Randor's Song of the Week: 05.30.10

"Vincent" by Don McLean from the album American Pie. 1971.
    If the album title doesn't give a clue, Don McLean is the same singer who immortalized the Day the Music died with his trademark "American Pie." And while Madonna hasn't taken "Vincent" and twisted it into some emotionless drone, I'd say it ranks right up there among his finest work. Much like "American Pie," it pays tribute to something other than the lyrical norms, like love or heartbreak. In this case, Vincent van Gogh.
    That forms the basis of the song's greatness. Perhaps Paul McCartney and his Wings look around and see the world isn't sick of silly love songs, but I sure am. Don't get me wrong, with love supposedly being one of the great pillars of humanity, there's bound to be an abundance of songs about it. Often though I feel it's just a cop-out for songwriters. The same cliched phrases about the same cliched situations, especially in more recent music. "Vincent" steps way out of the box. It describes the remarkable yet troubled man with lyrics as colorful and vivid as his paintings. One can tell McLean really admired van Gogh just by his wonderful word choice, let alone the beautiful guitar melody. I'd like to highlight some of my favorites, but rather than instilling any sort of bias I simply ask that you pick for yourself. But don't just read it; listen to McLean's mellow vocals as he guides you through the daffodils and empty halls. That's really all I can say for any song, but especially this one: listen.
    Now, it did reach number one in the UK and 12 in the US, but these days I wish it had just a tad more recognition. Don McLean's name isn't well known, but most people know his home-run "Pie." In fact, it wouldn't surprise me if people thought him as a one-hit wonder. Unfortunately I cannot say much of his other work, but he's had a few other top 40 hits, like "Castles in the Air," which reminds me of John Denver in a way. He's folksy, and you just can't go wrong with that. Mix that with the poetry and honesty found in "Vincent" and you get perfection.