1. EVERYDAY 2. CASTLES IN THE AIR 3. AMERICAN PIE 4. WINTERWOOD 5. AND I LOVE YOU SO 6. ADDICTED TO BLACK 7. CRYING 8. EMPTY CHAIRS 9. SINCE I DON’T HAVE YOU 10. I TUNE THE WORLD OUT 11. HOMELESS BROTHER 12. WONDERFUL BABY 13. HAVE YOU SEEN ME 14. I WAS ALWAYS YOUNG 15. LOVERS LOVE THE SPRING
DISC TWO:
1. WORDS AND MUSIC 2. LEFT FOR DEAD 3. IF I HADN’T MET YOU 4. IF WE TRY 5. CROSSROADS 6. VINCENT 7. HEADROOM 8. PRIMETIME 9. 1967 10. JERUSALEM 11. SUPERMAN’S GHOST 12. INFINITY 13. MAGDALENE LANE 14. SEAMAN 15. THE STATUE
Released by Time Life Sept 2012
Credits:
Nanci Griffith: Duet Buddy Holly: Composer Don McLean: Producer, Executive Producer Roy Orbison: Composer D. McLean: Composer Jim Brown: Producer W. Lester: Composer N. Petty: Composer J. Melson: Composer J. Vogel: Composer J. Beaumont: Composer Mike Severs: Mastering Patrisha McLean: Cover Photo, Back Cover Photo Alan Howard: Liner Notes Larry Buttler: Producer
DVD
An extended version of the documentary about the Don McLean story produced by multi Emmy-award winning film director Jim Brown was also released on DVD in September 2012. Included in this 90-minute feature film is music by Elvis Presley, Madonna, Fred Astaire and Garth Brooks and interviews with Brian Wilson (Beach Boys), Mike Mills (REM) and Lori Lieberman.
Addicted to Black
Run, Diana Run
Beside Myself
Mary Lost a Ring
Lovers love the spring (William Shakespeare)
Promise to Remember
The Three of Us
Shadowland
I Was Always Young
This is America (Eisenhower)
In a Museum
Released by Don McLean Records in 2009. Studio album of original compositions.
Issued by Proper Records 2011 (UK) 2012 (US).
All tracks composed by Don McLean unless otherwise stated.
If We Try Mountains O’Mourne (French-Collisson) Words And Music Your Cheating Heart (Williams) Since I Don’t Have You (Beaumont-Vogel-Verscharen-Taylor-Lester) Maybe Baby (Petty-Hardin) Dreidel Winterwood Everyday (Hardy-Petty) Have You Seen Me And I Love You So Jerusalem American Pie Empty Chairs Wonderful Baby Crying (Orbison-Melson) Castles In The Air (1981 version) Crossroads Vincent (Starry Starry Night) In a Museum
Released by EMI Records in 2007. Top 40 hit in the UK and includes a whole DVD in addition to the CD listed here
All tracks composed by Don McLean unless otherwise stated.
If You Could Read My Mind (remastered) (G Lightfoot)
Vincent (Starry, Starry Night)
Wonderful Baby
Love Me Tender (E Presley)
(It Was) A Very Good Year (Ervin M. Drake)
El Paso
My Saddle Pals and I
And I Love You So
Crying (Orbison-Melson)
Empty Chairs (recorded in 1978)
Homeless Brother
TB Blues
Magdalene Lane
Infinity
Prime Time
American Pie
Run, Diana Run
You’ve Got to Share
Released by Hyena Records in 2005. Career retrospective including previously unreleased material, the original studio recording of American Pie and Don’s new song, Run, Diana Run. Includes a bonus DVD featuring Don McLean rehearsing at home with the Jordanaires in 1984 and Don’s only music video – Headroom. Produced by Don McLean and Joel Dorn.
Released by EMI Records in 2003. Comprehensive compilation for the North American market that features a previously unreleased track called “Just to hold my hand”.
Released by Don McLean Records in 2003. “Some albums are labors of love, others works of art. In returning to the western music which fired the imagination of his youth, Don McLean has clearly, beautifully, crafted a work of love and a work of art as well, spanning the spectrum of western music.” Ranger Doug, Riders in the Sky This album is dedicated to the memory of Neal Matthews and Duane West These were their last studio sessions. “My Saddle Pal and I” was recorded at the wrap party for the “Chain Lightning” album. Recording made on the spur of the moment, all quite drunk.
