The Mills Brothers - 20th Century Masters: The Best of the Mills Brothers (Millennium Collection)

It might not strike one listening to the music on this collection--smoothly crafted, perfectly harmonized pop often set to gently loping swing rhythms--that the Mills Brothers were actually outstanding pioneers of black music. Their close harmony work, based on the barbershop quartets of a previous era, were an innovation in '30s popular music, arguably laying the groundwork for '50s doo-wop and by extension even the music of the Backstreet Boys and 'N Sync (but don't hold that against them!). This collection serves as a good introduction to the Mills Brothers' legacy, serving up a dozen of their infectious hits, a few of which ("Lazy River," "You Always Hurt the One You Love") still stand among the definitive renditions of the classic American songbook. And what other band has had a seven-decade career (their sons, nephews, and grandsons now filling the ranks), scoring Top 40 hits ("Paper Doll" and "Cab Driver") 46 years apart? --Jerry McCulley Amazon.com

Masterpieces

I remember hearing the Mills Brothers and listening to my Dad sing along with them. I recommend the Mills Brothers if you want to enjoy good music and be relaxed. July 14, 2008

HOW SWEET IT IS!

I'm going to make this review short and sweet ... this is a wonderful visit to the past that I grew up listening to. It conjures up all kinds of memories ... at 90, my mom could still sing all the lyrics and I can still hear her today. Dad didn't have much of a voice but I can hear him too. It's a wonderful trip down memory lane. This is the second copy I have purchased as the first got ruined ... would buy it again. July 1, 2008

fine album of hits by The Mills Brothers--even if it IS a bit too brief

20th Century Masters: The Best of the Mills Brothers gives us twelve hits by the fantastic group. Of course, twelve hits couldn't possibly be enough to call this album a "best of" type of compilation; I dislike that. However, what we do get is high quality and the sound is excellent. The artwork is about par for this CD series.

"Paper Doll" starts off the track list; The Mills Brothers perform this with style and a whole lot of grace. The harmonizing is fantastic and the singing is flawless. Together the group sounds very strong and the guitar arrangement works so well for "Paper Doll." They handle tempo changes like the champs that they were, too! There's a small amount of surface noise but it doesn't interfere with the quality of the music. "Lazy River" has a similar formula--singing mixed with harmonizing; and this formula charms me for this ballad. The musical accompaniment rounds out the number perfectly and The Mills Brothers perform this with sensitivity; I love it!

"You Always Hurt The One You Love" was an incredible hit for The Mills Brothers; the title of the song even became a figure of speech in regular everyday language! Again they handle tempo and key changes effortlessly and I always liked "You Always Hurt The One You Love." "Till Then" is a huge hit for this group; they deliver this in a way that no one else ever could; and they never miss a beat!

"I've Got My Love To Keep Me Warm" features The Mills Brothers front and center and this highlights their fine vocal talents very nicely. The piano arrangement is elegant and this enhances "I've Got My Love To Keep Me Warm." "Nevertheless (I'm In Love With You)" sounds like silk when this group sings it; they make this shine like a masterpiece in their capable hands! Bravo!

"The Glow Worm" has terrific arrangements for the brass and when the men come in this number takes off like a jet! "The Glow Worm" is easily another one of my very favorite tunes by The Mills Brothers. "Standing On The Corner" gets a fine interpretation by this group as they sing sweetly of how they love to look at the young ladies walking up and down the street. The CD ends very strong with them performing "Cab Driver." I was not too familiar with "Cab Driver" before I heard it on this album; but they sure do a great job of making this country flavored ballad shine like anything!

Overall, I usually give the CDs in this series three stars--but this pleased me so much it'll get four stars. The twelve tracks we get are absolutely perfect. I wish there were more music here, so naturally this can't be a five star review. I think the casual fan of The Mills Brothers will be thrilled with this CD; and the more diehard fans will want albums or even a box set that is more substantial.
March 11, 2008

Fun music

This is a great CD to cheer yourself up with. The Mills Brothers are always good, and these songs are some of their best. Buy it and save it for those days when things feel bad...you will be whistling by the end. August 31, 2002

"one of the oldest and long-lasting acts"

Originally billed as "Four Boys and a Guitar", John Mills Sr. and is four sons John Jr., Herbert, Harry and Donald grew into one of the oldest and long-lasting acts in American popular music. His sons learned close harmony and the knack to immulate musical instruments with their voices and began broadcasting over Cincinnati radio stations in the late '20s.

In 1943 came one of their biggest hits - "PAPER DOLL" a sweet and intimate ballad stayed twelve weeks on top of the charts, sold six million records plus sheet music. The group made appearances in several films during the early '40s, and hit number one again in 1944 with "YOUR ALWAYS HURT THE ONE YOU LOVE". Another chart topper - "THE GLOW WORM" (1952) - plus additional hits with - "BE MY LIFE'S COMPANION" (1951) and "CAB DRIVER" (1967) which reached the charts, competing with rock n' roll groups such as The Beatles and of course "The King"-Elvis.

"The 20th Century Masters" presents another "The Millenium Collection" in an ongoing series featuring top artists and groups of our time in musical history. No other label has been more supportive of the talent and legacy that has made American Music the most popular in the world today.

Total Time: 34:26 on 12 Tracks/MCA Records - 088 112 228 2 (2000) April 14, 2000

More reviews at Amazon.com ...