I kicked off this personal blog back in 2007, which was 17 years ago. I started it right after my chess column got axed by The Star newspaper, and I desperately needed a new outlet for my thoughts and musings. I figured, if I was going to have a blog, it shouldn't be limited to just chess matters. I wanted to cover all sorts of topics that piqued my interest. And that's how Anything Goes was born.
Now, it’s kind of funny, but in these 17 years, while I’ve talked about some of the records I own, I somehow never mentioned this gem of an album: Don McLean's American Pie. I bought it from Hinson's Records on Penang Road (Yes, Hinson's was my other go-to spot besides Wing Hing Records on Campbell Street). So, today, I decided to make up for that oversight by pulling out the album and giving it a spin on the turntable.
American Pie, the album, has fascinated me for years, and I played it non-stop back in the day. The title track, American pie, is over eight minutes long, and I remember the shortened version being a hit on local radio because no station could play the full version back then. Another popular track from the album was Vincent. Once the novelty of the eight-minute song wore off, I found myself playing it less, along with Vincent. Still, the album has remained a favourite to this day.
One may ask why, and it is because Don McLean's music evoked a lot of different moods in me as I grew from my teenage years to my twenties. The songs spoke to me and had a profound effect on me, even at that age: a mixture of nostalgia, introspection, and storytelling, with a touch of melancholy.
The title track, American pie, is a prime example of nostalgia, reflecting on cultural shifts and changes in society and evoking a longing for simpler, more innocent times. Though it referenced the 1950s and 1960s in America, the sentiments weren’t lost on Malaysian society either.
The album also has a melancholic side. Many songs, like Vincent, have a bittersweet quality. Vincent is a hauntingly beautiful tribute to the artist, Vincent van Gogh, capturing both the sadness and brilliance of his life. The music felt poignant and reflective, touching on themes of loss and yearning.
The lyrics were deeply personal and thoughtful. Songs like Empty chairs and Crossroads explored themes of self-discovery, personal growth and the complexities of human emotions. As I got older, the introspective nature of these lyrics made me reflect on my own experiences and feelings.
McLean's songs also have a warm and intimate vibe. I loved the acoustic arrangements and the warmth of his vocal delivery in tracks like Till tomorrow and Winterwood. These songs felt like personal conversations with the listener. McLean is a storyteller at heart, weaving compelling narratives through his music. The title track is an epic example, recounting the history of rock 'n' roll and its impact on American culture.
The mood could also be upbeat. In Everybody loves me baby, McLean's melody was catchy. The lively rhythm and instrumentation gave it a playful feel. The lyrics served as a social commentary on the culture of celebrity and self-importance. It poked fun at those who were out of touch with the real world and were enamoured with their own image and popularity.
Finally, his lyrics were reflective of life’s changes and the passage of time. Songs like The grave and Babylon (the latter accompanied only by a banjo) delved into deep philosophical and existential themes. Definitely encouraging contemplation.
So there you have it. Don McLean's American Pie is not just an album; it's a journey through different moods and stages of life, and it’s one that has stayed with me all these years.
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