“Singin’ The Blues” composed by Melvin Endsley “Kaw Liga” composed by Fred Rose and Hank Williams “Among My Souvenirs” composed by Edgar Leslie and Horatio Nicholls “Ribbon of Darkness” composed by Gordon Lightfoot “The Story of My Life” composed by Burt Bacharach and Hal David “Love Me” composed by Jeanne Pruett “Don’t Worry ‘Bout Me”, “El Paso”, “I Can’t Quit”, “Devil Woman”, “Time Goes By” and “You Gave Me a Mountain” composed by Marty Robbins
Released by EMI in 1992. Includes many previously un-released songs dating back to the ‘Tapestry’ and ‘American Pie’ sessions. Biographical booklet included.
Released by Gold Castle Records in 1989. Songs from the 30s, 40s and 50s. 1997 reissue on hip-o records includes bonus track ‘Somewhere Over the Rainbow’
GOLD CASTLE D2-71330, Released 1989 [CD] GOLD CASTLE D4-71330, Released 1989 [CS] HIP-O HIPD-40054, Reissued April 1997 [CD]
“Maybe Baby” produced by Larry Butler; other tracks produced by Dave Burgess.
Released by Capitol in 1988. The first and only time Don McLean has recorded brand new songs written by other composers. ‘Can’t Blame the Train’ became a top-40 country hit. ‘Love in my Heart’ made the top-10 in Australia.
CAPITOL C1-48080, Released August 1988 [LP] CAPITOL CDP-7-48080-2, Released August 1988 [CD]
All tracks composed by Don McLean unless otherwise stated.
But She Loves Me (Fuller) Superman’s Ghost American Pie Castles In The Air (1981 version) Don’t Burn The Bridge Vincent (Starry Starry Night) And I Love You So
Released by Capitol in 1986. Mix of old Don McLean classics and new compositions
EMI AMERICA ST-17255, Released May 1987 EMI AMERICA 26 1359 1 (EUR), Released 1987 [LP] EMI AMERICA 26 1359 4 (EUR), Released 1987 [CS] EMI AMERICA 7 46586 2 (EUR), Released 1987 [CD]
Released by EMI in 1983. Recorded live in concert at the Dominion Theatre, London in 1980. Features band and strings. The concert was also filmed and released on video as “The Music of Don McLean”. In 2007 the video was re-issued on DVD as part of EMI’s “The Legendary Don McLean” package.
EMI DOM 82 (UK), Released 1982 [LP] GOLD CASTLE D2-71332, Released 1990 [CD] HIP-O HIPD2-40033, Reissued March 1997 [CD] as “Greatest Hits LIVE”
All tracks composed by Don McLean unless otherwise stated.
Produced by Larry Butler. Released by EMI in 1981. Includes the re-recorded ‘Castles in the Air’ and the highly popular ‘Jerusalem’. The 1997 Hip-o records re-issue of this album includes detailed liner notes written by Don McLean himself. In them he tells us that he re-recorded ‘Castles in the Air’ for this album because “I never liked the original, which at most had been a ‘B’ side for both ‘And I Love You So’ on Mediarts Records and later for ‘Vincent’ on United Artists Records. When this recording was released it went top-40 around the world and it’s now the ‘hit’ version of the song.” CD re-issue on hip-o records in 1997 includes bonus track: ‘Dream Lover’ (studio version).
MILLENIUM BXL1-7762, Released October 1981 [LP] INTERFUSION (FESTIVAL) L37705 (AUS), Released 1981 [LP] HIP-O HIPD-40060, Reissued August 1997 [CD]*
A worldwide hit album produced by Larry Butler. Recorded Jun 26, 1978-Aug 23, 1978 in Nashville and features for the first time with Don McLean, Elvis Presley’s backing singers (The Jordanaires) and musicians. ‘Crying’ and ‘Since I Don’t Have You’ became huge hits. CD re-issue (hip-o records, 1997) includes bonus track ‘If You Could Read My Mind’. CD cover also features the original artwork that was not used for the original release.
