(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…
No more covid songs....
Time to write about other things
This one's for my muse
I had uploaded an earlier version, but didn't like the mix
here's another version
KC
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So many years we've been…
This is sort of two songs stuck together. That wasn't the plan, it just sort of happened. The only thing interesting about the noisier first half is the fuzz pedal on the rhythm guitar. Big Muffs really are harder to fit into a mix. I do love…
Loving the rhythm/groove in the choruses. Oh wow... yeah, that works... you're right moving the "middle" to the end instead. If it had gone back to the rocking I think it would have felt "So? And?" But like this it's "yeah, man, cool ending... dig those echoes... let's listen again"
April rain storms are exciting but I am warm and cozy in side.
wrote this after hearing that some people suggest a dream before settling in for the nite. My J 45 really wrote this tune I just sang along
Here is another ZOOM Collaboration with:
Steve Krell
Colleen Dillon
Roger Harris
Greg Connor
We posted the lyrics and featured the chords, just in case you wanted to write your own lyrics and post them with this idea.
Empty Bottles…
This song is a work in progress. I attended an online songwriting workshop hosted by Chad Shank (Minnesota Songwriters Association) who was talking about songs with varying length lines to create more of a conversational atmosphere and the use…
Wow - when it started I was thinking "that's intense!" ... but then some work emails arrived and it made an EXCELLENT soundtrack to telling them how they'd f***ed up! lol
Looking down the road as how sweet it will be after the bug” virus”
Is gone
Open the doors and windows , drive fast with the top down
We gonna drink some wine with friends o mine, pas the bottle around
Go to a block party…
I started to listen to this the t'other day but ran out of Time... (see wot I did there? hehe) (Mrs R dragged me away to do something important). Glad I came back - nice one.
Man, you're on a roll... Loved it. Steak and Texas Blues... I'm there. And I thought Kansas was just where Rainbow came from... or was was it Dorothy... or... or...
A strat and a slow minor blues are a go to for an overheard cell phone call.
The tone is pure strat wiggly bar juju. Thanks Robert Cray
Blues lyrics are not required to be politically correct
A straight-ahead rock song with a quirky arrangement change on the second verse. Includes a trippy Pink Floyd-esque middle 8 and a Boyzone rousing key change at the end... You're welcome! 😆
Your stuff is making me re-evaluate 70-80s keyboard sounds. At the time I loathed what I regarded as "keyboard heavy" bands. I liked piano and organ, and I was a huge fan of Queen and their earlier "no synthesizers" approach. You're making some cool sounds, though, pleasantly reminding me of stuff that must have seeped into my subconscious like it or not! :)
Steve developed this beautiful track with his ukulele and I added some lyrics to make a "positive message" song for the times we are in.... Hope it makes you smile too...
It Won’t Be Like This Forever
Sitting here on my front steps
Listening…
Oh yeah. Nice one. Love the title (although there is one bit I want to keep - I've kinda got used to working at home and REALLY don't want to go back to commuting!)
A song I made up in retro style, just for a bit of fun ;- ) I used various guitars. It's partly sung in English and some of it in French. I try to do my own mixing, so don't expect too much LOL... Regardless, I hope you enjoy it ! Kind regards…
A new song
The worst man possible for the job right now
KC
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You divide and conquer
While there is fear and hunger
You play a dangerous game
But you won't take any blame
Your're a cheat and…
Prior to recording these Vocals/Lyrics my Microphone died on so i had to use my phone voice-recorder with not knowing how the sound would be. Anyway i had a blast making this Song.
Lyrics:
Broken Dreams on repeat It’s a tie for the Grip…
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 yeah - I know exactly what you're talking about... I can say all that about someone here
Loving the rhythm/groove in the choruses. Oh wow... yeah, that works... you're right moving the "middle" to the end instead. If it had gone back to the rocking I think it would have felt "So? And?" But like this it's "yeah, man, cool ending... dig those echoes... let's listen again"
What a cool song. So good it needed a second listen immediately.
Oh this is just fab. Love the vibe/groove. And those shared verses, all these voices I listen to... all in one song! Love it.
Awww... this is fabulous. What a cool piece of songwriting. Love it.
Wow - when it started I was thinking "that's intense!" ... but then some work emails arrived and it made an EXCELLENT soundtrack to telling them how they'd f***ed up! lol
I just took delivery of a bunch of steaks/chops/wine ... I'm READY! (I have a feeling that this batch won't last until then, though! lol)
Yep this rocks.
I started to listen to this the t'other day but ran out of Time... (see wot I did there? hehe) (Mrs R dragged me away to do something important). Glad I came back - nice one.
Man, you're on a roll... Loved it. Steak and Texas Blues... I'm there. And I thought Kansas was just where Rainbow came from... or was was it Dorothy... or... or...
Wow. Love it.
Oh yeah, faved from the outset. "he rollllled his eyes" - loved the delivery of that line.
Your stuff is making me re-evaluate 70-80s keyboard sounds. At the time I loathed what I regarded as "keyboard heavy" bands. I liked piano and organ, and I was a huge fan of Queen and their earlier "no synthesizers" approach. You're making some cool sounds, though, pleasantly reminding me of stuff that must have seeped into my subconscious like it or not! :)
Aww this is a really cool song. Love the imagery.
Oh yeah. Nice one. Love the title (although there is one bit I want to keep - I've kinda got used to working at home and REALLY don't want to go back to commuting!)
Enjoyed it a lot.
Nice one.
Oh yes, that works for me.
Cool sounds.
Weird... and strangely compelling.