**Song-writing Demo for FAWM 2022**
Song number 5
Written Thursday 10th February 2022
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What can I say? Mrs R likes it.
I knew she would.
Scheduling-wise, songs per day, I've now caught up with having missed the first 5 days of…
**Song-writing Demo for FAWM 2022**
Song number 3
Written Tuesday 8th February 2022
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So, here's today's little ditty.
(I don't know whether folks outside the UK would know what a Chelsea Bun is. I love them, they are extremely yum…
Great story line - has a true troubadour feel about it! Love it - kind of dark.
I have had the pleasure of a Chelsea bun here in Canada - yup, extremely yummy.
Very creative song. I'm listening to a great concert of all your songs ...loving it.
**Song-writing Demo for FAWM 2022**
Song number 2
Written Monday 7th February 2022
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I wrote this one a couple of hours ago.
I set up for recording, and busted a string on the Martin... GAH!!!
I tried a big ole dreadnought thing…
holy cow......I hadn't heard this one before! Gorgeous!!! That Fender did it's job well. Absolutely love this. I think this one is perfect as an acoustic version.
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…
Wow!!! This song did not age ....it is gorgeous. Truly beautiful and I love the complexity of the melody and how it moves about. I imagined hearing it live at a concert (I'd be in the front row!).
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…
The Feast - A A J Russe
Written 26th September 1985
Recorded 3rd March 2022
The Shoebox Demos Vol 1
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This one's been sticking out of the shoebox for a long long while. It always shows up in a list of maybes. And it did this time…
Just To Make It What You Want - A A J Russe
Written 1st October 2016
Recorded 4th March 2022
The Shoebox Demos Vol 1
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I was going to choose a more uptempo one next, then this one jumped out of the shoebox at us, shouting "me me ME…
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…
Isn't This Fun - A A J Russe
Written 1980 (Completed 16th June 1991)
Recorded 6th March 2022
The Shoebox Demos Vol 1
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I wrote most of this in my first year at university.
But the Shoebox says I completed it 16/06/1991 - and the…
I Want You To Know - A A J Russe
Written 21st June 1987
Recorded 6th March 2022
The Shoebox Demos Vol 1
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This was to the same lady who inspired Foolishness. There's a couple of others from the same period, related to her, that will…
I Want You To Know - A A J Russe
Written 21st June 1987
Recorded 6th March 2022
The Shoebox Demos Vol 1
****
This was to the same lady who inspired Foolishness. There's a couple of others from the same period, related to her, that will…
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…
I Hope I Love Them - A A J Russe
Written sometime in 1989
Recorded 2nd March 2022
The Shoebox Demos Vol 1
****
This one has tugged at me for many many years.
I absolutely adored it from the moment I wrote it in 1989... But I thought…
**Song-writing Demo for FAWM 2022**
Song number 1
Written Sunday 6th February 2022
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OK, this is a bit of a departure for me - posting songwriting demos.
This is a one mic recording made this morning in the living room, touch of reverbs…
First time hearing your stuff. After the first song, I love your writing. I'll be listening through what you have posted for the rest of the day!
Completely agree with RPM. I do enjoy it, however this year, my focus was more on songwriting and having fun. Production took a back seat.
I Want You To Know - A A J Russe
Written 21st June 1987
Recorded 6th March 2022
The Shoebox Demos Vol 1
****
This was to the same lady who inspired Foolishness. There's a couple of others from the same period, related to her, that will…
I Hope I Love Them - A A J Russe
Written sometime in 1989
Recorded 2nd March 2022
The Shoebox Demos Vol 1
****
This one has tugged at me for many many years.
I absolutely adored it from the moment I wrote it in 1989... But I thought…
The Feast - A A J Russe
Written 26th September 1985
Recorded 3rd March 2022
The Shoebox Demos Vol 1
****
This one's been sticking out of the shoebox for a long long while. It always shows up in a list of maybes. And it did this time…
**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…
I had your FAWM playlist going and sort of forgot I was supposed to be active listening, but this one pulled me right back into it... then I saw your liner notes. I know the feeling of not being happy with something but needing to get it out, but this is great. I'm curious to see what you do with it, because I think it works far better than you it seems.
You better close the stadium with this one, because all those lighters and voices in unison are going to violate some sort of by-law.
**Song-writing Demo for FAWM 2022**
Song number 3
Written Tuesday 8th February 2022
****
So, here's today's little ditty.
(I don't know whether folks outside the UK would know what a Chelsea Bun is. I love them, they are extremely yum…
I'm a little perplexed at the narrative, but oh what a great narrative it is. That second verse paints a pretty vivid picture, although I'm a little unsure that being denied pastries is an apt consequence, but then Ive never had a Chelsea Bun.
