American Pie – Don McLean – What’s On The Table
And we were singing …
This album is the home of two of our all-time favourite songs: “American Pie” and “Vincent”. We’ve covered the latter but some of the other album tracks are also well worth checking out.
Today, we’re diving into the whole album through a vinyl that we picked up at a second hand store many years ago. It’s perfect if you are in need of some soothing of the soul. A voice that will melt your heart, melodies that will make your ears perk up and lyrics that will provide plenty of food for thought – and will keep you busy for a long time when you try to understand the meaning behind them 🙂
Let us know what you think about the album and if you have any stories about it yourself – we’d love to hear them in the comments!
Stay groovy,
Mona & Lisa
Mona and Lisa,
Well ladies, I give you my take on the song American Pie. I heard this song in December 1971 and somehow it reflected the mood of the USA for the next ten years and especially New York City, which was a bleak period in the 1970s. Bear in mind this was the first pop song to be played on American AM (amplitude modulation or as the British call it – the medium wave) radio that was over five minutes long. At that time, most songs did not go over four minutes. The song was meant to be cryptic to get listeners thinking in what good was lost in the USA at that time.
The song called American Pie does reference the three pop stars that died in 1959 but there is more to the song. It was released in 1971 as a cryptic song about American society. For years the public at large asked the writer/singer of the song, Don McLean, what was the meaning of the song. He never specifically said anything about what it meant. The song goes beyond mourning McLean’s childhood music heroes, and reflects the deep cultural changes, profound disillusionment, and loss of innocence of his entire generation – the early rock and roll generation – that took place between the 1959 plane crash and late 1970. Finally in 2015, McLean revealed the meaning in the song’s lyrics: “Basically in ‘American Pie’ things are heading in the wrong direction. … It [life] is becoming less idyllic. I don’t know whether you consider that wrong or right but it is a morality song in a sense.”. And this was reflected in the USA throughout the 1970s. The song in fact predicted the bleak 1970s of the USA, which I and a lot of my peers experienced.
You truly have to be an American in that period to understand what was going on and I was there. I experienced that bleakness and the residue still lingers on to this very day. I still find it amazing in how Europeans, and yes two young Austrian women, are still fascinated at this song.
Stay Groovy too!
Perry
Great introduction to the rest of the album – I only knew the title track before. I normally pronounce his name MacLane rather than MacLean – Scottish names are often promounced differently to how they are spelled. How is it pronounced in the US anyone?
When my brother Tom joined the US Army in 1973 he gave me his stereo and his small collection of LPs. One was this album and I always liked the song Vincent. When I heard your cover it brought back so many good memories. Tom was a singer. songwriter and the leader of many versions of family bands. He played in bars and clubs from the age of 16 until he passed away in 2010. He played guitar, keyboards, blues harp, banjo, mandolin and played and built steel guitars. I sure do miss him and my other brothers and sisters who loved to play music. Anyway, thanks for making your beautiful music and thanks for sharing it with us.
I remember when American Pie, the song, was played a lot on the radio and speculation was rampant about what it all meant. I was young and innocent and growing up near a river, so I always took the line about the levee being dry as being about water levels. “Sister Fatima,” from this clip, reminds me of Paul Simon. I remember Paul Simon singing on one of those “We Are the World” kind of things and saying, somewhat critically, that everyone tried to be so dramatic (my word) with their parts (think Bruce Springsteen) while he just focused on the words. I get the same vibe from Don McLean.
At the time this album came out I was too young and poor to be buying albums, so thank you both for giving me a taste of what I missed growing up, both in WOTT and in so many of your covers, which are often songs I know of, but don’t really know from having listened for endless hours in my youth.
This is a great album, and Vincent is one of the most beautiful and sad songs ever written. I remember staring at the painting Starry Night at the Museum of Modern Art in New York for what seemed like hours with the song going through my head. Thank you for picking this album for the session.
