This is such a brilliant song! One of my all time favorites. I remember Don Mclean saying, at a concert in Sugarloaf, NY a few yrs ago, that in 1970 (I think it was 70) that he was living in my home town of Garrison, NY. I remember reading somewhere that the song "Castles in the air" is refering to the castles in Garrison of which there are 3 that I can think of off the top of my head. They are Dick's castle, Osborn Castle and Cattell's Castle. I think there's another that I'm forgetting.
@irwinrussell60 Your heart is in the right place, but this song in particular is greatly overlooked. But No way "Vincent" is overlooked. The RIAA has certified it as one of the most played songs of all time on the radio--more than 3 million airplays and in the same airplay rankings as some of Elvis and the Beatles' tunes.
WOWW .... I Totally love this song , but that was the worst 3 way effort ever... it's like the bass player and other were conspiring to make him sound bad.
I've never heard such incohereance ( if I have that word right) this can not be right. there is something wrong with that recording, it's like the back up band didn't even try . i'll try once more..yes .. the bass player doesn't even look at singer for the first couple a minutes . what's up with that , not sure if they gell.
@jbolio888 You have your facts all wrong. The 1972 version was merely the "B" side of "Vincent" and was not commercially successful. The 1981 version was a chart success and reached #37 on the Billboard charts and received extensive airplay. Don was invited to sing it in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade. It is the successful 1981 version that has given the song its enduring popularity in the years since.
Can anyone else make a guitar sing like Don Mclean. You could almost think the instrument was invented for the beautiful sounds he brings forth from it. My favorite Don song of all time. There's been some covers but this is the very best.
now I'm the opposite of Don McClean since I've been known as an idealist, a dreamer, a person who wears rose colored glasses and castles in the air I wouldn't trade city life for country life no way now how. I love the city life! I love Don McClean and his music and especially this one.
No pude ver el video... me hizo cerrar mis ojos para oirla y verla con el alma... que bella cancion!!!!!!!!!!!! y Don genial como siempre!!! gracias frayorihuela por recomendar, por cierto no se te olvide poner en tus favoritas a Vincent!!!!
Not to beat the John Denver thing into the ground, but same as with Paul Simon I think these 2 guys just didn't know who they were. Muscians? Actors? Don Mclean was always about music only. When record execs pushed him for another American Pie he told them to shove it; nobody was gonna tell him what to write or what to sing. If Denver 'caved' to the corn pone that speaks volumes about him. When Paul Simon showed up in a Woody Allen movie, that said all I needed to know about him.
@jfq722 ...true, it's sad what becomes of some musicians later in their careers. I cannot, however, dismiss the early works of a guy like Paul Simon. He was truly a poetic genius early on, and wrote some of the greatest songs ever.
@jstarks123 Probably not as a good as a singer though. I love all of Paul Simon's stuff I really do but I just think Mclean has a better voice. Just my two cents.
@zapkvr ...you're absolutely right. I mean, let's face it...there aren't too many artists whose vocals can be even compared to Mclean's...I was talking about Paul Simon's song writing abilities more than anything. Mclean also wrote some beautiful lyrics as well
As an Australian country man, I have to say this song has always been a favourite and always will be, America you have a great talent in this man, in fact America has produced the finest gifted musicians ever, thanks to God, like Jackson Browne, a truly gifted man.
Anyone know who the bass player was here? Too bad that the mic boom blocked out his right hand and that you can't see the guitar player's playing either. Otherwise, a beautiful version of this great song...
This has always been one of my very favorite songs. It is also one of the most beautiful songs I have ever heard and everthing about the song is so amazing - the words - the music - and Don Mclean's incredible voice makes this song perfect in every way. Thank you so much for posting it. This song warms my heart every time I hear it. As some of the other reviews said - it is definitely - captivating - mesmerizing - and haunting.
Don's messages in song are as moving as those of John Denver!
No, I am not talking about, "Thank God, I'm a country boy". That was too commercial. All of John's original work on his literally unknown album, "Poems, Prayers & Promises" was fantastic. Studio marketing heads started pressuring John for more traditional, "knee slapping, country corn". John reluctantly complied, but, he hated it.
Yeah, it made him popular, but had much better song talent to offer!
@McGarVision Philip David Ochs I believe should be listed as one of the greatest voices. December 19, 1940 – April 9, 1976) Amazing. watch a few youtubes and let me know what you think.
@McGarVision i hope your calling don the mignon... and if so, i'm not a big denver fan but spam might be a little low in the carne department even for denver. how about fajita? ;)
@D7J7W7 Except that Dpn would be legendary for his incredible voice--even if he never wrote a single song. That's proven out on the cover songs. Ever hear Don steal "If You Could Read My Mind" from Gordon Lightfoot?
@Cockroach2008 I remember the time of "Denvermania". Seems people either loved John Denver's music, or they hated it. While JD was a gifted poet/troubadour (regardless of personal tastes or preferences, the man was incredibly talented), Don McLean's music is something that has transcended the generations. Today, his music sounds resonates as smooth and fine as old wine. IMO, No songwriter has ever matched the musical genius went into writing "American Pie".