**Song-writing Demo for FAWM 2022**
Song number 1
Written Sunday 6th February 2022
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OK, this is a bit of a departure for me - posting songwriting demos.
This is a one mic recording made this morning in the living room, touch of reverbs…
Congratulations on the FAWM "win", especially with only 23 days to do it. A great start as well.
I share the sentiment on production. Part of me wants to do RPM next year because I wonder if I had too, could I move fast on production? It sounds a lot more exhausting than FAWM, that's for sure.
The first of 4 tunes coming your way with
the spotlight on my friend "Michael Thomas of Cave Street"
http://alonetone.com/cavestreet
This one is my favorite and chills me every time I hear it.
It never, ever, gets old.
Until Then (Shine…
Missed this originally. Love it.
I'm a sucker for songs with the word "shine" in anyway (I've used it several times over the years, myself). I just LOVE the word and the concept of "shine" when it's applied to humans - seems to be a really powerful trigger. I would use it in every song I write if I could!!! (Would kind of waste it's power though lol)
And this one doesn't waste it... a really beautiful song and performance. Faved.
I thought it would be fitting to post this today, on Memorial Day, as a tribute to my friend William Easley, as well as all who have fought and died in wars, American or otherwise.
Sometime back in the 60's William (Billy from here on) heard…
Solo acoustic finger picking thing I've been working on for a while. Sometime around 1968 I started studying with Mr. George Bennett who taught me the rudiments of finger picking. Later when we played some gigs together he also taught me the rudiments…
This song is about a friend of ours back in 2009. A lot of people called it very strange because she lost her 2 children, Husband, Mother and Father all in one week and they died of natural causes. One night she couldn't take it anymore she was…
For our beautiful son Willem, in French Guillaume.
recorded in my livingroom, 16-7-2009.
I called the song Guillaume before because of the beautiful sound.
Since 2012 I changed the title of the song into : Willem.
Because that makes much…
This is a beautiful song from Joni Mitchell. My friend had his 50th birthday and this was my gift, I played it live at his party and recorded it later (4-2-2011)in my livingroom.
It's one take, can't mis that if you listen to it all the way…
This is a fine version - listened to it a couple of times. Lovely performance. Even with the ad lib!! So glad to know for certain that it's not just me that finds that particular ad lib making it's way onto my recording machine :-)
BTW - It all seems to be on the left channel of the stereo, though - is that what you intended?
[in memory of YC]
[work in progress - comments welcome]
You say
I doesn’t matter what I say
All the time we spent is gone now
Taken out
You cry
I'm not even asking why
Your head's up in the sky now
Your alive
When I ask you to explain…
I've commented before, but this started playing after listening to something else.
And I had to comment again: I LOVE this song and your vocal. (You asked for comments - the ONLY thing that distracts me is the popping on the mic on the lead vocal, I'd want you to address that. I suspect you want to work on the lead guitar - I think you can almost leave that if you want, the song and the vocal is where this is at for me).
Wish I could Favourite it again! :-)
Garn/Landry (And I barely deserve any credit for this one at all)
A while back, Jim recorded a rough version of this song, and upon listening to it, I was thrown back to a day from my youth. While vacationing in Vermont, a small twister throwing…
I was listening to Jims beautiful instrumental and it struck a chord ...so here it is Thanks Jim.....
Shadow of a man (Lyrics)
As i look in the water i see a reflection of what i was
i see the strong man who could have done what ever he wants…
This works :-)
I'm still very fond of the original instrumental, so I was a bit worried what might have happened. But no, no need to have worried... this is great. Obviously the focus is on the vocal instead of the fantastic guitars, but I like the contrast in the styles of the two of you. And great lyrics.
Nice work chaps!
[in memory of YC]
[work in progress - comments welcome]
You say
I doesn’t matter what I say
All the time we spent is gone now
Taken out
You cry
I'm not even asking why
Your head's up in the sky now
Your alive
When I ask you to explain…
Faved when I was only one minute into it.
For me, even as a work in progress, this is a powerful performance of a powerful song. I'll have to check out more of your stuff.
According to John this lyric was inspired by the weird visions of a former sports reporter who now thinks the people in high political places are actually lizard men from space. :D
Lyrics: John Williams
Composed by: Andy Gupta
Vocals: George…
I like this.
Whether it's intentional or not, I have to admit I imagined lots of glittery costumes, long hair, beards, and possibly make-up... (and Whispering Bob Harris introducing them on the good ole Old Grey Whistle Test) lol
Lady Jane's one woman band! No loops today - I got all my instruments out - all being guitar (played with plectrum in neck without realising - oops!), bongos, rain stick, ting sha bells, tibetan singing bowl and tinkly bell thing from my miniature…
Comments on Andrew Russe's stuff
Absolutely beautiful! Warm and an interesting narrative :). Loving it!
