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Don McLean has had sort of a checkered
career that definitely achieved a high point with "American
Pie," an 8-minute allegorical epic about the death of Buddy
Holly, the Big Bopper, and Ritchie Valens. Certainly after that
number one song, the artist, who ironically started out as a
folk singer, went on to have chart success in varying degrees
(while it also eluded him as well). This collection makes a strong
case that McLean was an artist who had good songs other than
"American Pie," and that he was a savvy chart singles
one as well. Some of the songs carry an adult contemporary air
to them but it doesn't diminishes their appeal: his version of
Roy Orbison's "Crying," "Castles in the Air,"
and his take on "Since I Don't Have You." McLean's
second greatest song is "Vincent," a touching ode to
the great painter; McLean captured the artist's tortured life
so accurately--it's an audio painting in itself. Some of the
minor songs, such as his remake of Buddy Holly's "Everyday"
and "Crossroads," deserve another listen; the previously
unavailable track "Sit and Hold My Hand" is alright.
As a performer, McLean's easy going voice certainly resonates
(enough to inspire the Roberta Flack hit "Killing Me Softly
With His Song")--he can somehow take someone else's song
and make it his own. Despite a few misses, this collection showcases
McLean's musical versatility. Had he only recorded "American
Pie" and did nothing else after, McLean's place in pop music
history was already assured. This well-compiled set makes a case
he was more than a one-hit wonder.
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