(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.
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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…
she will smother you with all her love
take you by the hand and drown you with passion
she could lead the blind astray
and break the will of stronger men than me
she will take your heart
she will take your soul
gently to her you surrender
yielding…
Chester Arthur was the president
But no one remembers him
What about you?
He served a term with no vice president
And no one resident
To tell him what to do
He came to office by a bullet's grace
Garfield lost his place
And Arthur took…
I keep dipping into your stuff (I'm very fond of Gormenghast as well, I've even got some songs knocking around somewhere that are directly inspired by it), but this is the first one I've listened to closely...
You guys are growing on me - you've got something that makes me keep coming back, and it's not just Mr Peake!
Faved :-)
Superb version.
I found the album in my parents' records when I was 14 or 15. This song almost took me down the "Bob Dylan" route, but I managed to avoid it in the end(!) But it's always been one of my favourites.
It's a difficult one to do justice to... but you've managed it apparently effortlessly :)
This is another composition from the early 90, and also a bass line. I added some arrengements to it, and it was, eventually, the third part of a long 'spacial' suite called 'Mars'. I could upload the 'part one' bass line one day, which I think…
I wasn't too sure of this when it started and I read the "about"...
But after 5 minutes I found that I was still listening and that I was likely to stay til the end.
Well put together. For me, it does what you set out to do. Fascinating and strangely calming, all the way through to the end.
Vocals: Tricia Dovidio
Lyrics: Tricia Dovidio
Composed by Tricia Dovidio
Guitars: Mike Woodford
Bass: Andy Gupta
Drums: Stephen Smith
Synthesizers: Steffen Offermann
Arranged & mixed by Steffen Offermann…
Inspired by a picture of my sister at the top of the Estes Cone (I was too out of shape to get up there myself... something I need to do when I return to RMNP).
From the Top of the World
On the top of the world
Nothing 'round 'cept mountain…
When the girl in the room is just too cute for me to concentrate on whatever it was I was trying to do.
Anything Done
How am I supposed to get anything done
With you looking like that
I'm so far gone
I'm forgetting where I'm at
How…
Another formerly poorly recorded song... Really a piece of poetry that was put to music (a hit-or-miss approach for me that seemed to work well on this one).
Three Times More
Dad plants his spring garden
For a good summer bounty he's…
I'm gonna have to set aside some time to listen to this entire Lobster Man album. What have I been missing?
Love the lead break on this one - right in yer face.
A frightening thing, to go from being a man to becoming a Lobster-man.
Now Gather around me hearties
For I've got a sad tale to be told
Hoist the colors ye bilge rats
The call rang out, we were off for gold
Grog in our bellies, horn-pipes…
If you'd described this to me I'd have said it'll never work...
... but it does!
It's one of my least favourite Beatles songs (and I'm a big Beatles fan), this has made me reconsider it as a song in itself. Nice one.
Oh good grief, this is just fabulous.
I've gotta go now, but I saw you getting a lot of comments last night, now I know why I'll be back check the rest out...
This such a good song/performance/recording... Loved it.
Really enjoyed this. It started up after I was listening to something else, and I looked at 7:07 and I thought "oh dear"...
But I never pressed stop! It kept my interest going all the way.
Woo, this has something going for it. I'm listening in headphones, so the initial fizzy synth tones were a bit scary!
I love the rhythm and the interweaving melodies. Really, really inventive stuff. On the second listen I almost felt like it was too short - so I had to listen one more time!
A cover of the Cure's minimalist alt-rock classic, an old favorite of mine.
keywords: instrumental, chill, the cure, clock watching, lucky time
Remixed: 12/18/2010
...
...
I'm ashamed to say I don't know much about The Cure - I was a blues-rocker by the time they emerged, I liked some of the singles and videos, but that was about it...
I really like what you've got going on here, though.
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
I'm still kinda stunned by this one. Welcome over here! :)
Well I enjoy the noises you make :) I like this one a lot, I'll have to explore your other stuff.
I keep dipping into your stuff (I'm very fond of Gormenghast as well, I've even got some songs knocking around somewhere that are directly inspired by it), but this is the first one I've listened to closely... You guys are growing on me - you've got something that makes me keep coming back, and it's not just Mr Peake! Faved :-)
Superb version. I found the album in my parents' records when I was 14 or 15. This song almost took me down the "Bob Dylan" route, but I managed to avoid it in the end(!) But it's always been one of my favourites. It's a difficult one to do justice to... but you've managed it apparently effortlessly :)
Oh yes, I like this!
I wasn't too sure of this when it started and I read the "about"... But after 5 minutes I found that I was still listening and that I was likely to stay til the end. Well put together. For me, it does what you set out to do. Fascinating and strangely calming, all the way through to the end.
Like it. Good song, good performance all round - still love her vocals! Excellent recording/mix.
Wow... this is a stunner... a complete stunner.
Another excellent song/performance. Your voice, guitar, and songs just hit the spot for me.
This one's a bit special.
I'm gonna have to set aside some time to listen to this entire Lobster Man album. What have I been missing? Love the lead break on this one - right in yer face.
I've heard tell of this many times, but I have to admit I've never got round to listening to it before. Superb :-)
If you'd described this to me I'd have said it'll never work... ... but it does! It's one of my least favourite Beatles songs (and I'm a big Beatles fan), this has made me reconsider it as a song in itself. Nice one.
This is one of my all time favourite songs (though I've never heard The Band's version). Great cover - love the backing vocals, really effective.
Oh good grief, this is just fabulous. I've gotta go now, but I saw you getting a lot of comments last night, now I know why I'll be back check the rest out... This such a good song/performance/recording... Loved it.
Really enjoyed this. It started up after I was listening to something else, and I looked at 7:07 and I thought "oh dear"... But I never pressed stop! It kept my interest going all the way.
Nice one. The title dragged me in for a listen. Good song :-) And that MLC is a stunning guitarist.
Woo, this has something going for it. I'm listening in headphones, so the initial fizzy synth tones were a bit scary! I love the rhythm and the interweaving melodies. Really, really inventive stuff. On the second listen I almost felt like it was too short - so I had to listen one more time!
I'm ashamed to say I don't know much about The Cure - I was a blues-rocker by the time they emerged, I liked some of the singles and videos, but that was about it... I really like what you've got going on here, though.
You guys are off the map! :-) Loved this, you had me rolling on the floor.