On another note I also love that you have a Bakewell Tart in the background. Is the shape on the plate supposed to represent an LP or is it just there in case you need an emergency snack? 🙂
Love this album. About a year before American Pie was released, Don McLean gave a free concert at our campus . Just him and his guitar and he was so good. I wore my album out from playing it so much and it seemed the more I listened to it the the more I appreciated his lyric’s. I became a major fan of his at that point. I don’t think he ever made “superstar” status, but in my book he is one of the great songwriters. Thanks for a great WOTT. Oh, and I absolutely loved your cover version!
Loved my favorites sounding so lovely singing German – not an easy task to me!
I remember loving AmericanPie when I heard it in sixth grade just released. It wasn’t until I started learning guitar and becoming a Buddy Holly fan that I realized the song was about Buddy – and I did cry then.
Vincent is one of the most beautiful songs I think written ever. Don’s voice is haunting and seems ethereal; but once again I love Mona and Lisa’s version just a little bit more. Lisa’s vocal is so expressive and Mona’s accordion gives the track a heavenly feel.
After just seeing Paul McCartney live in Boston, I think Band on the Run would make an excellent WOTT. As might many of his other Wings/solo releases, but I think Band on the Run is the only album to reach number in three different times.
Thanks for sharing girls; always love hanging out with you and your beautiful sprits!
Hello girls…I always enjoy WOTT even when it’s an artist I’m not familiar with or a song I don’t like…everybody has different tastes and that’s what makes the world go ‘round….LEN had mentioned “ear worm” in reference to American Pie…extremely long song and for me it was a “button pusher”…any button on the car radio was gonna have something other than American Pie……now of course I admit AMERICAN PIE IS A CLASSIC…no question about that…it tells quite a story……and I really enjoy your version of VINCENT…I hope you release it to YouTube for the general public…I know you eventually will…..during the time period of 70-71-72 the Beatles were solo artists and my other all-time favorite group The BeeGees were practically nonexistent….my favorite artists during this time period was The Raspberries featuring Eric Carmen and Badfinger. Pete Ham and Tom Evans of Badfinger were terrific songwriters and were being produced by Paul McCartney on Apple Records……as always THANK YOU for what you do…it brings me pleasure and brings back memories ❤️????
Posting later than usual. I was In Omaha celebrating my birthday with my daughter.
” American Pie ”
Definitely a classic song and album !
The lyrics are amazing. I use to sing the lyrics
“Drove my chevy to the levy but the levy was dry ”
All the time. My first car was a Chevy impala.
An outstanding song !
Not related to American Pie, but as I was mailing your birthday card from the U.S. (I have a terrible feeling that it will not arrive on time), the radio there was playing Across The Universe. It just seemed so appropriate. Mailing a card “across the universe” to a pair of special musicians who go by the mantra “nothing’s going to change my world” by doing things their way. A song to think about covering once the album is completed, perhaps?
I loved this album and I have always valued Don and his music very much. I think that Vincent is an incomparable song, lyrically and melodically. I believe that the version that you did on DUO is one of my very favorite cuts of all time. Your vocals are pristine. Thanks for including this on “What’s On The Table”. Hugs, Brian.
Like you I also bought my vinyl copy from the second hat shop. It was in the late 90s. I have loved “American Pie” since I first heard them in the 70s but somehow other albums seem to be then more important to get. As you said both songs are masterpieces. “American Pie” is an endless enigma and very open to different interpretations. “Vincent is a beautiful song about Vincent Van Gogh and captures the tragedy of his life very touching way. What becomes the “Babylon” it origins may be in Jamaica. Boney M. used the song as a basic for their disco hit “The Rivers Of Babylon” and Linda Ronstadt made a short version from the song on his album “Hasten Down The Wind”. You should get Grateful Dead´s albums “Workingman´s Dead” and “American Beauty”. Both albums have great material for you to cover and maybe discuss on “What´s On The Table”.
I remember Don Mclean coming to our outdoor theater on the water quite a few years ago.He put on a great show that seemed to last for hours. One of the best shows I’ve ever seen, he sung so many songs. Very enjoyable evening outdoors.
I was thinking of Gordon Lightfoot for one of your reviews. He was a Canadian singer songwriter had many songs to his credit. His early stuff was incredible. I just found one of his albums Summer Side Of Life in my collection. You can have if you want.
