Without The Sun by Vic Holman
Genre: Alternative Rock
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Description:
Who can help but wonder about the ever expanding universe. Set adrift yet, eventually to condense into a single lump of coal.
Lyrics:
Without The SunI stopped counting stars when the clouds rolled in
got to dark to see
There in the darkness there was on light
seemed to be heading for me
Angels came on a wave of beams
seems they had a message for me
Chorus:
How can you see without the sun
The lights guiding the way
And those tiny lights you saw
as they drift away
Alien nation lost in a crowd
I was told about it all
The angels in silver and Klaatu
rewound the rise and fall
My mind was funneled out through space
there I came face to face
Chorus:
How can you see without the sun
The lights guiding the way
And those tiny lights you saw
as they drift away
I know I'm small but I saw it all
what will be will be
I waved goodbye to my silver friends
as they sailed in to the black sea
You and I will watch the world fade away to eternity
Chorus:
How can you see without the sun
The lights guiding the way
And those tiny lights you saw
as they drift away
Hardware:
imac, ovation acoustic, Ibanez EW acoustic, Ibanez bass, Ibanez SA Electric, Epiphone DOT Deluxe electric, Digitech GNX2, BBE Sonic Stomp, Ibanez Tube Screamer, Shure 57 mike, m-audio keyboard & interface.Software:
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bud
but this tune is super cool. Love the guitar sounds all over the place and the lyrics and vox rock. Alien nation anthem!
Vic Holman
I thought i was overdue for a space song. just don't run with scissors!
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now where's those car keys?
And a cherry flavored Tootsie Pop in your mouth!!! Live life on the "EDGE"!!! RISK IT ALL!!!! DARE TO DREAM - BIG TIME!!!!!
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Learning To Fly - Tom Petty
Love My New Wings!
Ed Hannifin
Where is everyone?
This is a cool piece of Sixties psychedelia... I like the opening bit especially. I thought for a second that it was going to be an instrumental...
On my headphones, I think the multi-tracked and effected vocals are not forward enough, especially at the beginning... so I strain a little to catch the lyrics... My age does not help this...
I like the change of guitars in the solo sections, and the little power chord chunks as you go in and out of the chorus... I like that you get very cool tones from the guitars, and you use more than one cool tone per song...
There are sometimes parts of your songs where I think that the stacked tracks get just a trifle obscured if they're not super-tight. You tend to use many guitars to get the sound you're getting, and just a little offness may disconnect your groove just a tiny bit. I think on this one there's a stretch at the beginning where this happens somewhat. To my rough ears it seems as if it may be a disconnect between the guitar layers and the bass, or the bass and the drums. Over the course of the song, things seem to tighten, to my ears.
I always look forward to your songs, though, just because they are so guitar-happy and psychedelically poppy...
Ed
Vic Holman
must be vacation time fo most.
The acoustic solo at the beginning and mid section came in last aas a after thought. I'm glad that I added those. A instrumental probably isn't to far off in the future though.
Usually every guitar goes through a different amp setting, I only have to add a high pass filter at that point and avoid endless EQing.
I get what you're saying on the chorus. Know that I think about it I should of have brought a few of the distorted guitars levels down. And maybe dropped the acoustic guitar in that part.
That would of gave the vocals a bit more head room. Actually my vocals don't have any effects, not even reverb. Theres 3, one center one right one left in the chorus parts. But they do tend to have a mind of there own.:-)
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now where's those car keys?
Vic... come up for a breath man. Song after friggin' cool song. I am exhAWEsted... I love that acoustic guitar solo playing... really sweet. And the band played on..... is that the ovation... on the solo licks? cheers
Vic Holman
It started as just a 3 chord thing. Then I got ansy hands.
That is my ovation for the acoustic solos. It's a super shallow bowl. Seems it is best suited for the lead lines in recording. Actually it's idea guitar that I originally work up ideas with and rarely gets used in recording.
Breath in, Breath out!
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now where's those car keys?
Wait a minute. I just posted a comment on your previous tune, mentioning that it reminded me a bit of Klaatu (the group, not the robot) and then I hopped over here - and the first thing I see is the word "Klaatu" in the lyrics!
Rod Serling? Hello?
Okay. Seriously? This is great... love that sound you seem to be able to create with so many different shades. Call me a BIG fan!
Calling occupants of interplanetary craft? You might want to check out THIS tune on World Contact Day!
Vic Holman
thought it would be little funny to throw Klaatu in. Need a robot when you go to space.
I still have Klaatu's first album, alas no turntable. I will need to pick up the CD. that is a killer album. Some of the songs still ring though my mind.
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now where's those car keys?
Peter Bauckham
This is another great tune. You have a very distinctive sound and style. Nice soloing throughout. One of my favourites from you so far. My only minor negative is the begining is a bit abrubt. Superb otherwise.
Peter
Vic Holman
This turned out even better than i had thought when I first started working on it. The acoustic solos came on last as a after thought. Kind of explains why all the different guitars used.
There are a few things that I can see that need to be adjusted. Isn't that always the case.
Thanks again Peter. I appreciate your time to listen and feedback.
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now where's those car keys?
Nice going Vic. This is yet another classic from your lysergic mind...Love the gritty power chord change-ups that follow the acoustic sections. Nice lead solos...The acoustic solo sounds especially spacey and empathetic...Well executed vocals top it all off. Count me in!
Be well bro!
Vic Holman
at the edge of the universe. I belive there is a bar there. I was due for a space song. I only I had a Captain Kirk outfit to wear while doing this piece.
Originally there were going to be no solos at all. But I'm happy that I thought better of it.
I'm sure there are still traces dripping around in my head to this day.
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now where's those car keys?
(posted this comment in the middle on purpose - Ha! Ha!) It was Freakin' GREAT for ME! LOVE THIS SONG!!! I'm wearin' off on ya , Vic! This one's a happy luv "toon"!!!! Post real Comment Soon! Composing my thoughts - tryin' anyway!!! I keep knockin' into walls and slipping off my chair at my day job! (I can't believe I just said that! I promised I was gonna behave myself! You two bring out the worst in me!!!!)
You TWO both owe me!!!, (big time!!!!) after taking my totally innocent remarks on "Quant", and running WILD with them!!! LOL!!! It took me a week or more of contemplation, "I'm a little slow on the uptake" to realize my "post" on "Quant" could be interpreted in more than a totally chaste manor!!!! [WHICH IT WAS!!!!!] (Git yo' mind out the gutter Boi's!!!!) LOL!!!!!!!!!!!
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Learning To Fly - Tom Petty
Love My New Wings!
I like that heavy guitar it gives the chorus a powerful ending before it "drops" again into the verse, excellent production throughout!
excellent trippy song as well!
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wha? who? TW
Vic Holman
to many options on what one can do with a song. though i know there are a few subtle changes i can make.
Thanks Tom
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now where's those car keys?
Macaudion
Why don't I recall that you sing, Vic? And I don't remember that you play a guitar either. Has it been that long. I like it! Some Dylan action, going on here. Felt like I had stepped back a few years and for some reason, this made me feel proud of my youth. I'm not that old, but I'd like to be. I don't care much for Dylan, but I liked your vocals. NICE guitar work! Great writing. I like the sound of the drum loops, alot. There were only a couple of places where I wanted to hear different choices in drum loops, but I can get obsessive about these sorts of things. This has a real life sound to it. I wanted to refine the begining a little, but I'm sure that some might say, that it takes too long for my songs to get started. This has good structure too! I like the way this went out too.
Great job! Thanks for putting this one out for grabs! Macca
Vic Holman
I'm pretty sure i play guitar and sing. at least that's what I'm told ;-)
I think I carry a bit of a retro sound. must be ingrained or something.
Actually there are no drum loops. I play those on the keyboard. of course i have no real drumming experience so I tend to keep them fairly simple and more to the beat so everything else can fly all over the place.
Thanks again Macca!
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now where's those car keys?
cjdaley
sound but subtle, and very bright. I am usually wary of solos, but I like this one, and the way the acoustic guitar takes up after the first layer.
Vic Holman
It started out simple but idle hands kept getting into it. The acoustic solo at the beginning and mid section came as a after thought. More of those idle hands.
Thanks again. I enjoyed your 2 new songs!
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now where's those car keys?
did this slip by me.. dont know why your music has such an appeal to me but appeal it does and so enjoy I do.. I think i'm in a yoda mood tonight or mabye a 13.5% wine mood either way you rock my man!!!!!!!
Vic Holman
drink up you will. slip by not it did....sorry i had to do that.
Thanks E.B. I'm always pleased when you give these songs a listen.
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now where's those car keys?
echoroom
Vic, you just seem to effortlessly shrug these little gems off your shoulder... how do you write so much and keep the quality so good. The production here is, of course, magnificent. I love the seet, laid back verse,that gorgeous solo, but then that killer chorus ... pure Holman ... you sound like you and no other.
The geek in me loves the Klaatu reerence too! The line:
I know I'm small but I saw it all..
is killer.
Why the hell aren't you on itunes???!!! There's no justice.
Steve
Vic Holman
they just come. You're far from being a geek Klaatu is not just the coolest robot ever. He's also the greatest tour guide to the stars. Not once did he do a Uranus joke.
If I was on itunes, more then likely I would be the free download of the week. ha!
Thanks again Steve!
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now where's those car keys?
lavalamp
Great job, Mr. Petty.JK Fantastic guitar work on this one. Will be posting later this week btw. You never disappoint. I will down load all your stuff when I can at home.(Can't do it at work).
People drop that 60's or 70's lable on songs, but what does that mean? Music is music. Just because something has clean electric guitars it gets classified as 60's or 70's? I don't get it.
Great piece of writing, man, for any decade.
9.10 You have been rated.
LL
Vic Holman
You know i think music is timeless. i try to put a new spin on it where I can.
This one does go through a few different style as well.
Looking forward to your next song as well. Same goes!
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Another great one .. very nice song ..
The lyrics is very good .. and have a good meaning ..
I enjoyed it a lot .. for me it's the best of you till now ..
Your acoustic .. i'll cry because of the sound .. it's remember me my KAWAI which i left it in Iraq .. wish this guitar come back to me soon ..
PERFECT AND ENJOYABLE .. thanks for posting ..
as always like your songs pictures ..
Keep up your great work ..
Regardz
==============
Yeman Auf Al-Rawi
Juan Serrano
Vic Holman
The acoustic for the solo is my ovation. It's usually my idea guitar that I work most songs out on. I have rarely used recording. but it works really wel for the solo lines.
I Hope you do get your guitar back as well. Some guitars are really hard to part with.
Thanks again Yeman
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now where's those car keys?
mikkinylund
Well written and arranged. Reminds me of Ziggy some, perhaps it's the theme. Great melodies, awesome vocal, and guitars. I like the mix of electric and acoustic. Catchy chorus.
Vic Holman
I figured i was overdue for a space song. I was real lucky on the lyrics i pretty much wrote them as i was recording. nice if that could happen all the time.
Every guitar is set up differently through modeled amps. so at this point I'm not really sure how many different ones there are here.
Thanks Mikki, I appreciate you taking the to hear it.
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now where's those car keys?
bronco
Super intro, very melodic. Really a big fan of your guitar playing. Has that ultra coolness about it. Different, inventive, creative, not bad ways to describe what you do. Another super melodic rocker with mysterious lyrics. Who could ask for more?
Vic Holman
I think I'm more then likely, guitar obsessed. I doubt if there is a cure for that. Not that I'm looking for one.;-) At a certain point the song directs you what to add...and take out. sometimes reluctantly.
Thanks again Tom
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"Are we there yet?" - not quite, but we are approaching the speed of light! :-) The whole song rocks me to my soul's core, and the acoustic solos felt like a lovers eyes caressing a woman with wonder! Well Done, Vic!!!
Bro's, If you get to the Cyberspace Cafe before I do, order me a Stoli straight up - I'll be along directly to meet you in "the booth in the back......" ("Sister Golden Hair" - America)
"One good thing about music, when it hits you, you feel no pain." - Bob Marley (Love, Light, & Well Being "Dj" you are so Freakin' Awesome!!!)
Vic Holman
rule #1. Don't Panic. Most of us would be drunk and doing bad Star War imitations. Or bad impersonations of a room full of Capt. Kirks.
Thanks Carole
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I'm putting myself in "time out." No more creative writing exercises for awhile. Apologies to everyone, especially Vic and Amagi! Think I'll go put some more stuff on my Bio. for awhile - might be safer. And to the guy with the handful of Sable brushes - Cain Five is great, Domaine Serene is wonderful, so is the Artwork. We might have had much to discuss, but it's a moot point now.
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Learning To Fly - Tom Petty
Love My New Wings!
Vic Holman
Don't Panic
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dajama
work on this one, as always. You know how to layer 'em, man! Magnificent playing - nice melodic touches and gret little flourishes. And what contrasts in sounds! (Love that acoustic sound btw) I like the lyrics a lot, too. Nicely done. Thanks for sharing. Peace.
Vic Holman
I wanted each section to stand on it's own as a seperate piece. Plus each guitar or guitars are set up to sound differently as well. I find it cuts down on any EQing issues. Sometimes after I finish a song, I'll look back at it and wonder how did I do that.
Thanks again David for sparing some of your Time.
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timothy devine
Solid.
Well done.
Kool.
wall of sound...
peace...
where's that confounded bridge?
Vic Holman
Funny thing was it only started with three chords. Then obsessivness came into play. Don't know how it works but it's fun getting there.
BTW found the keys but wheres the car? maybe under that confounded bridge
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lengold
that I can add to what has been said except that the song definitely grows on you. It is one that carries on playing in your head long after it is finished. Superb.
Cheers
Len
Vic Holman
I'm glad you liked it, when something sticks that's the greatest compliment
Thanks again!
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jiguma
I really like the tune - has echoes of Bowie to me for some reason (maybe the "Major Tom" connection?). You get some amazing guitar sounds, but my personal taste would suggest a little more gain on the acoustic and a little more separation on the electrics - not a criticism, just a personal thing. Like everyone has said, great writing, playing and production!!
Neil
Vic Holman
Every guitar was set up differently going in. different amp models, distortion, etc. I think the variety helps in separating tones. I have few other adjustments to make, so your input is a good thought, before it's destined for the car stereo.
I think the Glam Bowie principle is the mix of acoustics, crunchy electrics (not high gain) and a all out chorus. And a space theme doesn't hurt.
Thanks Neil, I'm waiting (for that mental spark) to get something more complicated going to give you a call on.
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jiguma
Complicated? I work best on the K.I.S.S. principle.
:)
Neil
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WINDS OF CHANGE
Vic Holman
most of these songs are simple chord structures.
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what is the norm?
jgurner
.... that hadn't already been said.
Loved it. Keep 'em coming, man!
Vic Holman
They keep coming, but i usually never know where there going until I get there. Isn't that usually the case with everyone.
Thanks again Joseph!
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what is the norm?
Scott Carmichael
one of the most prolific guys on Mj... do you work and is your boss happy with you... further... inquiries... are you married and is your wife leaving you...
all this is under the none of your business protection clause...
without reading the other comments, I know you got compaired to George... your vocal is a eal nod his direction... that's a great thing... and as always, I love your guitar work and the way you craft your changes, and dynamics through the sections... you have a real identifiable sound... a thumbprint... if you will... I LIKE
more recent thought is that there is not enough mass in the universe to cause a colapse, so now the consensus is that it will expand forever... unlike myself... i will only be expanding a few more decades... but I will certainly colapse...
peace
Vic Holman
Unfortunately I'm forced to work, with maybe a day off here and there. Thank God I refuse to own a cel phone, it would be a umbilical cord.
Well for a long time i was confined to the basement, behind the oil furnace, to play.
I guess if the universe does keep expanding, then The Rolling Stones, might want to revise their song "Two Thousand Light Years from Home"
Thanks again Scott
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what is the norm?
SmokeyVW
i love the chord progressions... man , how do you do it?
very nice
thanks
Vic Holman
that no one has remade "The Day The Earth Stood Still". Still is one of my favorites.
The chords are pretty basic with a few odd ones. It's just when you start adding fragments is when it gets interesting. you know how it happens. Probably could of been a cowboy song, if it was stripped down.
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what is the norm?
One of my faves too. If they do remake it they'll probably screw it up like they did with "The Time Machine" and "The War Of The Worlds."
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"We are put upon this earth a little space that we might learn to bear the beams of love." (William Blake)
Moviz
very original lyrics and the vocals are great ( a little quiet at first) and I really enjoyed this. Guitars too were really nice; with a nice driving rhythm taking us forward in the chorus. good production, M
Vic Holman
usually i start with a few chords and just build from there. Kind of a odd way to approach it. But I find it works most of the time. That and some luck.
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what is the norm?
DWL
Late to the party and it's all been said :-)
Brilliant stuff Vic!
Cheers
Dick
Vic Holman
The party never starts until you show up.
Thanks again for the listen.
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what is the norm?
guitapick
are so fine, Vic. And then you know how to produce and play what you hear, so well.
Great combination of skills...
Vic Holman
Of course it's taken a few years to get to this point. I have quite a few old ones that pretty much suck.
Thanks again Bob. appreciated!
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what is the norm?
guitapick
...can't I relate to that!
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I live between the notes
MJG
Another quality tune, guitar were my favorite, cool lyrics and vocals too. Nice job!
Vic Holman
I just went for it on this. after listening to parts and getting a mental picture of what to add it flows pretty quickly at that point.
Thanks for the time out to listen!
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what is the norm?
announcer
You seem to get better with each posting. I hear what an earlier commentator said about some of the tracks not being spot on in rhythm and sync, but you do that a lot on many of your tunes. It contributes to the overall "Holman sound" that so many have come to know and love.
:)
Vic Holman
Usually the acoustics do a slightly different rythm. mostly to add some variance and hopefully a bit of a live feel.
Thanks Bill.
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what is the norm?
smokey bacon jnr
Liked this one a lot. Everything just fits together well. The solos are beautiful, I wish I could play like that. I'm not sure about the rising vocal on the first "away" in the chorus, have you tried it with the vocal dropping there - sounds a bit strained.
Vic Holman
Of course I always feel my voice is strained.
Who can afford a pro singer on a MacJam budget.
Thanks again. Appreciate the listen.
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what is the norm?