Mills Brothers - Anthology 19311968 (48 tracks) +Album Reviews

Dissapointing

R. M. Glenn | Los Angeles, CA., United States | 01/31/2001

(2 out of 5 stars)

"I've been a Mills Bros. fan all my life,and I use to have an excellent anthology of them,which unfortunately was ruined some years ago,So thinking I could try to replace it,I ordered this one(after much research to make sure ALL the right songs were included)Imagine my dissapointment when while listening I immediately noticed that NONE of the tunes I most wanted to hear were the original versions,mostly remakes with big band backing,I played ALL of my old favorites,not a single original in the bunch,I almost cried & I couldn't listen any more.So my search for the difinitive Mills brothers' cd continues..."

Mills Brothers sound is addictive!

Ed Holtum | Iowa City, IA | 01/26/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"What a great collection for anyone who wants a healthy taste of one of the best popular musical groups of this century. I've been a Mills Brothers fan for a long time and was not disappointed in the least with this anthology. A previous reviewer notes that most of the collection is devoted to the songs which utilized orchestral accompaniment. Actually, only 18 of the 48 cuts use an orchestra. All the rest are guitar only (with seven having the MB's unique vocal instrument ornamentation. One small correction: the opening photo in the accompanying brochure has the brothers labeled incorrectly. You won't be sorry you bought this."

Okay, Terribly Lopsided

Ed Holtum | 11/23/1999

(3 out of 5 stars)

"As a fan, I wouldn't necessarily recommend this collection for someone trying the Mills out. In spite of how much attention the liner notes devote to the early portion of their career (the four brothers), only 3 songs are devoted to that era. 1931-1944 are the years to focus on, when, as a quartet with single guitar accompaniment, the group peaked and enjoyed enormous success. 3/4 of the collection are after 1945, which is when they were primarily accompanied by an orchestra, and sound, well, Las Vegasy. Plus, too much need to include collaborative works with Ella and ?Al Jolson. To hear this great quartet at their best and most unique, search for the works focusing on the years I mentioned. This big band stuff is far inferior."

A wonderful collection

Cecil L. Peaden | Oklahoma City, OK United States | 03/28/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I think R. M. Glenn must have confused this collection with another one when he wrote his review. I just got through listening to both disks, all the way through, and every song here is the original recording. Rather than being "mostly remakes with big band backing," well over half the tracks contain only guitar accompaniment. This is an excellent collection that can't be recommended too highly."

My very favorite recording act of the 20th century!!!!

Paul Tognetti | Cranston, RI USA | 05/03/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"That's right. If I were stranded on an island and had the choice of listening to the recordings of any one artist I would choose the Mills Brothers. According to Jay Warners "Billboard Book of American Singing Groups", the Mills Brothers were the most successful American male group of all time with 71 chart singles spanning four decades. Hailing from Piqua, Ohio, the Mills Brothers started performing way back in 1922. The group consisted of four brothers, Donald, Harry Herbert and John Jr. They signed their first recording contract with Brunswick records in 1931 and were an immediate sensation. Aside from remarkable harmony, the group also simulated instruments!!! In fact, the labels on many of their records had a notice that no musical instruments were included on the recordings. To sample the original recordings of the early Mills Brothers, pick up "Four Boys and A Guitar: The Essential Mills Brothers" on the Sony Legacy label.

In 1934 the group signed with Decca records. They would remain with the label for over a quarter century. During this period, they were one of the most prolific artists around recording literally hundreds of singles. Tragically, one of the brothers, John Jr. passed away in 1936 to replaced by his father who performed with the group until the mid 1950's.

As another reviewer has pointed out, the early Mills Brothers songs on this CD that originally appeared on Brunswick are re-recordings. But as far as I can tell, all of the Decca sides are the original recordings. Listen to them again for the first time and rediscover why this group was so beloved for so many years. They just don't make 'em like this anymore. In my opinion, "Paper Doll" was one of the great songs of the century. You'll also enjoys such all-time favorites as "Glow Worm", "Till Then" and "Opus One". And check out one of their later hits, 1957's "Queen of the Senior Prom". Group harmony just does not get any better then this folks. The three remaining Mills Brothers continued to perform into the 1980's. My wife was fortunate enough to catch one of their final performances. Their music is timeless. You'll love this anthology."

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