Girl On A Wing by Vic Holman
Genre: Alternative Rock
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Description:
quirky song with a quirky story with some quirky chords.
this went through a lot of transformations over the past few weeks. couple times dumped everything and started over. anywhere from a slower version to a heavier more distorted version. funny how a song can change during the process.
this went through a lot of transformations over the past few weeks. couple times dumped everything and started over. anywhere from a slower version to a heavier more distorted version. funny how a song can change during the process.
Lyrics:
Girl On A Winggirl on a wing
she wants to be a bird
she wants to fly away
she wears a curtain
wrapped around her head
always hanging out
on the window ledge
and she wants to be a bird
ch
(girl on a wing) she learns to fly
(girl on a wing) she sows the sky
(girl on a wing) she sings bye bye
blue skies reflect her eyes
wearing her disguise
the pinafore of feathers
lifts her off the ground
and she wants to be a bird
ch
(girl on a wing) she learns to fly
(girl on a wing) she sows the skies
we knew you well
we kept the feathers
somewhere out there
a wing and a prayer
and she wants to be a bird
ch
(girl on a wing) she learns to fly
(girl on a wing) she sows the sky
(girl on a wing) she sings bye bye bye
---------
ch
(girl on a wing) she learns to fly
(girl on a wing) she sows the skies
(girl on a wing) she sings goodbye bye bye
(girl on a wing) she sings goodbye bye bye
Hardware:
iMac, Gibson SG & Ibanez SA electric guitars, Schector 5 string bass, m-audio keyboard, digitech gnx2 pedal board, ibanez tube screamer, condenser mikeSoftware:
Logic Pro 8You must be registered and logged-in to comment.
dajama
This has some great changes, and what sounds like some very interesting chords for sure! Love the intro - scary good guitar sounds, no surprise there of course. The lead sound is terrific, contrasts nicely with the more "chiming" sound of the background guitar. Your vocal once again outstanding - distinctive and expressive. Love the lyrics ("the pinafore of feathers" - what an image!) Very cool, my friend. NIcely done. Peace.
Vic Holman
the beginning originally was some clean picked electrics. i started adding more elements just for fun and decided to keep them in. this one kind of became its own monster. Its been in the works for 3 weeks so I'm glad it is wrapped up.
Totally enjoyed your latest!
lengold
unusual and great song. I love the guitar sounds (especially the rhythm guitars in the chorus).. The song has a real momentum to it and your voice just gets better and has more confidence with every song. I know this is a bit from left field but I can actually hear this as a James Bond theme.
This is really excellent Vic.
Cheers
Len
Vic Holman
the rhythm guitars are my newly purchased Gibson SG. So this was the first outing for it and it wanted to rock. i also thought the short clean lines sound a bit 007. i almost dropped that but figured, what the heck. maybe the girl should of worn a bikini of feathers instead
Feter
WO ..this has incredible bass and guitar lines
all along .what a sound you brought here !
very tripy and sound just right right into the sound
(tube screamer) is the secret ...Deep Bow !!!
Vic Holman
you wouldn't think it, but, this song was originally composed on a acoustic guitar.
yes, tube screamers are great for overdrive, a little distortion with a whole lot of bite.
Thanks Feter
announcer
You are really running on all cylinders on this song. Overall sound is there and the lyrics are some of the strongest you have ever penned.
You also have done a great job here of the vocals working with and at the same time against the guitars and the rest of the track. ... does that make sense? I guess it is because the vocals are almost in half time to the rest of the track and that makes them really work here.
Your heavy use of the compression on this track is also a very good choice. It give the whole song an aggressive and saturated feel that doesn't work on all stuff but is very effective here.
Vic Holman
yeah i wanted this to have a bit of aggressive pumping action. i thought having the vocals at a half time feel would be a good way to counter the rest of the music. and best of all, I wouldn't have to write more lyrics.
Thanks again Bill
Mcboy
propellant track......rocks in the way rock should...hehhehhe...big sound vic.....nice tones u r getting.......likes likes likes!!!!!
Vic Holman
it was a race between this one and a slow acoustic number. rock aggression won out and possessed me to rip it up. Oh, and to build up the callouses on the finger tips.
