ALBUM OF THE WEEK # 256 DON MCLEAN - AMERICAN PIE (1971)

[RJhog (Admin)]

Artist: Don McLean

Genre: Singer/Songwriter

Nationality: American

Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame Member: No

Album: American Pie

Producer: Ed Freeman

Release Date: October 24, 1971

Running Time: 36:24

RIAA Certification: Gold

Peak Billboard Chart Position: 1 (Billboard)

Singles: American Pie (Billboard #1) and Vincent (Billboard #12)

 

Disclaimer: All info that does not reside in my brain is gathered from wikipedia.com (mostly because Jon can't stand it). 

Okay, it's official, I'm gonna spend a while in the seventies.  This week we cover the third straight album from 1971.  Also, Memorial Day is in a few days, and this album has a cool cover that is quite patriotic.  The album is American Pie by Don McClean.  American Pie (the song) was the only song that I was aware of by McLean for most of my life.  But lately, my bro Mike Pell has featured a few of his songs on his show Rockollections.  I have yet to hear one that I didn't like.  In retrospect, I had heard Vincent, I just didn't realize that it was Don McLean.

Anyway, the album features the chart topping single and title track, American Pie.  There is absolutely no way that a person reading this has not heard that song.  It's long.  The original single had to be split between both sides of the 45.  At 8 minutes and 33 seconds in length, it is the longest single ever to reach number one (this info does come from Wikipedia, so it's possible that it actually should say "at the time").  Vincent was also a very respectable hit, and chances are you've heard it before as well.  It is also known as Starry, Starry Night. The song is a tribute to artist Vincent Van Gogh. 

McLean dedicated the album to Buddy Holly, who was killed in a plane crash on February 3rd, 1959.  McLean was a paperboy when it happened (February made me shiver/with every paper I'd deliver).  Basically, now the tragedy itself is known as "The Day The Music Died".  

So basically, this is a terrific album.  It's mostly acoustic and is right out of the folk genre that was very popular at the time.  It is very laid back, so if you are a rocker and don't have a taste for more simple, softer music, you may not like this.  That's too bad, because I don't see how anyone can listen to a song like Empty Chairs and not realize the brilliance of it.

It's still readily available.  You can pick up a brand new, remastered copy with two bonus tracks (not included here) for less than 8 bucks.  

Did You Know? The song American Pie was named the number five "Song Of The Century" by the RIAA.  It followed these four songs, starting at number one: Over The Rainbow (Judy Garland), White Christmas (Bing Crosby), This Land Is Your Land (Woody Guthrie) and Respect (Aretha Franklin).

"

1. American Pie

2. Till Tomorrow

3. Vincent

4. Crossroads

5. Winterwood

6. Empty Chairs

7. Everybody Loves Me, Baby

8. Sister Fatima

9. The Grave

10. Babylon

 

[Scott]

Did you check the "Recently played" list from Jon?

[RJhog (Admin)]

Awe, I forgot to.

[Scott]

[Niels (Mod)]

Hmm, I can't promise, that I'll get around to listen to this album. Maybe tomorrow at work, if my boss ain't near by.
But I certainly remember, when the title-song was played all the time on the radio in the 70's.
This was "my sisters music", not my cup of tea at all. I guees I always was a rocker deep Down.

[RJhog (Admin)]

I don't accept that.  You must listen.

[Niels (Mod)]

Ay ay, Captain!!

I already have commented on the title-track. 

"Till Tomorrow" makes me think of James Blunt, and I DETEST JB!!!.....wait a minute.........................

.."Vincent" is CLASSIC!! I couldn't remember, that it was Mclean singing this song?! I always loved this song!! It's even better than the title-track. Man, I'm back in the 70's right now!!! My ears was filled with this stuff, when I was 10, because of my sister and sometimes I was convinced (just like Mandy by Manilow, and a few from Air Supply).

"Crossroads" and we're back to unknown territory, but it's a nice easy listening. A full album of this is a bit much, though.

"Winterwood" is a bit faster. Kind of Country, and you prorbaly know my feelings against Country. I don't hate it, but it's like....whatever!! 

Next one sounds a bit similar to "Vincent". But I love "Vincent", so this one is actually a pleasant listening.

Hey, a "rock-song"!!! This is similar to the title-track, so it's kind a "throw away"-track. It sounds like he's trying to sing like Dylan on this one.

"Sister Fatima" and we're back to James Blunt. A bit boring.

"The Grave" makes me think of Dylan again, mainly because of the lyrics. Sounds like a song, that would improve with multiple listenings. Not bad.

The last one starts with a banjo, and I love the banjo on a pop- or rocksong (are there at all a rocksong with a banjo?). Sounds a bit relegious, this one. Nah, I don't care much for this song. But it's short, and that's good.

And there you go: A nice listening, at times a bit boring, but great hearing "Vincent" again.

Okay, boss?

[RJhog (Admin)]

Yes, your compliance is outstanding.  

As far as that final track, here is a quote from Wikipedia:

• "Babylon" is a close paraphrase of the 137th Psalm, based on the canon "By the Waters of Babylon" by Philip Hayes.
  

So you are right on the money with your comment.  Appreciate the listen and comment.

[Jon]

This is a fine album. This is the type of music I'm listening to now and forever and this fits in quite nicely. My favorite song off this album is "The Grave". Not really tired of "American Pie" but have heard it enough. "Babylon" is a nice closing track. Overall a fine album, but the hiss was getting a bit annoying after awhile. Oh, well. 

[Scott]

[RJhog (Admin)]

Like

[RJhog (Admin)]

Not sure why there was a hiss. Sorry 'bout that.

[Meow]