(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.
****
**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
****
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
****
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
****
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
****
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
****
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
****
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…
Title Track - RPM 2013
we all clap our hands to the beat as the beat goes by
jazz & poetry in the fifties almost died
Rock n roll became the goal as people slicked back there hair
Rock, Rock and roll , the parent were in despair
Elvis was…
Entry #2 RPM 2013
Mama Please
She falls flat on her face
she’s totally spaced
she has no disgrace
her life is a waste
she has no respect
she’s so full of hate
she drinks from morning till it’s very late
she’s living in hell
she’s trapped…
Entry #1 RPM 2013
Anything for You
Some rise early, some rise late
Some're up til morning light, some go to bed at eight
I'll be there baby whenever you tell me to
I guess you know by now, I'll do anything for you
Some like to rock, some…
Fine RPM here, loved every track. Took a while to get it going what with the AT "Oops" messages, but I got there :-)
Solid vox from Reg on some great tracks.
Steve Krell (SLKrell) and I have been feuding over the same girlfriend for a while now. In fact, there are several songs about her on Alonetone. Here is the latest in the story:
SLKrell says it’s a drag
Rosie made him pack his bag
Always…
Well the new women in Regs life became the keeper and his wife and they lived happily ever after...well up to now anyway...Reg can never seem to keep the pessimistic thoughts totally at bay but he was trying...He felt reborn on the birth of his…
Aww... new PW tracks and my fave button is still busted!! (I clicked it anyway...)
Excellent, as usual, guys... A great listen. Gorgeous feel and sound.
I come in for the Hammond and the drumming, I think, but there is SUCH a tasty guitar break on this one.
5 Stars
Reg is contemplating his future and how to change................So he got the acoustic out and perused the idea.....
The Hurricane (Lyrics)
I stand in the window looking back at me
trying to understand where i got it wrong
how my life could…
YESSS!!
This utterly, utterly hits the spot. Shivers down the spine music for me.
The bass and the guitars, the backing vocals, the minimal lyrics, the way you bring it to a close...
Wonderful.
Oh, I LOVE this. It reminds me of all sorts of influences from my past - you've squeezed elements of nearly every act I like into it and ended up coming out with something that, to me, feels totally original.
Hats off to you, sir.
I've gone a bit Bluesy on this one i got the French Horns out i blame watching BBC4...anyway hope you enjoy....
Counterfeit(Lyrics)
The night outside was as Black as coal
Her heart was made of stone
i couldn’t find no place to go
God did…
Its Great when a mess around becomes a kinda lost Doors song....
Give me the Love (Lyrics)
Tell me what your got now baby
i’ll tell you what i need
you can give me love cause thats is all i need
i got the need
if you got the love
i got…
This is a love song I just wrote. It's the first normal love song I've written since "Western Hills" (i.e., three years). Writing love songs is kind of risky. If it doesn't work out- you're stuck with singing a song with all these unusual associations…
I know what you mean about associations on old songs... I tend to "conveniently forget" any "bad stuff" and just like the thing for what it is - but it seems like my entire life documented in songs!
This one is gorgeous. And I love the intimate recording. I'll be very interested to hear the results if you do work it up to a band production.
rpm #7,, i think this will be the overture, to a small midi orchestral suite, which i hope will finish up as my remaining 3 pieces for this years rpm, but well see how that goes,, thanks for all the helpful comments i have received on this project…
A lil rocker influenced by some of my faves, Springsteen, Petty etc.. well i left my home and family
and made my way out west
i lost my job at the steel mill
im a hoping for the best
in this life
for my kids and wife
just outside of Davenport…
My get up and go went some time ago... but this reminds me of it lol
Definitely got the Petty/Springsteen vibe - love it.
If my fave button worked, it would be faved...
A lil rocker influenced by some of my faves, Springsteen, Petty etc.. well i left my home and family
and made my way out west
i lost my job at the steel mill
im a hoping for the best
in this life
for my kids and wife
just outside of Davenport…
Reg is contemplating his future and how to change................So he got the acoustic out and perused the idea.....
The Hurricane (Lyrics)
I stand in the window looking back at me
trying to understand where i got it wrong
how my life could…
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
Superb stuff.
I seem to have embarked on listen No 2 of the whole thing... lol You're right to be proud of it - it's pretty damn good.
Fine RPM here, loved every track. Took a while to get it going what with the AT "Oops" messages, but I got there :-) Solid vox from Reg on some great tracks.
This is a wonderful track. "Always knew he was filled with sin Now he’s out and I am in" Class!
Gorgeous
I heard this earlier as part of the album. This is a magical track.
Oh, you guys were cooking on these two. Fantastic stuff.
Aww... new PW tracks and my fave button is still busted!! (I clicked it anyway...) Excellent, as usual, guys... A great listen. Gorgeous feel and sound. I come in for the Hammond and the drumming, I think, but there is SUCH a tasty guitar break on this one. 5 Stars
This is a monstrously good vocal.
YESSS!! This utterly, utterly hits the spot. Shivers down the spine music for me. The bass and the guitars, the backing vocals, the minimal lyrics, the way you bring it to a close... Wonderful.
Oh, I LOVE this. It reminds me of all sorts of influences from my past - you've squeezed elements of nearly every act I like into it and ended up coming out with something that, to me, feels totally original. Hats off to you, sir.
Aww... fantastic. Have a "virtual" fave :-)
Superb. Another "I wanna fave but it won't let me" track.
Now I just HAD to listen to someone called Andy's Pants, didn't I?! lol Like what you guys are doing - keep doing it. Looking forward to hearing more.
Nice one. Swampy. Fave button still going "There was a problem with that request" unfortunately...
I know what you mean about associations on old songs... I tend to "conveniently forget" any "bad stuff" and just like the thing for what it is - but it seems like my entire life documented in songs! This one is gorgeous. And I love the intimate recording. I'll be very interested to hear the results if you do work it up to a band production.
Magical stuff. Very tasty.
My get up and go went some time ago... but this reminds me of it lol Definitely got the Petty/Springsteen vibe - love it. If my fave button worked, it would be faved...
Aw - this is the biz. Love the driving rhythm and the story telling vibe to the lyrics.
Just listened to the whole thing... Masterpiece (the missus likes it too)