Anyway great review on Don, really enjoyed it along with all others.
Funny how one song can be “overplayed” on the radio and you still love it every time, and another that you initially enjoyed gets to the point its like listening to nails being scratched on a chalkboard, (Do they still have chalkboards?) Anyway, American Pie will always be one of my all time favorite songs and, like you, Vincent never fails to move me. I couldn’t have been happier when you covered it, it still brings me to tears -you are so incredibly good.
Thanks for introducing me to some of McLean’s other works. Are you familiar with Paul Simon’s 2011 album “So Beautiful or So What”? A song on that album entitled “Love & Hard Times” seems eerily similar to McLean’s “Sister Fatima”. Both hauntingly beautiful and intriguing masterpieces.
I’m a teacher and I want my chalkboard back!!!
I guess that answers the question!
Other than American Pie and Vincent, I don’t really have any connection to Don McLean’s music. Your cover of Vincent is one of my favorite Duo Session songs. Lisa, I love the sound of your nylon string guitar; it is a beautiful sounding instrument. It’s always interesting to hear the bits of background and history you bring out in What’s On The Table. And you have a contagious joy when you listen to the songs together. Hope you both have a great week.
“American Pie” is one of the albums I used as my prime sources for music as I was learning to play guitar in ‘71. Learning in the singer-songwriter era, Don McLean, James Taylor, Carol King, Cat Stevens, Jim Croce and John Denver were among my prime inspirations—along side the Beatles and Beach Boys of course. It’s easily one of the Top-10 albums in my collection.
I’m happy you selected “Everybody Loves Me, Baby” as one to highlight. I’ve always appreciated how it lifts the otherwise somber but beautiful album. It makes me smile whenever I hear it, just like “On the Amazon” that Alan mentioned earlier.
I’ll echo the comment for you to listen to Mary Hopkin’s version of “Those Were the Days” and “Goodbye” from her Paul McCartney produced album “Postcard”. I can see either of those songs being perfect for a Duo Session.
I always enjoy “What’s on the Table”. I especially enjoy the music history that you add to the sessions. I’m going to have to re-listen to American Pie soon. Your version of “Vincent” is in the top few of my favorites list; I listen to it often.
As to what I would like for you to review in the future, how about Peter, Paul, and Mary? They recorded many great songs written by various talented songwriters. One of my favorites of theirs is “Early Mornin’ Rain”, written by Gordon Lightfoot and recorded by Peter, Paul and Mary in 1965 – I would love to hear a Twins’ version of that song sometime in the future. I also like “Gone The Rainbow”, a version of “Siúil a Rún”, a very old, and very sad, Irish ballad, and Mary Travers’s version of John Denver’s “Follow Me”.
Don McLean was asked what does American Pie mean. He said it means he never has to work again! But he does. Looking forward to seeing him play in Torquay in September.
I had this vinyl back in the early ’70s. I don’t know if you noticed, in the liner notes the album was dedicated to Buddy Holly. There are times where I will put this album on to listen, it is one I really enjoy. I also had one of his other albums, Both this one and the other one I had had each had a funny songs…this one was “Everyone Love me Baby” and the other one was the song “On the Amazon” where he sings about “the Fahrenheit comes out at night to freeze you.” Winterwood was covered by quite a few other artists, I remember hearing versions from Olivia Newton-John and John Denver way back in the day. I also remember him covering Roy Orbison’s “Crying” and hearing “Castles in the Air” way back then. Other than the Beatles, it was 70’s Singer-Songwriters like Don McLean, James Taylor, and Harry Chapin that I idolized and it was those songs that I learned first. (Actually, my first song I could play was a Buddy Holly song). American Pie (both the single and the album) bring so many good memories back to me.
