In 1998, the original two-album set gets reduced to a single compact-disc selection to coincide with the 25th anniversary re-release of the original motion picture American Graffiti -- hence this best-of compilation, a curious release in and of itself. Still utilizing voice-overs from the late disc jockey Wolfman Jack, who had a memorable cameo in the movie,
American Graffiti Highlights: 25th Anniversary Edition pares the original two-disc set down to highlights from
Chuck Berry ("Johnny B. Goode," "Almost Grown"),
Buddy Holly ("That'll Be the Day," "Maybe Baby"),
the Platters ("Only You," "Smoke Gets in Your Eyes"), great rocking one-shots from
Fats Domino,
Del Shannon,
Johnny Burnette,
Bill Haley, and
the Beach Boys, and plenty of great doo wop from
the Spaniels,
the Skyliners,
the Clovers,
Dell Vikings,
the Five Satins,
the Flamingos,
the Regents, and
the Diamonds. Even in this truncated 20-track form, this is still one great little oldies compilation to add to the collection. ~ Cub Koda