(Remastered 22/10/2021)
Here it is in all of its glory...
THIS is the song that Mrs R and I had decided was a suitable response to a request to "Upload something HAPPY, stat!!!!!!!!!"
I tried to record it back in 2013 when I wrote it…
I was once asked to write a happy song. It turned out to be about a woman who killed herself and when I found out THAT SHE ACTUALLY KILLED HERSELF I wasn't sure what to think about my premonition.https://alonetone.com/jamesmichaeltaylor/tracks/a-happy-song. THEN, later an old friend asked if I had any happy songs so I wrote this:https://alonetone.com/jamesmichaeltaylor/tracks/if-it-makes-you-happy-092914-1
(Remastered 22/10/2021)
I was asked (told?) to upload something happy. Hmmm, I thought. This will end well...
So, a few days later, I was rehearsing a pleasant little thing I wrote several years ago that has a working title of "She Was…
(Remastered 22/10/2021)
Here's the very latest from the broom-cupboard.
I wrote it one dark night over 23 years ago.
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**All I Have To Do - A A J Russe**
There isn’t much time to get this out
You won’t hear me if I have to…
(Remastered 22/10/2021)
Okies, so I'm working on some other thing and it's taking a while... drums to do and wotnot. But in the middle of it I'm digging how my Martin acoustic is working out. You probs won't even be able to hear it amongst…
(Remastered 22/10/2021)
I wrote this one last September.
Allison Jane Sixsmith 1965-2016.
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**Forever - A A J Russe**
I can see you on your rocking horse now
The one that turned around and kicked you in the teeth
He thought…
I hear you’re drinking at the chocolate fountain
You pulled the handle off the door
But they won’t mind
They’ll be mending it forever..." Great images...
(Remastered 22/10/2021)
I wasn't even sure the recording machine was still going to work after nearly five years... Certainly, bits of me don't work anymore... But, surprisingly, I got this done in 24 hours, start to finish... Strange old world…
As If It Really Matters - A A J Russe
Written 16th January 1999
Recorded 12th March 2022
The Shoebox Demos Vol 1
****
Crumbs, even this is 23 years old!
We used it as a set-opener in the last band I was in.
I've been trying to make…
Gates Of Heaven - A A J Russe
Written 15th January 1988
Recorded 6th March 2022
The Shoebox Demos Vol 1
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This is about as naked as I can get.
This is how I wrote it. It's never had any accompaniment.
I was a bit young to sing…
As If It Really Matters - A A J Russe
Written 16th January 1999
Recorded 12th March 2022
The Shoebox Demos Vol 1
****
Crumbs, even this is 23 years old!
We used it as a set-opener in the last band I was in.
I've been trying to make…
No-one To Blame - A A J Russe
Written 1st January 1988
Recorded 6th March 2022
The Shoebox Demos Vol 1
****
Nearly forgot to post this one! (it's been a busy week at work)
I was 24 when I wrote it. What more can I say…
What's really cool about these songs written long ago is that you are still able to remember the melody... I'm always having to remember my own music. I really like this one! Wise words of a twenty something... wiser that his years!
Who Is My Neighbour - A A J Russe
Written sometime in 1992
Recorded 12th March 2022
The Shoebox Demos Vol 1
****
I wrote this 30 years ago when I was 29. There were a bunch of people killing other people. There were refugees.
By the…
As If It Really Matters - A A J Russe
Written 16th January 1999
Recorded 12th March 2022
The Shoebox Demos Vol 1
****
Crumbs, even this is 23 years old!
We used it as a set-opener in the last band I was in.
I've been trying to make…
**Song-writing Demo for FAWM 2022**
Song number 15
Written Wednesday 23rd February 2022
****
I wasn't able to stop! I really meant to, but... Oh well.
It's still February, so it can go with the others.
IT IS MY FIRM INTENTION TO…
Congratulations!!!! Ended with another amazing tune - YES! That is a wealth of creativity in you my friend. I look forward to hearing all your other tunes. I hope you took a good rest after all this!!!
