(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…
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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.
****
**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
****
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
****
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…
(Em) A legend that the sailors told
Tales shared from long ago
(C) Secrets that are captured in the (Em) air
(Em) It comes to you from far way
Whispered roars that fade away
(C) Answers that are carried on the (Em) breeze
Only (C) heard…
Oh it's just fab.
You've actually got me singing along on this one. Doesn't happen too often - I'm usually sat hear listening and thinking, but this one had me singing out loud.
(Em) A legend that the sailors told
Tales shared from long ago
(C) Secrets that are captured in the (Em) air
(Em) It comes to you from far way
Whispered roars that fade away
(C) Answers that are carried on the (Em) breeze
Only (C) heard…
OH WOW!!
I saw this arrive the other day but didn't have time to listen. Then I saw the reaction it was getting, so I thought, ooo he must have hit the spot with this one...
I've been saving it up for the right moment lol (7.45 am on sunny saturday at the start of two weeks off - that'll do!)
And WOW! You've definitely hit the spot. Love it.
This is wonderful! And I wasn't going to listen to it! lol
But I was finishing my comment to Love Interruption and the rhythm started up. Interesting, I thought, so I kept it on...
I love how you guys play with it.
I definitely want to hear more from you :-)
Yep, nice one. The two of you are playing off each other nicely here.
The vocals have this really relaxed authority to them.
Want to hear more!
Faved and followed.
performed by Jon Freeman
from the album "Sunny, sorta..."
between you and the moon
and the road behind
I’d sleep in the hay every day
a small comfort I’ll find
between you and the moon
and the horses come crashing
as you hide in the…
Lyrics and music by Brian Vaughn.
Guest guitar solo by Karl Ridgeway (0:38 and 1:14).
Lyrics:
Oh little girl won't you tell me what you were looking for when you came to this place?
You've got friends, but not many of them like to be seen.
Oh…
I hadn't realised you had a new one up - I forgot to click follow last time (sorted now lol)... jaraimondimusic turned me on to this one.
With him all the way - why ain't you signed? What is the world at? They could sell this stuff...
Hell, if I had a record company I'd be sending the boys round...
Superb song, superb arrangement, superb singing... superb.
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…
Aww... how does you make your strat sound like that? lol
Mine used to sound like that but I seem to have mellowed. I'm going to have to refind this vibe.
Now, do you have version of Stone Free hiding in the vaults? If so, I want to hear it.
One Last Christmas 2011 – SKEEN
So this is our festive holiday,
A time for forgiveness, a time to pray…
You say that our future’s all but gone, mmm
Gone are the thoughts of our world as one
You say it’s all over; forget everyone, yeh
One…
This Guy's In Love With You Skeen Remix 120728(Burt Bacharach)
You say, this guy, this guy's in love with you
Yes I'm in love, who looks at you the way I do?
When you smile, I can tell we know each other, very well
How can, I show…
Lionel the hermit crab - Skeen Remix 120607
Lionel the hermit crab lives by the sea, oh yeh
He looks a little bit like you, a little bit like me,
Lionel the hermit crab doesn't have no friends, oh no
He'll live his life alone in his shell…
I wondered what the "last" one would be like... can't top the rest can it?
Yes.
This is utterly, utterly brilliant. It had me in hysterics, the "spare wimin" (the wife's friends over for Pimms) actually looked in from the conservatory to see what I was doing. Not entirely sure how she explained it, I'll find out later...
Another Lover - SKEEN 110204
Skeen Remix 120608
How I wish I could tell, why my heart seems to swell into a restless state of worry,
But it seems right now, there's just no way how,
It's impossible to say I'm sorry..
There's a look in your…
You don't even know me - Skeen Remix 120611
Met you in a cocktail bar
That look you gave me from afar
Made me wonder if we'd share
A little fun and some Alpine air
Made me wonder if we'd share a lifetime
You're my life-line
I'd like…
Sensory Overload - SKEEN 110204
Remix 130401
Don't you know, there's a reason why we're here...
Such a show, but situations are never clear...
How do we find, a better future?
How do we mend, such a broken past?
Free to laugh at what…
Kiss you goodbye – SKEEN 110422
Skeen Remix 120606
Verse 1:
I kick off my shoes though I feel like a run
I tried to go to work but the work’s all done
I wanna cut it out,
but all that I can think about is you, on - ly you
Always on…
Another one! A lovely song.
And I haven't mentioned the superb musicianship and clarity of these recordings yet.
Might as well do it on this one.
The musicianship and clarity of the recordings are... er.. superb!
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
Oh it's just fab. You've actually got me singing along on this one. Doesn't happen too often - I'm usually sat hear listening and thinking, but this one had me singing out loud.
OH WOW!! I saw this arrive the other day but didn't have time to listen. Then I saw the reaction it was getting, so I thought, ooo he must have hit the spot with this one... I've been saving it up for the right moment lol (7.45 am on sunny saturday at the start of two weeks off - that'll do!) And WOW! You've definitely hit the spot. Love it.
Yeah, this is the stuff for me. Loving what you guys you do.
This is wonderful! And I wasn't going to listen to it! lol But I was finishing my comment to Love Interruption and the rhythm started up. Interesting, I thought, so I kept it on... I love how you guys play with it. I definitely want to hear more from you :-)
Yep, nice one. The two of you are playing off each other nicely here. The vocals have this really relaxed authority to them. Want to hear more! Faved and followed.
Well this is pretty amazing too - not heard it before. Great song and lyrics. But yeah, what a voice.
I hadn't realised you had a new one up - I forgot to click follow last time (sorted now lol)... jaraimondimusic turned me on to this one. With him all the way - why ain't you signed? What is the world at? They could sell this stuff... Hell, if I had a record company I'd be sending the boys round... Superb song, superb arrangement, superb singing... superb.
Aww... how does you make your strat sound like that? lol Mine used to sound like that but I seem to have mellowed. I'm going to have to refind this vibe. Now, do you have version of Stone Free hiding in the vaults? If so, I want to hear it.
I like this a lot. The vocal is incredible, love it
Nice one. Great story-telling. I love the laid back voice and delivery.
Well, while I've got the wife's attention for music, I thought I'd play her this one as well... Mrs R verdict - Stunning.
OH NO! I couldn't resist playing Mrs Russe this one. Apparently it's about time to put the tree up now.... Sigh...
And she's actually singing along to this one (gulp) lol
My wife loves this too. "I like this song anyway, but this is REALLY good"
I wondered what the "last" one would be like... can't top the rest can it? Yes. This is utterly, utterly brilliant. It had me in hysterics, the "spare wimin" (the wife's friends over for Pimms) actually looked in from the conservatory to see what I was doing. Not entirely sure how she explained it, I'll find out later...
Sheeesh... lol At first, I thought "ah, here's one I don't need to favourite" - but you got me with the chorus...
Sigh...
I'm running out of words... Sensory overload kinda sums it up, actually...
Utterly wonderful. Spine tingling listening. And WHAT a vocal performance.
Another one! A lovely song. And I haven't mentioned the superb musicianship and clarity of these recordings yet. Might as well do it on this one. The musicianship and clarity of the recordings are... er.. superb!