(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
****
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…
“Shine” by Wilson Ng, written and recorded in February 2022 for the RPM Challenge.
Outtake from the 2022 RPM Challenge Sessions. Just one of those songs that doesn't seem to work. Wanted to recut the vocals because they were basically scratch…
“Unfinished-1” by Wilson Ng, written and recorded in February 2022 for the RPM Challenge.
Outtake from the 2022 RPM Challenge Sessions. Meant to have lyrics but had writer's block and ran out of time. Remains an unfinished instrumental.
“Shine” by Wilson Ng, written and recorded in February 2022 for the RPM Challenge.
Outtake from the 2022 RPM Challenge Sessions. Just one of those songs that doesn't seem to work. Wanted to recut the vocals because they were basically scratch…
“Shine” by Wilson Ng, written and recorded in February 2022 for the RPM Challenge.
Outtake from the 2022 RPM Challenge Sessions. Just one of those songs that doesn't seem to work. Wanted to recut the vocals because they were basically scratch…
You've got outtakes?! With my FAWM, it was "done, don't like it, but hey, chuck it in the pot" LOL ... Loving the vibe of this one... and I'm glad I'm not the only one going "awkward vocal/lyrics" and other folks go "hey it's cool!!!!"
Can you see the morning light?
Grey skies turning blue
Welcome to the new sunrise
It’s all waiting for you
The sun glows hot, majestic Red
As it shines for you
How fast the days, all go by
When you’re no longer in your youth
Such…
Every night, every night I pray
Good Lord gives me another day
Find it in your heart
Give me another start
This I pray, every day
We can never change the past.
Try to make the good times last
Life can pass us by
very fast, and that…
Liking your songs - I'll be back for more (and yes, indeed, nearly all the ones I did for FAWM 2022 I'd be expecting to record them as "band" songs... but I've now got into this acoustic vocal thing to get all the old songs done as demos...)
RPM 2022. I finished a song.. does that count?
Well the early bird
Catches the worm
Eats it up
And shits it out
Onto the lawn
And into the dirt
Where the worms crawl
And use the soil to form
To be eaten once more
By the early birds…
RPM 2022. I finished a song.. does that count?
Well the early bird
Catches the worm
Eats it up
And shits it out
Onto the lawn
And into the dirt
Where the worms crawl
And use the soil to form
To be eaten once more
By the early birds…
RPM 2022. I finished a song.. does that count?
Well the early bird
Catches the worm
Eats it up
And shits it out
Onto the lawn
And into the dirt
Where the worms crawl
And use the soil to form
To be eaten once more
By the early birds…
Foolishness - A A J Russe
Written 3rd January 1988
Recorded 1st March 2022
The Shoebox Demos Vol 1
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While writing and recording songs for FAWM 2022 I discovered that I can create acoustic demos of nearly any song I've ever written…
Hehehe... there's LOTS of youthful angst is these Songs from the Shoebox... possibly an embarrassing amount... You wait... let's see if I'm brave enough to record the ones from 1978/9!!!
Raised on vinyl and a needle that rides
To a paper circle at the end of both sides
Between the speakers, cover in hand
Sit in silence after Jungleland
I will not trade one bit of my soul for their pieces of gold
I've seen a world they'll…
Loved this when I first heard it two weeks ago. Still a firm favourite for me. I love the whole album, but I think this and the closer, The Final Few Minutes, are my favourites. I guess they both speak directly to me.
In the final few minutes
That I'll be around
Will you waltz with me in it
Would you turn me down
Would you turn me down
As the time's running out
And I make my advance
Would there be any doubt
If I take the chance
Can I have one…
The vastness of the ocean
A darkness in the sky
A lifetime of emotion
How hard you've had to try
To navigate the currents
And the demons in the deep
You have to stay awake
'Cuz they might take you in your sleep
You wish that you could…
Heard something crawling in the walls this morning
Later on, I heard that fateful snap
The little critter never had a warning
I'll have to head on down to face the guilt that's waiting
When I check the trap
A pair of trees I planted in…
I saw the title when you uploaded a couple of weeks back... LOVE the title... and it doesn't disappoint (slightly different song than I'd have written with the same title, though!)
I suppose it could be worse
I know I'm lucky I'm all right
But I can tell that you've been cursed
And it keeps me up at night
So few are born to come in first
So many born into a fight
If the roles had been reversed
Would they still believe…
Some say, "It's the price you gotta pay"
Some say, "You gotta learn to walk away"
But I'm still standing in the light
And I won't go down without a fight
Some say, "True love is just a lie"
Some say, "You'll give it up before you die…
new song i wrote a few weeks ago about my feelings about god and stuff... (no hate directed to any religious person with this btw, this is just my own personal opinion!)
sorry for swearing so much in this lol??
also, special thanks to storm…
Wow wow wow ... nearly missed this amongst all the albums getting posted... Read the blurb, wasn't sure what I was going to make of it... But, as usual, wow... What a powerful performance. Your voice is stunning on this one. So glad I didn't miss this.
In the fading light, I compose a line
And then tongue tied tangled down upside
Unbroken
Unspoken
Better than the words I would have stumbled over
If you read my eyes, you could catch my vibe
Then I wouldn’t have to die inside
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 glad I'm not alone on liking this one :)
It's a gorgeous sound.
Hey it's cool!! :)
You've got outtakes?! With my FAWM, it was "done, don't like it, but hey, chuck it in the pot" LOL ... Loving the vibe of this one... and I'm glad I'm not the only one going "awkward vocal/lyrics" and other folks go "hey it's cool!!!!"
An excellent set of tracks... work Zoom meetings kept interrupting my enjoyment, though!!
Nice one - I hope this is the start!
Liking your songs - I'll be back for more (and yes, indeed, nearly all the ones I did for FAWM 2022 I'd be expecting to record them as "band" songs... but I've now got into this acoustic vocal thing to get all the old songs done as demos...)
Sorry! Only just got round to listening to any of your stuff... (And in moment I've gotta go off and cook my wife's dinner!) Welcome :)
Whatever... it's so cool. We need something other than a Favourite button for this... a "You Win" button or something LOLOLOLOL
Yeah, maybe some Mr McCartney vibes, but I'm getting 10CC myself...
HOLY SH1T!!! This is fantastic...
Hehehe... there's LOTS of youthful angst is these Songs from the Shoebox... possibly an embarrassing amount... You wait... let's see if I'm brave enough to record the ones from 1978/9!!!
Loved this when I first heard it two weeks ago. Still a firm favourite for me. I love the whole album, but I think this and the closer, The Final Few Minutes, are my favourites. I guess they both speak directly to me.
LOVE this one... love it to bits.
Oh huge sound again - love it. Fabulous song.
I saw the title when you uploaded a couple of weeks back... LOVE the title... and it doesn't disappoint (slightly different song than I'd have written with the same title, though!)
Massive stereo! Gorgeous sound... loads of space for the message in the middle.
Oh yeah. Love that "All I am..."
Wow wow wow ... nearly missed this amongst all the albums getting posted... Read the blurb, wasn't sure what I was going to make of it... But, as usual, wow... What a powerful performance. Your voice is stunning on this one. So glad I didn't miss this.
Fantastic end to a superb album. I was going to listen to a couple of RPMs this morning, but I need a rest now, this was so good, many thanks.