You said you were looking for suggestions for other albums, I doubt you have it, but it has the same kind of vibe as American Pie is Harry Chapin’s “Heads and Tails”. He’s known for “Cat’s in the Cradle”, but this was his first major release and I don’t think there is really a bad song on the album. “Taxi” is the hit he had off of it, and it plays like a movie in my head every time I hear it. He tells such great stories in song. Another great album from that time period is Carole King’s “Tapestry”. 1971 also had the The Who’s “Who’s Next” with Baba O’Riley and Won’t Get Fooled Again. Paul McCartney’s Ram was another of the class of ’71. James Taylor’s “Mudslide Slim” was another incredible album. Elton John came out with Madman across the Water in 1971, with Tiny Dancer and Levon on the album. These were albums that I had as a kid, and what I was “weaned” on. I ended up losing all my albums about 25 years ago, and just recently bought a turntable and I am starting my collection again. So far I only have 6 albums. The Beatles – Abbey Road. The Beach Boys – Pet Sounds. Fleetwood Mac – Rumours. The Eagles – Hotel California. Creedence Clearwater Revival – Chronical and The Rolling Stones – Hot Rocks. I am looking forward to what you pick and cover, it will be inspiring the future purchases. Keep it Groovy!
It was complete news to me until now that American Pie is a long song, and that there is a lot more going on than I ever knew. Unfortunately, “part 1” was played to death on the radio, and for me became something of an ear worm. At about this time, of course, pop music began to splinter into many different sub genres. If I’d heard some kind of Buddy Holly influence, I might have listened a little closer. As it was, I happily drifted into English folk rock, Steeleye Span, Fairport Convention, and The Pentangle. Of course there was still The Who, The Rolling Stones, and the emerging Rod Stewart. Inspiration from the U.S.A? Not so much.
Dear Mona and Lisa: Looking to expand your repertoire? Well, Buddy Holly’s Peggy Sue would be fun. Otherwise, I’m with John Hitz, and When You Walk In The Room, or anything by The Searchers. Saturday Night Out is a great, jangly, Cavern Club tune. All Rickenbacker and Gretsch guitars!
Hello Ladies!
Wow American Pie!
February made me shiver, was Reference to February 3, 1959
Buddy Holly was the main reference, but Richie Valens, and the Big Bopper also died in the same plane crash.
Them good Ole boys were drinking Whiskey and Rye reference to the end of Prohibition. The end of no alcohol not being sold (I believe in the 1940s)
No Angel born in Heaven could break that Satan’s Spell. Reference to Charles Manson Tate, Labianca killings. (SHARON TATE was an American movie star that was pregnant when killed by Manson a d his crew)
As the song progresses I have learned what each Reference is about.
I Love the Album. Mona I agree with you Vincent is my favorite off the album. I was so thrilled that you all covered the song.
Your cover is Dynamic and you all Nailed it. So good.
You all were asking about an album to put in Whats On The Table, I heat there is a Magnificent Album called ORANGE by the MonaLisa Twins. Maybe you have heard of them. ????????
Seriously though, Chicago Transit Authority, , Chicago’s first album.
Fabulous Album.
Thank you so much for these sessions they are Fabulous.
Best always.
Rick Ross
Empty Chairs! Haven’t heard it in years. Had the American Pie cassette and thought that Empty Chairs was great. Thank you for reminding me of that song.
Hi Mona & Lisa:
I think there is a problem with your birthday reminder. Everytime I come on to your site I have to keep entering my birthday. I didn’t see an email from you on my birthday which was on May 12, 1964. If you could have this checked out would be nice if the problem was fixed. I don’t check my spam folder so if it went there, I don’t understand why it would go there when all your other email comes to my main in box. Thank you. Tim Gore.
What a surprise! I wasn’t expecting another “What’s On The Table”, such a cozy and lovely corner.
I have been interested in Don McLean for a while, and followed the speculations on what the lyrics for American Pie meant, with my own ideas. I though it was nice that he wouldn’t give in to the pressure of explaining the lyrics. Also, that he didn’t give in to the labels when they wanted him to do other people’s material.
Very interesting man and certainly under appreciated.
Thank you, and I love the spontaneous singing!
Love “American Pie!” A great classic. Love “Vincent.” I remember my brother buying Don McClean’s albums, but I never bought any. I liked his music, but had too many other choices I guess.
Interesting “What’s on the Table.”
I guess my answer would be “pie.” ????