I've been listening to this song non-stop trying to learn the bass line, and other than a lack of real Hi-Fidelity sound, the electric guitar parts are beautifully done here.
A real nice C &W sounding 'twang to his pickin'.
Anyone know who the bassist is here? Nicely played...
@TheMusicRocks14 Umm..this version is the original version by the writer of the song. I'm sure Celtic Thunder does a nice cover version of Don's song.
I have just listened to it.. wel, that is, to the first few seconds. Pretty guy, nicely sung, but magically devoid of all the emotion that Don puts into it. Celtic Thunder even needs someone with shakers to have the rhythm and summer feeling ... and he turns it into an all-country song. Nicce, but flat, if you know the original
@McGarVision I have just listened to it.. wel, that is, to the first few seconds. Pretty guy, nicely sung, but magically devoid of all the emotion that Don puts into it. Celtic Thunder even needs someone with shakers to have the rhythm and summer feeling ... and he turns it into an all-country song. Nicce, but flat, if you know the original
@karsseboomh22 Wow. I just said that Don's original version is great....who thought people would freak just because I said I heard the song sung by Keith first?? Lol.
@TheMusicRocks14 cause he sung the original version how could you have missed his version and olny heard the newer version? how old are you? when this song came out nobody heard the other version so how could you?
@karsseboomh22 Hahaha. Let's just say I was born in the mid-90s. I'm a teenager. Lol. So, whenever Don's version came out, I probably wasn't born yet or very young.
i think this poetic performer has an amazing catalog - not huge but all quality recordings - when DM was asked what the lyrics meant in America Pie - he responded "they mean I will never have to work a REAL job again....."
poetic words. Those aren't hard if you have a bright enough mind the hard part is finding a perfect match for the words to flow with it to compliment and brighten the words with a melody and rythm. The strings and percussion flowing gracefully with the thoughts of this man perfectly it's well it's amazing. He's rare. You don't come across good artists as much as I would like.
I'ts silly to berate the public for being what they are. Half of human beings are, by definition, below average intelligence. Similarly, half of the population have below average appreciation of beauty. Most human characteristics fall under a bell curve...from the mundane (like height and weight) to the sublime (like appreciation of art and beauty). Chill out. Why make stupid statements about it as if it is a surprise? It doesn't surprise me.
@smrndoff saw your comment on don mcclean...dont you just hate how people sit out there, probably nude, yaking off their mouths about how someones opinion sucks and then they make their comment like they are the only one on planet earth??? Look up musicians, playing guitar and some poor kid will get slammed even tho hes just having fun with his camera and guitar...yikes, they never stop...shows their slow and selfish mental state...nobody can hurt them so they feel "Inbelished?" to flap off.
oh my, very full of yourself eh? And quite qualified to judge the human race? With your bell curve of mundane to sublime,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,hahahahahaha,,,,,,,,,,where have you placed yourself?
@smrndoff That's an interesting statistic you came up with but quite meaningless. No offense intended but that's like saying the majority of people have greater than than the average number of legs. Technically true but statistically just as meaningless.
evolution you are totally right. I will slash my wrists parallel to my veins if anyone ever makes me hear that great song again.....McLean probably wishes they would stop. they fucking ruin everything...it should not be played more than once or twice now every 300 or 400 years. it was a great song. WAS.
Had forgotten how much I adore this song...thanks. Vincent alway's reminded me of my brother...I love him so even if he's different than you and I. Good day :) :) :)
Yeah, that´s how i feel about the comments a lot of times. It strikes me how people need the confirmation and recognization of others in some near-pathological way.. but then again, i discover that in myself too so i guess it´s just human :D
Absolutely correct in saying this gem is criminally overlooked. If it had've contained references to sex, violence, drugs or money it perhaps may have done better all those years ago, such is the decayed state of the world. I don't know the details but #36 on the charts is a joke. American Pie is a classic also but it can't hold a candle to this song. I am not surprised though, anything that is pure, as this song clearly is has always been rejected by the populace. Beautiful song.
Absolutely correct in saying this gem is criminally overlooked. If it had've contained references to sex, violence, drugs or money it perhaps may have done better all those years ago, such is the decayed state of the world. I don't know the details but #36 on the charts is a joke. American Pie is a classic also but it can't hold a candle to this song. I am not surprised though, anything that is pure, as this song clearly is has always been rejected by the populace. Beautiful song.
@teezbeatz Through all it's faults, it's one of the best aspects of youtube. I had never heard this song until I looked it up on wikipedia and listened to it on youtube.
I will eat razor blades before I hear "American Pie" by own volition again, but this song came on the radio years ago and completely paralyzed, mesmerized and captivated me. The studio version is indeed pop (of the more singer/songwriter-ish persuasion) music at its best. The melody is haunting and everything from the string arrangement to the percussion arrangement make the production value top-notch.
