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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…
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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
****
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…
Don't let it go, don't let it burn out so slow; like a bar of soap in your match-jar.
Cause even when things hurt the most, don't let it go.
And when the wick burns out, when your house remains a parsed kind of fall.
When the rambling chords…
This one's a grower. Took me a couple of listens.
Love how your guitar playing seems to be changing. I like the percussive guitar styles you've used as well (in fact, I've been trying to figure out how to use them myself - not much success yet!) so don't drop them altogether!
Facebook is a horrible thing. The real world keeps intruding into the perfectly peaceful virtual world.
REAL MEN
Real men, keep stealing', my pretend girlfriend
Real men keep butting' in. They've done it again. Real men
No one seems to…
A song about, well, s**t happens, but all in all, it's alright. Thanks to TwoRegs (singing), Freight Drive Reprobate (singing and harmonica)and Lady Jane (Singing in posh mode). Hope you like.
More roars... What a voice you have Mrs Smith.
Many years ago I knew someone who could do this kinda thing. Me and my drummwer used to sit at the foot of her mic stand at her gigs, she sat at the foot of my mic stand at ours ... we only spoke to each other once, just to say "hi" lol
Bonding with a new guitar
Bittersweet is not just for chocolate
If you put any more change in my pocket
I'd sink in a bathtub
Since I've been gone
You've moved on
Everything's different
but the feelings remain
yet another sign of change
A…
Love it. It was one of my favourite songs when I was little.
This is a gorgeous version - I was expecting a more "wailing" version, which is what I'm used to... so this was a surprise. It's superb.
Back the car, down the boulevard
Right up on the beach
And when the sea, comes crashing in
You, won't hear a thing
There's dreams, painted above the waves
And their caps at your feet
With light-house on point, fisherman beyond
Blue and…
Who's that knocking at the door
It's the sand
In the wind
with the truth and more
Seagull in the sky
Soar like an Eagle
Pray in sights
Fly in to the sea
Dive down deep
You will find me
Only then you rise
Phoenix flys
To golden hights…
"I Can't Write Love Song" was inspired by a series of letters written from home to one of our millitary fighting during WWII. The real twist is that these letters were written only a few short years ago.
I was picking up my wife from her job…
The Hammered Dulcimer melody haunted me for weeks, but it didn't come together until Jamie played drums on it. Takes a long time to pay off, but I hope if you hang with it, you'll dig where it gets too.
WOOOF! This is a live one isn't it??
Superb stuff. When I was playing live there was two types of sax players: 1. "oh sh1t, does he really have to jam with us, guys?" and 2. "tell you what, I won't bother playing any guitar solos tonight, the sax man can do it all"
You'd be in the second category. Superb :)
Listened to a good few ("Smooth" down here to Hope) while fixing a table before the in-laws come round.
I don't listen to this kind of stuff much, but WOW what a band... really enjoyed it. You guys must be absolutely great live.
Yep, I think I prefer this version. It's real close though - I think it's one of those where the artist hears a big difference and the rest of us go yeah, cool... lol
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
Crazy stuff! Nice one.
This one's a grower. Took me a couple of listens. Love how your guitar playing seems to be changing. I like the percussive guitar styles you've used as well (in fact, I've been trying to figure out how to use them myself - not much success yet!) so don't drop them altogether!
Oh yeah, like it. Love the big sound you get with acoustic arrangements.
Oh yeah, this is a real cool track. Love it.
Nice one. Very nice one.
Fantabulous. Wonderful. Superb. One of those "need a SUPER-FAVE button" tracks.
More roars... What a voice you have Mrs Smith. Many years ago I knew someone who could do this kinda thing. Me and my drummwer used to sit at the foot of her mic stand at her gigs, she sat at the foot of my mic stand at ours ... we only spoke to each other once, just to say "hi" lol
James beat me to it with the "mid range" comment on the new guitar. Loved that roar from you :)
Love it. It was one of my favourite songs when I was little. This is a gorgeous version - I was expecting a more "wailing" version, which is what I'm used to... so this was a surprise. It's superb.
A wonderful song. Love the "a crown and its frog"
Woo! This is a bit of departure from your recent stuff - wasn't expecting this at all. I'd forgotten that you'll take on anything! Nice one.
Gorgeous vocal on a very fine song. Really interesting story to go with it.
Oh yes. I'm with Kirk on this. Fabulous.
My oh my this sounds good.
WOOOF! This is a live one isn't it?? Superb stuff. When I was playing live there was two types of sax players: 1. "oh sh1t, does he really have to jam with us, guys?" and 2. "tell you what, I won't bother playing any guitar solos tonight, the sax man can do it all" You'd be in the second category. Superb :)
Listened to a good few ("Smooth" down here to Hope) while fixing a table before the in-laws come round. I don't listen to this kind of stuff much, but WOW what a band... really enjoyed it. You guys must be absolutely great live.
Ooooh yeah... smooth as flip. Fine horn playing, very tasty...
Both southern... ... and comforting :)
Yep, I think I prefer this version. It's real close though - I think it's one of those where the artist hears a big difference and the rest of us go yeah, cool... lol
Listened to all four - fabulous stuff. Hope you're coming back one day.