Great story line - has a true troubadour feel about it! Love it - kind of dark. I have had the pleasure of a Chelsea bun here in Canada - yup, extremely yummy. Very creative song. I'm listening to a great concert of all your songs ...loving it.
holy cow......I hadn't heard this one before! Gorgeous!!! That Fender did it's job well. Absolutely love this. I think this one is perfect as an acoustic version.
Wow!!! This song did not age ....it is gorgeous. Truly beautiful and I love the complexity of the melody and how it moves about. I imagined hearing it live at a concert (I'd be in the front row!).
I think I dated this one. I like the guitar lick. The song really moves along well.
I can feel that being a great Rockin' song .....
That's a great song in the making ......
A little bit of magic ...
Very good ..... afraid the 80's are so far away for me ..... old age ;)
Top notch my friend ....
An enjoyable listen, and a little different.
This is beautiful.
Poignant, affecting. Something everyone can relate to. I'm glad you were able to revisit this old song, and I also hope recording it was cathartic.
First time hearing your stuff. After the first song, I love your writing. I'll be listening through what you have posted for the rest of the day! Completely agree with RPM. I do enjoy it, however this year, my focus was more on songwriting and having fun. Production took a back seat.
Funny I don’t get stalker vibes but I can see if one knew the backstory that might be the outcome. Another great piece of writing!!
Sparse and beautiful
This is a good listen.
I had your FAWM playlist going and sort of forgot I was supposed to be active listening, but this one pulled me right back into it... then I saw your liner notes. I know the feeling of not being happy with something but needing to get it out, but this is great. I'm curious to see what you do with it, because I think it works far better than you it seems. You better close the stadium with this one, because all those lighters and voices in unison are going to violate some sort of by-law.
I'm a little perplexed at the narrative, but oh what a great narrative it is. That second verse paints a pretty vivid picture, although I'm a little unsure that being denied pastries is an apt consequence, but then Ive never had a Chelsea Bun.
Congratulations on the FAWM "win", especially with only 23 days to do it. A great start as well. I share the sentiment on production. Part of me wants to do RPM next year because I wonder if I had too, could I move fast on production? It sounds a lot more exhausting than FAWM, that's for sure.
Comments made by Andrew Russe
Missed this originally. Love it. I'm a sucker for songs with the word "shine" in anyway (I've used it several times over the years, myself). I just LOVE the word and the concept of "shine" when it's applied to humans - seems to be a really powerful trigger. I would use it in every song I write if I could!!! (Would kind of waste it's power though lol) And this one doesn't waste it... a really beautiful song and performance. Faved.
Yeah... nice version. Some lovely strat sounds there.
Nice one :-)
Wonderful :-)
Why have I never heard this before? It's beautiful.
I found this very moving - even before I read the description.
This is mighty fine listening.
You guys are crazy! lol But what really impresses me is that there's some seriously crazy musicianship going on with it. Love the guitar playing.
Surprised no comments yet! I kinda like this
Oh yes... Not heard this before. But like the other comments, what a fantastic voice. And a magical song and performance.
This is a fine version - listened to it a couple of times. Lovely performance. Even with the ad lib!! So glad to know for certain that it's not just me that finds that particular ad lib making it's way onto my recording machine :-) BTW - It all seems to be on the left channel of the stereo, though - is that what you intended?
I've commented before, but this started playing after listening to something else. And I had to comment again: I LOVE this song and your vocal. (You asked for comments - the ONLY thing that distracts me is the popping on the mic on the lead vocal, I'd want you to address that. I suspect you want to work on the lead guitar - I think you can almost leave that if you want, the song and the vocal is where this is at for me). Wish I could Favourite it again! :-)
This is superb. Just superb.
This works :-) I'm still very fond of the original instrumental, so I was a bit worried what might have happened. But no, no need to have worried... this is great. Obviously the focus is on the vocal instead of the fantastic guitars, but I like the contrast in the styles of the two of you. And great lyrics. Nice work chaps!
Faved when I was only one minute into it. For me, even as a work in progress, this is a powerful performance of a powerful song. I'll have to check out more of your stuff.
I like this. Whether it's intentional or not, I have to admit I imagined lots of glittery costumes, long hair, beards, and possibly make-up... (and Whispering Bob Harris introducing them on the good ole Old Grey Whistle Test) lol
This is a mighty fine track.
When I read "electronic" in the about descrition I thought "oh...", but I have to say I loved this.
Wow, I love your harmonies. Excellent version.
This is gorgeous, just gorgeous.