Rebsie
Your stuff always sounds so polished and so immaculately integrated. All the instruments and voices tightly cemented together but still occupying their own space in the mix. I dunno how you do it but it's delightful.
A great dark piece of songwriting too, I love it.
Vic Holman
usually i have it figured out in my head before i even start. there's more thinking then playing. tinkering with the mix takes some time. unfortunately it consumes more of my free time instead of just playing. my amps are gathering dust and feeling lonely.
Z293
Sequence justs pull me into this. Love those as you say "quirky chords".
Vic Holman
the opening is a half time of the chorus. i added 3 guitars harmonizing and playing trills, i haven't even thought about trills in years. some of those chords i have no idea of there proper name, so it's quirky one, quirky two, etc.
this may be your best, certainly your most ambitious and adventurous, song in my opinion.... and you deliver the goods. The particular chord changes, the changes of tempo, the backup vocals, the atmospherics all come in as unique elements to create a Holman classic. The minor chords set the tone for some absolutely minimalistic yet powerful and evocative lyrics. That alone is the mark of a memorable song. And your singing of those lyrics, it seems, also takes some chances that I don't remember in your other songs... even more ambitious and interesting singing than maybe some of your previous outings.
Of course, this has the trademark classic guitar work and production of your other songs. Although with all the interwoven parts in this song, the production seems a notch up the ever-expanding scale. And one more thing, as stated by others... devastatingly effective bass and percussion throughout.
... so, you can relax, you passed the audition.
Kudos, Vic!
Jack
Vic Holman
so after passing the audition, what does this gig pay? oh yeah, it's all free.
it was all a matter of getting the staple gun and duct tape (man's best friend) out and blend some ideas together.
i didn't feel like writing a lot of lyrics (they give me headaches) so i stretched it out as much as i could.
Thanks again Jack!
Killer chorus, that grinding guitar is stellar driving the song along nicely....I love that loose nonchalant chorus makes the song for me
I assume this is the more nitty gritty version, well Im glad you decided to go with this!
Vic Holman
the rhythm guitars is a gibson sg that i just bought, and yeah it has grind power. wish it hadn't taken so long to get one.
i was to lazy to add more lines to the chorus so i tried drawing it out.
the even heavier version had 2 heavily distorted guitar tracks in addition to all this. i decided to dump them because they where competing too much.
One day I will either go with a Gibson or a Fender, But I like the Gibson better, Enjoy it and perhaps post a pic of it somewhere or a link, Thanks Vic
This song is really one of your best
Vic Holman
It was up for debate for me. I was thinking of the new american strat as well, but i realized I already have a few strats. One of them I put noiseless pickups in and does a great job of eliminating any hum.
I really like the light weight and feel of the SG. And I can prance around like Angus Young if I so choose.
jiguma
One of your best sounding songs - top guitar sounds as usual. You must have one of the best set of presets for guitar around.
Vox amazing! The Schector sounds great, especially the bits where the fx (is it "liquid bass preset?) bite. I'm really looking forward to getting Logic Pro 8 in the next few weeks. Excellent production.
No nits, just a top song - when's the CD coming out?
:)
Neil
Vic Holman
true I have something like 80 presets in my pedal board. although I stick to around 5. and add the tube screamer, that i can't find a equal sound to.
actually there is the bass of course, but also a synth track as well. It's included in logic 8. I know you are going to get a big kick out of L8.
I keep forgetting about the CD thing. I need to figure if it's economically viable.
jiguma
I look like I'm going to cover costs with mine, which to me is a really good result (and somewhat unexpected too). Send me an email if you want more info on this. It's possible to do it very cheaply.
Neil
DWL
Lovely smooth sound. I really liked the way you arranged this Vic.
Home recording at its best!
Cheers
Dick
Vic Holman
this one I kept changing parts, dumped the whole thing twice and finally started over to get this far. I'm glad this one is over, but I enjoyed creating it. It's hard to move on to something else when you got a music monkey on your back.
TobinMueller
The opening has this great Abbey Road "I Want You (She's So Heavy)" vibe, one of my favorite produced tracks of all time. The shifting rhythms and sliding harmonies are totally cool. One of my fav tracks of yours. Totally dig it. Really nice work.
