"Old Brown Shoe" is the greatest song by The Beatles.
As you know, anyone's opinion on The Beatles is irrelevant. You may think that Revolver is overrated. You may think that Please Please Me is their greatest LP. You may claim that George Harrison was the greatest Beatle. You may insist that Paul McCartney died in 1966 or thereabouts. Really - nobody cares. These days, you could write a thesis on The Monkees being the true Fab Four, and the world will not give a damn. Which is all to say that my claim about "Old Brown Shoe" being The Beatles' greatest song should in no way be taken as eccentric or controversial. If anything, it is just an opinion.
Albeit an unpopular one.
Back in England, we once played a party game that involved compiling a list of 10 greatest songs by Bob Dylan. It was supposed to be fun - something you do after playing the piano and guessing the taste of the wine. Regrettably, we were soon lost in cliches: "Like A Rolling Stone", "Desolation Row", "Don't Think Twice, It's All Right", etc. The odd choice aside, it was a game low on wit and excitement. However, time has passed and were I to do it today, my list would include stuff that is slightly less obvious. Songs like "Seven Days" and "She's Your Lover Now". Again, not because I have lost my admiration for "Ballad Of A Thin Man" or else because I want to be a contrarian - in fact, it is a lot more complex than that. With certain songs you develop a particular emotional connection. Some songs you rediscover anew. Others just sound fresher. Or, dare I say it, better.
"Old Brown Shoe" is case in point. It used to be a forgettable b-side on Past Masters, an irrelevant rocker in the midst of all-time classics like "Revolution" and "Across The Universe". Until one day it transpired that either I have heard "Get Back" one too many times or "Get Back" was never as good as that particular song by George Harrison. In fact, I hereby state that nothing in The Beatles' catalogue is.
Because God knows "Old Brown Shoe" is fucking brilliant. From its non-classic title (apparently, this shoe is where Harrison kept his stash) to its driving rhythm (Ringo's drumming is exemplary) to its pulsating bass line (the song is actually a great group effort) to the blistering guitar solo (one of Harrison's best) to the unforgettable melody (terrific even by The Beatles' standards) - everything about the song screams 'great, non-trivial, underrated'. "Let It Be" is universal. "Old Brown Shoe" is not. However, once you crack it, the song will stay with you forever. These days, I put it alongside "You Never Give Me Your Money", "I'm Only Sleeping" and "You Know My Name (Look Up The Number)" on the list of the Beatles' best. Not because it matters, mind you. But just in case someone is bored at the party and is willing to play the game.
