(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
****
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
****
I decided it was time I wrote a song that wasn't so hard to sing and play!
****
**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…
It’s like floating down a river
When you’re not quite in control
That river’s going to take you
Only where it wants to go
So you reach out with conviction
At debris along the way
That river’s going to take you
If you give up and say…
It’s like floating down a river
When you’re not quite in control
That river’s going to take you
Only where it wants to go
So you reach out with conviction
At debris along the way
That river’s going to take you
If you give up and say…
Cool sounds and fabulous lyrics. Over the last few days I've been sharing this very message in various forms in various places... That's probably why I like it so much... And I've come across others saying the same thing... It might not be filtering through to the media (at least not the stuff I'm seeing/hearing)... but then it's not very news-worthy! ... But if there's a bunch of us ordinary people thinking and saying this and similar... then I'm feeling quite encouraged :)
(Sadly, sometimes one friend thinks they are more than friends?)
Friend, she calls me friend. and I'll never tell her the truth
What I feel, how I wish that this friend could be so much more
But she's too close to ever see, that this friend…
Nice one. I've often talked about this situation with my wife (usually when we're watching Four Weddings and a Funeral!!) ... I'm convinced boys and girls experience this friend vs possible partner thing slightly differently, she's convinced I'm wrong... oh well, at least I don't have to worry about this kinda thing anymore!! (it happened to me a couple of times in my 20s-40s)
A song about two sides of Nashville. One, loving and perfect to nurture an upcoming songwriter. Two, a business of endless circles of deception and frustration. I mostly know the second.....
The rejection letters keep piling up, saying your…
(Funny song about an embarrassing moment that turned out well.)
I was making the rounds, gaining ground on this cute little brunette
In a bar in Fort Worth, Texas, one night I'll never forget
But then that bartender ruined my plans…
Winter 1977 / 1978 - band is Clay percussion, Evan guitar and guitar pedals (synth sounds), Mike Barry piano, Mike Craddock bass, and Chris guitar (with echo / volume pedal)
This was the next to last jam of the night
Only just seen your reply on this one - about HAIM's version of the Fleetwood Mac song... I keep getting recommended it on youtube - I shall press play ..... WOW! The reason I keep getting recommended it is because I'm a big fan of Larkin Poe, have you heard of them? Check out their "Tip O the Hat" series of home vids - two sisters, lead and backing vox, six string and... a KILLER lap-steel player (thinking of getting one)(a lap-steel, not a Megan Lovell, she's already taken!)
It’s a Parthian Shot, from my head to my heart
Another night gone between the dusk until the dawn
I’m sending a signal flare up
A fever dream but it’s real
I’m asleep at the wheel
It seems every time that my body breaks down
I’m sending…
Bare with me place your cameras down
The lens inside your head is good enough tonight
No filter can project your mind
The colors seem to dull, an uninspired shade
Dare witness, don’t close your eyes
Take the leap and be surprised
A…
I hear the whispers again, so best I start
Mending my broken heart
I’ve gone to weaving again, needle and thread
Mending my aching head
Can’t you tell I just wanted to love you, but you were making other plans
So fare thee well and remember…
Ever lasting love from a brainwashed disciple
Basking in the rays from the blue light within
Born without a sense of the whole world outside you
Gyroscope to all as they’re caught in your spin
Never enough
Drinking their blood
Why does…
Raising the blood red curtain
Whispers and eyes uncertain
The orchestra begins the theme and chorus
As the tension breaks down before us
I’m sinking, I’m sinking down, I’m sinking down
While we drown in paper waves
from the safety of…
This one came solely as the chorus melody and the basic hook "So I'll sing my song for Carolina" It's all I had for months, but I thought it was a good chorus line so I kept humming it to see if it would sprout further ideas. The mid section is…
After hearing Jarrettt Osborn's take on this one, I had to come back and go again. Yep, I was reduced to "Wow" on this Last time I listent to it too! I like the stripped back version, but I also love all the carefully placed arrangement on this. And the song... shivers down the back... And I can perfectly visualise how you constructed it... having this chorus melody and one hook, just KNOWING it needed a song round it. I love how this version gives me that hook and melody, and the beautifully constructed finished song and arrangement around it ... and then Jarrett's version digs the raw song performance out of it - that possibly you didn't even know existed? (I don't know how you write/record) - and goes "here you go, this is the song I could hear and loved"
Crumbs... I'm a BIG Gary Fox fan... and this is a superb stripped down version that shows how, with the right performance, this song stands on its own without its maker... Wow, nice one.
THE TIDE POOLS OF CALIFORNIA
When you're born in California
There are things you take for granted
The sunshine and the desert and
The forests, and the bears and the beaches
In the tide pools of California
In the memories of one little…
LOVE this. I first listened while finishing work earlier, back then I mainly noticed your signature lush backing vocals on the chorus (bit loud on this one maybe?). But when I listened again in comfort, able to concentrate... woah, gorgeous song.