**Song-writing Demo for FAWM 2022**
Song number 14
Written Monday 21st February 2022
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This is it ... FAWM's all finished for me... time for a lie down now.
There's still nearly a week to go, but I'm done, 14 songs written in 16…
Amazing how this came towards the end of the challenge...simply gorgeous. I don't hear any fatigue in it. A sad song though and I'm imagining the story behind it. Beautiful.
**Song-writing Demo for FAWM 2022**
Song number 13
Written Saturday 19th February 2022
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UPDATE: 8 Hours after posting I just spotted that I listened to and favourited a song called... um... "We're Done" by oldfolks2 - check it out…
This is another great one!!! and catchy too. I also loved hearing your description of how this came about - I totally relate!!! I actually don't like most of my own songs. This song captures the spirit of these challenges :)
**Song-writing Demo for FAWM 2022**
Song number 11
Written Thursday 17th February 2022
****
Feels like I'm on the last lap now. Only 3 more needed.
This one came from a suggestion from Mrs R this morning. I didn't quite fancy it, but…
**Song-writing Demo for FAWM 2022**
Song number 10
Written Wednesday 16th February 2022
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I've had the little guitar bit in the middle for years and years and years.
Even my wife recognises it, I play it so often.
Yesterday while…
**Song-writing Demo for FAWM 2022**
Song number 9
Written Tuesday 15th February 2022
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I decided it was time I wrote a song that wasn't so hard to sing and play!
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**Once Again - A A J Russe**
Every day
You keep asking…
oh yeah!!! Great song and loving that chord progression. Beautiful with all the changes ...loving it. How did you do all this in such a short time period? Wow, wow, wow.
**Song-writing Demo for FAWM 2022**
Song number 8
Written Monday 14th February 2022
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It's not entirely true. But it's CLOSE ENOUGH!
It was actually the 16th of February.
But we were corresponding by email on the 14th.
Then we…
**Song-writing Demo for FAWM 2022**
Song number 6
Written Friday 11th February 2022
****
I was meant to be resting and chilling.
In fact, I was resting and chilling.
But then I got a message from Lala saying she was listening to the…
I'm listening to your tracks while I'm emailing in another window. Loving it all.
This one made me come and have a look - I'm so glad it's called Home. I very much like the concept of "home", always have, always will.
This is an ode for a good friend of mine that had took his own life at the end of last year. I was in the midst of writing some other songs and it stopped me in my tracks. I just wrote basically how I felt about this tragic ending to a very special…
This one's really growing on me.
And I didn't notice the story behind it when I was first listening (although I suspected something along those lines from the song itself).
A sad tale, but a gorgeous song.
Forgot I had this one, till it popped up on my Ipod on the way to work this week. I thought,'I know that song !!??!!' Can't help it, it comes with age !!!!
The "Ahhhhhs" (Sleeping with the Ghost)- it's just patience, close mic-ing and using your "head voice" (try and sing as much like a girl as you can lol). And then for "harder" sounds, "wail" at it.
Lots of voices with uniform performances produce "smooth" and "rich"; less and varied performances (as in not the same everytime) produce sharper sounds. Mix the two up as necessary in layers.
Also think about recording the "breath" in the notes as well.
You're actually getting VERY close to it with the vox on here - think about using different tones of voice and it will all become clear :)
Also there's a bunch of EQing tricks - a cut at 3K (Q 1.0) on the bvox will increase the breathy, soft sound (and keep them out of the way of the lead).
THIS IS THE OLD YEURGH MIX - THERE IS ANOTHER ONE HIGHER UP THE LIST NOW, FULLY LOVED BY AR. THIS ONE IS LEFT HERE AS A MONUMENT TO SOMETHING OR OTHER (AND IN CASE YOU PREFER IT)
Acoustic ghost story. Recorded 2010.
Easter 2010 I decided…
Cheers folks :)
This one is (out of what I've managed to record so far) actually my favourite AR song.
I am hopefully about to post, hopefully today, a remix of it - the mess-up on the EQ has always p1ssed me off so much. For me this version isn't anything like it should have been. What I've got sat upstairs on the desk waiting for me, same performances, is a lot closer...
