Album of the Day

Songwriters Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller were among early rock 'n' roll's most reliable hitmakers, and few artists were better attuned to the duo's sense of humor and infectious rhythms than The Coasters. Recorded on this day in 1959, “Poison Ivy” topped the R&B chart and reached the Top 10 on Billboard's pop chart as well – along with “Charlie Brown” and “Along Came Jones,” it was the third Top 10 single from the group that year. About a girl who “will make you itch,” the song is a metaphor for STDs but was sufficiently discreet to pass muster with censors and be covered by countless artists from The Rolling Stones and The Hollies to Hanson and Meshell Ndegeocello. One of many highlights of The Coasters' Atco collection THERE'S A RIOT GOIN' ON, the infectiously enjoyable “Poison Ivy” is our Song of the Day.