(Remastered 22/10/2021)
And here is the first reply to In Your Hands.
I say "first" because I've found another one, When I Try To Be Me, that Mrs R says I have to do too... but that's unlikely to be the next one I post because I'm working…
(Remastered 22/10/2021)
OK, let's delve once more into the magical shoebox of unused songs...
I've already recorded several that were written in 1994 (Sleeping with the Ghost, Elizabeth's Room, With Mum Again, If You Knew, A Hundred and…
(Remastered 22/10/2021)
And here we go - Edith FINALLY gets it...
Actually, she's been getting it ever since I wrote it on the 29th May. I thought it would take a week or so, but it proved to be more of a fight than I was expecting.
On…
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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
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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…
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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
****
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…
Woah Yeah :)
Love this.
On this one it sounds like you need to find a bassist who thinks/plays like you guys do... I'm too busy unfortunately... and I live too far away... (and I'm not good enough neither) lol
Backing track for Coz I love you by Slade, this was my first attempt at doing a cover version. It's a lot different from the original.
this is the new version with a few added instruments and the vocals ...
The Inappropriate Question
G C/Gbass
She said, “I can see that you’re hurting.
And I can see that you are wearing a ring.
Perhaps an inappropriate question,
but I’d like to ask you something.
Soon I will be a grand mother
I have a husband…
So, I'll drink up, beautiful,
I'll leave bottles, up and down the coast,
When I get to that light house,
I'll burn it down, and laugh.
Skeletons rise up to meet me,
In a place where the waves touch the beach,
And hollowed bones, broken…
Outside this motel room, there is a world gone man. Mortals eating the flesh off the face of other mortals. Mad shooters mass murdering strangers for no apparent reason. Well, baby, I say we just stay here, you and me, make love, and forget about…
Based on a poem by William Sharp that I found while researching my family history.
The poem has been put to music once already, by one Christopher Goldsack, http://www.sundown.pair.com/Sharp/piratepoem.htm but I wanted to put my own little…
This is a real grower. I appreciated it when you first posted it, but it didn't grab me personally - i was in a different place, I guess.
But listening again today - woo... I been grabbed :)
My wife got me a mandolin for either Christmas or a birthday and I think this was one of the first songs I wrote on it.
My Father
Here in this foreign land
The Lord God takes my hand
One day - the Promised Land
And no more I’ll cry…
This song comes from comparing my behavior to that of my children. And I have found out that history does indeed repeat itself.
Thanks for stopping by to listen. I'll post the lyrics as soon as I find them.
ER
Really enjoyable 3/4 hour listening to your stuff so far - stopped me going and sorting out the rhythm section on the thing I'm working on (gave me some ideas though!)
Looking forward to hearing more :)
I cried a river
lot's of songs and tears have been named and shed by this same title
we did a little Micheal Jackson from J5 days 70's
recorded in LA by Brian Clark and Amit Bustan
This is the one that brought me in. I saw "Achilles Last Stand" on the recently posted and thought "you gotta be kidding me?!!" lol
I didn't even realise it was a live recording first time (on the naff PC speakers).
FABULOUS version - and now I know you can do those vocals live.
Tell the rest of the guys "WOW!" as well :)
Another fabulous vocal.
You guys have definitely got something going for me. Songs, superb arrangements, musicianship, your voice on top...
Classy emotional stuff.
Comments on Andrew Russe's stuff
Simple and clear...
"Teddy bead kisses..." So sad.
Sounds like another suicide song to me... We can feel the pain in your voice.
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.
Comments made by Andrew Russe
Woah Yeah :) Love this. On this one it sounds like you need to find a bassist who thinks/plays like you guys do... I'm too busy unfortunately... and I live too far away... (and I'm not good enough neither) lol
Yeah :)
Wow (big Slade fan here), this is REALLY interesting. I like it a lot. Can't wait to hear the vocals on it.
Brilliant. "How do we know that a promise is anything more than a wish..." Woo This lonely little song needs a lot more attention.
I think this is so good I can't figure out anything sensible to say. I LOVE this song and how you've recorded it.
Oh yeah... love it, my sentiments entirely :)
This is a real grower. I appreciated it when you first posted it, but it didn't grab me personally - i was in a different place, I guess. But listening again today - woo... I been grabbed :)
Love those harmonies.
Ooo this resonates big time with me... lol Nice one
Magnificent.
Really enjoyable 3/4 hour listening to your stuff so far - stopped me going and sorting out the rhythm section on the thing I'm working on (gave me some ideas though!) Looking forward to hearing more :)
I love the "broken rhythm" riff under the "I'm tired of all your broken promises". And another of those vocals...
Another superb vocal.
This is the one that brought me in. I saw "Achilles Last Stand" on the recently posted and thought "you gotta be kidding me?!!" lol I didn't even realise it was a live recording first time (on the naff PC speakers). FABULOUS version - and now I know you can do those vocals live. Tell the rest of the guys "WOW!" as well :)
Another fabulous vocal. You guys have definitely got something going for me. Songs, superb arrangements, musicianship, your voice on top... Classy emotional stuff.
Oh yeah...
Superb. This one switched me from the naff PC speakers to the headphones. What a vocal.... wonderful song. Love it.
Wooo. Rocking stuff. And a fine song. And I love your vocals.
Very very tasty
Oh yeah - a 20 second fave...