(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.
****
**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…
**Song-writing Demo for FAWM 2022**
Song number 9
Written Tuesday 15th February 2022
****
I decided it was time I wrote a song that wasn't so hard to sing and play!
****
**Once Again - A A J Russe**
Every day
You keep asking…
oh yeah!!! Great song and loving that chord progression. Beautiful with all the changes ...loving it. How did you do all this in such a short time period? Wow, wow, wow.
from the album “Savior of the World”
with Daniel Jordan on vocals
Keith Howell on drums
Robert Rebeck mixing and mastering
It’s so tiring just to be near you
So close and for so long
But i wouldn’t want to be anywhere else
so don’t get…
from the album "Savior of the World"
with Daniel Jordan on vocals
Keith Howell on drums
Robert Rebeck mixing and mastering
I wanna know, the weight of the world
It must be so much It crushes my soul
Oh no, now i feel It’s coming apart…
from the album "Savior of the World"
with Daniel Jordan on Vocals
Keith Howell on drums
Robert Rebeck Mixing and Mastering
Walk to the edge of the sea
Look in the water, only me
Reflected in the bluest mirror, i’ve become undone
My…
Without Hands (Perfection)
Verse One
It’ll never snow here
In this quiet little town
even winter brings
a green green ground
still stranger yet
in his monolithic place
so delicate
with scars on his face
Chorus
All the words you…
Paisley Tears
Verse One
Awake to the sound of broken glass I know,
It’s far too real
A wispered word could spark a fight
We learn to play so still
In Shadows hiding from the light
Children against thier will
Chorus
But I’m more than…
Transparent Zipperfoot (title meaning at bottom if you want to read TLDR:)
Verse One
This life in focus
I feel it has no meaning, its purpose ever fleeting
And how we get through
This world and aspdcts thereof
only through words and thier…
Love the story behind the title - I've got songs like that too. One of the reasons I am SO MUCH of a one man band is because of bad experiences with bands. Cool song.
Blue Skies
Verse One
I try to imagine, a sky too blue
Your hearts older, but mine ages too
I turn to wisper, you've lost the war
Holding to everything, you've lost
Chorus
And we're all to blame
Holding your fame to favour
All your…
Kisses Goodnight
Verse One
After Goodbyes and all,
We’re now on our way
We’re leaving here for now
Cold hands, spin me around
Eyes lock and innocence becomes
My eyes
PreCH
The photographs
Still frames in my mind
Forged memories…
everybody's waiting for the light
but we don't need the sun to show our bright side
strip away the veil before your eyes
wading in with nothing on our minds
good morning swimmers
if you should respond to our invite
you may even come…
we can see all the damage done
well you might be the lucky one
i can see where you're coming from
you just might be the fortunate one
this is my final run, this is
i can breathe when the race is run
and i might be the only one
you can…
Don't shiver when it's cold outside
Don't confuse a sense of place with pride
We're first to see by the dawn's early light
From the desk of Mr. Hortense Binette
Change the stationary header make it say
"We're all connected by the radio…
when i was telling all the other kids i was 13
the hotel has a pool, it has a couple of vending machines
with all my story telling done, i went home to mow the lawn
i fell under the blades and now my summer dreams are gone
that's just one…
spoon full of sugar in the mouth
far too sweet had to spit it out
now by bitterness replace
a winterfresh, peppermint taste
it still lingers on your breath
on your lips, the kiss of death
so have another piece of cake
wash it down with…
Hey, can I see the little treasure that you found?
Tell me where did you find it, was it lying on the ground?
Well this treasure that I found was just lying on the ground
Out in the pouring rain
Tell me, from me to you, what's it going to…
It all started with a tinkle on the ivories
Blue eyed boy
some say you’ve got it
The gift of the gab
The harmonious Tounge
That can sing a love song
With all the good intentions gone
Somewhere some blue eyed boy weeps all…
Song 10# for my 2025 RPM Challenge. Wrote this today with my synthesizer, drum gadgets and keys. A bit dark, maybe for a movie about an assassination. This concludes my RPM for this year :) Thanks to anyone who has listened.
Into the light…
Track 1 of my Mulligan EP, recorded for the 2025 RPM Challenge. Inspired by my time working in betting shops, of all things. I used my Variax Standard for most of the guitar sounds, trying to get something like a Biffy Clyro type of sound.
Song 9# for my 2025 RPM Challenge. The finishing line is near. I wrote this song last night - it emerged out of the burning heart ache I've experienced since the death of my beloved 13 year old dog Maxwell (died last May) - my love for him is…
Is THIS why I didn't get her???? I was certain Santa had her wrapped up ready for me this time and then on the day it was just the usual stuff under the tree
Comments on Andrew Russe's stuff
"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.
oh yeah!!! Great song and loving that chord progression. Beautiful with all the changes ...loving it. How did you do all this in such a short time period? Wow, wow, wow.
Comments made by Andrew Russe
Yeah, digging these tracks. The drumming is very cool, especially noticed it on this one.
Oh yeah, love this one
Oh yes... digging this. Good opener!
A powerful set of songs, and a really good listen, well done.
Woah. Powerful stuff. Didn't need the meaning (or I didn't need it), I didn't get the details but I got the point - really moving.
Love the story behind the title - I've got songs like that too. One of the reasons I am SO MUCH of a one man band is because of bad experiences with bands. Cool song.
Powerful stuff
Rocking!
Oh yes.. And a mighty fine RPM guys... well done!
Oh yeah... nice
This one jumped out at me.
I'm having to look up words with this RPM! :)
Love the groove on this one. I can almost feel like I'm in the room while you guys are playing it.
WOAH! What an opener
Aw yes... love it. And it reminds me - I haven't finished listening to Lonely in the Park :/
Well done! You weren't sure you were going to finish when you started were you? Nice finish.
Cool sounds! Like it.
Mrs R loves it too (she was already gone to bed yesterday)
Is THIS why I didn't get her???? I was certain Santa had her wrapped up ready for me this time and then on the day it was just the usual stuff under the tree
It's a cool "stomp". We liked it (me and Mrs R) - does sound like you're having fun.