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
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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…
No-one To Blame - A A J Russe
Written 1st January 1988
Recorded 6th March 2022
The Shoebox Demos Vol 1
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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…
**Song-writing Demo for FAWM 2022**
Song number 5
Written Thursday 10th February 2022
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What can I say? Mrs R likes it.
I knew she would.
Scheduling-wise, songs per day, I've now caught up with having missed the first 5 days of…
**Song-writing Demo for FAWM 2022**
Song number 3
Written Tuesday 8th February 2022
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So, here's today's little ditty.
(I don't know whether folks outside the UK would know what a Chelsea Bun is. I love them, they are extremely yum…
Great story line - has a true troubadour feel about it! Love it - kind of dark.
I have had the pleasure of a Chelsea bun here in Canada - yup, extremely yummy.
Very creative song. I'm listening to a great concert of all your songs ...loving it.
**Song-writing Demo for FAWM 2022**
Song number 2
Written Monday 7th February 2022
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I wrote this one a couple of hours ago.
I set up for recording, and busted a string on the Martin... GAH!!!
I tried a big ole dreadnought thing…
holy cow......I hadn't heard this one before! Gorgeous!!! That Fender did it's job well. Absolutely love this. I think this one is perfect as an acoustic version.
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…
Wow!!! This song did not age ....it is gorgeous. Truly beautiful and I love the complexity of the melody and how it moves about. I imagined hearing it live at a concert (I'd be in the front row!).
No-one To Blame - A A J Russe
Written 1st January 1988
Recorded 6th March 2022
The Shoebox Demos Vol 1
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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…
The Feast - A A J Russe
Written 26th September 1985
Recorded 3rd March 2022
The Shoebox Demos Vol 1
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This one's been sticking out of the shoebox for a long long while. It always shows up in a list of maybes. And it did this time…
Just To Make It What You Want - A A J Russe
Written 1st October 2016
Recorded 4th March 2022
The Shoebox Demos Vol 1
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I was going to choose a more uptempo one next, then this one jumped out of the shoebox at us, shouting "me me ME…
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…
Wooden Sam
Mike Basil: Lead Vocal
Gary Miller: Rhythm Guitar
Mick Lovering: Lead Guitar
Andy Gupta: Bass
Todd Vierra: Drums
John Scunziano: Lyrics
Composed by Steffen Offermann & Mike Basil
Mixed & Mastered by Steffen Offermann…
IMO John sounds like David Essex. :)
Music: Steffen Offermann & John Green
Lyrics: John Green
Vocals, Lead Guitar: John Green
Rhythm Guitar: Henry Mittnacht
Mix & Master: Steffen Offermann
This one is loosely based on the Frog and the Princess. What if the Frog was really a man but with a less than perfect face? If beauty is only skin deep, why is ugly to the bone? Can't someone less attractive be beautiful inside?
Enjoy.
ER
I've been listening to a good bunch of yours this evening, most of the King Arthur's Knight set and selections from everywhere else. I was too busy listening to type any comments!
I love how you seem to be able to take anything and everything and turn it into a song. I've kind of learnt something here, not sure what it is yet, but many thanks!
This is really effective. Not a style I listen to much, but after checking out your other tracks I had to come back for another listen to this one. Kinda sneaks up on you.
Lyrics:
You think you know what you’re talking about
You get your way when you scream and shout
Look all around, you’ll find someone to blame
I’m just a pawn in your little game
I thought you were special, that was my mistake
You thought…
I haven't listened to one of yours yet that I haven't liked.
We get the spirit of Lemmy, Lee Brilleaux, a "fired up" Clapton, and countless others... good old honest rocking and swinging stuff.
Glad I discovered you this morning - excellent stuff, keep it up sir!
Loving the strat and harp on this one.
Oh yeah, the spirit of whatever it is that gave us Motorhead, Dr Feelgood, and all that superb British RnB back in the 70s is alive and kicking in Nottinghamshire...
Loving this stuff.
Comments on Andrew Russe's stuff
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.
Absolutely beautiful! Warm and an interesting narrative :). Loving it!
Great story line - has a true troubadour feel about it! Love it - kind of dark. I have had the pleasure of a Chelsea bun here in Canada - yup, extremely yummy. Very creative song. I'm listening to a great concert of all your songs ...loving it.
holy cow......I hadn't heard this one before! Gorgeous!!! That Fender did it's job well. Absolutely love this. I think this one is perfect as an acoustic version.
Wow!!! This song did not age ....it is gorgeous. Truly beautiful and I love the complexity of the melody and how it moves about. I imagined hearing it live at a concert (I'd be in the front row!).
I think I dated this one. I like the guitar lick. The song really moves along well.
I can feel that being a great Rockin' song .....
That's a great song in the making ......
Comments made by Andrew Russe
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.
I'd like to hear your voice more prominently as well, but it does work well like this (I just like vocals!) Lovely feel to it, big smile music.
Ooo yeah, like this one. A lovely "tight but loose" feel.
Not convinced he sounds like David Essex - ok, a bit maybe - but he's got a fabulous voice. And his guitar playing's rather tasteful too. Nice one.
I've been listening to a good bunch of yours this evening, most of the King Arthur's Knight set and selections from everywhere else. I was too busy listening to type any comments! I love how you seem to be able to take anything and everything and turn it into a song. I've kind of learnt something here, not sure what it is yet, but many thanks!
And before I knew it I was listening to this one a second time as well! I like what you're doing. You guys have opened my ears up a bit this evening.
This is really effective. Not a style I listen to much, but after checking out your other tracks I had to come back for another listen to this one. Kinda sneaks up on you.
And this is gorgeous.
Just following my nose, and I found this... Wonderful
Mighty piece of work. An excellent timeless kind of song, wonderfully captured.
I haven't listened to one of yours yet that I haven't liked. We get the spirit of Lemmy, Lee Brilleaux, a "fired up" Clapton, and countless others... good old honest rocking and swinging stuff. Glad I discovered you this morning - excellent stuff, keep it up sir! Loving the strat and harp on this one.
Classic. A cover of a song written for a spoof, that goes to show what a good RnB song it actually is. Love it. Excellent harp playing.
Brilliant version, just brilliant.
Oh yeah, the spirit of whatever it is that gave us Motorhead, Dr Feelgood, and all that superb British RnB back in the 70s is alive and kicking in Nottinghamshire... Loving this stuff.