“American Pie” is one of the most relevant songs to ever come out of the US. As you mentioned, there are all sorts of allusions and references throughout the song. I have no way to support this, but it strikes me as one of the few examples of American culture that is respected around the world, and I think it is due to the nature of the lyrics that all manner of folks finds something personal that connects them with the song.
Short example: Christmas 1983, a friend of mine was managing a small pub, and decided to open on Christmas night, as there is usually nothing happening on that particular evening. A few other people noticed and came in until about a dozen people were at the bar, talking in groups of two or three. “American Pie” was playing on the sound system and I happened to look up just at the last line, and saw each one of us singing quietly along, “this’ll be the day that I die…”. All relative strangers, but all with something in common. I suppose we could use more of that these days.
YAY! Another WOTT session. Luv how you talk about these with such passion. Especially luv it when you break into song. Always brings on a huge smile! Thank you for the best Friday smiles! 🙂
Thanks you two for starting off my Friday in such spectacular fashion. I was 3 when that song came out and my mother (single parent) was a classical-music-only anti-pop/rock person so I was never exposed to anything else until I got a little AM radio when I was about 8 and when I heard that song it just exploded my whole world! I had to find out what all the lyrics were about and go down every road they opened and the whole world changed for me that day. The fact that it evokes such emotion in you, too, makes me love you both even that much more.
I never had the vinyl, but when I started buying CDs I got his greatest hits, which has all the best ones on it. Like you, Vincent would rate in my top 5 favorites of all time.
I don’t know how many of you have seen this, but my two favorite Weird Al songs, both Star Wars themed, are parodies of “Lola” (Yoda) and “American Pie.” I leave this for your enjoyment:
https://youtu.be/hEcjgJSqSRU
Don McLean – yes he was good, but to me there is a tune from the 60ties that’s following me from then Mary Hopkins song Those were the days building on a Russian folksong. It’s a unique song which is perfect for reunions. I sent this text to my old classmates from the boarding school VGT I left 1969. i have used Google to translate it so forgive me for the length and mistakes. First the lyrics and then my supplying text:
Those were the days – sung by Mary Hopkins
Once upon a time, there was a tavern
Where we used to raise a glass or two
Remember how we laughed away the hours,
Think of all the great things we would do
Those were the days, my friend
We thought they’d never end
We’d sing and dance forever and a day
We’d live the life we’d choose
We’d fight and never lose
For we were young and sure to have our way
Then, the busy years went rushing by us
We lost our starry notions on the way
If, by chance, I’d see you in the tavern,
We’d smile at one another and we’d say
Chorus
Just tonight, I stood before the tavern
Nothing seemed the way it used to be
In the glass, I saw a strange reflection
Was that lonely woman really me?
chorus
Through the door, there came familiar laughter
I saw your face and heard you call my name
Oh, my friend, we’m older but no wiser
For in our hearts, the dreams are still the same
chorus
I have chosen to use a song from the old days as inspiration for a little greeting from Hørgren – this dormant, tumbling tight-lipped ram – as Store Larsen said. Read it carefully, and I hope you agree with me that she hit many things with her song. How many of you have not sometimes done something wrong and wanted to be able to turn back time – as you know, we can not, but meet with the old 25 years after that we could and now again 45 years after. It is a refreshing experience where you can let the nostalgia flow over you. When you in the group of old friends relive many of the memories you have stored in all the years, which have slowly become more exciting and fun, then the calm falls on, and you agree with yourself that it has now been a good time and a good process one has been through. We discover the others as adults and learn a little about their qualities, many of them developed by your togetherness when you went to VGT. Many of the qualities we learned here have helped us through many situations and choices made in recent years. You have fun and relax in each other’s company and are a little sad when you have to part ways again. Many agreed that it would not be 25 years before the next time. It went so well anyway that we meet again for our 45th anniversary. There must also be something to come after, for the first time there were 25 years and the old memories to speak of. Some of you will become good friends again and keep in closer contact, yes maybe are contact persons for the class. For me, it has been a wonderful period where you have worked in your profession, seen the children grow up and provide some wonderful grandchildren. We have had to say goodbye to a few of you – the teachers have also become fewer. Such is the course of life, but it does not make the joy of being able to see you again and have a nice chat, a few glasses and some good food.