Not sure how big this song was on the chart when it was released; but surely, it is my favorite of Don's - even over the great tribute to "Vincent" van Gogh. Don is just great! Where is he?!
OH MY GOooSssH - beautiful! Thank you for posting this- this song comes into my mind every once in awhile, but my mind hasn't been doing justice to Don McLean singing it!
This song is his best in my opinion, except it's perfect in the studio version. He always does improv live, though I've always preferred the original version...
@woodinhead62 When you say "original" which one?...Don recorded a mostly acoustic version on his debut album as a young man, then he "re-recorded it" for the the "Believers" Lp in 1983. I like the "Believers" version the best.
can't agree you with more folks. when I discovered Don Macelan many many moons ago I was bewildered by the fact that no one seemed to know this song. Its one of my all time favorites of Maclean and indeed, of all. He's actually quite a master musician, and generally underrated, since most people only seem to know American Pie and Vincent
This up-tempo version is much more likable. Had the original on the B-side (or maybe it was a double A-side) of Vincent. I thought back then that there was something to this song but I never really got into it because, as I see now, that the arrangement was too slow.
@reggiedid Seen it thanks reggie. Not bad for a 64 year old. Found an even better version here see 'Don Mclean - American Pie (part) / Castles in the air'. From an interview on UK TV about 1980. Five minutes into the video he does Castles' IMO the best version, right tempo etc in fact this recording could have been released as a single IMO. Would love to download this if I knew how. :)
@bluebottle99 hi there in relation to downloading this install free real player and when you open up selected you tube video real player will ask if you want to download the video ...then simply convert it to an mp3 with FLV to MP3 converter available free on web
I saw Don in a small venue before he became so popular in our 70's generation.
This song wasn't a "commercial hit", but it was one of the best songs written and performed in this theme. This song is for those outside subrubia and the mundane life. ( no cheerleaders here). I really apprecaiate this particular selection by Don. A poet's song. A hopeful song
Obrigado Princesa por promover um verdadeiro festival de nostalgia ! "Castles in The Air......." mexe muito com o coração do sonhador de plantão ! Fazer o que..!!! BJUSSSSSSSSS
O que seria da realidade sem os sonhos! Um não seria possível sem o outro. Assim vivemos de Castelos no Ar e tantos outros sonhos necessários na vida real.
I echo the same plea that gusmacgregomusic posted... this song and this particular post of it are both treasures. I am a proud country woman and I smile to myself each and every time Don sings that line...
thanks so much for posting this!!! I love this live reindition...I agree this song is criminally overlooked..It has such a deep message for just speaking about simple mundane life..
Damn, this is such an amazing song. I particularly like his remake from around 1980.
tbirdtim 2 weeks ago
I'm city born but I love the country life.
twj1996 2 weeks ago
This is such a brilliant song! One of my all time favorites. I remember Don Mclean saying, at a concert in Sugarloaf, NY a few yrs ago, that in 1970 (I think it was 70) that he was living in my home town of Garrison, NY. I remember reading somewhere that the song "Castles in the air" is refering to the castles in Garrison of which there are 3 that I can think of off the top of my head. They are Dick's castle, Osborn Castle and Cattell's Castle. I think there's another that I'm forgetting.
VanillaSky68 3 weeks ago
So who are the guys backing up Don on this show? And what show is it?
AUSTINLAFAYETTE 3 weeks ago
His great voice over comes the clanging.
fabulousgerro66 1 month ago
to the description: isn't every Don McClean song (excluding American Pie and arguably Vincent) criminally overlooked?
irwinrussell60 1 month ago
@irwinrussell60 Your heart is in the right place, but this song in particular is greatly overlooked. But No way "Vincent" is overlooked. The RIAA has certified it as one of the most played songs of all time on the radio--more than 3 million airplays and in the same airplay rankings as some of Elvis and the Beatles' tunes.
McGarVision 1 month ago
@McGarVision However, "Vincent" has been covered by so many artists that it's not surprising.
irwinrussell60 1 month ago
@McGarVision thats exactly what he is saying.... vincent and american pie arent overlooked...but alll his others are
depeau44 3 weeks ago
Love this one ! Seeing him here makes me think of Johnny Cash.
ReinaAntilles 2 months ago
WOWW .... I Totally love this song , but that was the worst 3 way effort ever... it's like the bass player and other were conspiring to make him sound bad.
I've never heard such incohereance ( if I have that word right) this can not be right. there is something wrong with that recording, it's like the back up band didn't even try . i'll try once more..yes .. the bass player doesn't even look at singer for the first couple a minutes . what's up with that , not sure if they gell.
intraining01 2 months ago
beautiful song . Thank you don
airkooled05 2 months ago
1972 - Castles in the Air Released, 1981 - Faster version released, less successful
jbolio888 2 months ago
@jbolio888 You have your facts all wrong. The 1972 version was merely the "B" side of "Vincent" and was not commercially successful. The 1981 version was a chart success and reached #37 on the Billboard charts and received extensive airplay. Don was invited to sing it in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade. It is the successful 1981 version that has given the song its enduring popularity in the years since.
