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
****
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…
A little fun riff that came from noodling on my Epi whilst watching the idiot box one night. It's kind of written for a friend who is a little lost in a self-imposed exile from life.
This went by while I was musing on the earlier tracks...
Now I'm listening to it again. Another goodie. Stunning vox, and I'm liking the slide. The middle section is genius.
A brief glimpse, but that's all. Inspired by last April. It's for everyone, but no one in particular. Yes, this one gives more than a passing nod to Ham and Evans. Thanks gents!
Top Of The Pops circa 1972! Remember when all those bands in the early 70's where adding synth to every song but the lyrics meant something (sometimes)? Pure excitement, pure bubblegum, pure fun. Well, this is my offering and thanks to all of…
I've run out of words... I've broken me "Favourite" button...
And your rhythm guitar playing... wow... you've got the same thing going that Malcolm Young has.
Good grief... I'm only three songs into this album... this is just... just... fabulous.
Yep, that reverb is the one it needed.
Like DB sez, yes, ELO. But there's Mott The Hoople, etc, as well... much else... all that 70s goodness... and an excellent song as well.
Wow! John, Paul, and George with Young/Young/Williams/Rudd backing them... I can't think of a better combination for me to listen to.
The chorus is just sublime.
And George Martin at the controls... lol (just reached the end).
Almost perfect Gary - LOVE IT!!
Reg was talking to Elvis about Frank and he told him something he didn't know.you can have it all then at the end not remember it which is what happened to Frank the grind ground him down a sad ending for a great man......Dementia is a cruel end…
Don't know the original, but I likes this.
Lovely lovely vocal, and I like how the instrumentation builds, complementing the vocal perfectly...
And I'm still watching this "no reverb" approach with much interest - I wish I was brave enough to try it (I am trying to cut down though! lol)
View the footage with music [at youtube](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aQZDRKD8oSA&hd=1)
After watching the video of the tsunami devastating the shores of Japan, I couldn't work anymore. So instead I sat down to dedicate a few hours of…
An emotional and, I found, disturbing listen.
I have to admit, news stories and footage of things like this often tend to pass me by, I seem not to get emotionally involved. I sometimes wonder why this is but I have no proper answer. I do get affected by some news stories, but not usually the big ones like this. My wife has been upset, but I've been left cold again on this one, until now.
Listening to this piece has opened it up slightly for me, making it more... I don't know what...
Many thanks for making this and posting it.
Do you wonder
What became of me?
Cause I wonder
What became of you
Since you wandered
Wandered far away
Full of wonder
I couldn't make you stay
So I wonder what became of you
Did you do the things you had to do?
Will you find your…
This is a love song for my wife.
I want to be
Your honey bee
And you could be the only bee for me
Monogamy
For you and me
You, my little sweetheart
Monagabee
Life would be so happy, you see
If you would be the only bee for me
And…
The story of a car crash.
Had the dream again this morning
Pictured just how it would be
Saw it moving in slow motion
Felt it rushing up to me
And suddenly it's happening
I can't seem to make myself believe
Clench my fists
Lose my…
The story of a workplace experience. And an ultimate fighting match.
Killer bassline by Ian Tanner. Drums by Grant Muller. Backing vocals by Clarke McMurray.
Hey there Mr. Flashy Pants
Hey there voice of thunder
As you lie there flat on…
Yep, you're right about it being a killer bass-line.
The vocals are pretty stand-out as well :-)
Initially, I wasn't sure whether your vocal delivery was fitting the songs, but this one showed me why it works so well. It's almost like we've got David Gates singing punk songs here... lol. The contrast really brings out the emotions in the lyrics. If you tried to sound "angrier" we'd actually lose some of the power...
Composed, arranged & mixed by Steffen Offermann
=================================================
Floppy old mix. Another candidate for remixing or (at least) re-mastering. I'll probably do the latter soon.
This is a synthesizer instrumental…
I can kind of see why it hasn't made many friends - it just is what it is... It makes me think of 80s stuff, like Moonlighting, etc :-)
BUT... it's a mighty fine listen.
not really a ghost in my house it just badly needs rewiring.
There’s a ghost in my house
That we can’t see
Moving things around
When we’re not here
Playing little tricks
On my memory
Playing little games
With my mind
There…
I'd only heard the various live versions, where I was concentrating on the performance etc... on this one I noticed what an excellent song it is as well!
Love the dual vocal.
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 went by while I was musing on the earlier tracks... Now I'm listening to it again. Another goodie. Stunning vox, and I'm liking the slide. The middle section is genius.
This is a stunner. Had to come back and listen twice. So well put together... unbelievably good listening.
Brilliant.
Yep, always listen to what the song says :-) Another superb one. On certain days, this would be my favourite of the album so far.
I've run out of words... I've broken me "Favourite" button... And your rhythm guitar playing... wow... you've got the same thing going that Malcolm Young has.
Good grief... I'm only three songs into this album... this is just... just... fabulous. Yep, that reverb is the one it needed. Like DB sez, yes, ELO. But there's Mott The Hoople, etc, as well... much else... all that 70s goodness... and an excellent song as well.
Digging them geetars :-)
Wow! John, Paul, and George with Young/Young/Williams/Rudd backing them... I can't think of a better combination for me to listen to. The chorus is just sublime. And George Martin at the controls... lol (just reached the end). Almost perfect Gary - LOVE IT!!
Sheesh... this is utterly superb guys. Stunning groove, love the guitars, and the lyrics/vox are just perfect.
Don't know the original, but I likes this. Lovely lovely vocal, and I like how the instrumentation builds, complementing the vocal perfectly... And I'm still watching this "no reverb" approach with much interest - I wish I was brave enough to try it (I am trying to cut down though! lol)
An emotional and, I found, disturbing listen. I have to admit, news stories and footage of things like this often tend to pass me by, I seem not to get emotionally involved. I sometimes wonder why this is but I have no proper answer. I do get affected by some news stories, but not usually the big ones like this. My wife has been upset, but I've been left cold again on this one, until now. Listening to this piece has opened it up slightly for me, making it more... I don't know what... Many thanks for making this and posting it.
Consider my maw told :-) Nice one boys.
And a nice one to finish. The whole album is an excellent piece of work.
Big smile on my face listening to this. Superbly recorded vocals and guitars by the way.
I love this one.
Yep, you're right about it being a killer bass-line. The vocals are pretty stand-out as well :-) Initially, I wasn't sure whether your vocal delivery was fitting the songs, but this one showed me why it works so well. It's almost like we've got David Gates singing punk songs here... lol. The contrast really brings out the emotions in the lyrics. If you tried to sound "angrier" we'd actually lose some of the power...
I can kind of see why it hasn't made many friends - it just is what it is... It makes me think of 80s stuff, like Moonlighting, etc :-) BUT... it's a mighty fine listen.
Very beautiful. Fine playing, lovely arrangement.
I'd favourited it after the first line! Luckily the rest of it lived up to it... Groove, over all sound, vocal, backing vox, everything. I love it...
I'd only heard the various live versions, where I was concentrating on the performance etc... on this one I noticed what an excellent song it is as well! Love the dual vocal.