EMI INTERNATIONAL INS-3025 (UK), Released December 1978 [LP] INTERFUSION (FESTIVAL) L36758 (AUS), Released 1979 [LP] MILLENIUM BXL1-7756, Released January 1981 [LP] HIP-O HIPD-40061, Reissued July 1997 [CD]*
*With Bonus Track: If You Could Read My Mind (Lightfoot)
Don McLean – Vocals, Acoustic Guitar
James D. Capps, Ray Edenton – Acoustic Guitar
Tommy D. Alsup, Billy R. Sanford – Electric Guitar
Produced by John Peters and released by Arista in 1977 – Don’s one and only album with Arista records. Arguably his least successful album but one that contains excellent songs. ‘When Love Begins’ and ‘The Pattern is Broken’ were written and recorded for the film ‘Fraternity Row’. Re-issued in 1997 on Hip-o Records with ‘If You Can Dream’ bonus track and liner notes written by Joel Dorn.
ARISTA 4149, Released October 1977 INTERFUSION (FESTIVAL) L36446 (AUS), Released 1977 [LP] HIP-O HIPD-40055, Reissued September 1997 [CD]*
*With Bonus Track: If You Can Dream
All tracks composed by Don McLean unless otherwise stated.
Recorded live at Manchester, Bristol and Oxford, England. Produced by Don McLean and John Peters.
UNITED ARTISTS UA-LA652-H2, Released August 1976 [LP] UNITED ARTISTS UA-EA652-J2, Released August 1976 [8T] UNITED ARTISTS (FESTIVAL) L70067 (AUS), Released 1976 [LP] BEAT GOES ON (BGO) 2779 300 2 [CD]
Sunshine Life for Me (Sail Away Raymond) (Harrison)
The Legend of Andrew McCrew
Wonderful Baby
You Have Lived
Great Big Man McLean
Tangled (Like a Spider in Her Hair)
Crying in the Chapel (Glenn)
Did You Know
Produced by Joel Dorn. Released by United Artists in 1974. Features ‘Wonderful Baby’, later recorded by Fred Astaire. ‘La La Love You’ became a minor hit. Reissued in 1994 by BGO records on CD with extensive liner notes.
UNITED ARTISTS UA-LA315-G, Released August 1974 [LP]
UNITED ARTISTS UA-EA315-G, Released August 1974 [8T]
LIBERTY LN-10211, Reissued September 1983 [LP]
BEAT GOES ON (BGO) BGOCD247 Reissued 1994 [CD]
All tracks composed by Don McLean unless otherwise stated.
“Sitting on Top of the World” composed by Bo Carter, Little Walter
“Living With the Blues” composed by Ruth McGhee
“Mountains O’ Mourne” composed by Collisson/French
“Fool’s Paradise” composed by Sonny LeGlaire, Horace Linsley, Norman Petty
“Everyday” composed by Charles Hardin, Norman Petty
“Ancient History” and “Over the Mountains” composed by Irene Stanton, Wayne Walker
“Lovesick Blues” composed by Cliff Friend, Irving Mills
“New Mule Skinner Blues” composed by Jimmie Rodgers, George Vaughn
“Happy Trails” composed by Dale Evans
Produced by Ed Freeman
UNITED ARTISTS UA-LA161-F, Released October 1973 [LP] UNITED ARTISTS UA-EA161-6, Released October 1973 [8T] UNITED ARTISTS (FESTIVAL) L35000 (AUS), Released 1973 [LP] BEAT GOES ON (BGO) 2779 21 2 [CD]
Released by United Artists in 1972. Follow up to the ‘American Pie’ album and single. From this album, ‘Dreidel’ and ‘If We Try’ became hits. Reissued in 1994 by BGO records on CD with extensive liner notes. Produced by Ed Freeman.
UNITED ARTISTS UAS-5651, Released November 1972 [LP] UNITED ARTISTS K-0461, Released November 1972 [CS] UNITED ARTISTS U-8461, Released November 1972 [8T] UNITED ARTISTS (FESTIVAL) UAL-34676 (AUS), Released 1972 [LP] BEAT GOES ON (BGO) 2779 246 2 [CD]
All tracks composed by Don McLean unless otherwise stated.
Released by United Artists in 1971. Don’s first album, famously rejected by over 30 labels before being snapped up by Mediarts. Mediarts was soon taken over by United Artists. Album includes legendary ‘Castles in the Air’ and ‘And I Love You So’ and other excellent folk songs concerned with environmental and social issues. Reissued in 1994 by BGO records on CD with extensive liner notes.
