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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…
(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…
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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…
Stream of Consciousness again. Just pick up and play and see where it goes. Bit crackly on the vox and intro, but all intentional to give that 'just flung together' feel! G:)
There seems to be a lot of it about - ukes - did everyone get them for christmas or something? Should I be getting one? (Used to have one years ago, the young Andrew rated it at the same level as a recorder - an "instrument of the devil" lol)
Expert use of the thing here, sir.
An old riff plus a late working shift combined to allow this to happen
Premise: Rock Impresario admonishes a small boy about the 'heaviness of rock!' the small boy reciprocates about the 'lightness of life' Rock may beat scissors, but it doesn…
rpm 3,,cello,cello, contrabass, and bass clarinet,, im really getting to love that clarinet!,, thanks for listening , and please send any comments,suggestions, thoughts richard
RPM #2, first thank you all for the comments on rpm 1,, once again i forage into the world of midi orchestration,,, while i am beginning with strings and woodwinds,, this is a section from a string piece i am working on,, that somehow led me to…
Nice one. Me and the missus are watching Band Of Brothers again at the moment - for me, this has the same emotional kick to it that the B.O.B. theme has.
First of my rpm traks,, this year i am going to try to learn a bit about composing for midi orchestra, with that in mind i have began (in jan) to read several books on midi orchestration, orchestration and counterpoint,,, while these will probably…
Beware of following the link in the about while listening to the track!!!
It was 3 minutes before I realised I was listening to two things at once lol. I was thinking "this one is far too complex for me".
Now that I've listened to the solo piano - very cool piece :-)
Here we go, a tender little rocker from the broom-cupboard...
A tale of regrets and wotnots.
For/to RL
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**Tiffany's Estate - A A J Russe**
I wish I still had my position there
A steady job on Tiffany's estate
Each and every…
Yep, I was kind of going for 70s (early-mid 70s Slade was in my mind - bass and vocals, the rest fits where it can). I actually feared I had the drums TOO upfront for that!! lol
I tried and failed with a lot of percussion too - I felt it needed it. There's some tambourine, and some voices doing shaker noises - but none of it was good enough to come too high in the mix. What I really wanted was some clapping, but that didn't work at all!
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
Yes, enjoyed... like it.
This one is growing on me more each time I hear it.
Nice one. Are you saying that "stream of consciousness" means while the record light was on? If so, quite stunning.
I'm gradually getting into the weird and wonderful world of infograe
Yeah, like it. Very effective rhythm playing on the acoustic.
Yep, I'm with odh - continually amazed by the clarity of the guitar sounds you get. Nice one
There seems to be a lot of it about - ukes - did everyone get them for christmas or something? Should I be getting one? (Used to have one years ago, the young Andrew rated it at the same level as a recorder - an "instrument of the devil" lol) Expert use of the thing here, sir.
lol - keep taking the tablets! Love it.
Tasty
Yep some good stuff in here.
Nice one. Me and the missus are watching Band Of Brothers again at the moment - for me, this has the same emotional kick to it that the B.O.B. theme has.
Ooo yeah. Like this. Nice song and gorgeously clean arrangement.
On a second listen, it's not a just "nice one", it's a "very nice one"
Very nice sounds - looking forward to more.
Beware of following the link in the about while listening to the track!!! It was 3 minutes before I realised I was listening to two things at once lol. I was thinking "this one is far too complex for me". Now that I've listened to the solo piano - very cool piece :-)
Nice one.
Yep, I was kind of going for 70s (early-mid 70s Slade was in my mind - bass and vocals, the rest fits where it can). I actually feared I had the drums TOO upfront for that!! lol I tried and failed with a lot of percussion too - I felt it needed it. There's some tambourine, and some voices doing shaker noises - but none of it was good enough to come too high in the mix. What I really wanted was some clapping, but that didn't work at all!
Nice one. Been listening to quite a few of yours - I like the sounds you're making.
Cool track. Like that "swampy" guitar.
Oh YES - this is mighty mighty fine.