(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…
Started out by recording a single tone on the guitar and sampled other recordings on the loop. If you listen carefully you can hear the tone repeat itself for 420 times
I'm tempted (to try) to count them... I'm half imagining you KNOW it's 419 or 421 and you're waiting to see if someone does count them!! (And now you're wishing that is what you did!! LOL)
Started out by recording a single tone on the guitar and sampled other recordings on the loop. If you listen carefully you can hear the tone repeat itself for 420 times
Somewhat inspired by king gizzard and the lizard wizard. I may have taken it too far experimenting with the vocal effects, but still had fun recording this
Not bad, 10 to 15 years to to get this one done Ha Ha. This was wrote tongue in
cheek. The story behind it is, a group of us used to meet up, taking turns whose house we used, have a chat, a bit of food, a few drinks ( ok then, more than…
Huge rain thunder and lightning storm swept thru, and right behind
a bunch of frogs serenaded us ........ Bull frogs. ...are allright
wish I had recorded their song it would fit in here
Huge rain thunder and lightning storm swept thru, and right behind
a bunch of frogs serenaded us ........ Bull frogs. ...are allright
wish I had recorded their song it would fit in here
Short violin phrases played then manipulated in process in conjunction with a filtered noise floor, variable oscillator and a voice sample, all mixed live in my Pure Data patch, this one inspired by tape looping. Created for Phase 2 of Sound…
I never know what to say on these... except "interesting listen"... And this one was... I've also discovered they make a good soundtrack to working at home... not what I was expecting at all!
We got motivated to write something a bit light hearted about our Covid-19 Times.... I hope you'll laugh and sing along with Roger , Colleen, Greg and Steve on this one... any maybe raise a glass of your personal moonshine!!!
https://www.youtube…
This ones for a collaboration on Songcrafters with Kari from Finland. I heard his composition and an idea jumped into my head. So here it is. Thanks for listening
Callous smiles and whispers wake the drunk from his dream
Eyes unfocused to a…
I left my home in paradise when warning signs begun
With a member of my aging family
I left behind the trees so tall they almost blocked the Sun
And a lake so big it looked just like the sea
The wind blows cold through paradise in winter…
Oh yeah. What a song. Paints all sorts of images/stories in my head. But yeah, I end up yearning for the Paradise I recall myself... Faved, accidentally unfaved, and FAVED again! (Got a bit clicky there lol)
Just a run through in the cellar that turned out pretty cool til the end. I lost my way on the mandolin. The bass track was laid down later. Bless him for trying keep up with the trash I played at the end.
I'm not really sure what the lyrics mean, but I was happy that it would somewhat fit a long the other noises.
This track is the result of an experiment recording different drum sets on top of each other.
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'm tempted (to try) to count them... I'm half imagining you KNOW it's 419 or 421 and you're waiting to see if someone does count them!! (And now you're wishing that is what you did!! LOL)
Wow. Cool sounds.
Oh yeah. Dig this one. I have been drinking, though!
I find your stuff strangely compelling.
Love the feel of this one. Kinda trippy. It's got a Mamas and Papas vibe to it.
Oh yeah! That makes it mighty. Shame I can't fave it again!!
This jumps along nicely. Digging that slide.
Sounds like you have got the blues back :)
Hey! I missed this! Cool track.
I never know what to say on these... except "interesting listen"... And this one was... I've also discovered they make a good soundtrack to working at home... not what I was expecting at all!
Nice one. Loved the tinkly climax.
Awwww...yes... This put a great big smile on my face.
WOWWWW.... this is a fabulous song. "Shivers down the neck" fabulous. What a set of lyrics... did I say wow? Yep, WOW.
Oh yeah. What a song. Paints all sorts of images/stories in my head. But yeah, I end up yearning for the Paradise I recall myself... Faved, accidentally unfaved, and FAVED again! (Got a bit clicky there lol)
And this one is even weirder!! Cool. OK... I'm gonna follow you and check out some more of your stuff :)
Not sure what to make of this ... but I love it!
Wow... I've got a recording somewhere of Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull getting lost on a mandolin - he swears a lot more! ... this track's very cool.
It feels French to me... In a "Cote de Boeuf, vin rouge, frites, fromagerie, lescargot, ou est le bidet" kinda way
I wanted more when it stopped.
Big smile on my face - don't know why, exactly... but yes, the lyrics do fit the other noises.