(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…
I am not sure anyone will like this track but me, but I think I did a decent songwriting job here.
Lyrics:
16 hours a day upon my seat
Never walk a step I’m feelin beat
Temp me with a little food
Put me in a better mood
Waiting for another…
Wrote this after I was getting over an illness. I think it came out pretty good, and my guitar sounds good through that '64 Ampeg Reverberocket.
(Lyrics are approximate)
Sittin around like a bump on a log
walkin around like my head in a…
I predict that this will be one of the more popular tracks of the album, because the whole thing took about 45 minutes to create. It was COLD that day!!
Lyrics (approximate)
Doncha stand too close or you'll burn your toes
move your face…
I spent days obsessing over the baseline for this song, and it ends up being fairly unremarkable and will be barely noticed on most speakers.
Lyrics:
You're drivin home in your luxury car all alone now
Designer suit is the only thing…
It's tough to go wrong with a song like this. Not only is it wholly unoriginal, but I think I am exactly ripping someone off. I can't place the exact song, though.
Lyrics:
Time to introduce myself as the fount of creation
you mighta been…
I started listening to this album the other day but got dragged off to do make the dinner or something.
Glad I came back - this grabs me just as much as it did first time round...
This is a song I wrote this week, trying to capture that strange emotion you sometimes feel during times of great milestones in your life - good things happening, changes, moving on. Joy and melancholy all at the same time. Everyone feels it…
This one went through many iterations before turning into what you hear. A key breakthrough came when I stumbled upon that keyboard part for the verses. That opened the whole thing up.
Another SUPERB RPM from you Mr Fox.
As always, I'm stunned you achieved this level across all the tracks in such a short time.
Hats off to you sir. Five Stars. Etc.
There is no reverb on any vox parts in this one. I loved how I was able to get the tone of the voices to have that mid-60s sound. This was aided by the fact I am running through an emulation of the Abbey Road mixing desk. ;)
Again, listened to most of this before reading the blurb. And I was thinking "there's John, Paul, and George..." - aha, I see!
(And therefore I've just learnt something from this - might be stealing this technique in future!!)
No offense meant to my English friends. ;) I grew up there as a kid, so we have common cause. Anyway, this song is more about the struggle between the material and spiritual, doing the right thing when you are called upon, etc. Hope you enjoy!
Oh yes.
Guitar, especially instrumental, is reminding me a lot of Jimmy Page (been listening to Physical Graffiti a lot over the last few weeks). Don't know whether an "English rock" approach to the guitar was intentional, but it certainly works.
As you may have picked up on, there's a lot this year about soldiering on when your world has been destroyed. So, this is a song of hope. Have faith, have faith...
Awww... and this follows "Say Something" perfectly. Gorgeous heart-rending chorus.
We all bring our own baggage to a song we hear - but I'm feeling more of an "PLEASE accept who I am" as I'm listening to it - whether sung to oneself or another. Probably fits with what you wanted, anyway!
Brilliant.
This one was a hard one to nail. The Wurlitzer riff was something I accidentally played and fell in love with immediately, so I needed to write a song that enhanced the mood that the tone of the Wurly evoked. The sound is so empty and spacious…
I'd listened to most of this one (and faved it) before I read the blurb... glad I did - cos I can tell you that we think you nailed it.
LOVE that bare piano and the plaintive "Say something".
Defiance, self-doubt, hubris, failure, choosing...It's all here to hear.
The title is a nod to my love of a certain guitar player and singer from a late 60's act; who's solo records were even better. The vibrato guitar is inspired by him…
It is easy to mock and ridicule, but much harder to learn and understand. Overcoming our own pig-headedness may be our biggest personal challenge. This song thinks about that. I also was rather happy with how my Telecaster sounds in the rhythm…
The song that led the way. I came up with the guitar sound first, and needed a song that evoked the pure energy that was coming from that guitar sound. It needed to be fast and intense. And it needed harmonies. We're full abandon 'cause it's time…
Girls aren't like guitars.
They won't just sit around waiting for you to come up with something interesting to do
Girls aren't like guitars.
If you're having problems maybe it's because
Girls aren't like guitars
(C) 2015 Royal T Music
I have been wanting to do some Cream covers for awhile now and with the passing of Jack Bruce it seemed an appropriate time to record some sort of tribute to him and the band.
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 with you - good song, nice one. Enjoyed your RPM, well done.
Yep, this one came out good. It's the driving bass that I'm digging here.
Ha! Ha! I like the sounds you get with your acoustic guitars.
Digging the relaxed "roll" of this one. And that harp is spot on.
I started listening to this album the other day but got dragged off to do make the dinner or something. Glad I came back - this grabs me just as much as it did first time round...
Well that works. Lovely stuff guys.
Another SUPERB RPM from you Mr Fox. As always, I'm stunned you achieved this level across all the tracks in such a short time. Hats off to you sir. Five Stars. Etc.
Again, listened to most of this before reading the blurb. And I was thinking "there's John, Paul, and George..." - aha, I see! (And therefore I've just learnt something from this - might be stealing this technique in future!!)
Oh yes. Guitar, especially instrumental, is reminding me a lot of Jimmy Page (been listening to Physical Graffiti a lot over the last few weeks). Don't know whether an "English rock" approach to the guitar was intentional, but it certainly works.
Yep :-)
Awww... and this follows "Say Something" perfectly. Gorgeous heart-rending chorus. We all bring our own baggage to a song we hear - but I'm feeling more of an "PLEASE accept who I am" as I'm listening to it - whether sung to oneself or another. Probably fits with what you wanted, anyway! Brilliant.
I'd listened to most of this one (and faved it) before I read the blurb... glad I did - cos I can tell you that we think you nailed it. LOVE that bare piano and the plaintive "Say something".
Loving the guitar...
Well (and bear in mind, I was *quite* looking forward to this album) ... I'm not disappointed so far :)
And it's a fine fine guitar sound - it would have had me going too. Love it, nice opener.
Nice one. It's got a bouncy walk to it.
This is superb. Even the girl in this house laughed.
How did I miss this?!! I'm with JMT - coulda fooled me... Classy job sir
She's just a hoochie coochie cutie from the state of... misery Yes :-)
Yep, that's the stuff :-)