(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…
Ok - a collab between myself, Lady Jane and FDR. I hope the MP3 does it justice. Nice one you guys.
I put the basics together, FDR did lead and suggested the theme on "gliding", and LJ created the words, sang, added some effects (chimes, woodblock…
This is a bonus track of sorts for the mock EP It takes a village. I had the verse chord chages around for many years but just until last week the song and lyrics came together really quickly. I thought I heard a band arrangement originally but…
Woo! Something different. Yep, stripped down works... Like this one a lot.
I suspect that you have the same problems that I do with "stripped down" lol (I'm sat on something that's probably "done" - actually Mrs Russe sez it is - but it feels scarily naked to me!)
And that guitar midi controller does the job. Now you've said it, I can hear some "guitar thinking", but I wouldn't have questioned it at all if I hadn't known. Mebbe I've got to get me one...
Sometimes I can find solace in the sky.
Knowing we are all here...
Under the same sky......
Under the same sky by OSCKILO
Under the same sky
We can share a light
At any time
Or stoke it
till its heat holds no delight
Under the same sky…
12 string
bass
vocals
drum loops (unfortunately)
if you want to play with this - or add a part - or substitute a part the tracks are here
http://clones.soonlabel.com/public/4collabs/Music.rar
the password is "sound-in"
all I ask…
A pretty raw version of a wonderful old Fairport Convention song. Recorded using the built-in mic on my iPhone, with elec guitar running through a small VOX amp w/ some delay. The room is hardly soundproof ... BUT ... I like it ... hope you do…
[as recorded while giving birth to the tune]
By Robert Herrick
(1591 - 1674)
Gather ye rosebuds while ye may,
Old Time is still a-flying:
And this same flower that smiles today
To-morrow will be dying.
The glorious lamp of Heaven, the sun…
Yes :)
I love what you do with words.
Gumbo, don't be too quick to volunteer - that was my first reaction too, but after a few listens I could hear a darker side in this little song...
Gumbo? Gumbo? Guys!... quick, get the spades... he might still be breathing lol
Cover of one of my favortie Beatles songs, from the White Album.
I actually bought a capo for this, after 30+ years of thinking capos are for wimps.
The Songcrafters.org Beatles II fest prompted me to go ahead and record it.
I wrote this song at a bowling alley in my small hometown in the Panhandle of FL/Lower Alabama
She blew into town on a one night Stand
Over eggs there was no one holding her hand
Just like the sauce
She became a mystery
Just like the…
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 yeah... FAB
Woo! Something different. Yep, stripped down works... Like this one a lot. I suspect that you have the same problems that I do with "stripped down" lol (I'm sat on something that's probably "done" - actually Mrs Russe sez it is - but it feels scarily naked to me!) And that guitar midi controller does the job. Now you've said it, I can hear some "guitar thinking", but I wouldn't have questioned it at all if I hadn't known. Mebbe I've got to get me one...
Wooo! The blues has come creepin' into your stuff :) Nice one, like it.
And I REALLY like the instrumental... woof!
Oooh yeah - rocking riff.
Rockin. Love the guitar.
A star in the making. Don't let they oldies hold you back :)
Oh superb... Beautiful, inspiring.
And I still utterly adore this song... We need a "Fave it a second time" button lol
Nice one. I like the stripped down approach - really powerful on this.
Oh I love this.
Simple and wonderful.
Oh yeah. Inviting, yep. Love it.
More clever words - how do you do it? :)
Mighty mighty fine.
Oh YEAH!! Wot a groove. Vox, geetar, everything... Faved & followed :)
Yes :) I love what you do with words. Gumbo, don't be too quick to volunteer - that was my first reaction too, but after a few listens I could hear a darker side in this little song... Gumbo? Gumbo? Guys!... quick, get the spades... he might still be breathing lol
Oh FAB! :) These are the vocals we wanted from the old version... Am I allowed to "un-fave" the old version?! ;)
Oh yeah, very nice version. The song kinda passed me by, this one of those covers that wakes me up to the original :)
Yeah... short but very powerful. Love the imagery. OK - there's only four so far. I want to hear MORE!! :)