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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…
Do you know where the title comes from?
One of the Disney Parks (I don't remember which one), as part of it's Covid-19 re-opening plan, suggested to patrons that screaming on a ride is a good way to spread the coronavirus, so instead they ask…
Oh yeah LOVE those guitars... the drums, bass and guitars just gel so gorgeously. And that title makes for a superb chorus. Makes a lot more sense to me here in a song than it does as a theme park motto!! lol
Round two of what?
I'd tell you if I had even the slightest idea.
I'm pretty pleased with this one. Well, I don't completely hate it at least. I think it could have benefited from some rehearsing, which during 50/90 is asking a lot…
Nice one... I do like that "Here comes round two" hook... And I've just looked up 50/90... you're a crazy man!!! Crumbs, a song every two days for 3 months solid!! I could probably write the songs, but I could never record them in that time frame! Anyways - mighty cool, I shall keep listening and cheer you on from the sidelines.
Do you ever have an idea / song that you just need to get out of you and recorded, even though it's so rough that you'll want to re-do it over and over again? This is one of those for me....
Drive Until The Signal Dies
Verse 1
Your Silence…
Thought id try a little country live in the cellar before i have to get back to Mrs Regs list ......
TOP OF THE MOUNTAIN
A E A E Fm D A E Fm D A EA
I was listening to a song on the jukebox
Sitting on a bar stool holding a dream
You walked…
I was looking through my messages and found this collab i did with Kari a while back in 2017 i had forgotten all about. so pleased i found it thanks Kari
I genuinely have no idea where this bright, breezy & happy little 3 minute tune came from - it's in stark contrast to the world around us right now...
The song started with just the bass riff, as heard in the verse - it came to me while…
So, to number 10, and what will be the last one I think for this most enjoyable Lockdown project. A shortish one, and fittingly perhaps called 'Finale', I brought in the big guns with the Cathedral organ, and with a bit of a stereotype last few…
I tried to do something a little weirder rhythmically and ended up with something that feels just a little off. Just a little out of time, just a little ragged. I don't know. I don't think the song is bad, it's all just a smidgen off.
I…
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
Wow.... yep, these do mix well together.
Cool sounds.
Oh yeah LOVE those guitars... the drums, bass and guitars just gel so gorgeously. And that title makes for a superb chorus. Makes a lot more sense to me here in a song than it does as a theme park motto!! lol
Nice one... I do like that "Here comes round two" hook... And I've just looked up 50/90... you're a crazy man!!! Crumbs, a song every two days for 3 months solid!! I could probably write the songs, but I could never record them in that time frame! Anyways - mighty cool, I shall keep listening and cheer you on from the sidelines.
Oh yes, we like those Black and White movies too. Good to hear some more H R Music. Love the relaxed vibe of this one.
Oh yeah, powerful song. Love the imagery of "Drive until the signal dies".
Wow. That's mighty cool.
Awww.... this is fabulous! How could you have forgeoten about this!!!?
Cool sounds... But it's such a shame that it's only a working title!! I saw the notification earlier and thought "nice title"
Well that works nicely.
WOW, this is epic now. EPIC.
Love the looser feel. And some gorgeous guitars. It seems a little cymbal heavy in places at the moment?
A mighty cool set of songs.
This one really is a bit of a stunner.
And guitars? Have I mentioned guitars? Sprangy (Vox-like?) sounds - love it. And the vocals are superb.
Wow. Love it. Really "in your face" recordings... so clean sounding though. Loving those vocals.
Yep, like it.
Oh yeah, love it.
Oh wow, such cool sounds in those acoustics. Mighty fine song. Love how the recording's put together.
Aha! I see what you did there :)