VARIOUS ARTISTS -- Things Go Better With Coke (Distortions Records)

Long before the days of multi-million dollar deals for recording artists, the groups on top of the charts would record radio commercials for various sponsors. Distortions Records has assembled a collection of 60 Coke commercials recorded between 1965 and 1969 by some of the most popular artists of the era. Some of the acts on the CD are The Bee Gees, The Moody Blues, Tom Jones, Golden Earring, The Easy Beats, Left Banke, The Box Tops, Roy Orbison, Nancy Sinatra, American Breed, Gary Lewis & the Playboys, The Everly Brothers, Vanilla Fudge, Neil Diamond, and The Supremes. The only other group I can think of that did Coke commercials around this time that's not represented here is The Who. Things Go Better With Coke isn't something that you'll listen to over and over again, but it definitely makes an interesting disc to add to your CD collection. Especially if you're a fan of any of the artists here, most of whom contribute two or three commercials each.

Distortions Records is an independent label based in Bala-Cynwyd, PA specializing mainly in garage, punk & psychedelic bands. The CD can be ordered for $14.00 (plus $2.50 shipping) via mail-order from Distortions Records PO Box 1122 Bala-Cynwyd, PA 19004.

© 1996 Steve Marshall