(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.
****
**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.
****
**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
****
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
****
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
****
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
****
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…
You gotta work long hours, Grind that stone
Work your fingers to the bone
Gotta make that money while you can
Before retirement and old age sets in
Do what you can for the company and
The boss 'll take care of you
Forget about vacation…
It's easier to abandon hope
It's easier to walk away
It's easier to win this fight
By turning around and running away
If we try this time
We just might find a way
To make it happen
We just might find
We have the words to say
You were…
If we take a moment Ignore what divides us two
Just take a moment What would we see
Would I see a brother Might I be your friend
Might there be more that binds us hand in hand
Between you and me are the same old songs
Between you and me…
If I'm out of words
to brighten up your day
All that's left of us
is rust and decay
Remember these moments
more than just alive
Think of these
times when we thrived
If the sun ceases to shine
forever runs out of time
If we're all out…
This is how these things start
My sad excuse for a work of art
Put in the effort, set the pace
Hardly anyone listens anyways
Years of this takes its toll
Only few ever know
All this work done in haste
A whole month gone to waste
Undertow
T Boudreau
I heard a speaker of truth teaching our youth and telling all kinds of lies
So i challenged his lessons asked all kinds of questions and slowly he started opening my mind
Now i’m going down to the riverside
Lord wont…
Lyrics - CM / Music - TB, SM
You’re all alright, I can rest now
Now you’re alright, I can rest
I’ve tried so hard, did my best now
Now you’ve tried hard, did you’re best
My mind’s eye watches from afar
I love you all for all you are…
C Maiorano
You said you wouldn’t, Then you did it
Playful kitten, With a mission
Contradictions, I don’t listen
Too explicit, Here to mention
A pile of twisted wreckage
Always misunderstood
You’ve gone and burned you’re bridges
Now…
J Young
Busy Busy
c. 2022 John Otto Young
Busy Busy people
so busy all day long
Don’t stop to smell the flowers Don’t listen to the songs
Busy Busy people
You know you got it all wrong
Busy Busy people
All drivin in their cars
Speedin…
Crushing Moon
t boudreau
Theres a time and a place
Theres a sign on the wall
Theres that line on your face
That says you slept after all
Theres a calming inside
That comes before the dawn
We’re all along on this ride
Hoping to…
Do you put much thought into sequencing tracks? If not, this is INSPIRED sequencing so far! Love this coming after Brighter Side. DIgging the organ on this one, I'm a sucker for the Hammond sound.
Brighter Side
Lyrics - TB / Music SM, TB
I was at the station
Waiting on a train
To take me all the way to LA
Without a nickel to my name
Woah lazy ticket man
Wont ya please miss my row
Cuz best at most we make to the coast
From there…
t boudreau
Hello Empathy, can’t ya see that its me hanging out to dry
I’m surprised to see you after all this time
A sip of sympathy may be all that i need to get me by tonight
But those home made remedies only last for a while
Hey Controversy…
RPM 2k22
it's all you know
so why don't you show me
just how it's done
i'm mesmerized
the way that you lie
mostly to yourself
as if you're someone else
it's killing you
these things that you do to
simply remain
not breaking ground…
RPM 2k22
kiss me softly in the evening light
and like the breeze, i'll be blown away
linger longer if you have the time
and whisper truly that you want to stay
how long, oh eternity
doesn't seem to ever last
forever's just a word it…
RPM 2k22
this night if we are sober
we'll deny that this over
and before we slip away
to sleep and dream of better days
this night if we are sober
we'll decide if this is over
and slip away into a dream
that will tell us, which direction…
RPM 2k22
down goes the champion
disappear into the past
his glory fading out
know it would never last
faced with reality
just a shell remains
nothing to fall upon
and no one else to blame
raise your white flag
and hope that you get…
What no comments? This one works for me. Love the lyrics... Actually, I'm wondering whether, like me, you were watching the winter olympics while writing? All sorts of stuff snuck into my lyrics, inspired by the coverage in the background. And when the games finished, the ideas dried up for a day or two for me - almost like I'd relied on them. Anyways, remembering how I was feeling those couple of weeks, I can kinda see how this one might have had the same thing going on in the background.
RPM 2k22
you can't remember anything tonight
cause you lost the feeling, lost the feeling
the tide is turning, the shoreline is in sight
but you've lost the feeling, lost the feeling
whenever all seems hopeless try
to remember all…
RPM 2k22
down goes the sun
so lay down your head
and follow it
the penitent one
cries in his sleep
cause there's no release
tear down this wall
piece by tiny piece
faithful through it all
but there's no release
so little revealed…
RPM 2k22
been so long, without your touch
been so long, I want so much
to finally feel anything at all
to finally feel anything at all
as I brush against you walking down the hall
soon all my waiting will be over
patiently await the…
RPM 2k22
never need to convince myself
I always knew
surrounded by you
I am at peace where I am
can you say it too
the past is a clue
stop waiting, for things to change
just change, anything that you want
change, anything that you…
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
LOLOLOLOL ... Yep. I hear you!
Oh crumbs, and another. I'm really digging these.
Another perfectly formed song presented in a way that grabs/moves me - love it.
I think this the first time I've ever heard any of your stuff. Woah, loving it.
I absolutely LOVE this.
Excellent RPM guys :)
Yeah, gotta agree with Keith Landry - this is a bit of stunner. If I was still a smoker I'd be tempted to hold my lighter aloft!
This one makes me think of The Who - haven't listened to them in ages. I can't even put a finger on why it made me think that. Anyway love this one
I love how the different songwriters produce a different sort of song but they all fit on an Orphans album.
Do you put much thought into sequencing tracks? If not, this is INSPIRED sequencing so far! Love this coming after Brighter Side. DIgging the organ on this one, I'm a sucker for the Hammond sound.
Nice one
Well that was faved after 30 seconds! Superb opener.
Yep. awesome album. You never disappoint, but I think this one feels like a new high for me. Nice one, well done.
This one dragged me back from the work window. Yes, love it.
Oh yeah...
What no comments? This one works for me. Love the lyrics... Actually, I'm wondering whether, like me, you were watching the winter olympics while writing? All sorts of stuff snuck into my lyrics, inspired by the coverage in the background. And when the games finished, the ideas dried up for a day or two for me - almost like I'd relied on them. Anyways, remembering how I was feeling those couple of weeks, I can kinda see how this one might have had the same thing going on in the background.
Classy (I'm running out of superlatives). I'm digging this album.
This grew on me. Love the chorus, I think that's what did it for me.
What can I add that hasn't been said already? (Dang, Riff, Wow) ... digging it.
Whoa! What an opener. It was cool as it started, then the band kicked in. Love it.