McGarVision 2 months ago 5
This has been flagged as spam show
@McGarVision Yep you are correct! They have their info wrong.
karrezza 2 months ago
ah fcckn love it !
breffnipark 2 months ago
I agree. Nature is beautiful. Don't isolate me in any castle in the air.
WizardintheWoods 3 months ago
This song is a classic. Keep the social climbers and phonies in the city while I wish I was out in the country where things are real and appreciated.
richthekingofbuffalo 3 months ago
Can anyone else make a guitar sing like Don Mclean. You could almost think the instrument was invented for the beautiful sounds he brings forth from it. My favorite Don song of all time. There's been some covers but this is the very best.
zapkvr 3 months ago
Thanks for posting. Don McLean gave us so many touching songs.
Chidanandaji 3 months ago
now I'm the opposite of Don McClean since I've been known as an idealist, a dreamer, a person who wears rose colored glasses and castles in the air I wouldn't trade city life for country life no way now how. I love the city life! I love Don McClean and his music and especially this one.
herasmarket 3 months ago
I'm annoyed with my Dad because he only played 'American Pie' to me!! Now I have heard the other great songs... and this is my favourite. Thanks.
CaptainPond 4 months ago
Beautiful song and lyrics.....
Petergan88 4 months ago
This song reminds me of my dad and being a kid.
ElvisLivesUpstairs 4 months ago
great song!
Andyfly 4 months ago
There's only 2 words that suffice for this -
Too good.
TheAccidentalMonk 4 months ago
No pude ver el video... me hizo cerrar mis ojos para oirla y verla con el alma... que bella cancion!!!!!!!!!!!! y Don genial como siempre!!! gracias frayorihuela por recomendar, por cierto no se te olvide poner en tus favoritas a Vincent!!!!
MarthaCollier71069 4 months ago
Beautiful song! My other favourite is American Pie.
Seattlecarnut 5 months ago
Not to beat the John Denver thing into the ground, but same as with Paul Simon I think these 2 guys just didn't know who they were. Muscians? Actors? Don Mclean was always about music only. When record execs pushed him for another American Pie he told them to shove it; nobody was gonna tell him what to write or what to sing. If Denver 'caved' to the corn pone that speaks volumes about him. When Paul Simon showed up in a Woody Allen movie, that said all I needed to know about him.
jfq722 5 months ago
@jfq722 ...true, it's sad what becomes of some musicians later in their careers. I cannot, however, dismiss the early works of a guy like Paul Simon. He was truly a poetic genius early on, and wrote some of the greatest songs ever.
jstarks123 4 months ago
@jstarks123 Probably not as a good as a singer though. I love all of Paul Simon's stuff I really do but I just think Mclean has a better voice. Just my two cents.
zapkvr 3 months ago
@zapkvr ...you're absolutely right. I mean, let's face it...there aren't too many artists whose vocals can be even compared to Mclean's...I was talking about Paul Simon's song writing abilities more than anything. Mclean also wrote some beautiful lyrics as well
jstarks123 3 months ago
As an Australian country man, I have to say this song has always been a favourite and always will be, America you have a great talent in this man, in fact America has produced the finest gifted musicians ever, thanks to God, like Jackson Browne, a truly gifted man.
federalagentretired 5 months ago
Another beautiful song by Don McLean. There is no need to say anything; he said it all.
danielvillatoro 6 months ago
Anyone know who the bass player was here? Too bad that the mic boom blocked out his right hand and that you can't see the guitar player's playing either. Otherwise, a beautiful version of this great song...
HeinekenPete 6 months ago
8 people would rather not be saved from the trouble and the pain
handymandan100 6 months ago 5
@handymandan100 hahaha! i never do this, but it just rolled out-a me...
handymandan100 6 months ago
Don hit #36 in Billboard, 12-26-81. God bless ya, for postin' it. Thanx! Have a great week.
DaveWollenberg 6 months ago
This is the best version that I have found. The others sounded slower than the original radio version.
dan7dees 6 months ago
Beautiful B side to the single Vincent. Memories of my elder Sister's record player at age 12 or 13. One of the best songs of all time.
1unsung 7 months ago
Pure talent! No window dressing!
Peterbj 7 months ago
Did you know that the song "Killing Me Softly With His Song " was written about this man? Awesome song, always one of my favorites.
vicpur 7 months ago
This has always been one of my very favorite songs. It is also one of the most beautiful songs I have ever heard and everthing about the song is so amazing - the words - the music - and Don Mclean's incredible voice makes this song perfect in every way. Thank you so much for posting it. This song warms my heart every time I hear it. As some of the other reviews said - it is definitely - captivating - mesmerizing - and haunting.