2013 was a decent year, song wise. I came up with a few good ones during the RPM Challenge in February, and one good one during NaSoAlMo in November.
This version is faster, shorter, has a bunch of new key changes, and has a little bit of…
Oh yeah. Nice. Love the guitars, as usual. The sound effect is cool, glad you left it in. AND, it was always a cool song, but it REALLY improves for just a little increase in tempo. There's more of a bounce to it... and it suits the vocals a lot more at this speed. That breakdown at 3.40 with the slide is mighty cool too (makes me think Jimmy Page 1969 lol) - it would be interesting to hear a whammy bar version... but I SUSPECT that the slides are the better effect.
JUNK
This week's prompt is "DIRTY LAUNDRY"
Key C
I got a call from Russell
He had to move his Junk
He'd filled his car
He'd filled his trunk
Big black bags of Something
I said, "What's with these?"
He said…
Another song from my 2013 RPM Challenge album. I always like this one, but I'm not sure I did it justice this time. There is a lot of really sloppy guitar playing, even if the Klon KTR overdrive pedal sounds EPIC. Sorry, gear nerd.
This…
Yep, like it. I recognised the chorus - and I probably only heard it once back in 2013 - it's quite memorable. I checked the original out earlier (I was typing when a windows update crashing my machine got in the way!! That's an hour of my life I'll never get back again ... I thought my laptop was dying!) ... Anyways, I found that this one, for me, is an improvement on the original...
Love those guitar harmonies, by the way.
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 likes it more with each listen
Cool sounds and fabulous lyrics. Over the last few days I've been sharing this very message in various forms in various places... That's probably why I like it so much... And I've come across others saying the same thing... It might not be filtering through to the media (at least not the stuff I'm seeing/hearing)... but then it's not very news-worthy! ... But if there's a bunch of us ordinary people thinking and saying this and similar... then I'm feeling quite encouraged :)
I am SO tempted to follow the advice in this one ... but I'm meant to be working!! Lovely melody and chords.
Nice one. I've often talked about this situation with my wife (usually when we're watching Four Weddings and a Funeral!!) ... I'm convinced boys and girls experience this friend vs possible partner thing slightly differently, she's convinced I'm wrong... oh well, at least I don't have to worry about this kinda thing anymore!! (it happened to me a couple of times in my 20s-40s)
Oh yeah. Rocks. And a very cool song... shoulda been a hit, but... (!)
Hahahahaha... my Mum had a Lime Green Toyota. Very cool song.
Only just seen your reply on this one - about HAIM's version of the Fleetwood Mac song... I keep getting recommended it on youtube - I shall press play ..... WOW! The reason I keep getting recommended it is because I'm a big fan of Larkin Poe, have you heard of them? Check out their "Tip O the Hat" series of home vids - two sisters, lead and backing vox, six string and... a KILLER lap-steel player (thinking of getting one)(a lap-steel, not a Megan Lovell, she's already taken!)
What a fabulous album. Glad I've found your stuff. I'll be back for more.
Wow wow wow... fabulous (need a quick pause to see Mrs R off to work... I'll be back)
Oh yes, this too.
Oh my goodness, what song
Listening to this playlist (Signal Flare) while working in another window - might not comment on everything....
After hearing Jarrettt Osborn's take on this one, I had to come back and go again. Yep, I was reduced to "Wow" on this Last time I listent to it too! I like the stripped back version, but I also love all the carefully placed arrangement on this. And the song... shivers down the back... And I can perfectly visualise how you constructed it... having this chorus melody and one hook, just KNOWING it needed a song round it. I love how this version gives me that hook and melody, and the beautifully constructed finished song and arrangement around it ... and then Jarrett's version digs the raw song performance out of it - that possibly you didn't even know existed? (I don't know how you write/record) - and goes "here you go, this is the song I could hear and loved"
Crumbs... I'm a BIG Gary Fox fan... and this is a superb stripped down version that shows how, with the right performance, this song stands on its own without its maker... Wow, nice one.
WOW!
LOVE this. I first listened while finishing work earlier, back then I mainly noticed your signature lush backing vocals on the chorus (bit loud on this one maybe?). But when I listened again in comfort, able to concentrate... woah, gorgeous song.
Oh yeah. Nice. Love the guitars, as usual. The sound effect is cool, glad you left it in. AND, it was always a cool song, but it REALLY improves for just a little increase in tempo. There's more of a bounce to it... and it suits the vocals a lot more at this speed. That breakdown at 3.40 with the slide is mighty cool too (makes me think Jimmy Page 1969 lol) - it would be interesting to hear a whammy bar version... but I SUSPECT that the slides are the better effect.
Love it.
Cool sounds.
Yep, like it. I recognised the chorus - and I probably only heard it once back in 2013 - it's quite memorable. I checked the original out earlier (I was typing when a windows update crashing my machine got in the way!! That's an hour of my life I'll never get back again ... I thought my laptop was dying!) ... Anyways, I found that this one, for me, is an improvement on the original... Love those guitar harmonies, by the way.