But, that's just me, so I'm gonna leave this one here in case anyone prefers this approach (and I've got various links pointing at it that I can't be bothered to find and sort out!! lol)
With my buddy Tod's killer drum track! Miss all you guys, I can't keep up...
Created on the Boss Micro BR.
I'm a faker, a shaker
A melody maker
At the bottom of my bowl
Is an oatmeal quaker
A grampy, a bampy
Make a killer shrimp scampi
Got…
Now, you see what you miss when someone isn't "followed"? lol
This is fab too.
Actually, I don't think I've listened to anything of yours since mebbe a year or so back on songcrafters. Well, I'll be back later and check it all out.
Actually, same here - hadn't clicked that button Follow button on yours either - fixed now!
Might as well listen to this again while I'm doing it lol
That chorus is brilliant. The backing vox, and then those descending chords at the end of it.
Back for another slice... and this is even better than I thought... but I've already clicked fave... typical
Tie the woman to the chair, stick the headphones on her and make her listen (that's what I do lol)
This is an ode for a good friend of mine that had took his own life at the end of last year. I was in the midst of writing some other songs and it stopped me in my tracks. I just wrote basically how I felt about this tragic ending to a very special…
This was the first in this set of 3 songs I am posting. I was gaining alot of inspiration from the likes, of Justin Currie and Jackson Browne at the time.
Recorded using Reaper DAW & Jamstix virtual drummer software.
... But this one's just amazing.
You've got more like this up your sleeve - mebbe not written yet - but I'm pretty sure you've got them just waiting to come out.
While I was writing 'Afterall' I was also putting this song together. This is about a ghost who is haunted by his own past and what mistakes he had made in his former life.
Recorded using Reaper DAW & Jamstix virtual drummer software.
Woo, listening to them again, and this one's a grower.
It was late when I was first listening, and this one is stuck between two special ones, and it didn't force it's attention so much.
But it's a cutie on it's own.
How many nights am I just about to hit the sheets for the night and then a riff appears. I'll just rough record it but it always turns into a late night.
This was the first in this set of 3 songs I am posting. I was gaining alot of inspiration from the likes, of Justin Currie and Jackson Browne at the time.
Recorded using Reaper DAW & Jamstix virtual drummer software.
I love all three. But this is the one that does it most for me.
I love the swing of it, those "icing" guitars, and the song... woo
Excellent work, sir. More!
This is an ode for a good friend of mine that had took his own life at the end of last year. I was in the midst of writing some other songs and it stopped me in my tracks. I just wrote basically how I felt about this tragic ending to a very special…
While I was writing 'Afterall' I was also putting this song together. This is about a ghost who is haunted by his own past and what mistakes he had made in his former life.
Recorded using Reaper DAW & Jamstix virtual drummer software.
Comments on Andrew Russe's stuff
I was once asked to write a happy song. It turned out to be about a woman who killed herself and when I found out THAT SHE ACTUALLY KILLED HERSELF I wasn't sure what to think about my premonition.https://alonetone.com/jamesmichaeltaylor/tracks/a-happy-song. THEN, later an old friend asked if I had any happy songs so I wrote this:https://alonetone.com/jamesmichaeltaylor/tracks/if-it-makes-you-happy-092914-1
"But still I love the comfort I find in misery…" Great line. Beatle like...and that's always good.
Great guitar sound.
Love this. Beautifully done. Tonight I was trying out a song from that era: Twilight Time...https://www.e-chords.com/chords/the-platters/twilight-time
I hear you’re drinking at the chocolate fountain You pulled the handle off the door But they won’t mind They’ll be mending it forever..." Great images...
Rock on Dude...! Good to listen to some of your tunes. It's been a while. Strange relationship in this song.
Another great song! Maybe it’s time to get the band back together!,!
Like it.
Beautiful piece.
What's really cool about these songs written long ago is that you are still able to remember the melody... I'm always having to remember my own music. I really like this one! Wise words of a twenty something... wiser that his years!
This is a universal message with a hauntingly sad melody. Everyone should be open to these words. Thank you Andrew.
The words really speak to me … as ever!