50s60steenidols 8 months ago 2
Don's messages in song are as moving as those of John Denver!
No, I am not talking about, "Thank God, I'm a country boy". That was too commercial. All of John's original work on his literally unknown album, "Poems, Prayers & Promises" was fantastic. Studio marketing heads started pressuring John for more traditional, "knee slapping, country corn". John reluctantly complied, but, he hated it.
Yeah, it made him popular, but had much better song talent to offer!
And he knew it! I miss him!
Cockroach2008 9 months ago
@Cockroach2008 Comparing Don McLean to John Denver is like comparing Spam to Filet Mignon.
McGarVision 9 months ago
@McGarVision I wouldn't go quite that far. I think both are fantastic poets. There is a great message in both men's work.
John Denver's early work before marketing forced him to change was very good! Have you ever listened to any of it?
Cockroach2008 9 months ago
@McGarVision how about Harry Nilsson? that's fair, I think... ;^)
handymandan100 6 months ago
@handymandan100 yes, agree...Harry and Don were the greatest voices in all of music back in the 70's and 80's.
McGarVision 6 months ago
@McGarVision Philip David Ochs I believe should be listed as one of the greatest voices. December 19, 1940 – April 9, 1976) Amazing. watch a few youtubes and let me know what you think.
bloodofpkers 5 months ago
@McGarVision i hope your calling don the mignon... and if so, i'm not a big denver fan but spam might be a little low in the carne department even for denver. how about fajita? ;)
darththc 6 months ago
@darththc Of course, Don is the mignon! ....And thank God! He's not a country boy!
McGarVision 6 months ago
@McGarVision - I think they're both great; in fact, their music is quite similar...
D7J7W7 4 months ago
@D7J7W7 Except that Dpn would be legendary for his incredible voice--even if he never wrote a single song. That's proven out on the cover songs. Ever hear Don steal "If You Could Read My Mind" from Gordon Lightfoot?
McGarVision 4 months ago
@McGarVision - I just looked around and I can't find it. If you locate it on YT, let me know if you want. Thanks!
D7J7W7 4 months ago
@Cockroach2008 John Denver didn't write "Thank God I'm A Country Boy" That was written by John Martin Sommers, who played fiddle in JD's band.
CounterCultureLives 5 months ago
@CounterCultureLives I stand corrected.
I never thought too much of "Thank God I'm A Country Boy". I just did not care for it. I felt like responding, "Thank God I'm Who I Am".
Perhaps because it got so over played.
Thank you for the response.
Cockroach2008 5 months ago
@Cockroach2008 I remember the time of "Denvermania". Seems people either loved John Denver's music, or they hated it. While JD was a gifted poet/troubadour (regardless of personal tastes or preferences, the man was incredibly talented), Don McLean's music is something that has transcended the generations. Today, his music sounds resonates as smooth and fine as old wine. IMO, No songwriter has ever matched the musical genius went into writing "American Pie".
CounterCultureLives 5 months ago
brilliant song !
1nker 9 months ago
voice has all the emotions entailed.
malfirst 9 months ago
beautiful clear words.
malfirst 9 months ago
Could the phrase "castles in the air" refer back to Thoreau's Walden, refering to ideas without foundations?
whatbanebreaks 9 months ago
Whenever I listen to this song, I think of my childhood.
iEpicness2k10 10 months ago
the man can sing! he sounds the same whether it's a record or live!
angheldelapaz 10 months ago
The lead guitar player should have been sued for killing this song.
natewelden 10 months ago 2
I've been listening to this song non-stop trying to learn the bass line, and other than a lack of real Hi-Fidelity sound, the electric guitar parts are beautifully done here.
A real nice C &W sounding 'twang to his pickin'.
Anyone know who the bassist is here? Nicely played...
HeinekenPete 11 months ago
beautiful song great singer !!!
curnock 11 months ago
thought for a second that was Howard Stern on guitar...
HeinekenPete 11 months ago
Great song that really takes me back to a certain time & place from
my High School "daze".
Anyone know who the bassist is here? I like how he plays to this.
HeinekenPete 11 months ago
Wow. Originally heard this sung by Keith Harkin of Celtic Thunder, but this version is great too!!!! :) Go Don!!
TheMusicRocks14 11 months ago
@TheMusicRocks14 Umm..this version is the original version by the writer of the song. I'm sure Celtic Thunder does a nice cover version of Don's song.
McGarVision 11 months ago 17
@McGarVision I know he does the original. Just saying that I first heard it from Keith. :) Lol.
