(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…
Feel So Blue
Shes the kinda lady I've wanted all my life
The kinda lady that you want to make your wife
Once i found her I never stop the chase
I didn't want my entire life to turn out to be a waste
So I told her that I loved he…
One of my favourites from the 60's. Stones recorded this one twice: with strings and with vibes. I've done it with cajon and a little grit.
Thanks for listening.
Sandy
IF THE SPIRIT MOVE YOU........... Oh, my Lord done just what he said
Let the light from the lighthouse shine on me
He healed the sick and he raised the dead
Let the light from the lighthouse shine on me
Shine on, let it…
..and the next one is...
Acting Like a Fool
Laying here half asleep
with sun shinning down through the window it peaks
The crack of the curtain shows the world outside
What have I done where have I been
was I really back out on the scene…
Reg and Regfunkel reunion tour 2012...live in the Bunker...
Yesterday's Dreamer
Yesterday's dreamer sat on the sidewalk
Trying to find a way through his clouded mind
There was no rhyme or reason
To why he was feeling so down inside…
I was finally able to finish this one up over this past week. Like always I am never satisfied but I have come to a point where I just tell myself enuff is enuff and move on to the next song...pheww! Hopefully it sounds good on everyone elses…
Still haven't got the headphones on it... but it's turned up LOUD this time :)
I can hear all the sparkly and shiny bits properly now - I could tell they were there, but I had to have it very quiet last night...
Love the guitars and the organ. Love where the vocal sits.
Nice. Very nice :)
Yep... :)
Kinda shows you don't need no drums to rock if you've got a vocal like that (says the man struggling with drums on three tracks now lol)
Love it.
I was finally able to finish this one up over this past week. Like always I am never satisfied but I have come to a point where I just tell myself enuff is enuff and move on to the next song...pheww! Hopefully it sounds good on everyone elses…
Just read the "About" blurb (it wasn't there when I first listened). I've only been hearing it on PC speakers so far... but it sounds to me like "enuff is enuff" was the right call. I'll give it another listen on headphones tomorrow.
The missus likes it too :)
I was finally able to finish this one up over this past week. Like always I am never satisfied but I have come to a point where I just tell myself enuff is enuff and move on to the next song...pheww! Hopefully it sounds good on everyone elses…
This was the first in this set of 3 songs I am posting. I was gaining alot of inspiration from the likes, of Justin Currie and Jackson Browne at the time.
Recorded using Reaper DAW & Jamstix virtual drummer software.
Mrs R likes these three (My Friend, More then, & After All)
:)
She don't dislike the other stuff, but... er...
Oh you know what I'm trying to say!! lol
This song came from prayer and is to give hope and encouragement to all who are having trouble moving forward due to their past.
Lift Up Your Head
Young lamb torn and bleeding
Caught in barbed wire, scared and alone
While…
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
Yeah. The magic has not left the bunker yet...
One of my (many!) favourites from the 60s too. So I approached this with a little bit of trepidation... But WOW! What a fine fine version. Loved it.
Nice one.
BRILLIANT!
lol love it... OK, what is it fueling this stuff? You guys are getting some air as well aren't you?
Is there some sort of mid-life crisis thing going on down in that bunker?! :) Very moody... Love the restrained vibe
Fab... this is the business, boys :)
Still haven't got the headphones on it... but it's turned up LOUD this time :) I can hear all the sparkly and shiny bits properly now - I could tell they were there, but I had to have it very quiet last night... Love the guitars and the organ. Love where the vocal sits. Nice. Very nice :)
Yep... :) Kinda shows you don't need no drums to rock if you've got a vocal like that (says the man struggling with drums on three tracks now lol) Love it.
Superb.
Yeah, just what I needed at the end of a hard day's sleeping at the office... My dog is done now.... and raring to go.
Just read the "About" blurb (it wasn't there when I first listened). I've only been hearing it on PC speakers so far... but it sounds to me like "enuff is enuff" was the right call. I'll give it another listen on headphones tomorrow. The missus likes it too :)
Yep we like this one :)
Oh yeah, summery. Gorgeous tones.
Mrs R likes these three (My Friend, More then, & After All) :) She don't dislike the other stuff, but... er... Oh you know what I'm trying to say!! lol
It's often really useful listening to someone else's recent alonetone favourites. A class bowl of noodles, sir!
Henny, this one is growing on me each time I hear it. I REALLY like this one.
Wonderful - and I think it does its job too. Fabulous chorus.
I like this a lot.
Yep. Love it.