Don McLean

Some would argue that the perfect Don McLean anthology would consist of only the nearly nine-minute "American Pie." While the soft-spoken folk-rock hero is best known for that iconic tune, he penned a handful other beauties that warrant closer inspection, like "Vincent," "Winterwood," and "If We Try," all of which can be found (but strangely enough, not "Castles in the Air") on EMI's lovely but overlong Complete Hits. Fans looking for a more compact way to enjoy the amiable folk singer would be better off with Capitol's Legendary Songs of Don McLean or EMI's scant but succinct Best of Don McLean. ~ James Christopher Monger, All Music Guide