(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
(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.
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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
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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…
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
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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…
[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…
Wooden Sam
Mike Basil: Lead Vocal
Gary Miller: Rhythm Guitar
Mick Lovering: Lead Guitar
Andy Gupta: Bass
Todd Vierra: Drums
John Scunziano: Lyrics
Composed by Steffen Offermann & Mike Basil
Mixed & Mastered by Steffen Offermann…
IMO John sounds like David Essex. :)
Music: Steffen Offermann & John Green
Lyrics: John Green
Vocals, Lead Guitar: John Green
Rhythm Guitar: Henry Mittnacht
Mix & Master: Steffen Offermann
This one is loosely based on the Frog and the Princess. What if the Frog was really a man but with a less than perfect face? If beauty is only skin deep, why is ugly to the bone? Can't someone less attractive be beautiful inside?
Enjoy.
ER
I've been listening to a good bunch of yours this evening, most of the King Arthur's Knight set and selections from everywhere else. I was too busy listening to type any comments!
I love how you seem to be able to take anything and everything and turn it into a song. I've kind of learnt something here, not sure what it is yet, but many thanks!
This is really effective. Not a style I listen to much, but after checking out your other tracks I had to come back for another listen to this one. Kinda sneaks up on you.
Lyrics:
You think you know what you’re talking about
You get your way when you scream and shout
Look all around, you’ll find someone to blame
I’m just a pawn in your little game
I thought you were special, that was my mistake
You thought…
I haven't listened to one of yours yet that I haven't liked.
We get the spirit of Lemmy, Lee Brilleaux, a "fired up" Clapton, and countless others... good old honest rocking and swinging stuff.
Glad I discovered you this morning - excellent stuff, keep it up sir!
Loving the strat and harp on this one.
Oh yeah, the spirit of whatever it is that gave us Motorhead, Dr Feelgood, and all that superb British RnB back in the 70s is alive and kicking in Nottinghamshire...
Loving this stuff.
Love it. I was about to make a comment about I can a certain amount of Kilmister/Clarke here, then I noticed I have a version of City Kids coming up in a few minutes
If it all has this vibe, I think I'm gonna like your stuff :-)
Love the lead bass-playing.
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
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.
I'd like to hear your voice more prominently as well, but it does work well like this (I just like vocals!) Lovely feel to it, big smile music.
Ooo yeah, like this one. A lovely "tight but loose" feel.
Not convinced he sounds like David Essex - ok, a bit maybe - but he's got a fabulous voice. And his guitar playing's rather tasteful too. Nice one.
I've been listening to a good bunch of yours this evening, most of the King Arthur's Knight set and selections from everywhere else. I was too busy listening to type any comments! I love how you seem to be able to take anything and everything and turn it into a song. I've kind of learnt something here, not sure what it is yet, but many thanks!
And before I knew it I was listening to this one a second time as well! I like what you're doing. You guys have opened my ears up a bit this evening.
This is really effective. Not a style I listen to much, but after checking out your other tracks I had to come back for another listen to this one. Kinda sneaks up on you.
And this is gorgeous.
Just following my nose, and I found this... Wonderful
Mighty piece of work. An excellent timeless kind of song, wonderfully captured.
I haven't listened to one of yours yet that I haven't liked. We get the spirit of Lemmy, Lee Brilleaux, a "fired up" Clapton, and countless others... good old honest rocking and swinging stuff. Glad I discovered you this morning - excellent stuff, keep it up sir! Loving the strat and harp on this one.
Classic. A cover of a song written for a spoof, that goes to show what a good RnB song it actually is. Love it. Excellent harp playing.
Brilliant version, just brilliant.
Oh yeah, the spirit of whatever it is that gave us Motorhead, Dr Feelgood, and all that superb British RnB back in the 70s is alive and kicking in Nottinghamshire... Loving this stuff.
Love it. I was about to make a comment about I can a certain amount of Kilmister/Clarke here, then I noticed I have a version of City Kids coming up in a few minutes If it all has this vibe, I think I'm gonna like your stuff :-) Love the lead bass-playing.