(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…
Place In The Sun
Toms Tune / Lyrics
It’s the spiraling mind that’ll slowly unwind
And scatter thoughts for no one to find
It’s the restless heart that simply come's apart
Forever searching for a new start
No I’m not one to ever come…
So Many Things
By Mark Andrew
So many things, inside my head
So many words, that needs to be said
Time, travels on
Days and nights, nights and days,
all have their song
Time, travels on
Days and nights, nights and days,
all have…
Belladonna
(Timbob Tune / Chris Lyric)
I see her beauty shines so bright
In the red summer sunlight
Venus casts her blinding light
Much to Mars’ delight
A molten marriage of fire and ice
The seductive serpent in paradise
She’s the Goddess…
First Lie
Chris Tune / Toms Lyrics
I heard you singing from the roof tops
saw you swinging in the trees
tripping on a cough drop
dealing your disease
I watched you watching from the washroom
heard you tumble down my stairs
passed out…
Trying to figure out what an Inbeseen might be - but who cares? Whirly organ, scrunchy guitars, and that bass (I'd actually like to hear more of that - there's some groovy stuff going on down there) - what else does one need?
Solid stuff.
Oh yeah. Nice contrast between the verses and when the double time kicks in. And then the stonking guitar that kicks off the middle section - woof! I specially love the guitar in the verses.
Vocals, Lyrics, Lead Melody: Mike Basil;
Bass: Mark Bowen;
Drums: Dean Wuksta;
Guitars: Jeff Chalpan;
Saxophone: Tom Nigbor;
Original Music & Production: Steffen Offermann
The last of todays efforts ...i'm off to band practice...i love sundays when they work
D Csharp C B Asharp D F G D
A DIFFERENT WAY
i’m sat up top of the mountain
waiting for the sun to fall
waiting for the sun to disappear and closedown…
He kept quite for too long now Reg has got to tell her..........
MOVING ON
Intro Am D Am D Am7 C Am6 Am verse Am C D Am6 Am x3 F E Am
I know it's late
But it's got to be said
I feel so alone in this shared bed
The time has come
I've been…
Ambient, building electric guitar instrumental, something like a cross between the late great Gary Moore and some softer stuff by Allan Holdsworth.
Imagine your spacecraft nearing a black hole, and the strain it puts on your vessel. Then, as…
When this started, I was disappointed that it was going to be an instrumental to close. But I was wrong, the guitar does the job of a vocal, lyrics and all...
Superb set of songs - loved every minute of it. Well done, very well done.
Morning Glow
End of the line
Ahead of me just loneliness
Scanning the horizon - only emptiness
Losing heart for a while
As the twilight’s rolling in
Getting caught between the darkness and despair
Used to never fail
Used to find a…
Oh I LOVE how you use chords and harmonies.
Wonderful dynamics in this one. It almost feels like it has two choruses, the bridge is so powerful. And then when the chorus proper kicks in, it's shiver-down-the-spine time... Superb.
TIME TO HEAL
The gates of freedom close at hand
Time to rise and take a stand
Sometimes you have to let it go
Leave behind all that you know
To draw a line up in the sand
Some secrets stay inside
Finding a way to hide
So many moments…
And a resonator! (Sounds like you've got the same guitar collection I have - hehe).
Aww this is a gorgeous song. The backing vox are spot on. And I think this my favourite lead vocal so far.
On, I DON'T have a pedal/lap steel - is that what it is? Sounds fabulous.
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
Nice closer - I'm a sucker for a good organ! Fine album. Well done guys :-)
Oooh, nice contrast
Loving the guitars on this one
Nice one
Oh yesss - very strong riff. Liked this one a lot.
Trying to figure out what an Inbeseen might be - but who cares? Whirly organ, scrunchy guitars, and that bass (I'd actually like to hear more of that - there's some groovy stuff going on down there) - what else does one need? Solid stuff.
Digging that wah.
Oh yeah. Nice contrast between the verses and when the double time kicks in. And then the stonking guitar that kicks off the middle section - woof! I specially love the guitar in the verses.
I'd wondered where you were at! Good to hear you. Rockin stuff.
How did I miss this???! Rocking
Yep, listen to that Peppermint woman - come back and upload some more... this is fabulous
Ooo, and this is a goodie
...but I love this one.
I like this one...
Oh, gorgeous organ sound.
Love the emptiness - the arrangement fits the mood rather well.
Mac's & Gene's comments brought me here... Glad I made the trip. And this was a jam? Very cool.
When this started, I was disappointed that it was going to be an instrumental to close. But I was wrong, the guitar does the job of a vocal, lyrics and all... Superb set of songs - loved every minute of it. Well done, very well done.
Oh I LOVE how you use chords and harmonies. Wonderful dynamics in this one. It almost feels like it has two choruses, the bridge is so powerful. And then when the chorus proper kicks in, it's shiver-down-the-spine time... Superb.
And a resonator! (Sounds like you've got the same guitar collection I have - hehe). Aww this is a gorgeous song. The backing vox are spot on. And I think this my favourite lead vocal so far. On, I DON'T have a pedal/lap steel - is that what it is? Sounds fabulous.