TheMusicRocks14 11 months ago
@McGarVision
I have just listened to it.. wel, that is, to the first few seconds. Pretty guy, nicely sung, but magically devoid of all the emotion that Don puts into it. Celtic Thunder even needs someone with shakers to have the rhythm and summer feeling ... and he turns it into an all-country song. Nicce, but flat, if you know the original
miezekatze73 11 months ago
@McGarVision I have just listened to it.. wel, that is, to the first few seconds. Pretty guy, nicely sung, but magically devoid of all the emotion that Don puts into it. Celtic Thunder even needs someone with shakers to have the rhythm and summer feeling ... and he turns it into an all-country song. Nicce, but flat, if you know the original
miezekatze73 11 months ago
@TheMusicRocks14 your way off man this is the original song...and the best person and olny person who should be singing this song.
karsseboomh22 10 months ago
@karsseboomh22 Wow. I just said that Don's original version is great....who thought people would freak just because I said I heard the song sung by Keith first?? Lol.
TheMusicRocks14 10 months ago
@TheMusicRocks14 cause he sung the original version how could you have missed his version and olny heard the newer version? how old are you? when this song came out nobody heard the other version so how could you?
karsseboomh22 10 months ago
@karsseboomh22 Hahaha. Let's just say I was born in the mid-90s. I'm a teenager. Lol. So, whenever Don's version came out, I probably wasn't born yet or very young.
TheMusicRocks14 10 months ago
In this set,,,, Don would be better off playing alone....:)
STRUMMERBOY1975 1 year ago
I definitely have not overlooked it!!!
hopefloats57 1 year ago
VERY underated songwriter/musician in my humble opinion
28zebra 1 year ago
i think this poetic performer has an amazing catalog - not huge but all quality recordings - when DM was asked what the lyrics meant in America Pie - he responded "they mean I will never have to work a REAL job again....."
murfxyz 1 year ago
poetic words. Those aren't hard if you have a bright enough mind the hard part is finding a perfect match for the words to flow with it to compliment and brighten the words with a melody and rythm. The strings and percussion flowing gracefully with the thoughts of this man perfectly it's well it's amazing. He's rare. You don't come across good artists as much as I would like.
EmericanGangstarr 1 year ago
what an amazing song!Don Mclean is simply the best!
lakay20 1 year ago
This has been flagged as spam show
i love i love i love i love i love i love i love i love.
LESIMS2100 1 year ago
What bass guitar is that please???
ElvisLivesUpstairs 1 year ago
@ElvisLivesUpstairs I believe it is a Fender Percision bass
elpooblo188 1 year ago
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@ElvisLivesUpstairs I believe it is a Fender Precision bass
elpooblo188 1 year ago
I'ts silly to berate the public for being what they are. Half of human beings are, by definition, below average intelligence. Similarly, half of the population have below average appreciation of beauty. Most human characteristics fall under a bell curve...from the mundane (like height and weight) to the sublime (like appreciation of art and beauty). Chill out. Why make stupid statements about it as if it is a surprise? It doesn't surprise me.
smrndoff 1 year ago 24
@smrndoff agreed.
bbbbbbbbrrrrrrrriiii 1 year ago
@smrndoff saw your comment on don mcclean...dont you just hate how people sit out there, probably nude, yaking off their mouths about how someones opinion sucks and then they make their comment like they are the only one on planet earth??? Look up musicians, playing guitar and some poor kid will get slammed even tho hes just having fun with his camera and guitar...yikes, they never stop...shows their slow and selfish mental state...nobody can hurt them so they feel "Inbelished?" to flap off.
ellonysman 1 year ago
@smrndoff
oh my, very full of yourself eh? And quite qualified to judge the human race? With your bell curve of mundane to sublime,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,hahahahahaha,,,,,,,,,,where have you placed yourself?
delchic1 11 months ago
@smrndoff Well said; well said indeed.
TheEctomorph 4 months ago
@smrndoff That's an interesting statistic you came up with but quite meaningless. No offense intended but that's like saying the majority of people have greater than than the average number of legs. Technically true but statistically just as meaningless.
gevansmd 3 months ago
Comment removed
smrndoff 1 year ago
awesome!!!
MickCosty 1 year ago
Sweet
MrDakns 1 year ago
this version is bit slower, any body got the original plz!
srinivasyadav8055 1 year ago
I love this song.
coolmodine 1 year ago
Such a great song, with truely meaningful lyrics. So of todays plastic souless generation !
psychodamned 1 year ago
Thanks for posting this.
maffoop 1 year ago
Happy 65th Birthday Don McLean ♫ ٩(-̮̮̃-̃)۶ 2 Oct 2010
MERVskilton 1 year ago
i like his brown leather jeans . lol..really..i mean it.
jorgeamayas 1 year ago
one of my favorites of all time .Thanks
SuperWillham 1 year ago
evolution you are totally right. I will slash my wrists parallel to my veins if anyone ever makes me hear that great song again.....McLean probably wishes they would stop. they fucking ruin everything...it should not be played more than once or twice now every 300 or 400 years. it was a great song. WAS.
argyleed 1 year ago
Had forgotten how much I adore this song...thanks. Vincent alway's reminded me of my brother...I love him so even if he's different than you and I. Good day :) :) :)
pattipie100 1 year ago
Awesome, dude...
