Mrs. Miller's Greatest Hits

I've spent a lot of time contemplating the mystery of Mrs. Elva Miller from Claremont, California. I have to conclude that her recording career is one of the cruelest practical jokes ever devised by the record industry.

For the most part, the flubs on Frank's Vinyl Museum are the result of serious artists and serious record producers badly missing the mark. Mrs. Miller's album is definitely over the top, but I get the very sinister feeling from the liner notes that while Miller herself may have been completely serious about what she was doing, whoever coaxed her to make this album was laughing on the inside, and probably egging her on to be even more extreme. The sarcasm is very subtle, just enough to give the wink to record collectors like us while keeping poor Mrs. Miller in the dark. References to her "impeccible diction" and "scintillating delivery" abound, as well as the accolade "one of the most interesting voices extant... one that brings to mind the tonal qualities of a Florence Foster Jenkins or a Mrs. B. J. Fangman". Jane Morgan's Fresh Flavor LP, featured elsewhere on this site, contains similar sentiments, but at least she can lay claim to some prior recording history.

I almost feel bad for exploiting Mrs. Miller this way, but once you listen to her songs, you'll know why her fans can't resist her. Enjoy!

Conner (vxvconsvxv@aol.com) says:
WONDERFUL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (02-11-2004)

Hugo the Fishhead (fishhead@eudoramail.com) says:
She's a Pop Music Goddess! I've been a fan of Mrs. Miller for at least 15 years and my appreciation of her talents keeps growing! Her whistling is especially amazing. (02-09-2004)

Michael Berlin (michaelberlin_weho@hotmail.com) says:
She's not just whistling dixie. Great stuff! (02-03-2004)

Joe Postove (jpostove@cox.net) says:
She puts the Shaggs to shame! (01-31-2004)

Billy Bob Pootz (billybob@pootzworld.com) says:
Oh my gawd!! Its Ethel Merman meets Gladys Kravitz!
I dig the wobbly whistling.
Whomever produced this ought get the "Chrome Turd Award!" (01-30-2004)

drlondon says:
Overheard at the Miller family reunion:

"Hey Mammaw! Do Innagadda da Vida!" (01-30-2004)

Homer (Kraftwerk_x@hotmail.com) says:
MOM!!?? (01-27-2004)

Bill Smith (denverbeau@yahoo.com) says:
Frightening...........but strangely addictive. (01-18-2004)

T D Coleman (thyray@hotmail.com) says:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B00000J600/qid=1073539929//ref=sr_8_xs_ap_i1_xgl15/102-3309764-3804158?v=glance&s=music&n=507846

I just love her rousing rendition of "Downtown"! I'm gonna have to buy her CD!!! My coworkers are gonna get a kick out of this (01-07-2004)

ratso (ratso33@hotmail.com) says:
Her version of "A lover's concerto" is essential listening, but only to show exactly how bad a pop song can be. It has stood the test of time, and is as nauseating now as it was then! A must for any jukebox in hell. (01-03-2004)

Paul (BarkingHare@Excite.Com) says:
Imagine the horror of some kid who bought this just because it was a Beatles song. I think I appreciate Beatle Barking more now. (01-02-2004)

Sir Droopy Drawers says:
It is just like a wet dream gone bad! (01-02-2004)

Jopi says:
To Ducky - There are actually 4 albums (5 if you count the compilation re-release in 1999). They are all great! (01-02-2004)

Ducky (theboyaintright@sbcglobal.net) says:
I LOVE this woman!!!!! I first heard her at a friends house after a really bad day at work, and I perked right up with the first note! Who wouldn't smile, if not laugh out loud, during Mrs. Millers rendition of 'These Boots Are Made For Walking'? It's a pity there were only two albums made! (12-27-2003)

McGrew says:
Good on ya mrs M.you socked it to em,your music will live on i'm sure. (12-23-2003)

Rüdiger McFiend (rogieboy74rebel@yahoo.com) says:
Mrs.Miller Kicks Ass! I was only introduced to her yesterday -but can't get enough of the lady!
Been searching all day about her...one word...(limewire)-
What can I say, Elva is a true Goddess of inspiration!
-Rebel McFiend (12-19-2003)

Steve (stevem7@hotmail.com) says:
She's got 4 albums I know of. Check out:

http://www.angelfire.com/ny/yorik/emcentral.html

I was just introduced to the great Elva recently when a friend of mine found her "Greatest Hits" album at a yard sale, and he got it out of curiousity, hated it, and tried to give it away but nobody wanted it. After hearing Hard Day's Night I was hooked. (12-17-2003)

Testing says:
click me (12-07-2003)

Vynyl Junkie (SASdj@yahoo.com) says:
I FOUND IT!!!!!! YEEE HAAA!!!! I now own copies of BOTH of Mrs. Elva Miller's LP's. I've been looking for them for 4 years - found 'em in two different cities within a month. She obviously has some sort of following - my dad saw the "Greatest Hits" LP and commented that he remembered seeing her on Carson back in the 60's. He didn't realize she'd actually recorded an album, though. There is one point in the recording where you can hear her laugh after missing an entrance and then coming in way behind the beat - and flat. I'm sure the guys in the recoring booth were cracking up and that got her going. Whatever it was, the result of those sessions are two LP's that are well worth owning if you:
1.) Need something with which you may annoy your neighbors

2.) Have relatives who frequently stop by unannounced and always wear out their welcome

3.) Are a voice teacher who needs a handy demo of what NOT to do while singing

-or-

4.) Are an avid collector of BAD Beatles covers.

I know of many Mrs. Miller fans out there - It's so bad it's good! (11-30-2003)

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