Barry Philips Discos

Published by Barry Philips · Yesterday at 1:00 PM · 

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.
4-Don McLean-American Pie.
1971-Number 2 single. When reissued in 1991 it reached Number 12.
Best Bit-At 4.02. When asked for the 1000th time what does American Pie really mean? McLean replied, ‘It means I don’t have to work anymore.’
In 2000 Madonna committed one of Pop Music’s greatest crimes when she murdered the song with a sub standard karaoke version that was rightly slammed by many music critics. Surprisingly Mclean gave her version his blessing, what he was thinking I do not know, but i can refer you to that earlier quote of his.
Don McLean was fourteen years old and working as a paper boy when he read the newspaper headline of February 3,1959 that three of the era’s most prominent Rock ‘N’ Roll stars, Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and The Big Bopper had been killed in a plane crash after a concert. This event left a lasting impression on the young McLean who approximately eleven years later put pen to paper and wrote about musical and political events in America during the 1960’s decade.
‘The day the music died’ is a reference to the plane crash, it signifies the end of music’s innocence and the start of a more politically influenced musical culture.
McLean has always been reluctant to explain his song, preferring others to reach their own conclusions. Many of the 1960’s biggest Pop Stars are referred to, ‘The Jester’ is Bob Dylan, ‘The King’ is Elvis Presley, ‘Eight Miles High and Falling Fast’ is a reference to The Byrds, and ‘Sergeants played a marching tune’ refers to the Beatles Album ‘Sgt.Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band.’
Several significant events of the 1960’s are also mentioned including the stabbing at the Altamont Speedway Concert in 1969 where The Rolling Stones were playing, and the 1964 murders of the Civil Rights workers Chaney, Goodman and Schwerner.
‘A long long time ago I can still remember how that music used to make me smile.’
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The countdown continues tomorrow at 1.0.pm.YOUTUBE.COMDon McLean – The meaning of American Pie (UPDATE)This is a revision to previously posted videos. I was fortunate enough to go to the Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake IA and speak firsthand with many who…