Vic Damone

In a rather strange pairing, this British two-for-one set brings together the Italianate ballad set Angela Mia with the monster swinger On the Swingin' Side. A lush and dreamy ballad set that borders on the sleepy, Angela Mia is more of a 1950s curiosity to anyone outside of a cadre of Damone fans or members of the Knights of Columbus, but On the Swingin' Side is an unadulterated up-tempo delight that deserves to be rediscovered. The charts are bright, Damone is relaxed but never dull, and the mood finds a nice balance between romance and spirited humor. Since this CD reissues both albums at a bargain price, fans of classic vocal pop and lounge music can get the superb On the Swingin' Side and the interesting but not especially exciting Angela Mia for the price of one CD. ~ Nick Dedina, All Music Guide