Greetings from the old provo.
Leif Mortensen
Howdy,
I don’t think that I ever purchased a Don McLean album, but I do have the American Pie 45 record. And as Chris and Derek previously mentioned the song was so long that they put it on 2 sides of the record. I have at least 2 other 45’s by other artists that also had a song continued on the B side, cause they were long.
To Joe M. a Dreidel is a small toy – like a top – that kids would play with and spin on the Jewish holiday Hanukkah.
As a suggestion to Mona & Lisa for a possible What’s on the Table – how about a Badfinger album?
As people may or may not know, they were helped along in the beginning by the Beatles. A band from Wales, originally called the Iveys. They sang “Come and Get It” written by Sir Paul and included in the film “Magic Christian” (Ringo was in the film).
I have at least 2 of the vinyl albums – “Straight UP” and “No Dice” (I have at least 2 copies of No Dice – I think because I admired the lady on the cover lol).
Great songs – like – Day After Day, No Matter What, Baby Blue, We’re For The Dark, and Without You (which Harry Nisson had a mega hit with, but I think Badfinger’s is much better, and Mariah Carey recorded it in later years). They also sing a song “Love Me Do” which is way different than the Beatles record.
Joey Holland is the only surviving member of the group. I always thought his face resembled Paul McCartney.
Let’s not discuss how the other 3 died – too sad.
Anyway, I could go on and on, but I better stop now – otherwise the girls wouldn’t have anything new to say about them is they ever talk about Badfinger and their music.
Thanks for another interesting Friday video.
Take care and Love and Peace to all,
Bobby S.
Great album and a wonderful time when I was 21yrs old when the album came out. The world had its issues then but not as challenging as things are today. The songs then were about people, places, things and love relationships. Todays music is mostly about broken people relationships with angry sounding emotion compared to the 50’s 60’s and 70’s.
MLT brings the lovely light music like the 50’s 60’s 70’s.
I recall my mother having this album. She was a busy educator with little time for listening to records, but she occasionally played this and some film soundtracks (Camelot, My Fair Lady, and others). You did more than justice to “Vincent” with the way you played it. Since you asked, I found a song to suggest for a future duo session– “When You Walk in the Room” by the Searchers. I’m sure you will like the lyrics, & they made me think of you.
Hi John,
Yes the Searchers “When You Walk in the Room” is a nice song. I like a lot of the Searchers music – Needles & Pins (co-written by Sonny Bono – you know Cher’s first husband), Don’t Throw Your Love Away, and of course Love Potion #9 (I sang it with my band) You know who else covered Needles & Pins? A band called Smokie. They have some good music.
Anyway, I was just reading that many people consider the Searchers the UK’s longest running pop group and the originators of the Liverpool Sound.
I’m sorry, I’m talking too much again. It’s just my brain is filled with song titles and lyrics and such.
I’ll stop (for now)
Cheers,
Bobby S.
Hi Robert, Yeah, the Searchers, with their timeless classic “Needles & Pins”… they had smoother vocal harmonies than The Dave Clark Five, who were more popular in America with that big beat sound. I see that The Status Quo covered “When You Walk in the Room” (on YouTube). MLT could do better than that, but it’s essentially nostalgic. Some think live music was relatively sedate before Beatlemania… but I was told girls were just as fired up for Frank Sinatra concerts!
Yes indeed John; Another vote for “When You Walk In The Room”. Or almost anything by the Searchers. One of my favourite, long standing, Liverpool bands. Rickenbacker and Gretsch guitars just sound so good! I can just hear them doing Saturday Night Out in the Cavern Club. MLT listen up! (There are YouTubes).
I was 15 when this LP came out, and the radio played it almost ad nauseum. I always thought Don McLean’s music kinda reminded me of Paul Simon’s music, in the writing, at least.Thank you for sharing!
Thanks for another wonderful WOTTs. You both do such great research and provide such top notch insight into the albums you talk about, I always learn so much about the album and artists, as well as providing your own take and professional perspective which really makes it special and valuable to me.
