The Anthology : 1931 - 1968

As a former professional singer I look for a number of things in a singing group. First and formost is do they move me. Do you understand the lyrics? Is there stage deportment appropriate for the act they are portraying?

In this case the Mills Brothers rate a resounding yes at every turn. All of them are gone now but their legacy of smooth sounds that tickle your ear without trying to tear them off make for hours and hours of fine listening. If you don't know of these men, get a CD and sit back and let the years fade away.

The Mills Brothers Anthology is for anyone who enjoys listening to the sounds of the late 40's - early 50's, along with amazing vocal harmonizing.

As several reviewers have pointed out, this collection seriously short-changes the 30's & 40's releases when the group was in their prime. Try Goodbye, Blues to catch them at their very best. The feel is less commercial and more swing jazz oriented, and no remake cheats as here.

I'm with the reviewer who doubts the originality of (at least some of) these recordings. The Mills Brothers had a high quality of harmony about them so it's still an okay package. But I am here to tell you, I have a cassette of many of the originals. For sure, this is NOT the original "Cab Driver". If you're willing to settle in order to own some legendary music,then go for it. Even watered-down Mills Brothers music is pretty good stuff.

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.