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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
****
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…
**Song-writing Demo for FAWM 2022**
Song number 9
Written Tuesday 15th February 2022
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I decided it was time I wrote a song that wasn't so hard to sing and play!
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**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.
If a hurricane drives you inland
If an avalanche leads to palm trees
If a car crash saves you from burning
It wasn't meant to be
Someone's absеnce brings you peace (Brings you peace)
Then you haven't lost anything (Lost anything)
And…
We were young, we were wild, chasing dreams without a plan,
Laughing loud, staying up, writing stories in the sand.
Time moved on, like the waves, washing footprints out to sea,
But somehow, through the distance, you were always there for me…
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…
Demo for FAWM ’25. Never underestimate my ability to take a bad pun more seriously than it probably deserves.
[Verse]
A late-night cry for attention.
Cryptic emoji fill my screen.
I take a cue to head on over,
As close as I'll get to certainty…
Song 8 for my 2025 RPM Challenge. Experimented with my very old Bass...that doesn't keep its tune very well! Onward I say. Thanks for anyone out there who listens - much appreciated xoox
I don’t want to suffer
I don’t want to cry
I don’t…
Another RPM
Reg is just turning himself inside out
Inside out
Everything seems inside out
My guess is thats what its all about
No body knows, how I feel
Everythings hidden, no one, has a clue
No one knows how I…
this song is about 17yrs old , i have remixed it , guitar / bass / lead gtr / keyboards organ / vocals / words / music . by myself . hope you like it thanks for your time ......cheers tony cee.
Song #7 for my 2025 RPM Challenge. Another one with my Juno Synth as the main player. It ended up being much longer than intended (but it fits with the title...). I call it a Peter Griffin ending (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X4X8HsEj7d4…
We like ... (Mrs R listening too) ... This, like Almost Felt Like Dancing earlier, throws me right back into being the "university student me" in the early 80s - I can almost taste it. Very cool track.
Another Rpm Reg is still sad ......
A sad song
I’m going to sing you a song
It won’t take long
The story is sad
But the story isn’t long
I’ll begin the song
About a woman who’s dead
Died in her sleep
alone in her bed…
Another Rpm Reg is still sad ......
A sad song
I’m going to sing you a song
It won’t take long
The story is sad
But the story isn’t long
I’ll begin the song
About a woman who’s dead
Died in her sleep
alone in her bed…
One for the Rpm challenge poor old Reg he always has to run he has the fear of love ....will he ever be happy?
I gotta leave
Well I’ve been running from my love for you
Don’t ask me why I’m being stupid
Just seems…
Rachel & I went to see the new Bob Dylan movie "The complete unknown" last night of which I throughly enjoyed although Bob did come across as a bit of an arse at times. But anyway I was having a strum and thought I'd try and write a song in…
Song #6 for my 2025 RPM Challenge. This one is sort of a dance (anti-dance) song. Composed mostly using my Juno Synth. It took ages to put together oddly. Thanks to anyone who dares to listen!
Her make up
Is all over the floor
And you…
Song 5 for my RPM Challenge (the half way mark!). Decided to use my Juno synthesizer for this one - I love that thing. Did this yesterday after a nice winter hike. Thank you to anyone out there who listens - much appreciated xoxo
You touch…
Song 4 for my RPM 2025. I wrote and recorded it after dinner tonight. This time, I picked up the lovely Martin and strummed away. Another opportunity for some harmonizing. Thanks again for listening!
Please don’t pack it in
Please no never…
3rd Song for my RPM challenge. Went back to my piano and kept it minimal. I love singing harmonies (grew up listening to CSNY). Thanks to anyone who listens xox
Did you get lost in the sea
Were you searching for pieces of me
Wooowoooo
Did…
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
Back for more... wowsers... Mrs R likes it too
I'm probably going to like ALL your stuff!! Cool songs and fabulous recordings.
Wow!
Oh yum... just .... YUM. Love it.
Same with this one. You've even got me checking out Microfreak online!
Wasn't expecting to like it when it started... but it's strangely hypnotic and likable
Bad pun or not... I saw the title and it made me click! Cool track. Yeah that works for me
Yeah.... like it.... second listen- love it!
I've just been trying to explain Reg to Mrs R... decided I can't do it as well as he does himself.
Yeah, I subscribe to that way of thinking! Thumbs up from Mrs R too.
Love the feel of this. Cool vocal.
We like ... (Mrs R listening too) ... This, like Almost Felt Like Dancing earlier, throws me right back into being the "university student me" in the early 80s - I can almost taste it. Very cool track.
A truly happy ending!!
Loving these.... I'm hearing the ghost of Alex Harvey trying to break through here... probably my imagination.
It's good to hear old Reg again. I was gonna say "will he ever be happy?" ... and then I read the blurb lol
That works!! Pretty much nailed it. And it's got me into the mood to listen to the early Bob Dylan albums again.
Yeah.... like it... takes me back to the 80s!
Oh yes indeed. Love this.
Missed this one! Nice :)
I love that "I don’t think that this Jar is enough" line, and how you sing the "You Maybe mine for a while". Cool harmonies as well.