Vic Holman
i didn't even think of she's so heavy (one of the coolest riffs ever) 'til you mentioned it. but there sure is a twist here. i originally was goofing around with the vocals, but actually liked what I heard on play back. Now, I have to wonder why I never tried that before. live and learn i guess.
five_extra_arms
Vic - the chorus is the best. Love the layering of the "girl on a wing" and "she learns to fly", etc.... Your voice sounds great and this might be your finest vocal performance to date.
Guitars - I'm sick and tired of telling you how good your guitar is. You've made me sicker and tireder (yup, I said tireder) with this astonishing new guitar of yours.
Excellent all around.
Bob
five_extra_arms
I forgot to tell you how nice the new bass sounds.
Vic Holman
Hey, Bob.
i found downing a couple glasses of water helps me on vocals. and a bathroom break from all that water helped too. that's being wettyer and fluidyer.
I like the new SG, it's got those devil horns that make it, well... hornyer.
I mis-spelled the bass brand, it actually ends in 'er' as well. with the 5th string it makes it more bassyer!
Godchaser
Very cool post.Love the overall sound of everything you've got going on here.Rock solid production and delivery.Guitar and bass tones are wonderful as is the vocal work.Good,good stuff.
Blessings,
Vic Holman
there was a lot of do overs to get this to where I was happy with it. I almost thought that I had painted myself in a corner when it came to doing the vocals. I just started to wing it. close call diverted. whew
davisamerica
man a real great tune here ... as always the guitar work is tops .... amazingly good and u!
Vic Holman
... along the way on this one.I kept changing my mind on parts, then i changed my mind to start over again. thank god i don't have to pay for studio time. But I was patient through the whole ordeal
ktb
I always enjoy music that takes some chances. I especially liked the progression and the perfect way you threaded your vocal through out. The guitars were razor sharp.
Vic Holman
it would make a good contrast to give the vocals a half time feel over the rest of the tune. besides with the quick chord changes i think i would of stumbled big time trying to keep up.
peacepiano
Driven to the quirky side eh? Sounds like it is bringing out your creative side. Despite its quirkiness, the chorus rocks.
Thanks
Bill
Vic Holman
mostly quirky chords and story. the big question is did she really fly or get put away. i always dig those open end things
SmokeyVW
nice one. great guitar as always - the lyrics may be out there - but they work.
i love that bass line in the chorus! it's addictive.
thanks
Vic Holman
the bass was the easy part. the hardest part for me is coming up with lyrics. lately, I just start improvising over the chorus. when i get something then the verses come pretty quick, so I'm writing and doing the vocals on the spot. i doubt if that will work every time though.
Nick_Flash
Nice one Vic. I love the vocal layering in the chorus and that solo rocks!
Vic Holman
...backing. I thought that would be a bit different way to go for the chorus, especially since i didn't have to many words to go in there. the solo is a full run through. even if i hit a wrong note i will redo the whole thing. i know its easier to punch in, but i think i tend to lose the overall vibe if i do... actually it's just a case of just wanting to play and not stop.
Sir Bass
First time listening to your music, I'm impressed. sounds like money.
Vic Holman
.... will be $1.99.
that's what's great about being here. everything is free.
Thanks very much for checking it out, really appreciate it!
magnatone
Could this be more cool?? Great driving beat, your vocals are perfect here. This is one for the ipod - Thanks!
Vic Holman
once in a while i do get a fast song out. Of course with warmer temp's & spring right around the corner i get more energized. hmmm, that almost makes me sound like a reptile.
guitapick
...I really like your use of chromatic runs...song writing's top notch...
Vic Holman
i like to challenge myself to play over chord changes, it keeps me on my toes and sharpens my sense of playing by ear.... well, until the ringing starts to kick in that is.
michael2
loving the new SG and loving the song. those backups are super cool in the chorus when they go down a half step. killer dynamics too. you are always good for a great psych-pop song, and this is no exception. i like the synth in the intro too (you hardly ever use synths - kind of like the proclamation on those old Queen records "no synthesizers used").
Vic Holman
and thanks to a tax return for the guitar. this tune kept me busy for a while, that's for sure. i really played around with this one. I'm pretty much a slow paw on doing any synth leads. i would only sound amatuerish even if i tried.
