(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…
Tis a true story about a friend, I was fascinated by the concept of friends sharing one black "funeral" dress passing it along like it was a hip handbag
She went to work like any other day
It didn't hit her till that package came
The first…
Dogs, cats, chickens, hamsters, human beings...it's all the same.
THE POUND
Thank you for coming to the pound
Take your time. Look around.
We’ve got something for everyone,
Someone for everyone.
Thank you for coming to the pound…
I've got a king size bed, in my heart
And I'm sinking in, termites eat me apart.
And the pillows, under my bones,
Feel like stones.
Cause I'm sinking in, into spiderwebs,
And my head is spinning, so
Wake up, wake up, wake up
Get outside
Stay…
Awww... you just haven't managed to post one I don't like yet!
Love the sound, the vocal delivery. But, woo, the imagery in the lyrics... and this one is just fabulous.
The song tells the story...
"You are tuned to WBAP, Fort Worth, Texas."
Daddy asked, "Where is Jimmy?" Daddy asking, "Where is Jimmy?"
Daddy asking, "Where is Jimmy, now?"
Daddy asked, "Where is Jimmy?" Daddy wondering, "Where is Jimmy…
Here's our new collab just in time for the American Elections.......i'm thinking of emigrating cause i want the power...is there still time .....Vote Reg
As a surprise for the missus (she gets out of hospital tomorrow after a 9 week stay) I've revamped a little ditty I wrote for her. I thought I'd put an Elvis slant on it including the ridiculous club style ending. I also slipped a bit of a British…
Oh yeah, I'm with Jimbo... superb vocals...
And I like songs about the missus (my missus didn't realise all mine were about her until she read the "abouts" on here!! lol)
I need an electric geeetar. My weary old Crafter electroacoustic picks up every touch. 'Scuse the solo, I'm only a strummer..
Anyway, the song. Clogging up my brain, had to get it out. Some lasses don't know what they look like, and some lads…
The core of the music is heavily inspired by Joni Mitchell. Its been spinning around for years in my head so hearing this song finally recorded feels good.
I just bought a new Gibson SG Standard guitar with P90 pickups. I bought it after listening to Steve Krell's Gibson Gold Top with P90's.
Here is my first recording with the guitar.
Lyrics:
Sitting in my living room
Sunlight will be fading…
Hey, everyone's getting into P90s! (Mine are in an Explorer - kind of an incongruous mix, but sounds great when when I can get up the strength to put it on!)
The SG sounds FAB!! And it's a very cool song... all sentimental guitarists know exactly what you mean :)
The core of the music is heavily inspired by Joni Mitchell. Its been spinning around for years in my head so hearing this song finally recorded feels good.
This sounds even better this time... god knows what my soundcard was doing, but it sounded like you'd mixed it REALLY hot...
Laptop has cooled down now and it sounds much more like I'd have expected lol
Love it.
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
And the stories you come up with for songs - amazing.
Yeah, me too. Wonderful voice. Love the music you make with it.
WOW! Song and performance SO immediate :) I gotta go right now - but I'll be back for more. Faved and followed...
There's something about this that really grabs me... truly inventive idea for a song. Yep, it really is all the same, isn't it?
Another goodie. Nice groove and the backwards guitar sound on top kind of eases you along... And a drum solo!! :)
Awww... you just haven't managed to post one I don't like yet! Love the sound, the vocal delivery. But, woo, the imagery in the lyrics... and this one is just fabulous.
Oh, yeah this wonderful. Really well pitched, could've been so over-sentimental but it's not. Love it.
Oh yeah, nice one, very nice one... Liking these collabs from you guys :)
Love that bo diddley groove. Rockin
Oh those refrains are brilliant lol - I wasn't going to fave this... but that last one got me...
Yes, this would fit in Les Mis no problem lol... Love it.
Oh yeah, I'm with Jimbo... superb vocals... And I like songs about the missus (my missus didn't realise all mine were about her until she read the "abouts" on here!! lol)
Yeah, like this one. Don't think it's missing electric - and that organ is mighty fine
Yep... like the remix :) Song itself shines through more now.
Hey, everyone's getting into P90s! (Mine are in an Explorer - kind of an incongruous mix, but sounds great when when I can get up the strength to put it on!) The SG sounds FAB!! And it's a very cool song... all sentimental guitarists know exactly what you mean :)
Like it. I kinda know that feeling... :)
This sounds even better this time... god knows what my soundcard was doing, but it sounded like you'd mixed it REALLY hot... Laptop has cooled down now and it sounds much more like I'd have expected lol Love it.
I've got Sticky Fingers, but haven't listened to it very often... so I hardly know this song... I like this version a lot.
Cool rolling groove - nice one guys... Can't get my missus NEAR the mic... vaguely jealous... lol
Oh this is just fantastic...