The Best of Don McLean [EMI 1988]

by Don McLean

Overview

Don McLean wrote a miracle with "American Pie": a mesmerizing study of rock open to multiple interpretations, yet simple and tuneful, erudite but gut-wrenching (even surpassing Dylan's most epic works). Of course, McLean couldn't realistically follow up the megasong, so he didn't even try. Still, "Vincent" stands as another masterpiece, while pre-"Pie" weeper "And I Love You So" remains as lovely a valentine as one could ask for. Documenting the coward's way out of a relationship, the poignant and bittersweet "Castles in the Air" leaves stuffy high society for the open country air (this is the Believers version of this wonder), attaining sublime levels of sentiment. Plus, McLean captures the beautiful torment of Roy Orbison's classic "Crying," which is just the icing on the aforementioned cake. Naturally, the flip side can't touch the front, but you need this collection. An annoying lack of annotation can't take away from some of the finest tracks ever committed to wax. Kids these days could learn a thing or two about angst as an art form from this misery maestro. ~ Doug Stone

Product Details

Release Date:	10/25/1990
Label:	Capitol/Emi Records / Emi Music Distribution
UPC:	0077779147625
Rank:	63812

Tracks

1. American Pie
2. Vincent
3. And I Love You So
4. Crying
5. Castles in the Air
6. Driedel
7. Winterwood
8. Everyday
9. Mountains O'Mourne
10. Prime Time

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Don McLean   Primary Artist,Vocals,Guitar (Acoustic)

Technical Credits

Houston Collisson   Composer
Joe Melson   Composer
Don McLean   Composer
Lonnie Carter   Composer
Roy Orbison   Composer
Robert Farnon   Composer
Little Walter   Composer
Paul Anka   Composer
Glen D. Hardin   Composer
Buddy Holly   Composer
Artie Glenn   Composer
Norman Petty   Composer
Sonny LeGlaire   Composer
William Percy French   Composer