The Clovers were sort of a transition group straddling the smooth pop style of the Ink Spots and the Platters and later more rock & roll-oriented groups like the Coasters and the Drifters. Beginning with 1951's "Don't You Know I Love You," the group merged urban blues sensibilities with a touch of gospel to create the template for what would eventually become known as soul. This collection, which covers the years 1951 to 1955, has some of their biggest hits like "One Mint Julep," "Ting-A-Ling," "Lovey Dovey," and "Your Cash Ain't Nothin' But Trash," and only the lack of their 1959 United Artists hit, "Love Potion No. 9," keeps this from being a perfect introduction to their career. ~ Steve Leggett
