(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
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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
****
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…
For everybody who wanted to hear my voice!
I love rainbows. I originally uploaded this as a dedication to my Dad :)
Recorded with a £4.99 Asda SmartPrice headphone/ mic, using just the metronome you can hear ticking away there. I then…
Yeah, write some lyrics!
It needs doing :-)
Even without vocal this yummy. And some VERY tasteful guitaring going on - makes me want to get one of my telecasters out and dust it off.
And then the sudden change of style at the end? That was a real surprise, but it seems to fit - it needs them lyrics.
Oh this is just a brilliant version. I played it because I thought, well... I had my doubts! (I'm kinda fond of the original).
But this is superb - there's a whole load of sunshine in your voice.
It's fun to buy a new toy once in a while. This is the first attempt at using my new Line 6 POD Guitar Effects.
Lyrics:
Here you come, my sweet baby
Don’t know why you drive me crazy
I’m crazy, in love with you
And it’s been a long long…
the girl with her piano
this land she's in
clothed in unfamiliarity
these colors blend, fade
and run out of hue
all light has changed
and turned into greyscale
tinted with every shade of blue
this room she's in
suddenly fills with…
My composition Ediacaran Garden for classical guitar has been selected for performance by Kenji Haba in New York City June 26 2011 as part of the Fifteen Minutes of Fame with Kenji Haba Vox Novus series. A requirement was that the piece not…
It was about sunrise when I met this guy on the streets of the French Quarter and bought him coffee. I don't know if he's still around -- that was some 20 years ago -- but a two-hour conversation affected my life more than I would have ever known…
This has probably the least effert i've ever put into a song , i was sat at my computer falling asleep , when i had the urge to sing this beautiful George Harrison song , i could'nt be asked to get up and change guitars , so using my PRS Singlecut…
This is a Ralph Mctell song , a very underated British singer / songwriter , probably famous for one song , The Streets of London , but in fact wrote many great songs , he wrote this while working on a building site before he was signed by a record…
This song was written by a guy called Bert Sommer , and perforormed at the Woodstock Festival , he was also in the musical Hair , its said he wrote the song about Jennifer Warnes ( who was also in Hair ), if this song had been included on the…
Awoke tonight to realize that my girl had a broken heart,
And like an image of me, she fell apart.
You laid it all out on the line, another time. A shout out in the dark.
And I should have come but it seemed too far at the time.
In the end it…
A fine end to a fine set of songs :)
Considering the layers of guitars and vocals over all the tracks, and the quality of all of them, I'm stunned you managed to get this done in three weeks.
Excellent stuff, thanks for posting it.
Some may say that given time, every one messes up and thinks of no one else,
Sins their sin, their selfish acts.
But you I would have sworn were different, a faithful heart.
Not without fault, but I never thought you would cut me like that.
Some…
Lack of self respect can blind,
Lead to self destructive tendencies.
But I am old enough to know this game.
I cannot deny the truth to this.
Still I...
I've always recklessly believed that there was more to you than what they said you were.
I…
Woo... huge wide sound at the start, and then the voice sitting in the middle - and superb bvox, by the way.
Builds and then down to nothing... perfect.
Beautiful constructed.
Both of us have made mistakes, I know
I'm not so naive to think this is an empty canvas for me to paint my hopes on
Even so, that doesn't mean there's no potential
Even so, I'll still put myself on the line
Just take it or leave it.
This…
You know how to sequence an album... (for my tastes anyway lol).
As this started, it was the perfect build after the last two. And then the song itself builds up to the energy of the earlier tracks.
With a new day comes new hope for tomorrow,
It may be unfounded but it's all that we've got.
So don't hide your eyes. No one's watching out for us.
We're on our own, and we're all that we've got.
In your shadow I am groping to find purpose.
What…
You'll find me there.
Discover my smile.
I'll be confused, and so will you,
But it won't last for long.
Because you and I were never meant for this place.
