(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…
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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…
(Remastered 22/10/2021)
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…
(Remastered 22/10/2021)
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…
Woah! Love this. I follow you, so I got the notification, but couldn't remember why... (My brain's going in my old age!) ... But when this started, AH! That's why...
LOVE the vibe on this... And the lyrics... wow. I was messaging someone, and the tale in this just DEMANDED my attention... gotta go back to them in a minute! I'm wondering whether this was the idea that was originally intended to go on With Signs Following? It's FABULOUS here.
Wow - this one is longer than I was expecting! I'm listening to your RPM playlist while monitoring non-music stuff in another window (and holding a book, an actual book!) ... and I was thinking I'd lost track of what was going on! This is very trippy - I'm in the latter half of this track now, and what it's most reminding me of is Electric Ladyland period Hendrix. This is mighty cool. Are you going to have a version with the lyrics you were planning?
First track of my, now defunct EP RPM challenge effort. It has not gone well :)
Week 1 - road being resurfaced outside.... noise noise noise!
Week 2 - got some tracking done
Week 3 - Bad tooth infection needing extraction for week 4
Week…
Just been reading your blurb - oh man... what I nightmare. I've been recording acoustic demos for the FAWM challenge, I gave up worrying about noise in the end, otherwise I'd have destroyed more than one guitar!. The noise from outside (and from significant other snoring on the other sofa one afternoon... I kid you not, it's in there somewhere!) has been somewhat worse than usual. No tooth infection... although I do have a crown that fell off months ago that maybe I should get fixed before I get an infection!
First track of my, now defunct EP RPM challenge effort. It has not gone well :)
Week 1 - road being resurfaced outside.... noise noise noise!
Week 2 - got some tracking done
Week 3 - Bad tooth infection needing extraction for week 4
Week…
Hehe... I've spoken to my people... and we'd have been more scared if you'd trade-marked the title somehow... and they said to mention to your lawyer and this Dexter chap that Lorraine "Atomic Blonde" Broughton is a very dear friend of ours and she has a special understanding of the phrase "We're Done" ...hehehe
This is a story about the Ojibwa migration to Chequamegon Bay area in Wisconsin. Inspired by a vision, the Anishinabeg (Original People) or Anishinabe (Refering to One Person) migrated west to where the food grew on the water (wild rice) and…
Wow! I just realised I heard and loved this on Tuesday... and then wrote a thing called "We're Done" on Saturday - I shall go and update my description now!!!
Well...This is song #10 for my 2022 RPM challenge- the final track for my "album". It's a bit like two songs that found each other somehow. That makes for a very long track! eek. Thank you to everyone who has been listening to my songs...it…
Song 9# for my RPM 2022. I don't know how it happened, but I ended up with a bit of an alternative quasi-delta blues here. I walk a lot of country roads at night so..... The harmonies were fun. Thanks to anyone who listens! Onward…
Loving this one. I'm staying on the straight and narrow of "little parlour guitar in standard tuning, write song, record song, on to next..." but I'm itching to play some other stuff and instruments... and THIS makes me gaze across the room at Les Pauls and Resonators and the shelf of slides, and... and...
Song 9# for my RPM 2022. I don't know how it happened, but I ended up with a bit of an alternative quasi-delta blues here. I walk a lot of country roads at night so..... The harmonies were fun. Thanks to anyone who listens! Onward…
Everybody's looking for a savior
To tell them how to live before they die
As if they can't control their own behavior
Or trust what they can see with their own eyes
Mindlessly believing what you tell 'em
When everything you tell 'em is a…
Oh crumbs. This is fabulous. Song, performance and production. I was planning on listening when working... but these tracks are DEMANDING attention. I'm gonna have to stop listening now - not getting any work done! I shall return later (possibly days not hours - I got songs to write too!)
Raised on vinyl and a needle that rides
To a paper circle at the end of both sides
Between the speakers, cover in hand
Sit in silence after Jungleland
I will not trade one bit of my soul for their pieces of gold
I've seen a world they'll…
Given it's Valentine's Day ...I thought I'd write a little love song. This is Song #8 for my 2022 RPM challenge. Practiced a bit of breathy indie vocals and harmonies.
Thanks to anyone who's listening. :).
You thrill me
you undo me…
My 7th song for the 2022 RPM challenge. This one is a bit more pensive and slow moving. I always love adding harmony. I was thinking of Bjork (who I love) when I wrote it. I included some flute so my sister can play along next time we jam…
The calluses from all this bass playing are coming along nicely! This is another RPM song (song 6) where I built the song from a little bass riff. The lyrics include some quotes and/or references - pick them out and win a prize (ha ha…
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
Woah! Love this. I follow you, so I got the notification, but couldn't remember why... (My brain's going in my old age!) ... But when this started, AH! That's why...
Excellent RPM. There's some real standout tracks for me. Nice one.
LOVE the vibe on this... And the lyrics... wow. I was messaging someone, and the tale in this just DEMANDED my attention... gotta go back to them in a minute! I'm wondering whether this was the idea that was originally intended to go on With Signs Following? It's FABULOUS here.
Wow - this one is longer than I was expecting! I'm listening to your RPM playlist while monitoring non-music stuff in another window (and holding a book, an actual book!) ... and I was thinking I'd lost track of what was going on! This is very trippy - I'm in the latter half of this track now, and what it's most reminding me of is Electric Ladyland period Hendrix. This is mighty cool. Are you going to have a version with the lyrics you were planning?
Love those harmonics.
Just been reading your blurb - oh man... what I nightmare. I've been recording acoustic demos for the FAWM challenge, I gave up worrying about noise in the end, otherwise I'd have destroyed more than one guitar!. The noise from outside (and from significant other snoring on the other sofa one afternoon... I kid you not, it's in there somewhere!) has been somewhat worse than usual. No tooth infection... although I do have a crown that fell off months ago that maybe I should get fixed before I get an infection!
Cool track. Love that guitar.
Hehe... I've spoken to my people... and we'd have been more scared if you'd trade-marked the title somehow... and they said to mention to your lawyer and this Dexter chap that Lorraine "Atomic Blonde" Broughton is a very dear friend of ours and she has a special understanding of the phrase "We're Done" ...hehehe
Oh yes. Love the pictures you're painting in my mind.
Wow! I just realised I heard and loved this on Tuesday... and then wrote a thing called "We're Done" on Saturday - I shall go and update my description now!!!
I see what you mean about the "two songs that found each other" ... but it SO works. Fabulous.
Loving this one. I'm staying on the straight and narrow of "little parlour guitar in standard tuning, write song, record song, on to next..." but I'm itching to play some other stuff and instruments... and THIS makes me gaze across the room at Les Pauls and Resonators and the shelf of slides, and... and...
Oh that intro!!!
Wooo. Like this one a lot. Making me think of early Status Quo - not entirely sure why. Love the droney sound of the open E.
Oh crumbs. This is fabulous. Song, performance and production. I was planning on listening when working... but these tracks are DEMANDING attention. I'm gonna have to stop listening now - not getting any work done! I shall return later (possibly days not hours - I got songs to write too!)
Oh... gorgeous gorgeous sounds.
Love the imagery you use in this.
OH. MY. GOODNESS... I love this. I've probably favourited all the others... this needs TWO favourites.
Woah! Yeah. This grabs me big time. I'll listen to some others tomorrow - but right now I gotta get some sleep!
Oh yeah!! Love this one. Wasn't sure at first, but when the vocal started I was pulled straight in. LOVE the chorus.