(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
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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…
Sam Mann and The Apes . Al Teman Howard Teman Eric Teman Sam Mann The original incarnation of this surreal conglomerate of undefinable talent. Ryan Mallory on sax. Brilliant Playing by everyone. Al's guitar playing on this song is some…
Red Tank Top Photo From A Late Love Of My Life Inspired This.
WOW Made You Look.
LYRICS
WOW JUST WHAT I'VE BEEN LOOKING FOR WOW
DEDICATED TO THE LATE, ALWAYS HOT, ALWAYS FREE, ALWAYS AWESOME. JENN JENN
Who says 3/4 time can't rock? This was originally from my 2013 RPM Challenge when, for some strange reason, pretty much everything I did just worked. Even the crappy songs from that album are less crappy than usual.
This song is as close…
Rocks! .... in 3s! I tend to use 3s for folksie/balladie things (one coming soon I suspect, the way things are panning out here) ... but I've never really tried to rock in 3s... this proves it can be done!! :) As ever, mighty cool guitars.
Oh yeah, like! Love the sounds, and how it builds. And then down for a second go. And the arrangement... always new ideas but not excessive and not all at once... you're keeping me interested all the way through. Love it. Looking forward to hearing more. Welcome :)
Like it! Love those chords. And I love how the tension goes up and down - a big release at the start of the chorus, and then it gradually grabs you again as the chorus completes and we're back into another verse. I was wondering how it would feel at the end... and it's perfect. Off to watch the video now :)
Another re-recorded 2014 50/90 song. This one was written on or about July 4th as New England was about to get spanked by Hurricane Arthur. I tend to write about hurricanes a lot. Weird.
The guitars here are all Gibson ES-335. The amps…
A new song
I used some older lyrics
All instruments by me
KC
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See the birds of fire
Against a blackened sky
Fences of barbed wire
Hear that freedom cry
The masters of war
They're playing their…
You can take the red head out of the 80's, but you can't take the 80's out of the red head... I guess. I didn't like anything current when I was growing up during the 80's. Well, almost anything.
This one was originally written during the…
My wife Rita mentioned that she had not heard my dulcimer on any music recently, so I tuned it up and wrote First Morning Light. A little Low D Irish Whistle flavored it just a bit.
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Fresh air through…
My wife Rita mentioned that she had not heard my dulcimer on any music recently, so I tuned it up and wrote First Morning Light. A little Low D Irish Whistle flavored it just a bit.
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Fresh air through…
please check the video!! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hyytSMYAARo
I wrote this song about my father and Dementia/Alzheimer's over a year and a half ago. We just finished the song and video, kind of surreal because Dad is in a nursing…
please check the video!! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hyytSMYAARo
I wrote this song about my father and Dementia/Alzheimer's over a year and a half ago. We just finished the song and video, kind of surreal because Dad is in a nursing…
please check the video!! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hyytSMYAARo
I wrote this song about my father and Dementia/Alzheimer's over a year and a half ago. We just finished the song and video, kind of surreal because Dad is in a nursing…
I read the blurb first, and then I was worried that might prove a mistake... but no, the song is a STUNNER. I couldn't imagine how you'd work the subject... and it's just fabulous - you tackled it head on and there's no sentimentality... you captured the anger, the confusion, wow... SO powerful.
I remembered an incredible night at the seaside some years ago. The moon over the water and the waves, the stars in the sky and the wind with a natural sense of movement. I hope I was able to transfer those sensations into the song.
This work…
Oh yeah. Like this. And what you say in your blurb "Making Music is what it should be: a pleasure, again." - yep, same here... and I can hear it in this. I shall check out more of your stuff.
As a teen Ringo had wanted to emigrate to Texas to meet Lightnin' Hopkins.. what if?
Liverpool to Houston
Liverpool is far from Houston
1960 to present day too
What if fab was just fine
And Ringo had gone to Texas to hear Sam sing the…
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
Oh yes!! Rocks - and a sax solo over a Van Halen-esque track. Brilliant. And the breakdown after that is superb. So you were vox? Mighty cool.
Yes. Love it.
Rocks! .... in 3s! I tend to use 3s for folksie/balladie things (one coming soon I suspect, the way things are panning out here) ... but I've never really tried to rock in 3s... this proves it can be done!! :) As ever, mighty cool guitars.
This put a smile on my face.
Oh yeah, like! Love the sounds, and how it builds. And then down for a second go. And the arrangement... always new ideas but not excessive and not all at once... you're keeping me interested all the way through. Love it. Looking forward to hearing more. Welcome :)
Like it! Love those chords. And I love how the tension goes up and down - a big release at the start of the chorus, and then it gradually grabs you again as the chorus completes and we're back into another verse. I was wondering how it would feel at the end... and it's perfect. Off to watch the video now :)
My wife just ran in from the kitchen "is this a cover??? I KNOW this" - yep, I said, Kiki Dee... She's singing along with you now :) ... cool version
Yep, that works. Digging the guitars.
There's a nice relaxed but insistent groove on this one - kinda lends a certain inevitability to the lyrics.
Woo. That rocks. Some blistering guitar.
Oh yeah... love this one.
Oh that sounds gorgeous. Very cool song, and a gorgeous recording.
Oh yes. Cool song. And that Spanish Guitar - woah!
Wow... missed this, I kinda disappeared musically... but I'm back ... and loving the sound of your stuff as much as I used too.
Cool video too
And Greg's right... Art's guitar playing on this is incredible ;)
I read the blurb first, and then I was worried that might prove a mistake... but no, the song is a STUNNER. I couldn't imagine how you'd work the subject... and it's just fabulous - you tackled it head on and there's no sentimentality... you captured the anger, the confusion, wow... SO powerful.
Cool sounds
Oh yeah. Like this. And what you say in your blurb "Making Music is what it should be: a pleasure, again." - yep, same here... and I can hear it in this. I shall check out more of your stuff.
Awww love this. A brilliant idea. Brilliantly executed. "John and Paul did their best" heheh... And it's even got one of RIngo's "backwards" fills