"I bought this album on vinyl many years ago on my first trip to the USA (aged 17) on a whim. It proved to be one of my most prized possessions, and when it got scratched in the late 80s I was so sad. Finding it again on CD (on a British label?) was like finding a lost brother.All the tracks have been the sound-track to parts of my life - the sense of being caught up by events in 'Dreidel', of the value of work in 'Bronco Bill', of how any romance can fail in 'Oh My', the hope of new love in 'If We Try' ... and so on. I return again and again to the music and lyrics here and regard this as Don McLean at his very best, capturing the essence of real life with lyrical and musical excellence.My favourite track is 'Falling Through Time', and that's where I am in life and love right now. This is not 'American Pie', but if you like that and enjoy gentle, moving folk-pop, this will become your best friend too."
There is no other album.
Ellen C Gill | Concord, North Carolina United States | 11/28/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"If there were ten stars, I'd rate it an eleven. My favorite track is "More You Pay". The unusual guitar work and haunting melodies stir my soul. It's the next best thing to a time machine, but never really taking on a "dated" feel. The music is as refreshing today to new listeners as it is to people who've grown up listening to Don Mclean-especially THIS album!"
Still Listening after 25 years
JJ | Philadelphia | 02/21/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I bought the 8-Track tape of this album because I liked American Pie so much. The tracks "Oh My What a Shame" and "Pride Parade" showcase songwriting combined with passionate performing beyond almost anything I've ever heard and are reminiscient of my favorite "Empty Chairs" from American Pie. Still listen to this CD every few months when I get tired of most of the mediocre stuff being written today."
Yes, American Pie, but the music didn't die in DM either...
CWC | Long Beach, CA | 04/27/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I will always consider "American Pie" to be one of the most important and influential albums of the early '70's. I can remember many nights in my Ohio State dorm sitting around with my friends analyzing that song which lead to many lively discussions on a menagerie of topics well into the night. I eagerly purchased this follow-up album, "Don McLean," but didn't expect it to live up to the expectations and reactions I had to "AP." Was I ever surprised! This particular album cover alone like no other puts me in a pensive, reflective mood. I've always wondered where it was photographed.... This incredible ensemble of songs was equal to and in some ways better than "AP." Mr. McLean can weave tales in his songs and music like no other and I was just as content with this grouping in "AP." "Oh My What A Shame, "If We Try," and " Pride Parade," are some of Mr. McLean's reflective songs on the album. He doesn't leave his listeners feeling totally forelorn though (smile) with his sudden up-beat songs "Birthday Song," "On The Amazon," (which has a Dr. Seuss quality to it) and "Narcisissma." This album has influences of folk, rock, happy, and sad that will leave all its listeners pleased, satisifed, and feeling they know a little more about life. In my opinion, the two "must have" Don McLean albums one should have of this wonderful artist are "American Pie" and "Don McLean.""