The year was 1972 when a previously unheard of folk singer, Don McLean, caught the imagination of record buyers with an epic debut single about the history of rock and roll. The recording, which was so long that it had two be spread across both the A an B sides of the vinyl single, was titled “American Pie” and became the biggest selling song of the year. No flash in the pan, Don McLean over the next nine years followed this major success with such hits as “Vincent”, “Crying”, “Wonderful Baby” and “Castles in the Air”, as well as a number of commercially successful and critically acclaimed albums.

American Pie (Simply the Best)

This 2001 compilation brings together all of the original recordings of Don McLean’s hits and most of his better known album tracks at the peak of his career between 1971 and 1981. In the UK and Australia the CD has a different cover and is marketed under the title “The Best of Don McLean”. In all other respects the releases are identical, including the order of the track listing.

The Tracks

There are 17 tracks on the collection and all are in stereo. The mastering is excellent and the effort has been invested to ensure that despite the different recording dates, the sound volume is consistent throughout. My take on the individual tracks follows.

American Pie

One of the greatest folk-rock songs ever written, “American Pie” was a major hit at the time of its release (1972: US #1; UK #2). In a period of just over eight minutes, it euphemistically recounts the history of rock and roll from Elvis and Buddy Holly, to the Beatles, Bob Dylan (“the jester”) and Mick Jagger (“Jack Flash”).

Recognizing that 50-60’s rock was merely an artistic expression of the events of the day, Don uses his opus to take the listener on a personalized and emotive lyrical journey through the highs and lows of the late fifties and sixties, including the space race and the horror of war. The magical lyrics not only tackle the big questions about life, but also integrate the major events of the time with the lives of the ordinary persons that they so affected.

In addition to the unique and intriguing lyrics, the brilliance of the number also stems from imaginative changes in tempo, vocal delivery and instrumentation, to import a wide range of emotions extending from pure joy to melancholy and despair. The last chorus is particularly effective and comprises an intentionally almost amateurish funeral-like sing along that mourns the possibility that “the Father, Son and the Holy Ghost” may have finally given up on us and “caught the last train to the coast”.

Vincent

After the artistic splendor and commercial success of “American Pie”, a follow up of the same proportions was a virtual impossibility. The beautiful acoustic ballad “Vincent”, however, was an impressive effort that topped the UK Chart and Billboard’s Adult Contemporary Chart.

A moving tribute to Vincent Van Gogh, the lyrics tell the story of his tragic life and ultimate suicide. A unique composition, the central theme is the proposition that Van Gogh was merely a sane man in an insane world. Although a romanticized perception of manic depression, the recording’s unique and sincere interpretation more than makes up for this. Further, when combined with the magnificent guitar work and appropriately understated orchestral arrangement and vocals, “Vincent” has become a timeless classic that will continue to be played on the airwaves for many years to come.

Crying

Don tackled the brave task of covering the Roy Orbison penned “Crying” for a 1981 single release. This beautiful and dramatic ballad requires a strong falsetto and near operatic range to perform effectively and while no trouble to someone like the Big O, most other artists could understandably be forgiven for steering clear.

The Don McLean version characteristically starts with him singing solo with only an acoustic guitar as support. Gradually other instruments including strings are added to giver a fuller sound as the number slowly builds with intensity and power. Don’s use of his higher register is impressive and with the support of a backing group, the more difficult aspects of the number are handled with aplomb. It’s difficult not to be impressed with the performance and there is an undeniable magic in the whole affair. Others obviously agreed as the single gave Don a top 10 hit in both the US and UK (# 1) and still remains a concert favorite.

Wonderful Baby

One of Don McLean’s often forgotten hits, “Wonderful Baby” made the top spot on Billboard’s Adult Contemporary Chart on 31 May 1975. Although difficult to discern from the elusive lyrics, the song is intended to be a tribute to Fred Astaire. While pleasant enough, this lullaby styled number is an oddity and certainly was a brave choice for a single release. Not surprisingly it was largely ignored on the US pop charts (1975: US #79).

The Buddy Holly covers

Don’s love for the work of Buddy Holly is evident from not only the fact that Buddy Holly was a central figure in “American Pie” (“the day the music died” is a reference to the plane crash that took Buddy’s life) but also by the large number of cover versions that Don has done of his work. On this “Best of” collection, there are three Buddy Holly songs namely – “It Doesn’t Matter Any More”, “Everyday” and “Fools Paradise”.

“It Doesn’t Matter Any More” and “Everyday” are given new arrangements and delivered in a country-folk style. In an obvious acknowledgment to their origins, Dons throws in the odd hiccup and other Holly patented vocal theatrics.

By comparison, “Fools Paradise” is given a folk-rock treatment. Backed by a throbbing acoustic guitar bass line, Don loses himself in the performance and his vocalizing is characterized at times by wild abandon. In summary an excellent performance that deserves to be better known.

And I Love You So

This self-penned introspective romantic ballad is magnificent from start to finish and Don’s fragile vocals perfectly suit the material. Accompanied by his own outstanding acoustic guitar playing and a strings dominated orchestra, this atmospheric performance is extraordinary in terms of its inherent beauty. While Perry Como may have crooned the composition to the top of the adult contemporary charts in 1973, there is no doubt that the honors for the definitive performance are with its author.

Crying in the Chapel

Roy’s treatment of Elvis Presley Gospel hit (1965: US #3; UK #1) strips the song back to its very essence. Sung without any music accompaniment and backed by a Gospel backing group, Don gives a magnificent doo-wop style performance of this fine number that is reminiscent of Dion and the Belmonts in terms of its style and delivery.

Other tracks

The remaining tracks are variable in quality but with the odd exception few disappoint. The best include a cover of the Every Brother’s “Love Hurts”, Don’s reflective folk ballads “Crossroads” and “Winterwood”, and the moderately successful 1981 hit re-recording of the self-penned ballad “Castles in the Air” (1981: US #36).

The only real clunkers on the collection are Don’s ventures into bluegrass (“Sittin’ on the top of the World”) and 70’s style country rock (“Prime Time”). How these mistakes in artistic judgment managed to get into a greatest hits style collection is a mystery. The less said about them the better.

Rating

Despite some notable attempts, Don McLean never really topped “American Pie” either from an artistic or commercial perspective. This is not a criticism, merely a statement of fact. Further, this is not to suggest that his other recordings are sub par – far from it. As demonstrated in this collection, Mr McLean is an exceptional writer and performer of folk music both of the rock and traditional variety. He is also a fine cover artist who has a unique ability to put a new spin on an old chestnut.

Overall I enjoyed this compilation. For the casual admirer of Don McLean, “American Pie (Simply the Best)” is definitely a worthwhile addition to your music collection. My rating - 4 stars.

Epilogue

Although mainly relegated to an oldies act these days, Don McLean continues to tour regularly and record in various styles. Notable achievements in recent years include starring in the live PBS TV special “Don McLean, Starry Starry Night” and a CD dedicated to the work of late country music legend Marty Robbins.


Recommended: Yes