Eva12496 1 year ago
This B-side to Vincent is much overlooked for its great lyrical content
Vladhagen 1 year ago
Isnt he Irish?
relimes 1 year ago
@relimes Scottish & Italian!
jfq722 1 year ago
This song and Vincent are very close for me. Vincent to me is pop music poetry at its absolute best
sghtes 1 year ago
Comment removed
jfq722 1 year ago
singer songwriters are the best...i wish they could make music like this today...
terra274 1 year ago
Linda música, emocionante... AVE DON McLEAN !
Fulvio6005 1 year ago
@flukyluke
Yeah, that´s how i feel about the comments a lot of times. It strikes me how people need the confirmation and recognization of others in some near-pathological way.. but then again, i discover that in myself too so i guess it´s just human :D
teezbeatz 1 year ago
blinding ;lyrics
rouens 1 year ago
The greatest's McLean song!
I love this song.
pieperx 1 year ago
This song, is one of my all time favorites. Truly amazing, so many memories to it.
TheKenchy83 1 year ago
Absolutely correct in saying this gem is criminally overlooked. If it had've contained references to sex, violence, drugs or money it perhaps may have done better all those years ago, such is the decayed state of the world. I don't know the details but #36 on the charts is a joke. American Pie is a classic also but it can't hold a candle to this song. I am not surprised though, anything that is pure, as this song clearly is has always been rejected by the populace. Beautiful song.
crushtheflesh 1 year ago 2
This has been flagged as spam show
Absolutely correct in saying this gem is criminally overlooked. If it had've contained references to sex, violence, drugs or money it perhaps may have done better all those years ago, such is the decayed state of the world. I don't know the details but #36 on the charts is a joke. American Pie is a classic also but it can't hold a candle to this song. I am not surprised though, anything that is pure, as this song clearly is has always been rejected by the populace. Beautiful song.
crushtheflesh 1 year ago
look at the 'trendies' on either side of Don. Bet it was arecord company idea!!! True class needs no such embelishment.
Jaxo500 1 year ago
we are all part of today's stupid cocktail generation....we miss music like this....it meant something....
sarfraz314 1 year ago 2
205 000 views isn't exactly "criminally overlooked", though xD
teezbeatz 1 year ago 3
@teezbeatz Good point. But not getting any higher than #36 on the Billboard charts at the time it was issued is criminally overlooked.
McGarVision 1 year ago 14
@McGarVision
Did it go higher in the country charts?
Just saw this video was recorded off german television, go Hessischer Rundfunk (HR) :D
Thanks for posting anyway!!
teezbeatz 1 year ago
@teezbeatz Through all it's faults, it's one of the best aspects of youtube. I had never heard this song until I looked it up on wikipedia and listened to it on youtube.
boyhowdypro 1 year ago
That electric guitar in the background is a criminal intrusion
hvmotu 1 year ago
@teezbeatz ;-) i couldn't overlook his hair, either. think it's time for great guy's hairstyles again. sick of my short hair anyway.
axlrosea675 7 months ago
beautiful
insupportofprivacy 1 year ago
Perfect words, mate: "criminally overlooked."
I will eat razor blades before I hear "American Pie" by own volition again, but this song came on the radio years ago and completely paralyzed, mesmerized and captivated me. The studio version is indeed pop (of the more singer/songwriter-ish persuasion) music at its best. The melody is haunting and everything from the string arrangement to the percussion arrangement make the production value top-notch.
evolutionarytic 1 year ago 19
@evolutionarytic "eat razor blades??"
McGarVision 1 year ago
@evolutionarytic
I agree on american pie and all u posted.....well said sir
macondav 1 year ago
@evolutionarytic
I agree....well said sir
macondav 1 year ago
@evolutionarytic
I agree....well said sir...
macondav 1 year ago
Sure as hellfire beats that dirge America pie.
zapkvr 1 year ago
Was it released in 1982? I guess so. This song has been a great company in my life
Culebrinha 1 year ago
I could listen to this song everyday and never get tired of it! Meeting him in person/seeing him perform is definitely first in my bucket list. ;)
SugarCrisp11 1 year ago
adam sandler don mclean look alike :D
genesissambrano 1 year ago
Not sure how big this song was on the chart when it was released; but surely, it is my favorite of Don's - even over the great tribute to "Vincent" van Gogh. Don is just great! Where is he?!
nsun38 1 year ago
MAGNIFICO!
Bombeni 1 year ago
OH MY GOooSssH - beautiful! Thank you for posting this- this song comes into my mind every once in awhile, but my mind hasn't been doing justice to Don McLean singing it!
I love this song so much!
JustStoppedBy1 1 year ago 2
nice song
638910 1 year ago
This song is his best in my opinion, except it's perfect in the studio version. He always does improv live, though I've always preferred the original version...
woodinhead62 1 year ago
@woodinhead62 When you say "original" which one?...Don recorded a mostly acoustic version on his debut album as a young man, then he "re-recorded it" for the the "Believers" Lp in 1983. I like the "Believers" version the best.
