This career-spanning anthology from legendary vocal group
the Drifters is buoyed by the addition of a new recording of "Stand by Me," the iconic 1962 solo hit by former
Drifter Ben E. King. Beginning with their 1953 formation as the backing group for
Clyde McPhatter, the group has had a revolving-door membership and enjoyed a lengthy career with peaks in three different decades. In addition to timeless pop hits like "Under the Boardwalk," "Up on the Roof," and "This Magic Moment," the collection stretches into the '70s to include later-era singles like "Kissin' in the Back Row of the Movies" and "Down on the Beach Tonight," which were chart hits in the U.K. Their catalog has been well-covered over the decades and aside from the nice remasters, the draw here is the new version of "Stand by Me," marking the first time the song has been recorded under
the Drifters' name. ~ Timothy Monger