This sage mix of '60s hits is packed with both marquee sides (
Lesley Gore's "It's My Party") and slightly more obscure fare (
Johnny Tillotson's "Poetry in Motion"), giving it the edge over many a myopic smash-hits offering found in the retro-comp marketplace. Some of these 20 songs ooze that angelic, Brill Building-issue pop, namely gems by
the Chiffons,
the Platters, and
the Marcels; a few others (
the Hollywood Argyles' "Alley-Oop") evoke the comic-book '50s. And rounding out all this and such crooning classics as
Bobby Rydell's "Volare" -- not to mention a token surf highlight compliments of
the Ventures -- the collection sends listeners out with strong treats from
Jimmy Clanton ("Venus in Blue Jeans") and
Mel Carter ("Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me"). Enjoy.