Best Post-Beatles Song by a Former Beatle…

Best Post-Beatles Song by a Former Beatle…
09/17/09

It dawned on me today the the answer to this question was not at all hard for me.

“What is our favorite song by a Beatle in the Post-beatles era?”

That’s right, John? Paul? George? Hell, Ringo? Why not.

For me, hands down it’s “Got My Mind Set On You” by “Georgie Boy” Harrison as his friends called him.

The song dominates. It automatically makes you want to dance, or at least smile and kind-of wobble your head. Maybe do a Carlton from Fresh Prince if your feeling up to it. The song has a clear message, that is transcendental… if you want a girl it’s, “gonna take money, a whole lot of spending money”. This is true, just ask George’s ex-bandmate Sir Paul. Largest divorce settlement in British history. And lastly, amazing music video:

So, what about my Top 10, well I think this would be my list:

10 > “Nothing Too Much Just Out Of Sight” – Paul McCartney

This album came out last year, and was released under the artist The Fireman. It came out, at least to me, later that it was Paul. I like this song because it shows that with so many artist taking from The Beatles over the years, that Paul can be inspired by influences he’s hearing now. And then/still write and play in that realm.

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09 > “Wonderful Christmastime” – Paul McCartney / “Happy Christmas (War is Over)” – John Lennon

That’s right. A tie. I feel that writing a Christmas song has got to be one of the hardest songs to write. It’s the one time throughout the year people are guaranteed to be listening to music. They are wanting something nostalgic, which is why A Christmas Song and Joy to the World is covered so much, so something new is not always invited. Plus, since the music is being played so much that if the song sucks, it’s very clear, very fast. But these two have become mainstays of the season, playing again and again without annoying (too much). One is pop-ie, the other cause oriented, but they both are quality songs that brighten my December. November. Part of October, now.

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08 > “Uncle Albert/Admiral Halsey” – Paul McCartney

I like “Butter pie”. What can I say?

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07 > “My Sweet Lord” – George Harrison

You gotta love when an artist can take a fundamentally religious song, and make it a broadly popular and iconic track. You feel love, joy and excitement when you hear the song. And the lyrics are inspirational, yet not overdone.

06 > “Live and Let Die” – Paul McCartney

Arguably the best Bond song of all time. This song has an extreme range and depth. It’s a genuine Rock song, yet the strings and the chorus make it a beautiful song to listen to as well. I like to make a gun with my fingers, and duck around corners when listening to it. Sometimes somersaulting.

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05 > “Say, Say, Say” – Paul McCartney

Paul and Michael. Can’t be beat (except by the next 4 songs).

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04 > “Instant Karma!” – John Lennon

Classic. It’s been covered by everybody, but noone quite lands it like John. A rallying cry still today, regardless of your personal issues or endeavor.

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03 > “Maybe I’m Amazed” – Paul McCartney

Beautiful love song. Heavy Rock. This is a love song for men. Huge range here as well. Paul’s vocals are spot on. Not to much screaming, not to much singing. Just right.

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02 > “Imagine” by John Lennon

Probably most people’s number one. I love it. It’s sweet, has meaning. Its sad, inspirational and makes anyone who hears it feel empowered to change the world. Perfect song.

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AND

01 > “Got My Mind Set On You” by George Harrison

Again, perfect combo of salty and sweet. The epitome of a pop song. You here that drum track in the beginning, some synth and Georges voice, and you’re done. Two times out of 10, if “Imagine” comes on my iTunes, I’ll skip it. I never skip this song, in fact, in all likelihood I’ll play it twice.

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Tell me your list. Comment here or find me on Facebook and Twitter.

Fun work

Martin Luther King Tribute
06/1/10

I wanted to attempt this style  in February, and being Black History Month I chose the Rev. as my muse.

His face is made up of the words of his epic Lincoln Memorial “I have a dream…” speech.

Take a look. I am having it framed as I type.

Smoking Goat Branding
04/1/10

I like beer.

Beer high in flavor, alcohol and price. I brew at home, but wouldn’t consider myself very good at this point. I’m working on it.

We have friends in Louisiana who I would consider really good. I designed some branding for their forthcoming brewery down there.

The Smoking Goat will hopefully be amazing, especially if I get some good beer out of the deal.

Have a look. Then drink a beer and have a look again. Continue this process until the logo looks awesome.

New Poster
02/4/10

This is a poster I made for my buddy Dustin.

A classic quote from him as we drove by Effingham, IL’s infamous and huge cross.

I thought it would look good in his new apartment.

Sheltered Perceptions
01/6/10

I recently got the chance to work on a project for the Humane Society. Given the fact that every time I walk into an animal shelter I have to be talked down from taking home every animal in the place, I was happy to help in anyway I could.

With the majority of pet buying in the United States coming from breeders, mall pet shops and unfortunately mills, animal shelters (specifically the Humane Society) are left overflowing with pets that need loving homes. They are running into a perception problem however, and many misconceptions about shelter pets are accepted as fact, and often repeated as such.

To get past this, we decided to take the problem head on, and address the most common misconceptions individually.

Here is where we landed:

Lauren and Dan sit’n in a tree…
01/5/10

My good friend Lauren is getting married in July, and though I am extremely jealous of her fiance Dan (don’t tell my wife), I made their save the date cards.

I use VistaPrint to print these types of things. Though the quality suffers, and the rumor is that they are destroying local community printers nationwide, for the price they can’t be beat. Check them out next time you want to customize your own holiday card or invitation.

Here’s how Lauren’s STDs turned out: