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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…
Yes :)
I love what you do with words.
Gumbo, don't be too quick to volunteer - that was my first reaction too, but after a few listens I could hear a darker side in this little song...
Gumbo? Gumbo? Guys!... quick, get the spades... he might still be breathing lol
Cover of one of my favortie Beatles songs, from the White Album.
I actually bought a capo for this, after 30+ years of thinking capos are for wimps.
The Songcrafters.org Beatles II fest prompted me to go ahead and record it.
I wrote this song at a bowling alley in my small hometown in the Panhandle of FL/Lower Alabama
She blew into town on a one night Stand
Over eggs there was no one holding her hand
Just like the sauce
She became a mystery
Just like the…
Tis a true story about a friend, I was fascinated by the concept of friends sharing one black "funeral" dress passing it along like it was a hip handbag
She went to work like any other day
It didn't hit her till that package came
The first…
Dogs, cats, chickens, hamsters, human beings...it's all the same.
THE POUND
Thank you for coming to the pound
Take your time. Look around.
We’ve got something for everyone,
Someone for everyone.
Thank you for coming to the pound…
I've got a king size bed, in my heart
And I'm sinking in, termites eat me apart.
And the pillows, under my bones,
Feel like stones.
Cause I'm sinking in, into spiderwebs,
And my head is spinning, so
Wake up, wake up, wake up
Get outside
Stay…
Awww... you just haven't managed to post one I don't like yet!
Love the sound, the vocal delivery. But, woo, the imagery in the lyrics... and this one is just fabulous.
The song tells the story...
"You are tuned to WBAP, Fort Worth, Texas."
Daddy asked, "Where is Jimmy?" Daddy asking, "Where is Jimmy?"
Daddy asking, "Where is Jimmy, now?"
Daddy asked, "Where is Jimmy?" Daddy wondering, "Where is Jimmy…
Here's our new collab just in time for the American Elections.......i'm thinking of emigrating cause i want the power...is there still time .....Vote Reg
As a surprise for the missus (she gets out of hospital tomorrow after a 9 week stay) I've revamped a little ditty I wrote for her. I thought I'd put an Elvis slant on it including the ridiculous club style ending. I also slipped a bit of a British…
Oh yeah, I'm with Jimbo... superb vocals...
And I like songs about the missus (my missus didn't realise all mine were about her until she read the "abouts" on here!! lol)
I need an electric geeetar. My weary old Crafter electroacoustic picks up every touch. 'Scuse the solo, I'm only a strummer..
Anyway, the song. Clogging up my brain, had to get it out. Some lasses don't know what they look like, and some lads…
The core of the music is heavily inspired by Joni Mitchell. Its been spinning around for years in my head so hearing this song finally recorded feels good.
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
Mighty mighty fine.
Oh YEAH!! Wot a groove. Vox, geetar, everything... Faved & followed :)
Yes :) I love what you do with words. Gumbo, don't be too quick to volunteer - that was my first reaction too, but after a few listens I could hear a darker side in this little song... Gumbo? Gumbo? Guys!... quick, get the spades... he might still be breathing lol
Oh FAB! :) These are the vocals we wanted from the old version... Am I allowed to "un-fave" the old version?! ;)
Oh yeah, very nice version. The song kinda passed me by, this one of those covers that wakes me up to the original :)
Yeah... short but very powerful. Love the imagery. OK - there's only four so far. I want to hear MORE!! :)
And the stories you come up with for songs - amazing.
Yeah, me too. Wonderful voice. Love the music you make with it.
WOW! Song and performance SO immediate :) I gotta go right now - but I'll be back for more. Faved and followed...
There's something about this that really grabs me... truly inventive idea for a song. Yep, it really is all the same, isn't it?
Another goodie. Nice groove and the backwards guitar sound on top kind of eases you along... And a drum solo!! :)
Awww... you just haven't managed to post one I don't like yet! Love the sound, the vocal delivery. But, woo, the imagery in the lyrics... and this one is just fabulous.
Oh, yeah this wonderful. Really well pitched, could've been so over-sentimental but it's not. Love it.
Oh yeah, nice one, very nice one... Liking these collabs from you guys :)
Love that bo diddley groove. Rockin
Oh those refrains are brilliant lol - I wasn't going to fave this... but that last one got me...
Yes, this would fit in Les Mis no problem lol... Love it.
Oh yeah, I'm with Jimbo... superb vocals... And I like songs about the missus (my missus didn't realise all mine were about her until she read the "abouts" on here!! lol)
Yeah, like this one. Don't think it's missing electric - and that organ is mighty fine
Yep... like the remix :) Song itself shines through more now.