(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…
Demo #3 for FAWM ’22.
[INTRO]
Gimme a ticket for an aeroplane
Cause I ain’t got time for no slow ass train
My babies moving on,
and I know when she’s gone
My life will only get better…
One Two Three Four!
[CHORUS]
Gimmie a ticket…
Demo #1 for FAWM '22.
[VERSE]
I wasn’t looking for trouble,
Just a change of pace.
Something different that my mind could engage.
A shallow fragment of longing
For something different to feel
The novelty of the change it’s own appeal…
Well...This is song #10 for my 2022 RPM challenge- the final track for my "album". It's a bit like two songs that found each other somehow. That makes for a very long track! eek. Thank you to everyone who has been listening to my songs...it…
Guess I just needed to say something ......
Well, the line's been drawn, we'll ignore and we'll invade,
It's best if you run, or get on your knees and pray,
After midnight, bullets…
Yep... Not much to say really... But I like how you've done it... Those chords in the chorus/refrain, moves the vibe from "triumphant" to "empty" as you deliver the line.
I was thinking "cool slide" and then that amazing harp kicked in. I'm real glad the slide featured later - you've got a nice touch. But that harp... whoa... fabulous sounds. Cool song too. This Amber Lee sounds like a wrong un to me!
RPM Challenge 2022 song number 3.
This one is okay. I have a feeling that anytime I work in 6/8 time I come up with exactly this song. I knew the lyrics in the chorus (the second line) were bad but I thought I could live with them. Now…
Yeah, this way of doing the guitars is paying off for me, big time. I always love your rhythm playing, but these are shining even more. And the lead on this - NICE. Your comment on the 2nd chorus line made me laugh. I'd heard it a couple of times before I read the comment, and I'd thought "cool line!"
The second song started for the 2022 RPM Challenge is the second song finished. I'm sort of working off a first in first out queue this year. I didn't plan it that way, but that's how it's going.
I'm disappointed in this one. It's not a…
Actually, I think it works (I've been getting some of that - I'm disappointed, but the listeners think it's mighty fine - so I kinda know what you feel like now!) .... anyways, love the groove and riffing on this. The chorus is cool, but it's maybe not standing up to the job it's being asked to do nearer the end? Maybe that's what's leaving you feeling flat about it? I'm still digging it, though.
The first song worked on and the first song finished. The 2022 RPM Challenge is well underway!
I had a few gimmicky ideas for this year's challenge and this song hits on some of them. First, I wanted to get away from the small room reverb…
The first song worked on and the first song finished. The 2022 RPM Challenge is well underway!
I had a few gimmicky ideas for this year's challenge and this song hits on some of them. First, I wanted to get away from the small room reverb…
Wooo yeah, liking the two gimmicks - I think it's the different guitars for tracking the rhythm makes the biggest difference, but I'm useless at picking and evaluating reverbs... so it could be that? Anyway, bigger, more spacious sound. And it leaves a better space for the vocal to sit in. Love that lead.
Woah! Love this. I follow you, so I got the notification, but couldn't remember why... (My brain's going in my old age!) ... But when this started, AH! That's why...
LOVE the vibe on this... And the lyrics... wow. I was messaging someone, and the tale in this just DEMANDED my attention... gotta go back to them in a minute! I'm wondering whether this was the idea that was originally intended to go on With Signs Following? It's FABULOUS here.
Wow - this one is longer than I was expecting! I'm listening to your RPM playlist while monitoring non-music stuff in another window (and holding a book, an actual book!) ... and I was thinking I'd lost track of what was going on! This is very trippy - I'm in the latter half of this track now, and what it's most reminding me of is Electric Ladyland period Hendrix. This is mighty cool. Are you going to have a version with the lyrics you were planning?
First track of my, now defunct EP RPM challenge effort. It has not gone well :)
Week 1 - road being resurfaced outside.... noise noise noise!
Week 2 - got some tracking done
Week 3 - Bad tooth infection needing extraction for week 4
Week…
Just been reading your blurb - oh man... what I nightmare. I've been recording acoustic demos for the FAWM challenge, I gave up worrying about noise in the end, otherwise I'd have destroyed more than one guitar!. The noise from outside (and from significant other snoring on the other sofa one afternoon... I kid you not, it's in there somewhere!) has been somewhat worse than usual. No tooth infection... although I do have a crown that fell off months ago that maybe I should get fixed before I get an infection!
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
Woah! That's a cool track.
Woo. Love that insistent riff in the background.
Utterly magnificent set of tracks. Wonderful stuff.
This is the only one I hadn't commented on already or favourited already. I wanted to favourite them all again :)
Awww. From start to finish this is a sweet listen. Love it.
Cool sounds, very cool sounds, I gotta dust mine off... And H R Music, YES, you gotta get a resonator
Yep... Not much to say really... But I like how you've done it... Those chords in the chorus/refrain, moves the vibe from "triumphant" to "empty" as you deliver the line.
I was thinking "cool slide" and then that amazing harp kicked in. I'm real glad the slide featured later - you've got a nice touch. But that harp... whoa... fabulous sounds. Cool song too. This Amber Lee sounds like a wrong un to me!
Yeah, this way of doing the guitars is paying off for me, big time. I always love your rhythm playing, but these are shining even more. And the lead on this - NICE. Your comment on the 2nd chorus line made me laugh. I'd heard it a couple of times before I read the comment, and I'd thought "cool line!"
Actually, I think it works (I've been getting some of that - I'm disappointed, but the listeners think it's mighty fine - so I kinda know what you feel like now!) .... anyways, love the groove and riffing on this. The chorus is cool, but it's maybe not standing up to the job it's being asked to do nearer the end? Maybe that's what's leaving you feeling flat about it? I'm still digging it, though.
Cool song too.
Wooo yeah, liking the two gimmicks - I think it's the different guitars for tracking the rhythm makes the biggest difference, but I'm useless at picking and evaluating reverbs... so it could be that? Anyway, bigger, more spacious sound. And it leaves a better space for the vocal to sit in. Love that lead.
Oh yeah. Mucho coolio. Love your playing on this.
Love the massive open sound you get.
Woah! Love this. I follow you, so I got the notification, but couldn't remember why... (My brain's going in my old age!) ... But when this started, AH! That's why...
Excellent RPM. There's some real standout tracks for me. Nice one.
LOVE the vibe on this... And the lyrics... wow. I was messaging someone, and the tale in this just DEMANDED my attention... gotta go back to them in a minute! I'm wondering whether this was the idea that was originally intended to go on With Signs Following? It's FABULOUS here.
Wow - this one is longer than I was expecting! I'm listening to your RPM playlist while monitoring non-music stuff in another window (and holding a book, an actual book!) ... and I was thinking I'd lost track of what was going on! This is very trippy - I'm in the latter half of this track now, and what it's most reminding me of is Electric Ladyland period Hendrix. This is mighty cool. Are you going to have a version with the lyrics you were planning?
Love those harmonics.
Just been reading your blurb - oh man... what I nightmare. I've been recording acoustic demos for the FAWM challenge, I gave up worrying about noise in the end, otherwise I'd have destroyed more than one guitar!. The noise from outside (and from significant other snoring on the other sofa one afternoon... I kid you not, it's in there somewhere!) has been somewhat worse than usual. No tooth infection... although I do have a crown that fell off months ago that maybe I should get fixed before I get an infection!