(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
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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
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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
****
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
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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…
The first of 4 tunes coming your way with
the spotlight on my friend "Michael Thomas of Cave Street"
http://alonetone.com/cavestreet
This one is my favorite and chills me every time I hear it.
It never, ever, gets old.
Until Then (Shine…
Missed this originally. Love it.
I'm a sucker for songs with the word "shine" in anyway (I've used it several times over the years, myself). I just LOVE the word and the concept of "shine" when it's applied to humans - seems to be a really powerful trigger. I would use it in every song I write if I could!!! (Would kind of waste it's power though lol)
And this one doesn't waste it... a really beautiful song and performance. Faved.
I thought it would be fitting to post this today, on Memorial Day, as a tribute to my friend William Easley, as well as all who have fought and died in wars, American or otherwise.
Sometime back in the 60's William (Billy from here on) heard…
Solo acoustic finger picking thing I've been working on for a while. Sometime around 1968 I started studying with Mr. George Bennett who taught me the rudiments of finger picking. Later when we played some gigs together he also taught me the rudiments…
This song is about a friend of ours back in 2009. A lot of people called it very strange because she lost her 2 children, Husband, Mother and Father all in one week and they died of natural causes. One night she couldn't take it anymore she was…
For our beautiful son Willem, in French Guillaume.
recorded in my livingroom, 16-7-2009.
I called the song Guillaume before because of the beautiful sound.
Since 2012 I changed the title of the song into : Willem.
Because that makes much…
This is a beautiful song from Joni Mitchell. My friend had his 50th birthday and this was my gift, I played it live at his party and recorded it later (4-2-2011)in my livingroom.
It's one take, can't mis that if you listen to it all the way…
This is a fine version - listened to it a couple of times. Lovely performance. Even with the ad lib!! So glad to know for certain that it's not just me that finds that particular ad lib making it's way onto my recording machine :-)
BTW - It all seems to be on the left channel of the stereo, though - is that what you intended?
[in memory of YC]
[work in progress - comments welcome]
You say
I doesn’t matter what I say
All the time we spent is gone now
Taken out
You cry
I'm not even asking why
Your head's up in the sky now
Your alive
When I ask you to explain…
I've commented before, but this started playing after listening to something else.
And I had to comment again: I LOVE this song and your vocal. (You asked for comments - the ONLY thing that distracts me is the popping on the mic on the lead vocal, I'd want you to address that. I suspect you want to work on the lead guitar - I think you can almost leave that if you want, the song and the vocal is where this is at for me).
Wish I could Favourite it again! :-)
Garn/Landry (And I barely deserve any credit for this one at all)
A while back, Jim recorded a rough version of this song, and upon listening to it, I was thrown back to a day from my youth. While vacationing in Vermont, a small twister throwing…
I was listening to Jims beautiful instrumental and it struck a chord ...so here it is Thanks Jim.....
Shadow of a man (Lyrics)
As i look in the water i see a reflection of what i was
i see the strong man who could have done what ever he wants…
This works :-)
I'm still very fond of the original instrumental, so I was a bit worried what might have happened. But no, no need to have worried... this is great. Obviously the focus is on the vocal instead of the fantastic guitars, but I like the contrast in the styles of the two of you. And great lyrics.
Nice work chaps!
[in memory of YC]
[work in progress - comments welcome]
You say
I doesn’t matter what I say
All the time we spent is gone now
Taken out
You cry
I'm not even asking why
Your head's up in the sky now
Your alive
When I ask you to explain…
Faved when I was only one minute into it.
For me, even as a work in progress, this is a powerful performance of a powerful song. I'll have to check out more of your stuff.
According to John this lyric was inspired by the weird visions of a former sports reporter who now thinks the people in high political places are actually lizard men from space. :D
Lyrics: John Williams
Composed by: Andy Gupta
Vocals: George…
I like this.
Whether it's intentional or not, I have to admit I imagined lots of glittery costumes, long hair, beards, and possibly make-up... (and Whispering Bob Harris introducing them on the good ole Old Grey Whistle Test) lol
Lady Jane's one woman band! No loops today - I got all my instruments out - all being guitar (played with plectrum in neck without realising - oops!), bongos, rain stick, ting sha bells, tibetan singing bowl and tinkly bell thing from my miniature…
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
Missed this originally. Love it. I'm a sucker for songs with the word "shine" in anyway (I've used it several times over the years, myself). I just LOVE the word and the concept of "shine" when it's applied to humans - seems to be a really powerful trigger. I would use it in every song I write if I could!!! (Would kind of waste it's power though lol) And this one doesn't waste it... a really beautiful song and performance. Faved.
Yeah... nice version. Some lovely strat sounds there.
Nice one :-)
Wonderful :-)
Why have I never heard this before? It's beautiful.
I found this very moving - even before I read the description.
This is mighty fine listening.
You guys are crazy! lol But what really impresses me is that there's some seriously crazy musicianship going on with it. Love the guitar playing.
Surprised no comments yet! I kinda like this
Oh yes... Not heard this before. But like the other comments, what a fantastic voice. And a magical song and performance.
This is a fine version - listened to it a couple of times. Lovely performance. Even with the ad lib!! So glad to know for certain that it's not just me that finds that particular ad lib making it's way onto my recording machine :-) BTW - It all seems to be on the left channel of the stereo, though - is that what you intended?
I've commented before, but this started playing after listening to something else. And I had to comment again: I LOVE this song and your vocal. (You asked for comments - the ONLY thing that distracts me is the popping on the mic on the lead vocal, I'd want you to address that. I suspect you want to work on the lead guitar - I think you can almost leave that if you want, the song and the vocal is where this is at for me). Wish I could Favourite it again! :-)
This is superb. Just superb.
This works :-) I'm still very fond of the original instrumental, so I was a bit worried what might have happened. But no, no need to have worried... this is great. Obviously the focus is on the vocal instead of the fantastic guitars, but I like the contrast in the styles of the two of you. And great lyrics. Nice work chaps!
Faved when I was only one minute into it. For me, even as a work in progress, this is a powerful performance of a powerful song. I'll have to check out more of your stuff.
I like this. Whether it's intentional or not, I have to admit I imagined lots of glittery costumes, long hair, beards, and possibly make-up... (and Whispering Bob Harris introducing them on the good ole Old Grey Whistle Test) lol
This is a mighty fine track.
When I read "electronic" in the about descrition I thought "oh...", but I have to say I loved this.
Wow, I love your harmonies. Excellent version.
This is gorgeous, just gorgeous.