There are so many gems on that album that you played including the lesser known ones like Babylon. Loved hearing your story about that song and your old music teacher and hearing you both sing it was just delightful! I didn’t know the inspiration behind American Pie was Buddy Holly. Your Duo Session cover of Vincent is absolutely sublime. This is an album I think you just sold me on, it sounds great.
A future WOTT album suggestion, how about the Beatles Sargent Peppers. You did Rubber Soul, Revolver, and Pet Sounds, so I think Sargent Peppers would be a great natural progression from those iconic albums. Thanks again for such a wonderful WOTTs, love them so much.
I was 12 when this came out. I loved it and played it to death back then. I agree the lyrics are fantastic but after all these years, it is one of those songs that I got tired of hearing and I will often change the station if it comes on the radio. I guess I just heard it too many times. Vincent is a beautiful song and I love your performance of it better than the original. Somehow you just made it better.
I always enjoy the WOTT posts and I go back and rewatch them frequently. I have a couple of LPs I am going to send you for consideration for this segment. I’ll send an email when I send them off.
You make me look forward to Friday now more than I did when I was a teenager. Now instead of looking forward to spending time with my girl I can look forward to seeing 2 pretty girls!!! Life does get better!!!
I was 12 when it came out too.
On the old 45 American Pie was split into both sides…after you finished side one you would flip the record to side 2 to finish the song.
Always loved the song, Vincent. The first time that I heard it live was by a classical guitarist named Stan Baumgartner. He followed it with Rubber Ducky. Quite a change in moods.
Ladies, your version of Vincent is the best! You spent so much time in song preparation…especially Mona by learning the accordion and playing it so beautifully. And we cannot forget all the time that Papa Rudi spent in restoring that instrument. Lisa took her guitar skills and her voice to another level…so much passion and intensity.
All the Duo Sessions are outstanding, but the passion in Vincent and in She’s Leaving Home just goes to another level. The symmetry between you two is so evident in these performances.
Wishing a happy weekend to the Wagner family.
I never really owned the album, I only made a back-up for a friend on casette. It was and is a great album.
Don McLean talking about the story behind Vincent (do not be afraid it is in English):
https://youtu.be/eTGcyuEU6Wo
Don McLean talking about the story behind American Pie
https://youtu.be/p6AZTQ-ZL7I
On YouTube you can find many more stories about these 2 songs.
Thank you Mona and Lisa for another what’s on the table! I love this segment and wow you both know how to deliver the goods as always. This album by Don was so good back in 1971 and it carry’s today. American Pie has a history lesson per say and I know pretty much what each verse is about except the final one that he sings The father son and the holy ghost they caught the last train for the coast….I am guess he is referring to Buddy Holy , the Big Bopper and Richie Valen..but not 100% sure so if anyone knows what that is referring to? Please let us know. But this album reflects the music from the early 1970’s that I truly love and as I mentioned in the past a spill over from the 1960’s. And of course your cover of Vincent always gets me in tears because you both perform that song with such emotion and love that it gets me every time. LOL…I was 12 when this album came out and my goodness the great memories of this song is great and just love hearing it to this day. Funny story, I know a DJ at our local radio station and she told me that when American Pie came on that gave the DJ’S a chance to go grab something to eat or drink with it being 8 minutes long…LOL, I do agree with Mona that his voice is smoothing and echo’s the sound of the early 1970’s. Also just love hearing you both sing that song from your choir as children, great job and your taste in music is the best!! So thank you again and god bless and can’t wait till next Friday to see what you have in store for us lucky club members.
Love and hugs from Bill and Maddie Isenberg Huge Fans from Pittsburgh Pa USA
I grew up during this era. I heard this song in a record store and bought it immediately. It’s a rare song that invokes memories of my youth and even less common that the songs bring those memories back into such clarity. Thx for reminding me.
Well, only being 2 at that time this album was released…lol…can’t recall much about it but ” American Oie” song however, I do clearly recall listening often in the radio as I got older in my childhood in the mid- later 1970s , and never exactly knew either the actual meaning behind the lyrics until well into my late 20s at the time .