McGarVision 1 year ago
@woodinhead62
can't agree you with more folks. when I discovered Don Macelan many many moons ago I was bewildered by the fact that no one seemed to know this song. Its one of my all time favorites of Maclean and indeed, of all. He's actually quite a master musician, and generally underrated, since most people only seem to know American Pie and Vincent
lavallette1565 1 year ago
Does anybody know when this was filmed? Thanks.
Gurudone 1 year ago
Hit #7 AC, #36 pop in Billboard. God bless!
DaveWollenberg 1 year ago
better than the original
thp8888 1 year ago
This up-tempo version is much more likable. Had the original on the B-side (or maybe it was a double A-side) of Vincent. I thought back then that there was something to this song but I never really got into it because, as I see now, that the arrangement was too slow.
bluebottle99 1 year ago
@bluebottle99 :
Tune in to recent version. Photo of Don and guitar, black shirt as usual,sitting on
a chair,gray hair.Can't hit high note(very last note) but he now can hit this note an octive lower.
reggiedid 1 year ago
@reggiedid Seen it thanks reggie. Not bad for a 64 year old. Found an even better version here see 'Don Mclean - American Pie (part) / Castles in the air'. From an interview on UK TV about 1980. Five minutes into the video he does Castles' IMO the best version, right tempo etc in fact this recording could have been released as a single IMO. Would love to download this if I knew how. :)
bluebottle99 1 year ago
@bluebottle99 hi there in relation to downloading this install free real player and when you open up selected you tube video real player will ask if you want to download the video ...then simply convert it to an mp3 with FLV to MP3 converter available free on web
Flynnic 1 year ago
I saw Don in a small venue before he became so popular in our 70's generation.
This song wasn't a "commercial hit", but it was one of the best songs written and performed in this theme. This song is for those outside subrubia and the mundane life. ( no cheerleaders here). I really apprecaiate this particular selection by Don. A poet's song. A hopeful song
dreamerstillable 1 year ago
Great song....but he murdered it by singing like his heart and mind was not in the song, not to mention the way off guitar adlib in the background...
umalimario 1 year ago
I can't believe there are people who actually haven't heard of a legend of his status.
Blueoctober103 1 year ago
Obrigado Princesa por promover um verdadeiro festival de nostalgia ! "Castles in The Air......." mexe muito com o coração do sonhador de plantão ! Fazer o que..!!! BJUSSSSSSSSS
celsizinho 1 year ago
Ok Sonhador!
O que seria da realidade sem os sonhos! Um não seria possível sem o outro. Assim vivemos de Castelos no Ar e tantos outros sonhos necessários na vida real.
Beijos do Arco Íris, meu mais belo sonho, um dia.
0905rainbow 1 year ago
Beautiful..........:)
muffles36 1 year ago
I love this song, thanks for posting it. It barely made a dent on the radio but I enjoyed it.
roseijaz 1 year ago
Excellent, Bravo. Well done Don.
sanfranciscobay 1 year ago
I echo the same plea that gusmacgregomusic posted... this song and this particular post of it are both treasures. I am a proud country woman and I smile to myself each and every time Don sings that line...
tch2rd2 1 year ago
anyone know who is on bass or electric guitar
sharegrace 1 year ago
This country girl always loved loved loved this song...
tch2rd2 1 year ago
Esta simplesmente é a música country mais linda de todos os tempos. Por favor escutem a versão de estúdio.
1209kaiser 1 year ago
great song, great singer.. Thanks for posting
roverlux 1 year ago
I'll bet Ive played this 100+ times
Great version- my fav actually
I'd hate to see this disappear
imaginativeloginname 1 year ago
@imaginativeloginname his voice is pretty amazing.
nerdflanders8710 1 year ago
I love this song... please don't take it off
gusmacgregormusic 1 year ago 9
i won't was just jerking that guy's ego
McGarVision 1 year ago 2
thanks so much for posting this!!! I love this live reindition...I agree this song is criminally overlooked..It has such a deep message for just speaking about simple mundane life..
depeau44 1 year ago
@depeau44 it is my understanding that this song was never released on an album. correct me if I am wrong..
rjbraeckel 1 year ago
@rjbraeckel yes u are wrong you asshole
nerdflanders8710 1 year ago
which album is it on and why am I an asshole?
rjbraeckel 1 year ago
@rjbraeckel wiki it. yoiure an asshole because, i just felt like saying it.asshole
nerdflanders8710 1 year ago
nah mate your an asshole :)
melaaaaaaa103 1 year ago
Thanks for posting this, geez don't take it off, it's a great song and I agree...profound.
poeticaeclair 1 year ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
I love Don McLean, but I can't say I really enjoy this song...
definemark 1 year ago
sorry to have offended your personal tastes. Maybe I'll take it down
McGarVision 1 year ago
great song , great artist!!!
mountainmlkjoe 1 year ago
awesome song.