Customer Reviews

American Pie & Other Hits

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(12)

 

 

I made the mistake of buying this CD without reading the reviews first. I know the songs of Don Mclean, but never suspected that the title song (American Pie) would be cut short on this album. Luckily, I contacted Amazon.com and they were kind enough to refund my money and pay for the shipping back to them. It is nice that Amazon.com stands by their customers!

I too, made the mistake of NOT reading the reviews before purchasing this CD - a mistake I will NEVER make again. Unlike the other customer who was lucky enough to be able to return it, I wasn't as lucky. I had to *open* the CD packaging to hear it! Please make sure you read the reviews before purchasing. Who would have thought "American Pie and Other Great Hits" would not carry the full version of its title song?

Whenever you are looking for a recording of American Pie, ALWAYS check the length of the song. There was a single version of the song released which only contained half the song (the other half was on the flip side of the 45). You obviously want the full 8 minute recording...this one DOES NOT have it!!!!

No one wants a cut version of the title song. This CD is trash

Whenever you are looking for a recording of American Pie, ALWAYS check the length of the song. There was a single version of the song released which only contained half the song (the other half was on the flip side of the 45). You obviously want the full 8 minute recording...this one DOES NOT have it!

I really looked forward to hearing American Pie & was not happy that this CD has the shortened version.

This CD is a waste of your money. It has the cut version of "American Pie" instead of the full-length version.

I bought this CD just before a long car ride, just for the song American Pie. Imagine my frustration when I discovered that the track I wanted was cut short! The reason I give this two stars, instead of the lowest, is that after listening to more of the CD, I discovered that there were other good songs. If you want to hear American Pie, don't buy this. But if you want other Mclean songs, than this is sufficient.

I was furious when I bought this CD! To add to what has already been said, I owned the 45 way back when, and there was NOT a "single" version of the song "American Pie". The whole 8+ minutes was on the 45 record, unedited, but split between side A and side B (and labeled part one and part two). Only part one, the FIRST HALF of the song, is on this CD. Really unbelievable. The rest of the songs are really good, but, as has been said, don't even bother listening to the title track!

Yes, this is not a definitive collection--and American Pie is not its full length--but look at the cost for so many other greats! I bought it solely for "And I Love You So" and am satisfied. DM performs that song better than anyone else. For those who love romance it should be a staple. "If We Try" is wonderful as a "getting to know you" song. "Everyday" is a great version of the standard--and an upbeat message to someone you're loving more and more all the time.

Way back in the 80s I was talking to a very good and versatile lounge performer. He said he hated being asked for American Pie, Castles in the Air, Vincent and other McLean songs because they took way too much talent and effort--and he knew he didn't have it at that level. He said, "I can fake a lot of others, but nothing of Don McLean's." Even a limited--but reasonably priced--McLean CD will prove his wisdom.