(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
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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…
One of the last songs we recorded before the lockdown
Hans Nooitgedagt Jr - drums
Bingsolex - lead guitar
Erwin B - bass, recording
KC - vocals, guitar, keys & mix
When you told me I was blind
It almost blew my mind
When you told…
Fabulous groove. Nice balance too - everything's really clear... There's a "real musicians playing real music and getting off on it" vibe. Love how it kicks off, promises much, and then the song doesn't disappoint. Nice one.
Toms tune, lyrics, vocals, guitars, bass
Chris drums Johnny Keys
You Were There
You were there
With yellow flowers in your hair
And the summer air seemed to get us high
The county fair
Was lit up like a caution flare
And it was there…
Tom and Chris’s tune, Toms lyrics, vocals, guitars, bass, mando, banjo, harp and some keys
Chris drums - Johnny Keys
Poor Mans Paradise
I was born in a thunderstorm
Rolling down highway one
With the poor mans tax upon my back
Before…
Garys tune, lyrics, vocals, guitars, bass
Chris Drums
Johnny Keys
Why’d You Have To Go
BEEN AROUND FOR MANY YEARS
WASHED AWAY SOME PAINFUL TEARS
MET SOME FRIENDS ALONG THE WAY
SOME STUCK AROUND SOME WENT AWAY
BUT I STILL THINK…
Listening to "Triptones - What Colors You?" while working away in another window... this one jumped out at me as it started... that guitar... brought me over to comment... loving the album so far :) ... you keep playing guys... I'll go back to documenting "Batch Printing - Request" now lol
A few thoughts on this one....
First.. does that... could it... do you think... Reggae? I wasn't planning on that but it just sort of happened. I'm not sure how but... I think... I think I might like it.
In a spur of the moment thing…
Oh yes, nice one. Digging the tempo changes. And some excellent guitar playing. I'm never sure about EC's "woman tone" thing, seems to work best for me on an SG (possibly because of the neck pickup closer to the bridge?) ... but you got some very cool sounds out of it here... I might have to experiment again
This is a song that I wrote some years ago
I wasn't satisfied with the result and completely rerecorded it
KC
I woke up this morning, tried to get out of bed
My head was in a spin. Lord, I felt so bad
My hands were trembling, my knees…
This is a song that I wrote some years ago
I wasn't satisfied with the result and completely rerecorded it
KC
I woke up this morning, tried to get out of bed
My head was in a spin. Lord, I felt so bad
My hands were trembling, my knees…
Well the virus has my friend and music partner in Krakow Poland sheltering in place but we are using the time to write and record..here is our latest...we tried to write in the style of Motown...check it out ... all music and production by Art…
Two weeks since we went into lock down
We can't play together now so we all played at home and sent the files to eachother.
Hans Nooitgedagt Jr - drums
Bingsolex - lead guitar
Erwin B - bass
KC - guitar, vocals, keys and mix
Times like…
C.S. Lewis once wrote about the concept of "out of simple evil comes complex good." These are trying times, an understatement if there ever was one. As you read this, you have uncertainties and fears for what our current situation means for right…
This is bathed in reverb... probably too much! It's got a bit of a Southern Rock vibe at 1:00 to 1:45- then it has a big 'glow-stick Prog Rock' ending to it
Well it's been a long while (as seems to be the pattern lately) and I was inspired by Greg and Ron's new songs.... Then I saw a lovely note from the Proods saying "I must have been writing during this crazy time" - so I had to respond with something…
Yep :) like it.
I've just realised, listening to this, YOU'RE one of the main reasons that I've got a wall of guitars behind me with P90s in!!! And I STILL can't make them sound like this!! haha
Collaboration with Freight Drive Reprobates (music) and Darkarma (lyrics).
Don't think it's my best, but it's been hanging around for so long, I needed to get it out so I can move on to the next one :)
Enjoy!
This is a recording from my i phone off my back deck at home in Mill Valley tonight. Everyone howls at 8 pm for 1 minute in solidarity for the healthcare providers during this pandemic with COVID 19. its been going on for over 2 weeks now…
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
Fabulous groove. Nice balance too - everything's really clear... There's a "real musicians playing real music and getting off on it" vibe. Love how it kicks off, promises much, and then the song doesn't disappoint. Nice one.
Another goodie. Digging the bass sound on this one.
Another mighty fine album. Well done guys :)
Loving the banjo, harp, etc vibe
Listening to "Triptones - What Colors You?" while working away in another window... this one jumped out at me as it started... that guitar... brought me over to comment... loving the album so far :) ... you keep playing guys... I'll go back to documenting "Batch Printing - Request" now lol
Oh yes, nice one. Digging the tempo changes. And some excellent guitar playing. I'm never sure about EC's "woman tone" thing, seems to work best for me on an SG (possibly because of the neck pickup closer to the bridge?) ... but you got some very cool sounds out of it here... I might have to experiment again
Excellent stuff - does it for me.
Yep sounds even better on my main set up. Excellent start to my working at home day :)
Only got my naff laptop speakers on hand right now... But loving it anyway. The bluesy guitar is fantastic. Yay!
Oh yeah. This put a big smile on my face.
Tasty stuff
Love it
Yep. Mighty cool stuff. Welcome to Alonetone :)
Yep :)
oh fabulous
"Rosie the riveter" - classic!
Yep :) like it. I've just realised, listening to this, YOU'RE one of the main reasons that I've got a wall of guitars behind me with P90s in!!! And I STILL can't make them sound like this!! haha
Still grooving to this one.
This is a cool one... don't remember hearing it before.
Wow. That's pretty darn cool.