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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…
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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…
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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
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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…
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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…
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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...
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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
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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…
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
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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
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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…
**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…
A new one
Hope you like it....
KC
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When the plans you made don't turn out right
When the goals you set are out of sight
Your bank account on an all time low
When you ain't got a place to go
Time to get stoned…
Love it. I grew up with "stoned" meaning drunk... Little Ole Winedrinker Me kind of stoned... I sometimes still hear it like that... this was one those occasions... I'd definitely be reaching for the bottles and cocktail shaker in these scenarios!
I kinda like this one. The melody in the hook is kinda fun, and having the guitar play a melody of its own was something fun that I don't do often. The lyrics are stream of conscious garbage, meaning they are probably about the idiot in the…
OK, so after the Lockdown Orchestrations project, I have moved to a new series of pieces I am calling Fusion Soundscapes. What I am trying to do here is paint a picture using some sound effects, and with a mix of orchestral and electric/rock…
Love the first section, and then when the second section cuts the phrase down I'm thinking "but I loved that widdly bit!!" ... but really quickly I'm in the groove and digging it and I've forgotten it until I listen to the track again. I've listened three times now and it has the same effect on me every time. Mighty cool.
Lockdown 2020. This was a suggestion by our friend Paul Matthews (check out his page: https://alonetone.com/IlshamOrchestrate )
Paul performed the piano and programmed the drums, strings and guitar tracks.
Billy picked up the bass for the…
Inspired by Steve Krell who wrote the first verse and chorus. Colleen Dillon wrote the second verse and Greg Connor, the third. Authentic Native American War Cry by Kimmie who has Cherokee heritage.
V1- Steve
On the banks of the Ojibwa…
Another tune exhumed from the past... 1984 to be precise. A 15 year-old angst-ridden vocalist wrote some words that went something like "Late at night... the shadows... creep across my wall". Happily, the song is musically much stronger than the…
The thing is though, "Late at night... the shadows... creep across my wall" are really good lyrics! Feel no shame, the angst-ridden 15 year-olds knew what they were doing! lol .... Cool sounds, looking forward to the vocals.
A song from one of our latest sessions
Hans Nooitgedagt Jr - drums
Bingsolex - lead guitar
Erwin B - bass, recording
KC - vocals, guitar, keys & mix
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Well I'm down
I am falling to the ground…
Awww yeah... very tasty. Loved the title when I saw the notification - was wondering how you'd treat it... it's just wonderful. Cool song, and the performance/recording is smooth and lively at the same time. Love the groove, and the playing from everyone is perfect - like a coiled spring but with great restraint... YEAH!
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
Love it. I grew up with "stoned" meaning drunk... Little Ole Winedrinker Me kind of stoned... I sometimes still hear it like that... this was one those occasions... I'd definitely be reaching for the bottles and cocktail shaker in these scenarios!
Yep, I like this one too. Gorgeous guitars, cool bvox, and the groove just works on this one.
Yeah! Like it.
Yep, getting into your sounds.
This too. Thank you for creating and posting them.
Moving and thought provoking.
These two, and having them as the soundtrack to reading up about what exaptation is... wow, very thought provoking...
Oh yes, very cool.
Cool and interesting sounds... and once again I learn a new word... Definitely listening to 2 now!
Love the first section, and then when the second section cuts the phrase down I'm thinking "but I loved that widdly bit!!" ... but really quickly I'm in the groove and digging it and I've forgotten it until I listen to the track again. I've listened three times now and it has the same effect on me every time. Mighty cool.
That's really cool, like it.
Nice one. I'm sure I've heard you sing this before? But I can't find it anywhere... Anyways, I'm fairly certain this is a new version - and it's fab
Woo, yeah, nice one. Love the imagery.
Relaxing vibes.
Superb title. Very cool sounds.
The thing is though, "Late at night... the shadows... creep across my wall" are really good lyrics! Feel no shame, the angst-ridden 15 year-olds knew what they were doing! lol .... Cool sounds, looking forward to the vocals.
Awww yeah... very tasty. Loved the title when I saw the notification - was wondering how you'd treat it... it's just wonderful. Cool song, and the performance/recording is smooth and lively at the same time. Love the groove, and the playing from everyone is perfect - like a coiled spring but with great restraint... YEAH!
Oh wow. Huge and lively acoustic guitar sound. And then this fabulous song on top of it. Love it.
Love it. Looking forward to hearing more of your stuff.
Nice one.