Soon you'll see-
We're better with wings.
It's in the air,
Reaching out for a hundred…
Nice change of pace. Lovely groove with a dreamy vocal on top.
Excellent. Liking how the songs fit together as an album as well. With each one I want to keep listening.
Hello stranger.
I've been waiting with a compliment for you,
In case it's something that you don't already know.
Hello stranger.
There is always something left unsaid.
But just ask me and i'll tell you, though I don't even know your name.
We…
The past holds nothing for a man so proud.
Nothing for a man like you.
I feel like I haven't lived before tonight.
That terrifies me.
Would you like to take a walk or something?
She keeps the truth held tight inside, but her eyes show.. something…
Digging this one too. Excellent vocals (I'd personally try to bring them up a bit more against those fabulous guitars).
One of the things that I'm noticing with your stuff is how you manage to cram so much into the arrangements without over-stuffing it. This is really impressive - guitar parts, vocals, drum parts, there's always something interesting happening but it never overpowers the track.
I'll get over this,
There's no need to talk about it.
As soon as you are gone I'll start to make myself forget.
Just go..
There's really nothing left, you don't have to stay here (at all)
I misunderstood your intentions here.
There's still time…
Wow! Big sound. Mighty fine
From your profile I'm getting the impression you're a one man band - if so, this is a stunner - I'm really impressed with the "band" sound you've created.
Excellent arranging/playing of the guitars.
This is a stunner.
I had time for one more song before I logged off, and the title of this grabbed me.
Really glad I listened, I'll be back for more of yours...
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 yes...
Yeah, write some lyrics! It needs doing :-) Even without vocal this yummy. And some VERY tasteful guitaring going on - makes me want to get one of my telecasters out and dust it off. And then the sudden change of style at the end? That was a real surprise, but it seems to fit - it needs them lyrics.
Oh this is just a brilliant version. I played it because I thought, well... I had my doubts! (I'm kinda fond of the original). But this is superb - there's a whole load of sunshine in your voice.
Love this.
This is fabulous, extremely inspiring, I'm reaching for my guitar now... Thanks for this one.
Fantastic playing there. Congratulations. Pity it's only a minute long though lol
Excellent stuff. Huge story crammed into 4 minutes.
Ah... You know I likes this one already, very glad to hear it again. There is something VERY special about this vocal performance.
Lovely track. Simple recording beautifully done.
I don't know the original - at least I don't think I do, it does sounds very familiar - but I do like this version. Lovely vocal, excellent stuff.
A fine end to a fine set of songs :) Considering the layers of guitars and vocals over all the tracks, and the quality of all of them, I'm stunned you managed to get this done in three weeks. Excellent stuff, thanks for posting it.
I faved most of them on the album, but this is my favest so far lol
Woo... huge wide sound at the start, and then the voice sitting in the middle - and superb bvox, by the way. Builds and then down to nothing... perfect. Beautiful constructed.
You know how to sequence an album... (for my tastes anyway lol). As this started, it was the perfect build after the last two. And then the song itself builds up to the energy of the earlier tracks.
Oh this is just great.
Nice change of pace. Lovely groove with a dreamy vocal on top. Excellent. Liking how the songs fit together as an album as well. With each one I want to keep listening.
Love this one :)
Digging this one too. Excellent vocals (I'd personally try to bring them up a bit more against those fabulous guitars). One of the things that I'm noticing with your stuff is how you manage to cram so much into the arrangements without over-stuffing it. This is really impressive - guitar parts, vocals, drum parts, there's always something interesting happening but it never overpowers the track.
Wow! Big sound. Mighty fine From your profile I'm getting the impression you're a one man band - if so, this is a stunner - I'm really impressed with the "band" sound you've created. Excellent arranging/playing of the guitars.
This is a stunner. I had time for one more song before I logged off, and the title of this grabbed me. Really glad I listened, I'll be back for more of yours...