(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
****
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
****
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
****
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
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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…
Aww... new PW tracks and my fave button is still busted!! (I clicked it anyway...)
Excellent, as usual, guys... A great listen. Gorgeous feel and sound.
I come in for the Hammond and the drumming, I think, but there is SUCH a tasty guitar break on this one.
5 Stars
Reg is contemplating his future and how to change................So he got the acoustic out and perused the idea.....
The Hurricane (Lyrics)
I stand in the window looking back at me
trying to understand where i got it wrong
how my life could…
YESSS!!
This utterly, utterly hits the spot. Shivers down the spine music for me.
The bass and the guitars, the backing vocals, the minimal lyrics, the way you bring it to a close...
Wonderful.
Oh, I LOVE this. It reminds me of all sorts of influences from my past - you've squeezed elements of nearly every act I like into it and ended up coming out with something that, to me, feels totally original.
Hats off to you, sir.
I've gone a bit Bluesy on this one i got the French Horns out i blame watching BBC4...anyway hope you enjoy....
Counterfeit(Lyrics)
The night outside was as Black as coal
Her heart was made of stone
i couldn’t find no place to go
God did…
Its Great when a mess around becomes a kinda lost Doors song....
Give me the Love (Lyrics)
Tell me what your got now baby
i’ll tell you what i need
you can give me love cause thats is all i need
i got the need
if you got the love
i got…
This is a love song I just wrote. It's the first normal love song I've written since "Western Hills" (i.e., three years). Writing love songs is kind of risky. If it doesn't work out- you're stuck with singing a song with all these unusual associations…
I know what you mean about associations on old songs... I tend to "conveniently forget" any "bad stuff" and just like the thing for what it is - but it seems like my entire life documented in songs!
This one is gorgeous. And I love the intimate recording. I'll be very interested to hear the results if you do work it up to a band production.
rpm #7,, i think this will be the overture, to a small midi orchestral suite, which i hope will finish up as my remaining 3 pieces for this years rpm, but well see how that goes,, thanks for all the helpful comments i have received on this project…
A lil rocker influenced by some of my faves, Springsteen, Petty etc.. well i left my home and family
and made my way out west
i lost my job at the steel mill
im a hoping for the best
in this life
for my kids and wife
just outside of Davenport…
My get up and go went some time ago... but this reminds me of it lol
Definitely got the Petty/Springsteen vibe - love it.
If my fave button worked, it would be faved...
A lil rocker influenced by some of my faves, Springsteen, Petty etc.. well i left my home and family
and made my way out west
i lost my job at the steel mill
im a hoping for the best
in this life
for my kids and wife
just outside of Davenport…
Reg is contemplating his future and how to change................So he got the acoustic out and perused the idea.....
The Hurricane (Lyrics)
I stand in the window looking back at me
trying to understand where i got it wrong
how my life could…
Gene has done another splendid job with the music and i've had the easy job again.....A zep cover done in our own way from Zep iii....hope you enjoy....
YEARLONG VALENTINE – SKEEN 130214
Now the day’s away, and the wine is gone,
And you bury your head under mine,
I won’t make a peak,
Save infrequent yawns
And the sigh that says everything’s fine,
Cos I’m sure without need of assurance…
Had a little idea (not a drink) about an hour ago and it went straight to my i-phone! This is the first guitar / vox recording after 1 quick strum to get chords and key and stuff (oh, so technical I am) and it's 3rd fret capo (obviously) with…
First of all guys, sorry haven't been about for weeks. Been down with Flu & this & that, got to say this song didn't do the throat much good. So many takes, as I coughed up my lungs half way through !!!!! Anyway, an old rant I wrote 6…
#RPM Challenge 2013#
Written for Robert Palomo, who probably endures more winter than any of us. Check out Robert's Music:
http://alonetone.com/1rubanjoguy/tracks
Flowers Under The Snow - Written By Greg Connor
These G late winter…
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
Oh, you guys were cooking on these two. Fantastic stuff.
Aww... new PW tracks and my fave button is still busted!! (I clicked it anyway...) Excellent, as usual, guys... A great listen. Gorgeous feel and sound. I come in for the Hammond and the drumming, I think, but there is SUCH a tasty guitar break on this one. 5 Stars
This is a monstrously good vocal.
YESSS!! This utterly, utterly hits the spot. Shivers down the spine music for me. The bass and the guitars, the backing vocals, the minimal lyrics, the way you bring it to a close... Wonderful.
Oh, I LOVE this. It reminds me of all sorts of influences from my past - you've squeezed elements of nearly every act I like into it and ended up coming out with something that, to me, feels totally original. Hats off to you, sir.
Aww... fantastic. Have a "virtual" fave :-)
Superb. Another "I wanna fave but it won't let me" track.
Now I just HAD to listen to someone called Andy's Pants, didn't I?! lol Like what you guys are doing - keep doing it. Looking forward to hearing more.
Nice one. Swampy. Fave button still going "There was a problem with that request" unfortunately...
I know what you mean about associations on old songs... I tend to "conveniently forget" any "bad stuff" and just like the thing for what it is - but it seems like my entire life documented in songs! This one is gorgeous. And I love the intimate recording. I'll be very interested to hear the results if you do work it up to a band production.
Magical stuff. Very tasty.
My get up and go went some time ago... but this reminds me of it lol Definitely got the Petty/Springsteen vibe - love it. If my fave button worked, it would be faved...
Aw - this is the biz. Love the driving rhythm and the story telling vibe to the lyrics.
Just listened to the whole thing... Masterpiece (the missus likes it too)
Nice to hear a new one from you. Cool picking on that tuning - and a gorgeous guitar sound.
Cool version
Love it.
Like it. And the key of 3rd fret - always a goodie.
Oh yeah. Nice one. Love how this one thumps along, excellent groove.
Gorgeous intro - gorgeous... and... a wonderful song to follow. Wonderful, wonderful. PLEEZE someone fix the fave button