Add the reviewer from Phoenix to a growing list of collectors who have learned to avoid just about anything associated with Curb.
As they did with their Sammy Davis, Jr., Bobby Darin, and Vikki Carr cheapo CDs they not only leave off some bona fide hits, but provide alternate takes on three others - Vincent, Castles In The Air, And I Love You So. The last, incidentally, was the B-side to his first version of Castles In The Air which, as his first hit, reached # 40 on the Adult Contemporary charts in 1971 for the Mediarts label. As the flipside to the original Vincent in 1972, the same version of Castles In The Air this time was a follow-along pop hit.
What we do not get here are: Dreidel [# 7 AC/# 21 Billboard Pop Hot 100 in early 1973]; If We Try [# 12 AC/# 58 Hot 100 in April 1973]; Fool's Paradise [the Buddy Holly 1958 hit which, for McLean, topped out at # 25 AC/# 107 Hot 100 "bubble under" in March 1974]; and Wonderful Baby [his tribute to Fred Astaire which reached # 1 AC and # 93 Hot 100 in June 1975].
Just one more in a long list of Curb products to avoid like the plague.
August 21, 2007this is a very talented artist,in my opinion the best songs are vincent,american pie,since i dont have you but dont get me grong all the songs are great.i say buy this cd
February 10, 2005 |  | Great artist, messed up album |  |
Don McLean is one of the finest artists ever. This album does not reflect that. Seven alternate takes. The worst one is Vincent. The main line is screwed up, and many songs are totally out of rhythm. Don't Buy this.
May 22, 2004I know that I'm supposed to write a 1000 word essay on why I liked the music on this CD. I gladly choose to spare your, my willful reader's, time. So I'll simply say that Don McLean is one of the best singers/songwriter's of at least two generations. "American Pie" is an amazing masterpiece. It is one of my favorite songs, you just never tire of it. I have to admit that there are songs which rival "American Pie", namely, "Brown Eyed Girl", and some others.
April 2, 2003 | | Not Just a One Hit Wonder | |
Everyone who stereotypes McLean as being a one-hit-wonder is wrong. Sure, everyone knows him as the "guy who sings American Pie," but very few know him for his other hits, and for that reason, i highly recommend this CD. I encourage everyone to discover the beauty of "Vincent," his tribute to Vincent Van Gogh, which coincidentally was a follow-up to "American Pie," his tribute to the late great Buddy Holly. Enjoy the original recordings of "Crying," and "Since I Don't Have You," and engage yourself in the serenity of "Jerusalem," and "Castles in the Air". "It's a Beautiful Life" is a little strange in that the song mainly consists of McLean lyrically talking about writing the song, then singing the verses that he talked about. Also, the new version of "American Pie" almost seems a little rushed even though it's actually longer than the original version, and it's not quite as good as the original. However, the first eight tracks on the album are truly incredible, and although the last two tracks are a little shaky, this CD is still a wonderful one to add to your collection!
October 22, 2000More reviews at Amazon.com ...
(9 reviews)