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…
Isn't This Fun - A A J Russe
Written 1980 (Completed 16th June 1991)
Recorded 6th March 2022
The Shoebox Demos Vol 1
****
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
****
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
****
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
****
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
****
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.
**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…
Well sir, you smashed this challenge - and ended up with a stunning unplugged album. It's made me want to hear some of your established tracks with similar stripped-down arrangements, leading the listener to concentrate on the sheer artistry of your words and astonishingly soulful vocal. Next challenge for you is the 24 hours album. 24 minutes of original music in 24 hours. I believe it originated on alonetone. Off you go.
**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…
**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…
**Song-writing Demo for FAWM 2022**
Song number 7
Written Saturday 12th February 2022
****
This one was easy to write but hard work singing and recording.
I'm fairly certain this one is high on the list of "arrange me later" - I kept…
Great song writing - loving the sentiment and your tender vox here. I love it when the FAWM and RPM parameters draw out his kind of track, any more of an arrangement would detract from the message - IMHO.
**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…
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…
This track is from the 1986 Scartaglen album "The Middle Path". The first tune "Jezaig" was composed by Breton musician Gilles Le Bigot. The second tune is one of the "Cantigas de Santa Maria" and is attributed to King Alfonso X of Spain
Roger…
Lyrics/Vocals - OldRottenHead (over at Soundcrafters.org). Music - Dave Berry. Recorded on Boss BR-1200, Epi Sheraton, Bass, Synth. Drums are played by me on my new Roland HD-1 (I have had it two weeks, timing is a little shaky, bloody hard this…
FOLKS - it's even more impressive than Mr Berry has let on!!
I've just found out over on songcrafters.com that he recorded this by taking orh's vocal track ALONE and creating this from that.
Says a lot for orh's vocal, but wow, Dave - what you've managed here (especially with orh's "er.. beats per minute? somewhere between 80 and 120" lol) is just stunning. Hats off to you sir...
Lyrics/Vocals - OldRottenHead (over at Soundcrafters.org). Music - Dave Berry. Recorded on Boss BR-1200, Epi Sheraton, Bass, Synth. Drums are played by me on my new Roland HD-1 (I have had it two weeks, timing is a little shaky, bloody hard this…
Wow - just read the details, actual drumming!! Nice one, it's not as easy as we guitarists imagine, is it?
Only two weeks? That's amazing. I reckon you'll have it fully under control in another two! :-)
Lyrics/Vocals - OldRottenHead (over at Soundcrafters.org). Music - Dave Berry. Recorded on Boss BR-1200, Epi Sheraton, Bass, Synth. Drums are played by me on my new Roland HD-1 (I have had it two weeks, timing is a little shaky, bloody hard this…
A love song....about this world of wonder that i am so fortunate to have found, or it found me.
yea we climb from the rubble
of confusion and some pain
we are the wonder of the world
and many streets we walked of bitter pills and rain
and we…
the clock on the wall is watching the window
the shades are at half mast for what i do
there are regrets just over that horizon
but i know i know i can count on you
i think of a time when i was unwilling
the dark days i counted with a mark on…
Reg has got a little soppy since he met his new girl, the widow Desirea. His pretty sure she's the one but the old fears keep rising. He knows he has to put the past behind him if any relationship is ever going to stand a chance of working…
Had the blues in Alabama
Had the blues in Texas too
Had the blues all over
Now I 'm givin' em to you
And if you don't want em
You know what you can do
You wont find me I'm goin' ta run and hide away from you
Because I see trouble
Trouble…
Mellow morning mist fall
Melting into day
This summer said son, you are lazy
Don’t follow any example, break every rule
After awhile you’ll find it’s so easy to do
Just stay within the limits of your love
Soon the air will turn colder…
This is a live cover of a Ralph Mctell song , telling the story of a coach tour to the seaside town Brighton just before World War 1 , thinking the war would be over in weeks
I thought the only Ralph McTell I knew was Streets of London - turns out I know this one too!
