(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…
(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.
****
**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
****
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
****
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
****
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
****
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
****
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
****
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…
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.
... But this one's just amazing.
You've got more like this up your sleeve - mebbe not written yet - but I'm pretty sure you've got them just waiting to come out.
While I was writing 'Afterall' I was also putting this song together. This is about a ghost who is haunted by his own past and what mistakes he had made in his former life.
Recorded using Reaper DAW & Jamstix virtual drummer software.
Woo, listening to them again, and this one's a grower.
It was late when I was first listening, and this one is stuck between two special ones, and it didn't force it's attention so much.
But it's a cutie on it's own.
How many nights am I just about to hit the sheets for the night and then a riff appears. I'll just rough record it but it always turns into a late night.
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.
I love all three. But this is the one that does it most for me.
I love the swing of it, those "icing" guitars, and the song... woo
Excellent work, sir. More!
This is an ode for a good friend of mine that had took his own life at the end of last year. I was in the midst of writing some other songs and it stopped me in my tracks. I just wrote basically how I felt about this tragic ending to a very special…
While I was writing 'Afterall' I was also putting this song together. This is about a ghost who is haunted by his own past and what mistakes he had made in his former life.
Recorded using Reaper DAW & Jamstix virtual drummer software.
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.
Oh yeah, this is fab. Love the clean and uncluttered arrangement (which I CANNOT do! I keep trying to, but I can't... curses), and then those vocals - she's right, the word is "sublime".
Yep, I could hear Neil Young and Queen, but also early David Bowie and Mott the Hoople - all of which (with the exception of Neil Young) form the very foundations of my record collection.
I'm a complete sucker for this song.
It's not just gorgeous. It's utterly, utterly, wonderful.
It says everything about "love" that folks like me (all my life I've been one of those dangerous "in love with being in love" people) need and want to hear.
It makes grown men cry (quite literally here at the moment).
I can't think what else to say - I SO wish I'd written this.
Thankyou.
I don't know whether this is the same basic recording as posted with SKEEN - but I loved hearing you sing this again. It's a fab song, but the main reason is that my wife is away at the moment and last week she was in bits over the SKEEN version - so it was very good listening to this again.
Track 8 from These things happen by Tiggy Acworth 2010.
Fundamentally gay – Tiggy Acworth 2008
Just because I do not have a girlfriend
Don’t mean that I haven’t had a try…
I’ve had a few but they’ve all turned out to be wrong ones…
This one had me in stitches. I've been listening to all your stuff while emailing, but I had to stop and fall around laughing on this one.
"all I know is Jonathan Ross is fundamentally gay - in a happy way"
Brilliant.
They say we're dangerous, that we never really cared.
That we're selfish, we're blind, and pessimistic.
But I'm not wired for disaster, I'm not broken at the seams.
Alas, I've been watching them, rip away from me.
Digest my insides, they are…
Miss the last train home, yeah we'll talk it out.
Sit down by the phone, maybe shout it out.
It's ashame, that the flesh on our bones,
Is the last thing we have left to call home.
Shoo the flame from the wick, yeah wax it out.
Crack the crown…
Been listening to several of yours while I was getting the cooking started - I shall be back for more.
Love this one, lyrics, performance, everything. And that HUGE reverb!
Faved and followed
Oh, you guys have just got "it".
Loved your tracks so far. Really looking forward to hearing what you guys write together.
No rush/pressure though - as long as you keep posting covers like these! lol
Oh yet another nostalgic blast from the past. I found this unbelievable backing track surfing the web some years ago. I usually never use backing tracks because they usually suck bad . But this one is like having mitch and noel at your side. I…
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
... But this one's just amazing. You've got more like this up your sleeve - mebbe not written yet - but I'm pretty sure you've got them just waiting to come out.
Woo, listening to them again, and this one's a grower. It was late when I was first listening, and this one is stuck between two special ones, and it didn't force it's attention so much. But it's a cutie on it's own.
Oh yes. This sums up late nights perfectly for me.
I love all three. But this is the one that does it most for me. I love the swing of it, those "icing" guitars, and the song... woo Excellent work, sir. More!
Loving these vocals. I'm listening on crappy pc speakers, but big sound, and I love how those vocals sit on top of it.
Yep, another goodie.
Love the intro... and... oh yeah (faved)... Aww... this too good, go back to the Hendrix stuff lol
Oh yeah, this is fab. Love the clean and uncluttered arrangement (which I CANNOT do! I keep trying to, but I can't... curses), and then those vocals - she's right, the word is "sublime".
Yep, I could hear Neil Young and Queen, but also early David Bowie and Mott the Hoople - all of which (with the exception of Neil Young) form the very foundations of my record collection. I'm a complete sucker for this song.
It's not just gorgeous. It's utterly, utterly, wonderful. It says everything about "love" that folks like me (all my life I've been one of those dangerous "in love with being in love" people) need and want to hear. It makes grown men cry (quite literally here at the moment). I can't think what else to say - I SO wish I'd written this. Thankyou.
Ooooooo! Gorgeous.
I don't know whether this is the same basic recording as posted with SKEEN - but I loved hearing you sing this again. It's a fab song, but the main reason is that my wife is away at the moment and last week she was in bits over the SKEEN version - so it was very good listening to this again.
This one had me in stitches. I've been listening to all your stuff while emailing, but I had to stop and fall around laughing on this one. "all I know is Jonathan Ross is fundamentally gay - in a happy way" Brilliant.
Phew!! (I knew it would be) Mighty cool track.
Well, I've already clicked fave after 25 seconds - they rest had better be good!
Love your voice.
And this one too. Utterly gorgeous sound. And the words... woo.
Been listening to several of yours while I was getting the cooking started - I shall be back for more. Love this one, lyrics, performance, everything. And that HUGE reverb! Faved and followed
Oh, you guys have just got "it". Loved your tracks so far. Really looking forward to hearing what you guys write together. No rush/pressure though - as long as you keep posting covers like these! lol
Yep, can't fave it twice sadly lol This is the one ringing in my ears as I stagger off to the broom-cupboard and switch on a few guitars and stuff...