artist in the proto-doo wop years. What's beautiful is the great balance of cuts here form the weepers and ballads such as "Bells of St. Mary's" (and yes, it does blow away
Bing Crosby's version), "The Way I Feel," "Gone," and "If I Don't Love You the Way I Do," to the ripping R&B numbers like "Money Honey," "Such a Night," "Hot Ziggity," and "Three Thirty Three." Given that this is the Chronological Classics label, sound quality is wonderful, and there are enough notes to get you by just fine. This is an amazing volume full of nothing but gems.