“Vincent” I only knew about from your cover of it, as I’d never heard of/not familiar with before you had covered it….
This episode , was enjoyable and fascinating as I learned more about Don from you both that I was unaware of , but now I will have to look further into his music career journey, I do also recall listening to Pete Seeger stuff growing up in the 70s as well on the radio, despite being a kid, I may not recall exactly all lyrics of a song but the melody/the sound of it musically I recall better of a song , and right off the bat, I’d either enjoy what I heard music wise or not…
Thankyou for another excellent Tuning In of “WOTT”, you picked a Groovy Vinyl Winner to delve into vwith andcI benefitted from learning more and new things I wasn’t aware of, until next episode…
Stay #MLTBuzzLuvGroovified …????????????
I think I was in the 11th grade when the single “American Pie” was released on the radio. I remember the line “good ole boys were drinking whiskey and rye” because my friends and I thought we were those good ole boys. Another favorite of mine was “Dreidel,” don’t remember what a dreidel is tho. Trivial trivia – “Babylon” is base on Psalm 137. Peace be. Luv Ya Bbya.
Hi Joe,
In case you didn’t read my comments I already posted – I want to tell you that a Dreidel is a small toy that kids spin like a top – mostly on the Jewish holiday Hanukkah.
Take care,
Bobby S.
I’ve always been a big fan of Don McLean so thank you for putting American Pie on the table. I agree with you that it’s hard to beat “Vincent” as a beautiful, poetic song. However, my most played (and most loved) Don Mclean song has to be “Castles in the Air”, which is the first song off his Tapestry album. It always made my mix tapes for driving while in college in the 70’s, and has stuck with me through the decades. I’m sure you have probably heard it because I’ve seen several YouTube videos of Don performing it, but if you haven’t, give it a listen because I think you will really enjoy it as well.
I don’t have a copy of this album as I have the CD single reissue (1991) with American Pie, Vincent and Castles in the Air on it so felt the other material may not be so strong. However as you rate it highly it looks like I’ll need to check out the rest of the tracks. Always loved American Pie as a song with its collection of references and scenes and it is so famous (even Madonna covered it!). The Billy Joel song We Didn’t Start the Fire also covers historical events in a similar way although it spans a wider time period and is not at all cryptic. I’d like to put Bookends by Simon & Garfunkel on your table as it has many tracks worth reflecting on in this way. Great sound from a charity shop LP by the way!
By the way, for people in the UK I just noticed that the Killing Me Softly Roberta Flack documentary is on BBC4 on 10th June.
I was a senior in high school in 1971. There were three songs you heard constantly on the radio. American Pie, A Horse With No Name, by America, and Heart of Gold,by NeilYoung
The “American Pie” single was split in two parts because a 45 RPM vinyl single didn’t have enough room for the whole song on one side. The A-side ran 4:11 and the B-side was 4:31 – you had to flip the record in the middle to hear all of it. Radio disc jockeys usually played the album version at full length, which gave them time for a snack, a cigarette or a toilet break.
The album is dedicated to Buddy Holly.
We agree to disagree on Winterwood, which McLean sang in concerts during the early 1970s.
My favourite other song after Vincent is Magdalene Lane from the previous album, Tapestry.
McLean always sounded better “in concert” to my ears than on studio albums where sometimes the production wasn’t great.
His love for Buddy Holly never translated into good recordings – Everyday, It Doesn’t Matter Any More and Raining In My Heart never seemed to work with his own arrangements.
A friend of mine from college was at a get together in her neighborhood and there was a person playing American Pie on a guitar. She was impressed at how close it sounded to the record and told him, “You sound just like the guy who sang this.” His reply was, “I am the guy that sang this!” Turns it it was Don McLean. A great story… 🙂
I remember Don McLean 3 weeks before he released American Pie had a concert at my high school and no one had heard of him at the time. I think only about 50 people showed up and then of course American Pie hit and the rest is history. I spoke briefly with him after his concert and I told him he had some great songs and he would be a big hit soon.