Can't remember the original, but this is a fabulous recording.
Classy. When I was a teenager I wished my parents had had some brothers for me (I'm a big Bee Gees fan) - there's something about siblings making music together.
Love it.
Nice one.
There's a few places in the vocal where I'm thinking "how did he do that? I've been trying to nick that vibe from Ian Anderson for weeks now... and I couldn't manage it!"
A cover of Justin Currie's Sleep Instead of Teardrops. Recorded 2010.
It has always been one of my favourite Del Amitri songs. I was strumming away at it one day and my missus said I should record it...
@ facemask - there's time yet! I hope... lol
There's a LOT of competition though... and to be honest, I only really started saying what I wanted when I gave up the idea of becoming famous!!
Ok, Who HASN'T had the fantasy about the hot librarian?
This was originally intended to be sung by a friend of mine with a much higher range, but a massive earthquake disrupted the schedule. I wound up singing it down an octave, trying to do…
Comments on Andrew Russe's stuff
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.
Well sir, you smashed this challenge - and ended up with a stunning unplugged album. It's made me want to hear some of your established tracks with similar stripped-down arrangements, leading the listener to concentrate on the sheer artistry of your words and astonishingly soulful vocal. Next challenge for you is the 24 hours album. 24 minutes of original music in 24 hours. I believe it originated on alonetone. Off you go.
Glad you didn't bin it! Liking the driving feel - immediately hooky also.
A sweet almost-lullaby - glad this one found a home in your February. So very pretty.
Really love this melody and the breezy feel. Some gorgeous little acoustic guitar runs in there too.
Great song writing - loving the sentiment and your tender vox here. I love it when the FAWM and RPM parameters draw out his kind of track, any more of an arrangement would detract from the message - IMHO.
Woohoo! Logged in and back from Brighton. <3 Can now fave this utter classic.
Hauntingly sad and beautiful
Comments made by Andrew Russe
Beautiful
FOLKS - it's even more impressive than Mr Berry has let on!! I've just found out over on songcrafters.com that he recorded this by taking orh's vocal track ALONE and creating this from that. Says a lot for orh's vocal, but wow, Dave - what you've managed here (especially with orh's "er.. beats per minute? somewhere between 80 and 120" lol) is just stunning. Hats off to you sir...
Wow - just read the details, actual drumming!! Nice one, it's not as easy as we guitarists imagine, is it? Only two weeks? That's amazing. I reckon you'll have it fully under control in another two! :-)
Lovely stuff guys... great guitaring!
And I like this one even more. "and I'm saying what I'm thinking when i don't know what to say and we are the wonder of the world" Love it.
Yeah, I like this a lot. Very satisfying feel and groove
Simple and beautiful
Nice one - you guys put together a good sound. I've been listening to the later ideas you've been posting as well. Love it all - keep it at :-)
Tasty guitar, very tasty
That's really good to listen to.
Stunning. You do some wonderful things with guitars.
I didn't realise it, but this is just what I wanted to listen to... I put it on and just laid back.
Wow, this is incredible. Hope she liked it!
I thought the only Ralph McTell I knew was Streets of London - turns out I know this one too! Can't remember the original, but this is a fabulous recording.
Yes. Brilliant title, and the song/performance backs it up. Wonderful naked vocal.
I like this one even more!
Classy. When I was a teenager I wished my parents had had some brothers for me (I'm a big Bee Gees fan) - there's something about siblings making music together. Love it.
Nice one. There's a few places in the vocal where I'm thinking "how did he do that? I've been trying to nick that vibe from Ian Anderson for weeks now... and I couldn't manage it!"
@ facemask - there's time yet! I hope... lol There's a LOT of competition though... and to be honest, I only really started saying what I wanted when I gave up the idea of becoming famous!!
I'm just gonna follow 2Regs around and listen to what he's listening to... lol This is, as he says, a masterpiece...