Monday 25 May 2020

American Pie - DON MCLEAN****

American Pie/Till Tomorrow/Vincent/Crossroads/Winterwood/Empty Chairs/Everybody Loves Me Baby/Sister Fatima/The Grave

American Pie was a phenomenally successful breakthrough album for singer songwriter Don Mclean, boosted by the complex chart topping title track. Also includes the UK No. 1 Vincent. (US:1 UK:3)

American Pie is one of the seventies best known songs, and one of the singly greatest tracks ever recorded. The imagery and historical references are perfectly blended with a song of celebration, lamentation and remembrance. But what follows is mostly a fantastic set of tracks. Vincent is another masterpiece with amazing lyrics and quietly brilliant guitar work.”

“Undoubtedly one of the finest albums ever made, American Pie is a classic in every sense of the word. While the title track dominates, the others are equally impressive and form a cohesive whole. Don McLean's singing is simple and pure, and the instrumentation is perfect throughout.”

“If anyone had released a song as great as American Pie or Vincent anytime post 1986 we would have fainted in surprise. In the early 1970s classic singles like this were regular occurrences. We could afford to sneer at hits from artists who didn’t have the right street cred or attitude. Now they seem totally inspired like something from another galaxy.”

"Don McLean's second album American Pie is mostly remembered because of the mighty title track. This album offers lots of other material to enjoy, and Vincent is also a pretty well known track. Don has written a pack of great songs here and the instrumentation serves them well.”

“McLean caught lightning in a bottle with the title track. Maybe not the anthem many make it out to be, but solid enough.”

“Behind the legendary title song lurks American Pie the album which, contrary to all probability, is actually a solid slice of early 70s singer-songwriter Americana. Sure, the other tracks are hidden in the shadow of both the title track and Vincent, but taken on their own merits they’re at best solid examples of material by a songwriter hitting his peak and are at worst superior filler.”

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