(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…
That’s How They Get You
Bleeding trails, a map to everywhere you’ve ever been. Seeping in from beyond the boundless fringe, you cannot be sustained, and won’t be washed away. You light an abandoned fire in someone else’s yard. That’s how they…
Wow! Yep, I need a lie down now... or at least I need to put the kettle on and recover a bit before the wife gets home! I've had the studio monitors turned up really loud... glad I've found you... this is why I love alonetone - I end up liking stuff I'd never have gone looking for. Nice one.
Son of the Queen
Isolating the cross-hatched memories of those starless nights when we searched for light to pour through the wounds we carry around, fashioned after and fawning, we, now downward, fall. A cast-iron bodice over the whimsical has…
First off thanks (MTC) jim for letting me play around with this lovely backing track. i just wish i could of mixed it better i'll have to get the books out and actually read them this time, instead of clicking here and there and hoping for the…
But now I've listened to it - OH YESSS. This is superb guys, nice one... AND I got the guitar solo I was originally anticipating, and wot a goodie it is.... The whole thing... FAB!
First off thanks (MTC) jim for letting me play around with this lovely backing track. i just wish i could of mixed it better i'll have to get the books out and actually read them this time, instead of clicking here and there and hoping for the…
First off thanks (MTC) jim for letting me play around with this lovely backing track. i just wish i could of mixed it better i'll have to get the books out and actually read them this time, instead of clicking here and there and hoping for the…
Oh wow! This is NOT what I was expecting. I thought it was going to be a guitar solo addition, and I was thinking I'll get round to it soon ... And then I kept seeing "It's not ok with MTC"... and I kept thinking OMIGOD what's wrong with him?!?! Hope he's ok...
A quite 'straight ahead' rock feel to this at the beginning. The Rickenfaker bass has a lovely fat sound to it... Then it gets anthem-like from 2:45 onwards
Mighty fine - has a definite "conclusion"/"closure" vibe to it. I kinda like how the final one has a title of "Growing" implying the story goes on (which the music does as well)
I hope Brian (one of us Proods) will forgive me for posting this before we could get together to work on it further. He first played it for me a few months ago and I've been obsessively tweaking it every chance I could get.
I like to imagine…
Higher Spirit (The Only One)
boudreau
There’s a higher spirit
Nothing comes near it
I do declare it’s quite a ride
And the heart will chase it
Egos embrace it
You can’t erase it from your life
And when ya can’t escape the rain clouds…
Outta Sight
boudreau
Flip topping, cherry popping
Never stopping to look inside
Wearin’, tearin’ with power steering
And I’m veering off into the night
I disappear outta sight
Short days in so many ways
I’m amazed I’m not sleeping…
to build a fire
lyrics - boudreau
Music - maiorano/boudreau
to build a fire
there's never a plan
just pure desire
and circumstance
touch two wires
leave spark to chance
she's reaching higher
sit back and watch her dance
she said…
Listened to the whole album. Excellent stuff. As always, really enjoyed it. Had a bit of a "lighters in the air moment" going with this last track - nice one.
Oh yes. This is the stuff. Cool song. Some *seriously* tasty guitaring going on (I was listening to Brothers and Sisters when I spotted this had come in... so I paused them Allmans and hit play... and this just fitted right in to my mood).
I have no memory of writing or recording this song. I have no idea what it's about.
CONNIE'S SONG
Em D C B...
(Em) Before I knew anything (D) about you, I (C) loved you
(Em) Whenever you would show, I stared in (D) wonder
I heard you…
The other day I was having problems
So I called my son
Because he always helps me when I'm in trouble...
When the mouse can't see the dongle
The cursor is erratic.
There's something in the way
Move that chair
Hmh, maybe I Google it…
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 do seem very quiet around here! This one's a goodie, though.
Wow! Yep, I need a lie down now... or at least I need to put the kettle on and recover a bit before the wife gets home! I've had the studio monitors turned up really loud... glad I've found you... this is why I love alonetone - I end up liking stuff I'd never have gone looking for. Nice one.
Wow. Yeah. Favourite so far.
But now I've listened to it - OH YESSS. This is superb guys, nice one... AND I got the guitar solo I was originally anticipating, and wot a goodie it is.... The whole thing... FAB!
LOL
Oh wow! This is NOT what I was expecting. I thought it was going to be a guitar solo addition, and I was thinking I'll get round to it soon ... And then I kept seeing "It's not ok with MTC"... and I kept thinking OMIGOD what's wrong with him?!?! Hope he's ok...
Mighty fine - has a definite "conclusion"/"closure" vibe to it. I kinda like how the final one has a title of "Growing" implying the story goes on (which the music does as well)
Yep :)
Love it! And a fine end to a rockin album - nice one.
"Knee jerkin’ and chicken fried Gherkins" - classic, lol
Fairly certain I would have missed this album (Higher Spirit) ... what an opener!
Listened to the whole album. Excellent stuff. As always, really enjoyed it. Had a bit of a "lighters in the air moment" going with this last track - nice one.
The lead's the obvious leading lady... But I LOVE that stabbing rhythm guitar.
Oh yes. This is the stuff. Cool song. Some *seriously* tasty guitaring going on (I was listening to Brothers and Sisters when I spotted this had come in... so I paused them Allmans and hit play... and this just fitted right in to my mood).
Oh this is utterly wonderful.
You've got me in falling off the sofa with laughter here! Love it.
Hahahaha! BRILLIANT
I love how uplifting this is for a song called "Goodbye".
Ha! ha! Didn't realise you were listening to me at the same time! Nice one :)
Love it... Kinda how I feel about it too.