(Remastered 22/10/2021)
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…
(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
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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…
(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…
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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...
(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
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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
****
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
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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…
And Hank!!
What's going on? I'm working on some "modern" crap (I use the term "modern" loosely), and everyone's putting out superb versions of old masters!
Did I miss a memo or something?
Found this old track while backing up my hard drive. It is an alternate tracked played at a slower tempo. I added a quick drum track and ruff remix this morning.
And the Wolf would be happy with this one - I disappear for a few days and everyone's postin blues by the masters.
Oh, shivers down the back of the neck as the track got going... that whacka whacka on the guitar while he's getting the groove - that kinda stuff gets me every time.
Excellent stuff.
Ole Muddy would've been happy.
Excellent version. Jazzy end of bluesy. Wow, it's a superb vocal - it wouldn't matter what backing you put to it, big arrangement, little arrangement, superstars or wotever... this vocal would be the main show.
Love the sigh at the end lol
Greg Connor added his amazing harp to the song. It really adds depth to it. I love Greg's playing on the song. Thanks so much, Greg! This is why Alonetone is great.
Lyrics & Music by Nick Plagakis
I count my blessings…
Wrote this after hearing on the radio of a bloke who ran off to France with his underage girlfriend and guess what? he's doing time (asshole) Thanks to Lady Jane for backing vocals
Ooh yeah, nice one. Love the vibe...
Just been reading about Percy Bysshe Shelley (France, underage girlfriends)... and just now me and the missus were talking about the possibilities of flute (always makes me think of Ian Anderson when I consider flute)...
And then I hear this little beautie. Excellent.
I haven't mixed the song yet - it's really raw. Hopefully, I'll have it done by next month.
Lyrics/Music by Nick Plagakis
Am I a fool to love you
Am I a fool to trust you
You took my heart
And broke it apart
Now you come back
Looking…
Another excellent bit of music by Geas.........and we co wrote the lyrics..that surgens knife works wonders.........Thanks Geas
Sometimes (Lyrics)
Sometimes i hear a whisper
sometimes i hear a scream
sometimes i don’t know whats happening…
Actually this version really works. First time round I really missed drums and bass. But when the vocals are going it sounds like Reg and Les are utterly made for each other.
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
And Don Gibson too... Love this
And Hank!! What's going on? I'm working on some "modern" crap (I use the term "modern" loosely), and everyone's putting out superb versions of old masters! Did I miss a memo or something?
And the Wolf would be happy with this one - I disappear for a few days and everyone's postin blues by the masters. Oh, shivers down the back of the neck as the track got going... that whacka whacka on the guitar while he's getting the groove - that kinda stuff gets me every time. Excellent stuff.
Ole Muddy would've been happy. Excellent version. Jazzy end of bluesy. Wow, it's a superb vocal - it wouldn't matter what backing you put to it, big arrangement, little arrangement, superstars or wotever... this vocal would be the main show. Love the sigh at the end lol
Oh yes, this is the stuff. Like it a lot.
Brilliant!
Ooh yeah, nice one. Love the vibe... Just been reading about Percy Bysshe Shelley (France, underage girlfriends)... and just now me and the missus were talking about the possibilities of flute (always makes me think of Ian Anderson when I consider flute)... And then I hear this little beautie. Excellent.
Cool version. Les coming along nicely - you'll have to raise your game soon to keep up with him.
Brilliant. In-yer-face sound from the start. Love the lyrics. Superb track.
How did I miss this? Love it.
Don't know the original, but I like this.
Oooh yeah, like this one a lot
Aha! Just noticed that you guys have appeared on here. Nice one.
Oh yeah, this is going to work.
Well that was a jolly little three minutes... Like it.
Well, that's a relief then...
Oh yes, nice collab.
Superb. Love the vocals - shiver down the spine stuff...
Actually this version really works. First time round I really missed drums and bass. But when the vocals are going it sounds like Reg and Les are utterly made for each other.
Sounds like he's taking over :)