(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
****
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…
A brief glimpse, but that's all. Inspired by last April. It's for everyone, but no one in particular. Yes, this one gives more than a passing nod to Ham and Evans. Thanks gents!
Top Of The Pops circa 1972! Remember when all those bands in the early 70's where adding synth to every song but the lyrics meant something (sometimes)? Pure excitement, pure bubblegum, pure fun. Well, this is my offering and thanks to all of…
I've run out of words... I've broken me "Favourite" button...
And your rhythm guitar playing... wow... you've got the same thing going that Malcolm Young has.
Good grief... I'm only three songs into this album... this is just... just... fabulous.
Yep, that reverb is the one it needed.
Like DB sez, yes, ELO. But there's Mott The Hoople, etc, as well... much else... all that 70s goodness... and an excellent song as well.
Wow! John, Paul, and George with Young/Young/Williams/Rudd backing them... I can't think of a better combination for me to listen to.
The chorus is just sublime.
And George Martin at the controls... lol (just reached the end).
Almost perfect Gary - LOVE IT!!
Reg was talking to Elvis about Frank and he told him something he didn't know.you can have it all then at the end not remember it which is what happened to Frank the grind ground him down a sad ending for a great man......Dementia is a cruel end…
Don't know the original, but I likes this.
Lovely lovely vocal, and I like how the instrumentation builds, complementing the vocal perfectly...
And I'm still watching this "no reverb" approach with much interest - I wish I was brave enough to try it (I am trying to cut down though! lol)
View the footage with music [at youtube](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aQZDRKD8oSA&hd=1)
After watching the video of the tsunami devastating the shores of Japan, I couldn't work anymore. So instead I sat down to dedicate a few hours of…
An emotional and, I found, disturbing listen.
I have to admit, news stories and footage of things like this often tend to pass me by, I seem not to get emotionally involved. I sometimes wonder why this is but I have no proper answer. I do get affected by some news stories, but not usually the big ones like this. My wife has been upset, but I've been left cold again on this one, until now.
Listening to this piece has opened it up slightly for me, making it more... I don't know what...
Many thanks for making this and posting it.
Do you wonder
What became of me?
Cause I wonder
What became of you
Since you wandered
Wandered far away
Full of wonder
I couldn't make you stay
So I wonder what became of you
Did you do the things you had to do?
Will you find your…
This is a love song for my wife.
I want to be
Your honey bee
And you could be the only bee for me
Monogamy
For you and me
You, my little sweetheart
Monagabee
Life would be so happy, you see
If you would be the only bee for me
And…
The story of a car crash.
Had the dream again this morning
Pictured just how it would be
Saw it moving in slow motion
Felt it rushing up to me
And suddenly it's happening
I can't seem to make myself believe
Clench my fists
Lose my…
The story of a workplace experience. And an ultimate fighting match.
Killer bassline by Ian Tanner. Drums by Grant Muller. Backing vocals by Clarke McMurray.
Hey there Mr. Flashy Pants
Hey there voice of thunder
As you lie there flat on…
Yep, you're right about it being a killer bass-line.
The vocals are pretty stand-out as well :-)
Initially, I wasn't sure whether your vocal delivery was fitting the songs, but this one showed me why it works so well. It's almost like we've got David Gates singing punk songs here... lol. The contrast really brings out the emotions in the lyrics. If you tried to sound "angrier" we'd actually lose some of the power...
Composed, arranged & mixed by Steffen Offermann
=================================================
Floppy old mix. Another candidate for remixing or (at least) re-mastering. I'll probably do the latter soon.
This is a synthesizer instrumental…
I can kind of see why it hasn't made many friends - it just is what it is... It makes me think of 80s stuff, like Moonlighting, etc :-)
BUT... it's a mighty fine listen.
not really a ghost in my house it just badly needs rewiring.
There’s a ghost in my house
That we can’t see
Moving things around
When we’re not here
Playing little tricks
On my memory
Playing little games
With my mind
There…
I'd only heard the various live versions, where I was concentrating on the performance etc... on this one I noticed what an excellent song it is as well!
Love the dual vocal.
a mind
escaped
destruction
signalling
for help
taking refuge
with the dead
afore arrival
of the shifter
o you who turn the wheel
and look to windward
o you who turn the wheel
consider phlebas
the search
ensues
determined
are the foes
questioning…
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
This is a stunner. Had to come back and listen twice. So well put together... unbelievably good listening.
Brilliant.
Yep, always listen to what the song says :-) Another superb one. On certain days, this would be my favourite of the album so far.
I've run out of words... I've broken me "Favourite" button... And your rhythm guitar playing... wow... you've got the same thing going that Malcolm Young has.
Good grief... I'm only three songs into this album... this is just... just... fabulous. Yep, that reverb is the one it needed. Like DB sez, yes, ELO. But there's Mott The Hoople, etc, as well... much else... all that 70s goodness... and an excellent song as well.
Digging them geetars :-)
Wow! John, Paul, and George with Young/Young/Williams/Rudd backing them... I can't think of a better combination for me to listen to. The chorus is just sublime. And George Martin at the controls... lol (just reached the end). Almost perfect Gary - LOVE IT!!
Sheesh... this is utterly superb guys. Stunning groove, love the guitars, and the lyrics/vox are just perfect.
Don't know the original, but I likes this. Lovely lovely vocal, and I like how the instrumentation builds, complementing the vocal perfectly... And I'm still watching this "no reverb" approach with much interest - I wish I was brave enough to try it (I am trying to cut down though! lol)
An emotional and, I found, disturbing listen. I have to admit, news stories and footage of things like this often tend to pass me by, I seem not to get emotionally involved. I sometimes wonder why this is but I have no proper answer. I do get affected by some news stories, but not usually the big ones like this. My wife has been upset, but I've been left cold again on this one, until now. Listening to this piece has opened it up slightly for me, making it more... I don't know what... Many thanks for making this and posting it.
Consider my maw told :-) Nice one boys.
And a nice one to finish. The whole album is an excellent piece of work.
Big smile on my face listening to this. Superbly recorded vocals and guitars by the way.
I love this one.
Yep, you're right about it being a killer bass-line. The vocals are pretty stand-out as well :-) Initially, I wasn't sure whether your vocal delivery was fitting the songs, but this one showed me why it works so well. It's almost like we've got David Gates singing punk songs here... lol. The contrast really brings out the emotions in the lyrics. If you tried to sound "angrier" we'd actually lose some of the power...
I can kind of see why it hasn't made many friends - it just is what it is... It makes me think of 80s stuff, like Moonlighting, etc :-) BUT... it's a mighty fine listen.
Very beautiful. Fine playing, lovely arrangement.
I'd favourited it after the first line! Luckily the rest of it lived up to it... Groove, over all sound, vocal, backing vox, everything. I love it...
I'd only heard the various live versions, where I was concentrating on the performance etc... on this one I noticed what an excellent song it is as well! Love the dual vocal.
Woo! This is really effective. I don't think I've heard it before, but no matter... I needed two listens one after the other. Love it.