SHORT TAKES : Another Slice of ‘American Pie’

Not much has been heard from singer Don McLean since his big hit in 1971, “American Pie,” but he’s working on a comeback. An album titled “Headroom” will be released in the fall; it deals with topics ranging from kids watching too much television to the public’s embrace of style over substance.

After the short-lived success of “American Pie,” McLean says he no longer wants to be a star. “When you’re really hot, it’s dangerous,” he said. “Back then, I recall it being quite unpleasant. I didn’t commit suicide and I didn’t go into bankruptcy, but it was quite a swim upstream until I got my bearing.”

Nonetheless, he’s pleased that he made his mark. “(‘American Pie’ is) not just another song I wrote, that’s for sure,” McLean said. “It’s a folk song. It belongs to the people. If children keep singing it, it will be around for ever, long after I’m dead.”