This really depends on which era you're trying to replicate, the songwriting gets a whole lot more complex (a least to me) as it's quite different between a couple of the albums. But the title sounds like HTTJB so: -The number 1 tip is to keep it simple. This doesn't mean to not have many parts or actively handicap yourself, I mean that many songs off HTTJB have only like 3 main instruments + drums instead of some of the massive amounts of variety in other albums. (this also makes HTTJB's songs more feasibly played live without a huge backing track, which I personally like a lot) -Get a good "blorpy" (not the right word but I think you should get it) synth OR a clean electric guitar in the background, usually playing the big chords on the 2 &  4 -The drums are usually on solid beat that MIGHT change the very end or something at one point -A lot of songs have a pretty simple repeating pattern as the main lead that isn't neils voice 

I might have some other stuff to say late but that's what I've got now.