(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…
A song for whoever likes it. Erm, and it's not really what this life is all about - but don't ask me what it is about, or even why you want to know what it's all about....erm...rambling now.
Well I likes it :)
(Incidentally, this life is all about trying to get out of it alive... I understand there's a HUGE prize waiting for the first person who manages it... I think it's a whole week's supply of Sainsbury's Basics Vanilla Ice Cream)
Another one jip1965 sent to me for playing with!
Silent and magical
Calming and practical
Moonbeams, silver moonbeams
Filtering through the air
Twinkling in our hair
Moonbeams, silver moonbeams
Dancing on the leaves of trees
Shaking…
I am blind but I read you like I´m reading braille
I´m half drunk but what is rushing through my veins
Isn´t caffeine or alcohol though the kick feels much the same
Blind, half drunk I stumble but I’ll get up and try again
I must have said a…
Oh yeah! :)
You were made to do this stuff... Now you gotta figure out how to incorporate this into the original songwriting... (don't ask me how - I can't do it either!!! lol)
w/m
oldrottenhead
On Norwegian shores
Neath the autumn sky
Sitting by the water’s edge
Counting bees and flies
I’ll soon be going home again
I’ll be saying goodbye to my friends
On Norwegian shores
The sunlight bright
See a million stars
When…
So I was locked in the broom-cupboard, checking out some old songs that need recording.
I'd just picked one and then suddenly this thing came out of nowehere. It started with one of those guitarist doodles that other musicians love so much…
@LJ - Yeah, no more Mr Nice Guy! Let's have good ole Angus, "Dr Death", from the old days... lol
(He seems to have put on a bit more weight than I imagined, though...)
As I reflected on the 100th anniversary this past year of the ship's sinking, this song brought me back to the piano and this was the rendition that was produced as I thought of that fateful night. Original music by James Horner and lyrics by…
Oh yeah. Listened to some of your stuff last night - lovely piano playing.
But this is just gorgeous... Mrs R doing a "Bridget Jones" on the sofa even as we speak... (and it's only 9.45am)
I am slowly coming to the realization that I am sacred.
I trust you do as well.
It was so easy to be bitter
To hate the life I was born into
And I almost lost myself in this fight
Cutting what was so sacred
I could not see beyond…
Cave Street posted a track recently, their contribution to the Woody Guthrie Project, organised by Akron Family.
http://akronfamily.com/woodyproject/W.G.A..html
I wanted to take a shot at this too, so here's my demo. It was really just half…
Once upon a time, a man couldn't think of a song to save his life, and then one night it just came together. I miss the cello though. (all recordings are a work in progress)
Reg has started to face some facts while at rehab.....
G B7 C B7 Am G B7 C B7 Am D G F# Em A7 D G F# Em A7
Fade to Black (Lyrics)
I'm a drinker I'm a stoner I'm a dreamer
My life is swirling round
I can't say what I feel inside
because most…
Well Reg decided to go out Dancing down the Disco to see if there were any young ladies about........he shouldn't drink!!!
So Wrong(Lyrics)
It was a magnet that drew me too her
But the polarity must have been wrong
She drew me in while I repelled…
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
ROCKIN!! Those drums have got me in hysterics.
Well I likes it :) (Incidentally, this life is all about trying to get out of it alive... I understand there's a HUGE prize waiting for the first person who manages it... I think it's a whole week's supply of Sainsbury's Basics Vanilla Ice Cream)
Wooo... love the harmonies.
Nice one.
Oh yeah, this takes me back :) Nice version guys
Oh yeah! :) You were made to do this stuff... Now you gotta figure out how to incorporate this into the original songwriting... (don't ask me how - I can't do it either!!! lol)
Woo! a choir. Nice one
Yep, good to see this on here.
Wow - this is wonderful.
@LJ - Yeah, no more Mr Nice Guy! Let's have good ole Angus, "Dr Death", from the old days... lol (He seems to have put on a bit more weight than I imagined, though...)
Gorgeous playing. The song's never really moved me as much as other things do, but this version is beautiful.
Oh yeah. Listened to some of your stuff last night - lovely piano playing. But this is just gorgeous... Mrs R doing a "Bridget Jones" on the sofa even as we speak... (and it's only 9.45am)
Yep sirree... Don't need to mess with it for my money. Instant fave.
Yep, this is a bit special
Oh yeah. Fine version.
Oh this fine listening.
Liking your stuff :) Love the chorus on this one.
Oh superb...
Brilliant... This had me in hysterics, a work of genius.
Yep, another good one :)