Congratulations!!!! Ended with another amazing tune - YES! That is a wealth of creativity in you my friend. I look forward to hearing all your other tunes. I hope you took a good rest after all this!!!
Amazing how this came towards the end of the challenge...simply gorgeous. I don't hear any fatigue in it. A sad song though and I'm imagining the story behind it. Beautiful.
This is another great one!!! and catchy too. I also loved hearing your description of how this came about - I totally relate!!! I actually don't like most of my own songs. This song captures the spirit of these challenges :)
I can't help but comment again! This is fabulous!!! Love how it came about - thank you Mrs. R.
What a loving ballad .....just perfect. That "little guitar bit" found its home :) Beautiful vocals here too.
oh yeah!!! Great song and loving that chord progression. Beautiful with all the changes ...loving it. How did you do all this in such a short time period? Wow, wow, wow.
Another beautiful poetic song with such an excellent expressive performance. Love it!
I must take this train after hearing this song! What a great song :)....deserves a second comment.
Comments made by Andrew Russe
I'm listening to your tracks while I'm emailing in another window. Loving it all. This one made me come and have a look - I'm so glad it's called Home. I very much like the concept of "home", always have, always will.
Oh this is wonderful. It's woken me up (7am) and relaxed me at the same time.
This one's really growing on me. And I didn't notice the story behind it when I was first listening (although I suspected something along those lines from the song itself). A sad tale, but a gorgeous song.
Wonderful listening. I've got a piano, but it don't work like that one does. That was superb.
Yeah, this one rolls along real nice.
The "Ahhhhhs" (Sleeping with the Ghost)- it's just patience, close mic-ing and using your "head voice" (try and sing as much like a girl as you can lol). And then for "harder" sounds, "wail" at it. Lots of voices with uniform performances produce "smooth" and "rich"; less and varied performances (as in not the same everytime) produce sharper sounds. Mix the two up as necessary in layers. Also think about recording the "breath" in the notes as well. You're actually getting VERY close to it with the vox on here - think about using different tones of voice and it will all become clear :) Also there's a bunch of EQing tricks - a cut at 3K (Q 1.0) on the bvox will increase the breathy, soft sound (and keep them out of the way of the lead).
Oh I'll listen to it again here... Awwwwwww... Complete class.
Listening to it on songcrafters right now - this is BRILLIANT. Love it to pieces. Utterly brilliant.
Cheers folks :) This one is (out of what I've managed to record so far) actually my favourite AR song. I am hopefully about to post, hopefully today, a remix of it - the mess-up on the EQ has always p1ssed me off so much. For me this version isn't anything like it should have been. What I've got sat upstairs on the desk waiting for me, same performances, is a lot closer... But, that's just me, so I'm gonna leave this one here in case anyone prefers this approach (and I've got various links pointing at it that I can't be bothered to find and sort out!! lol)
Now, you see what you miss when someone isn't "followed"? lol This is fab too. Actually, I don't think I've listened to anything of yours since mebbe a year or so back on songcrafters. Well, I'll be back later and check it all out.
Actually, same here - hadn't clicked that button Follow button on yours either - fixed now! Might as well listen to this again while I'm doing it lol That chorus is brilliant. The backing vox, and then those descending chords at the end of it.
Back for another slice... and this is even better than I thought... but I've already clicked fave... typical Tie the woman to the chair, stick the headphones on her and make her listen (that's what I do lol)
Sigh... :)
Really tasty guitar addition to an already fab song. Nice one guys :)
... But this one's just amazing. You've got more like this up your sleeve - mebbe not written yet - but I'm pretty sure you've got them just waiting to come out.
Woo, listening to them again, and this one's a grower. It was late when I was first listening, and this one is stuck between two special ones, and it didn't force it's attention so much. But it's a cutie on it's own.
Oh yes. This sums up late nights perfectly for me.
I love all three. But this is the one that does it most for me. I love the swing of it, those "icing" guitars, and the song... woo Excellent work, sir. More!
Loving these vocals. I'm listening on crappy pc speakers, but big sound, and I love how those vocals sit on top of it.
Yep, another goodie.