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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
****
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…
This did start off as a happy Blues, then I thought there's no such beast, is there ? So a quick rewrite to darken it up a bit. Well that's me for a couple of weeks, Daughter's Wedding Saturday, then off on a 10 day Cruise on Wednesday. You all…
Another with the £16 special.......We know he isn't really i mean he's here with me now in the cellar............
HE’S GONE (lYRICS)
IT WAS A CARELESS LOVE THAT TOOK HIM AWAY
OF COURSE THERE WAS NEVER GONNA BE THE RIGHT KINDA DAY
TO SAY GOODBYE…
Another collab with Jip, with me adding the vibes, pad of the orient, flute and vocals.
From the original da da da da das before I came up with any lyrics, I wasn't happy with any of the melodies. This is the result of me getting bored with…
in bed - cant sleep
go downstairs to pour a drink
the acs out, its hot as shit
but you learn to get used to it
since you left, its been hard
leavin early from parties and bars
you wont pick up, you're over it
its been a while, im used to it…
each time I’d look at you
I was looking for a breakthrough
some emptied sigh, some reasons why
everything I’d left behind
reckless provisions for some blooming vine
followed me, in the back of my mind
forgive me, mother for the lamb…
in bed - cant sleep
go downstairs to pour a drink
the acs out, its hot as shit
but you learn to get used to it
since you left, its been hard
leavin early from parties and bars
you wont pick up, you're over it
its been a while, im used to it…
This is a song I have just recently finished recorded over the summer in my basement using all live recordings of real instruments (intro vocals were recorded literally on a cliffside), and this is the first of more to come. It's a song about…
Let's buy decency,
And we'll stitch into the arms of our sweaters,
Cause I'm just a fool,
With an acoustic guitar, no shimmer.
I used to read books,
If they held my attention I still might.
The callous on my thumbs,
Say I stay up and…
Texas hold em poker, and going for it all. Open mic acoustic with some alt tuning. Percussion by Norm.
The kokiriko? Norms playing in there actually sounds like shuffling cards- particularly loving the glockenspiel addition he did…
WOOO - I've been listening to all of your stuff while doing some much needed guitar maintenance. Haven't been near enough the PC to fave and comment appropriately on individual songs... but WOW! I didn't hear a single track I didn't like, and there is some utterly SUPERB stuff in your track list.
Hoping there'll be some more soon.
You never would have caught me playing this genre a few years ago. WHat the hell happened ??
All the instruments were recorded with an open mic at my house. Which, as you know is always a chaotic place to record :) If you listen hard enough…
Oh,
Iron jaws, wrapped around my legs,
Try to gnaw, but why would I want to.
Why would I want to.
Oh,
Fresh cut gauze, soaking lips,
Trying not to fall, but why would I want to.
Why would I want to.
Silent pines, know my name
Even…
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
Cool song - fabulous vocals.
Nice slide.
This sounds mighty fine. Loving the piano.
Nice one. Have a good day on Saturday, and a relaxing time on the cruise... See you on the flip side :)
You're certainly wringing yer £16 worth out of that thing. Excellent stuff.
This is the business. Love the slide, love the vocal, what's not to like? :)
Aw, this is fab.
Just been listening to all your tracks on rotation while we were getting the dinner ready. Lovely stuff. The missus likes it too :)
Aww... wow. Why have I not noticed your stuff before? Love it. Faved, followed :)
This is a wonderful song. Really classy piece of work. I love the performance and arrangement as well. All round wonderful...
Oh yeah, this is wonderful.
That is mighty fine - a really inventive version. Nice one.
Oh what a fabulous sound. Gorgeous stuff.
Oh yes. Love it.
Another fantastic one from you. Love the contrast between the verses and choruses. The guitar riff, everything.
Wow - huge sound. And then it gets even bigger.
I like this one a lot.
WOOO - I've been listening to all of your stuff while doing some much needed guitar maintenance. Haven't been near enough the PC to fave and comment appropriately on individual songs... but WOW! I didn't hear a single track I didn't like, and there is some utterly SUPERB stuff in your track list. Hoping there'll be some more soon.
Oh yeah this sounds wonderful. I want a cello and a banjo.
Very tasty. Mrs R is a fan as well now.