MEDIARTS 41-4, Released April 1970 [LP] MEDIARTS M 84, Released April 1970 [8T] UNITED ARTISTS UAS-5522, Reissued August 1971** [LP] UNITED ARTISTS U-8280, Reissued August 1971 [8T] UNITED ARTISTS UAS-29350 (UK), Reissued 1971** [LP] PICKWICK SPC-3702, Reissued 1979* [LP] LIBERTY LN-10157, Reissued January 1982* [LP] BEAT GOES ON (BGO) 2779 232 2 [CD] EMI E2-53928, Reissued 1996 [CD]
*PICWICK and LIBERTY release missing Three Flights Up and Respectable. **UNITED ARTISTS and later releases contain a remix of Castles In The Air, and a remix of No Reason For Your Dreams.
All tracks composed by Don McLean unless otherwise stated.
UNITED ARTISTS UAS-5535, Released October 1971 [LP] UNITED ARTISTS U-8299, Released October 1971 [8T] LIBERTY LN-10037, Reissued October 1980 [LP] EMI MANHATTAN CDP 7 46555 2, Reissued 1987 [CD] ULTRADISC MFSL UDCD 728, Reissued July 1998 [CD]
Commentary on “American Pie” from The Don McLean Story
“American Pie” is partly biographical and partly the story of America during the idealized 1950s and the bleaker 1960s. It was initially inspired by Don’s memories of being a paperboy in 1959 and learning of the death of Buddy Holly. “American Pie” presents an abstract story of McLean’s life from the mid-1950s until the end of the 1960s, and at the same time it represents the evolution of popular music and politics over these years, from the lightness of the 1950s to the darkness of the late 1960s, but metaphorically the song continues to evolve to the present time. It is not a nostalgia song. “American Pie” changes as America, itself, is changing.
For McLean, the transition from the light innocence of childhood to the dark realities of adulthood began with the deaths of his father and Buddy Holly and culminated with the assassination of President Kennedy in 1963, which was the start of a more difficult time for America. During this four year period, Don moved from an idyllic childhood, through the shock and harsh realities of his father’s death in 1961, to his decision, in 1964, to leave Villanova University to pursue his dream of becoming a professional singer.
The 1950s were an era of happiness and affluence for the burgeoning American middle class. Americans had a feeling of optimism about their prospects for the future, and pride in their nation which had emerged victorious from World War II, setting the world free from the tyranny of Nazi Germany. Popular music mirrored society. Performers such as Buddy Holly, Elvis Presley, and Bill Haley and the Comets churned out feel-good records that matched the mood of the nation. Sinister forces such as communism were banished, and serious folk groups like the Weavers were being replaced by the beat poets who, as members of the intelligentsia, were excused their lack of optimism.
The 1960s was the antithesis of the previous decade. The exuberant simplicity of the 1950s was displaced by a much more volatile and politically charged atmosphere. People were asking questions. The cozy world of white middle class America was disturbed, as civil rights campaigners marched on Washington, D.C., and Martin Luther King Jr delivered his “I Have a Dream” speech from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. The following year saw the 1964 Civil Rights Act become law. On the world stage, America’s leading super-power status was being challenged by the Soviet Union, and its military might was being tested by the Vietnamese. Even in music, America soon found itself overrun by a British invasion. The 1960s was a turbulent time for McLean’s generation.
By 1971, America was still deeply troubled. The Vietnam War was out of control. The anti-war movement was gathering momentum and being listened to. On April 22, 1971, former naval officer, John Kerry, stated to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee:
“…In our opinion, and from our experience, there is nothing in South Vietnam, nothing which could happen that realistically threatens the United States of America. And to attempt to justify the loss of one American life in Vietnam, Cambodia, or Laos by linking such loss to the preservation of freedom, which those misfits supposedly abuse, is to us the height of criminal hypocrisy, and it is that kind of hypocrisy which we feel has torn this country apart…”
Other events of the time, such as the successful launch of Apollo 14, did little to restore national pride. “American Pie,” in the opinion of the song’s producer, Ed Freeman, was the funeral oration for an era: “Without it, many of us would have been unable to grieve, achieve closure, and move on. Don saw that, and wrote the song that set us free. We should all be eternally grateful to him for that.”
Extract from The Don McLean Story: Killing Us Softly With His Songs by Alan Howard Copyright 2007 Starry Night Music, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction or translation of any part of this work without the permission of the copyright owner is unlawful. Used by permission.
Don McLean Sings American Pie on Top of the Pops (October 31, 1991):