Something(s) different for Vic Damone
Vincent T. Lynch | Colorado Springs, Colorado | 10/28/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is a very different Vic Damone, in fact each separate album is very different and, therefore, quite intriguing."You Were Only Fooling" has arrangements by Dean Martin's very popular arranger Ernie Freeman ("Everybody Loves Somebody", for example). The title cut and several others display the power of Vic's voice...although I always had the sense this wasn't a sound he really liked. But the updated country-western nature of most of the songs are quite pleasant."Country Love Songs" is very different. For me, Vic has never released better material. The arrangements are very nicely restrained, with beautiful strings that don't overpower the singer. Rather than the powerful Vic on the other album, this is a softer, perfect voice with perfect enunciation. A+!"
Vic Damone/ His Two Warner Bros Albums
Vincent T. Lynch | 09/27/2003
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Vic Damone signed with Warner Brothers Records in 1965 and stayed with the label little more than a year, releasing these two albums. The first, "You Were Only Fooling", was released on the heels of the single which was a moderate hit for him. It was meant to usher in his "new sound." So, instead of the traditional orchestra, Vic is backed by one with brass, twangy guitars, and lots of percussion, conducted by Ernie Freeman. He sings updated (and up tempo) versions of the title song and other standards like "Why Don't You Believe Me" and "Please Help Me I'm Falling" and covers of Top 40 hits at the time, "I'll Never Find Another You" "It's Not Unusual" and "Dream on Little Dreamer." The second album, "Country Love Songs" finds Vic crooning ten country ballards, "Bouquet of Roses" "Room Full of Roses" "You Win Again" "Faded Love", you'll likely recognize them all. He's backed by a string orchestra, sometimes a choral group, arranged and conducted by Bill Justis. The result is a mellow sounding, romantic album. Vic Damone parted with the label the following year, in 1966, and signed with RCA Victor, where he worked with arrangers and recorded material far better suited to his style. Nevertheless, I've always enjoyed his WB records, even though some of them were a departure from his traditional sound."
