I could never pick a favorite Beatle, because you need all 4 of them. I'm not being facetious, I really don't have a favorite. I love the Beatles: the band.
But I think McCartney is the most skilled/talented songwriter and hands down has had the best post Beatles solo career, even if we're only comparing up to '80.. post 80 it has to be a run off with him and Harrison, and after I recently went back and checked a bunch of george stuff again, I say with no reservation that there's just no comparison. George did a lot of great tunes, I like to leave it at that and not even compare. I figure, what's the point in it? John is another subject entirely-in many ways I feel he couldn't get out of his own way. In the last few years I've come around to John, and have a newfound appreciation for his talent - a talent that I think is actually often obscured by nothing other than his own insecurities and neuroses. but that's a discussion for another day!
I know I sound like a sycophant but I STILL think, some really bad 80's production values/trite lyrics aside, McCartney's worst dreck s still better than a lot of people's best effort when it comes to writing a great melody. Deconstruct even the cruddiest of the crud (ebony and ivory, natch), and you usually will come up with an enduring melody or a hook that most people, even accomplished songwriters, couldn't match on their best day. I still stand by that. There are some bad RECORDS for my taste, but musically speaking, I really don't think any of his songs are particularly BAD, even then they're not my cup o' tea. Can every one of someone's songs be brilliant? Can every song speak to you in the same way? Th bar is set so high for this guy, he's too good for his own good sometimes.
I don't like every thing he did, but he hits way more than he misses, and even the misses carry some sort of redeeming value.
The shows at CitiField were really perfect-- great band that only keeps getting better and is an excellent fit with him, in great voice, playing was inspired. And all this in a venue that I thought would have been way too big to really enjoy it after seeing him at somewhat smaller indoor venues lke MSG several times in 05. But he hit it out of the park! Or kept in IN the park... maybe that's actually more approriate!
