Bye Bye Miss American Pie... Don’s on the wane

‘A long, long time ago I can still remember how the music made me smile’ ....

YOU will probably recognise the opening lyrics of Don McLean’s American Pie, arguably the best pop song of the 20th century.

In 1971, I went to see Don at Symphony Hall in Boston. American Pie was fresh out of the oven and he played a blinder of a gig. I can still recall the sound of his Cuban heel boots reverberating as he walked to the microphone.

After the show, myself and the other journalists waited a long time before Don strutted in. He went around the room inquiring where people were from. When it came to me and I mentioned Ireland, Don visibly reacted and sat forward in his chair and declared his love for Ireland.

On Tuesday last, in Vicar Street the music almost died again, when Don did his last Dublin date of his current tour. It was his own fault as it is glaringly obvious that his voice is not what it used to be and yet he managed to hijack his own songs.

Boredom is the greatest affliction of all for musicians and some stars stop doing their hits because they are bored singing them. Don jumped all over his own songs, even ‘American Pie’.

Don is 72 now and he is a great ambassador for rock ’n’ roll, but instead of singing the songs more softly and thereby having a better chance of being in tune, he bowdlerises his own songs, showing significant symptoms of ennui, probably plain boredom. He did this by changing the emphasis on the lyrics, singing behind the beat and singing in front of the beat.

Why is it that some guys and gals cop on and realise that people come to hear the hits and it works much better in serving the purpose by presenting the songs as they were originally recorded. That’s what the fans come for, to stir old memories of the halcyon days of the Seventies. One man who services his repertoire well is Jackson Browne. When Jackson does a concert he sings all his hits. You came out to see Jackson Browne and that is what you got. Mind you, it doesn’t always work out for Jackson either. The last time I saw him in Dublin he was playing the National Stadium and the previous day the Sunday Press had announced a competition to name Jackson’s celebrity girlfriend. Jackson was outraged by the intrusion into his private life and he had a little rant which included the words ‘cheap’ and ‘exploitative’. When Jackson had finished his rant there was a half second beat before a voice in the audience called out, ‘So what was the answer Jackson?’ Boredom can also undo some of the most iconic stars of rock ’n’ roll. I went to see Jerry Lee Lewis in Nashville. And guess what? ‘Great Balls of Fire’ was sung by his SISTER! But for every Jerry Lee, there is a pleaser to be found. James Taylor is never less than James Taylor when he comes out to sing. He realises that people his own age have shared the same arc of life and James is one of the constants in their lives and they enjoy knowing all the words and singing along.

WHO amongst us that are sentient (not guaranteed) does not know a few lines from You’ve Got a Friend or Sweet Baby James? Besides, given the vintage status of his audience, he is giving pleasure to an age group with little opportunity or desire to go into town for a gig.

The first time I heard Don McLean singing Vincent I was driving. It was a starry, starry night and I had to pull over onto the hard shoulder so that I could concentrate on the exquisite lyrics.

So, deep down, I understand, Don. When you’ve been to the top of the mountain, it’s hard to climb down.