(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
****
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
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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
****
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
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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
****
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 would be a good track for running, yep. But we (me and Mrs R) wondered if you could shorten it a bit for us, don't think we could run for that long :)
Did the world really need a cheesy, spaghetti western version of this classic Eagles song? I'm not sure. Did I make one anyway? Yes. Yes, I did. By the way the painting is "Villa Diablo" by Downe Burns.
keywords: old clint eastwood movies, the…
My wife went "I like the bird picture" when I was looking at the latest playlists, explaining that if I uploaded all the ones I've got ready then I'd hog the top of the front page so that's why I'm waiting.... I said that picture's Djörk - wow... haven't heard Djörk music for ages... I'm educating her now :) Hope you're ok in these interesting times.
I'm just a guitars and sore fingers kinda guy really... but you synthy-guys are begining to get to me... I'm starting to understand! (My wife's gonna kill you all if I start buying keyboards too!!)
This is, indeed, amazing. This time I'm hearing it on the big stereo in the living room... with the sound turned down on the TV... and there were a lot of images of a young Heinrich Himmler going by... not sure if the two were meant to fit together so well... but they did
And this... I've listened before, favourited, but didn't comment... not sure why I didn't... both listens have grabbed me all the way through to the last note... the strings in the middle are gorgeous...
I wrote this song as a way to process some of the feelings of sadness, dismay, anger, fear and love that were brewing inside my heart this past week. I live in Minneapolis, where the terrible killing of George Floyd occurred, and the subsequent…
You had me with "If I start by making a better me / It will help to make a better we" ... I was listening without reading what it was about. In fact, I didn't make the connection until after I had finished the first listen. But it was "wooooo" ... You've created a song that gets to the heart of a thing without being tied to the thing that made the writer write it... that's magical... I agree with Greg - it's an anthem... wow... many thanks for saying what many of us think, feel, and wanted to say....
I wrote this song as a way to process some of the feelings of sadness, dismay, anger, fear and love that were brewing inside my heart this past week. I live in Minneapolis, where the terrible killing of George Floyd occurred, and the subsequent…
Another silly little tune, this time about the world's favourite stout! (Edit: uploaded a new version. Fixed a few mistakes.)
Lyrics:
When the sun is up high, in a bright blue sky
And you're walking around in Dublin town
You got nothing…
The Guiness drinkers owe it to themselves to listen to this, favourite it, and... have another Guiness. The less enlightened need to start drinking Guiness... but remember, everyone, that "alcohol is not a coping mechanism"... doesn't actually apply to Guiness, obviously (because it counts towards your 5 A Day, same as Red Wine and Potato Chips)
Another silly little tune, this time about the world's favourite stout! (Edit: uploaded a new version. Fixed a few mistakes.)
Lyrics:
When the sun is up high, in a bright blue sky
And you're walking around in Dublin town
You got nothing…
Original song by my friend and music partner Randy Arneson.
Recorded in Garageband using a pickup plus condenser mic on a vintage Gibson 12 string (2 channels of guitar). I have a couple different versions of this one recorded...
So the latest Orchestral piece I have composed was originally started a few months back before the Virus story broke. I had started it simply as a 'dark' piece, but once the Lockdown started it sort of fitted, and I expanded it to try and tell…
Nice one. I'm getting an 1812 overture sort of vibe out of it... especially with the triumphant end that, yeah, hasn't actually happened yet... but who's counting?(!)
Due to climate change we've had little rain in the last couple of years
The day after I had written this song it rained all day :-)
KC
---------------------------------------------
The third year of drought
Three summers in a row
A relentless…
Due to climate change we've had little rain in the last couple of years
The day after I had written this song it rained all day :-)
KC
---------------------------------------------
The third year of drought
Three summers in a row
A relentless…
I was listening to this without having read the blurb (or listening to the words...) I was thinking "that's a nice summery vibe" ... given it's been cold and cloudy here all day!! Then I paid attention to the lyrics... oops! Yep, it actually works perfectly for that too...
Haha "piratical tension" - I think that it's just you, Sister Savage... but now you mention it... maybe it is? ... but I have been drinking wine, and brandy, and watching Blackbeard the Pirate with Robert Newton earlier... Arrrrr(!) Anyways... 1. e4 e5 ... open game
... I've only just connected you with up with https://alonetone.com/puddleglum that I used to listen to! Good to hear some new stuff. Followed and ready for more :)
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
It would be a good track for running, yep. But we (me and Mrs R) wondered if you could shorten it a bit for us, don't think we could run for that long :)
My wife went "I like the bird picture" when I was looking at the latest playlists, explaining that if I uploaded all the ones I've got ready then I'd hog the top of the front page so that's why I'm waiting.... I said that picture's Djörk - wow... haven't heard Djörk music for ages... I'm educating her now :) Hope you're ok in these interesting times.
... oh I'd forgotten the guitars coming in at the 4 minute or so mark! :)
I'm just a guitars and sore fingers kinda guy really... but you synthy-guys are begining to get to me... I'm starting to understand! (My wife's gonna kill you all if I start buying keyboards too!!)
This is, indeed, amazing. This time I'm hearing it on the big stereo in the living room... with the sound turned down on the TV... and there were a lot of images of a young Heinrich Himmler going by... not sure if the two were meant to fit together so well... but they did
And this... I've listened before, favourited, but didn't comment... not sure why I didn't... both listens have grabbed me all the way through to the last note... the strings in the middle are gorgeous...
Wow... just wow... had it on the big stereo... and.... wow
You had me with "If I start by making a better me / It will help to make a better we" ... I was listening without reading what it was about. In fact, I didn't make the connection until after I had finished the first listen. But it was "wooooo" ... You've created a song that gets to the heart of a thing without being tied to the thing that made the writer write it... that's magical... I agree with Greg - it's an anthem... wow... many thanks for saying what many of us think, feel, and wanted to say....
Woah... Superb
The Guiness drinkers owe it to themselves to listen to this, favourite it, and... have another Guiness. The less enlightened need to start drinking Guiness... but remember, everyone, that "alcohol is not a coping mechanism"... doesn't actually apply to Guiness, obviously (because it counts towards your 5 A Day, same as Red Wine and Potato Chips)
Love it!!!
Oh yeah... gorgeous harmonica sounds.
Oh yeah! Like it. Welcome.
Nice one. I'm getting an 1812 overture sort of vibe out of it... especially with the triumphant end that, yeah, hasn't actually happened yet... but who's counting?(!)
Back for another listen. Yep. Those are gorgeous guitars, and the groove, and the vocal... And the harmonies on the bridge... This is mighty fine.
Yep, cool sounds. Certainly moving the air in my broom-cupboard studio!
"snacks with a special flavour" hehe
I was listening to this without having read the blurb (or listening to the words...) I was thinking "that's a nice summery vibe" ... given it's been cold and cloudy here all day!! Then I paid attention to the lyrics... oops! Yep, it actually works perfectly for that too...
Haha "piratical tension" - I think that it's just you, Sister Savage... but now you mention it... maybe it is? ... but I have been drinking wine, and brandy, and watching Blackbeard the Pirate with Robert Newton earlier... Arrrrr(!) Anyways... 1. e4 e5 ... open game
... I've only just connected you with up with https://alonetone.com/puddleglum that I used to listen to! Good to hear some new stuff. Followed and ready for more :)