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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…
(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...
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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
****
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…
I came dangerously close to calling this ABACAB, and also to having the song form be ABACAB. Bullet dodged? I was noodling out the bass line and drum parts on my iPad and I had three sections. I couldn't decide which one had the better hook…
Dig this one too. First listen I was distracted by some work stuff... then a delivery... life, eh? Came back and hit play again and it's like old friend.
If ever there was a song that begged to close an album, it was this turkey.
A couple of things here. First, I don't really know what I was going for. Quiet, slow, boring? Probably not boring, but there you go. The cool thing happens in…
If ever there was a song that begged to close an album, it was this turkey.
A couple of things here. First, I don't really know what I was going for. Quiet, slow, boring? Probably not boring, but there you go. The cool thing happens in…
My song writing happy place is sort of slow to mid tempo dumb rockers. Something like 75-90 beats per minute. Every once in a while I feel the need to shake things up and write something super hyper active. This is an example of that. I also…
LOL - you always sell your stuff so well in your blurbs. I actually like the lead takes like this (that's assuming these are the sloppy ones and you didn't replace them!)
No more covid songs....
Time to write about other things
This one's for my muse
I had uploaded an earlier version, but didn't like the mix
here's another version
KC
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So many years we've been…
This is sort of two songs stuck together. That wasn't the plan, it just sort of happened. The only thing interesting about the noisier first half is the fuzz pedal on the rhythm guitar. Big Muffs really are harder to fit into a mix. I do love…
Loving the rhythm/groove in the choruses. Oh wow... yeah, that works... you're right moving the "middle" to the end instead. If it had gone back to the rocking I think it would have felt "So? And?" But like this it's "yeah, man, cool ending... dig those echoes... let's listen again"
April rain storms are exciting but I am warm and cozy in side.
wrote this after hearing that some people suggest a dream before settling in for the nite. My J 45 really wrote this tune I just sang along
Here is another ZOOM Collaboration with:
Steve Krell
Colleen Dillon
Roger Harris
Greg Connor
We posted the lyrics and featured the chords, just in case you wanted to write your own lyrics and post them with this idea.
Empty Bottles…
This song is a work in progress. I attended an online songwriting workshop hosted by Chad Shank (Minnesota Songwriters Association) who was talking about songs with varying length lines to create more of a conversational atmosphere and the use…
Wow - when it started I was thinking "that's intense!" ... but then some work emails arrived and it made an EXCELLENT soundtrack to telling them how they'd f***ed up! lol
Looking down the road as how sweet it will be after the bug” virus”
Is gone
Open the doors and windows , drive fast with the top down
We gonna drink some wine with friends o mine, pas the bottle around
Go to a block party…
I started to listen to this the t'other day but ran out of Time... (see wot I did there? hehe) (Mrs R dragged me away to do something important). Glad I came back - nice one.
Man, you're on a roll... Loved it. Steak and Texas Blues... I'm there. And I thought Kansas was just where Rainbow came from... or was was it Dorothy... or... or...
A strat and a slow minor blues are a go to for an overheard cell phone call.
The tone is pure strat wiggly bar juju. Thanks Robert Cray
Blues lyrics are not required to be politically correct
A straight-ahead rock song with a quirky arrangement change on the second verse. Includes a trippy Pink Floyd-esque middle 8 and a Boyzone rousing key change at the end... You're welcome! 😆
Your stuff is making me re-evaluate 70-80s keyboard sounds. At the time I loathed what I regarded as "keyboard heavy" bands. I liked piano and organ, and I was a huge fan of Queen and their earlier "no synthesizers" approach. You're making some cool sounds, though, pleasantly reminding me of stuff that must have seeped into my subconscious like it or not! :)
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
Dig this one too. First listen I was distracted by some work stuff... then a delivery... life, eh? Came back and hit play again and it's like old friend.
Loving the lead and the backwards guitars at the end. You might think you're over using it, but wow it's a mighty cool sound.
Liking this one a lot. Making me want to reach for the Robin Trower albums.
Nice one.
LOL - you always sell your stuff so well in your blurbs. I actually like the lead takes like this (that's assuming these are the sloppy ones and you didn't replace them!)
Wow. Not got anything more constructive to say than that... just... Wow... not sure how or why, but this works for me
Oh yeah - I know exactly what you're talking about... I can say all that about someone here
Loving the rhythm/groove in the choruses. Oh wow... yeah, that works... you're right moving the "middle" to the end instead. If it had gone back to the rocking I think it would have felt "So? And?" But like this it's "yeah, man, cool ending... dig those echoes... let's listen again"
What a cool song. So good it needed a second listen immediately.
Oh this is just fab. Love the vibe/groove. And those shared verses, all these voices I listen to... all in one song! Love it.
Awww... this is fabulous. What a cool piece of songwriting. Love it.
Wow - when it started I was thinking "that's intense!" ... but then some work emails arrived and it made an EXCELLENT soundtrack to telling them how they'd f***ed up! lol
I just took delivery of a bunch of steaks/chops/wine ... I'm READY! (I have a feeling that this batch won't last until then, though! lol)
Yep this rocks.
I started to listen to this the t'other day but ran out of Time... (see wot I did there? hehe) (Mrs R dragged me away to do something important). Glad I came back - nice one.
Man, you're on a roll... Loved it. Steak and Texas Blues... I'm there. And I thought Kansas was just where Rainbow came from... or was was it Dorothy... or... or...
Wow. Love it.
Oh yeah, faved from the outset. "he rollllled his eyes" - loved the delivery of that line.
Your stuff is making me re-evaluate 70-80s keyboard sounds. At the time I loathed what I regarded as "keyboard heavy" bands. I liked piano and organ, and I was a huge fan of Queen and their earlier "no synthesizers" approach. You're making some cool sounds, though, pleasantly reminding me of stuff that must have seeped into my subconscious like it or not! :)
Aww this is a really cool song. Love the imagery.