Jim L. (lightninlace) from SPRINGFIELD, MA Reviewed on 8/11/2006...
Buncha old guys singin' some stupid stuff.
0 of 4 member(s) found this review helpful.
CD Reviews
Moderatly redone classics
Chris Herrington | Garden Grove, Ca United States | 01/07/2001
(2 out of 5 stars)
"Though these are the songs that make the Mills Brothers famous, they are not the original recordings that made these songs famous, and not necessarily sung by the same men that sang the originals (certainly they are considerably older). These are OK, but they lack the punch and familiarity (to a fan like myself) of the originals. The title, though not actually misleading, leads one to believe you will be listening to the original songs--they are not. I recommend only if you must have the complete set of mills Brothers records."
Very disappointing. Sounds like Lawrence Welk.
Chris Herrington | 10/11/1999
(1 out of 5 stars)
"I love the sound of original Mills Brothers,but this was a disappointing collection of their original tunes,done in a 60's style with none of the "class" of earlier releases."
Familiar melodies, wonderful harmonies
Alejandra Vernon | Long Beach, California | 06/29/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The Mills Brothers started back in 1922, and their musical magic lasted through generations of music lovers. This CD was released in 1985, and I imagine the recordings hail from the 1957-81 period, when Herb, Harry, and Don (pictured on the cover) worked as a trio, appearing on popular TV shows and touring the country. Though the sound reflects a little age, it is nevertheless quite good.
In this compilation, you get updated versions of their first huge hit from 1931, "Tiger Rag", which features some terrific scat singing, their biggest mega-hit from '43, "Paper Doll", and their last # 1 hit from '52, "Glow Worm", as well as their last single to hit the charts in 1968, "Cab Driver".One of my favorite songs is "Daddy's Little Girl", and their rendition is fabulous, and makes the most of its glorious melody and sweet, sentimental lyrics. Other choice tracks are "Lazy River, the wistful "You Always Hurt the One You Love", and "Cooney Island Washboard", which features some superb honkey tonk piano playing.
Smooth and lighthearted, this is truly great American music. The Mills Brothers were musical pioneers, and deserve their legendary status and their title as "America's Musical Ambassadors to the World"
Total running time is 58'40."