You amaze me always.. The way you sing this swings like radio head. All I can say is your singing is just at its hight and I know You will only go higher. Very cool break then build up with the lead. Sounds like there is a person in a deep voice saying something in the background.. I am blown away. Im not worthy!!!!!!!!!!!!
Vic Holman
I started sweating bullets after i finished the music bed, i had not given any thought about the vocals before hand. That was a close call. there is voices on the chorus doing the "girl on a wing" they are a little bit back in the mix. any higher it would of been to much competition. the slower part was so it could build back up again.
Ibstrat
this is very, very good.I can't think of anything I don't like about it.That drum beat is amazing.Vocals and guitar-outstanding.
Vic Holman
flying by the seat of my pants on this one. it took close to 3 weeks to pull it all together. the drums i play on the keyboard on 3 separate tracks. bass drum & snare on one. cymbals & high hats on another then the toms on there own.
thetiler
like dadai said this really is great piece of rock and roll it seems to me. The writing is really edgy to the max it seems. A cool listen. This really seems like articulate rock :)
Thanks for sharing and including us mjers in vics powerful rock culture!
Vic Holman
it could be sum of all the rock music i grew up on. you wouldn't even think that i originally came up with this on a acoustic guitar.
Thanks again!
lavalamp
Sorry that I was late to listen. Dig everything about this one, especially the driving guitars and the changes.
Outstanding vocal job. And great lyrics man.
Tight.
Dave
Vic Holman
This was under construction and destruction for awhile. I'm a little bit sorry thats it's finally done.
I'm glad you liked the lyrics, knowing that you are quite the genius wordsmith.
Thanks again Dave.
Scott Carmichael
I'm trying to figure out if you're extremely creative and prolific... or if you are mixing prescriptions... kind of a phycadelia trippy journey... I love the overlapping vocals in the chorus... you've raised the bar so hi for yourself... people are always expecting greatness... I think you should modify peoples expectations by releasing a series of trombone & accordion duets... just a thought...
really vic, when folks post lots of material, I expect the quality to suffer, and you fly in the face of that generalization...
you do Logic Pro proud
how do you do this? over and again.
. - Harold
Vic Holman
no meds or even aspirin. I don't think about it too much. I start out tinkering around on a acoustic in the evening. sometimes something hits me. then i build from there. that's when it picks up speed. some times luck other times a lot of thinking.
about that trombone and accordian duet. lucky thing there are no trombone synths in Logic. :-)
Vic Holman
truth is because there is no real pressure or rules. that or i'm an idiot savant who doesn't know it. Sometimes I'll listen to a song from months ago after not hearing it, and wonder how in the hell did i do that. Thinking to hard hurts the brain!
Ed Hannifin
...on headphones, one of the things that strikes me is that this mix has a nicely warm and full midrange that helps the whole mix sound complete. Some of your long-ago tracks were treble-fests, with lots of chiming guitars but not always the bottom-to-mid foundation...
I like the lead guitar sound in particular, which has bite, but doesn't sound thin, and suits the total track very well... And I also like the lead playing...
The total mix is nicely cohesive...
I might vote for a tiny bit more voice, and I might vote for a tiny bit more drums...
I think you did a nice job on the vocal here, too, Vic... And I like the song as a song very much...
Ed
Vic Holman
true those long ago (maybe not that long ago) songs really need to be updated or redone someday... or trashed.
Mixing live instruments sure can be a learning curve. I still think I'm only about 85% there from what i want to hear in my head. That's probably a piece that motivates me to keep creating! I had one mix that did have the vocals up a tad but I was on the fence. So, it's good to have a second opinion.
Remark80
I think your vox on this song fits perfectly. Very cool Chorus. Nice sound!
Vic Holman
appreciate you taking the time to give this a listen. and the flying girl should be over head anytime now!
Leon
Two songs on the chart? Man, you are prolific. Well this song is quirky indeed, but that's what makes it stand out from the crop of songs this week. I give you props for taking bold steps to being unique. The unpredictable melody and even your rather Dylanesque singing evoke a wild, enrgized atmosphere... It's rock with a hallucinogenic twist. Give me some of that!
Vic Holman
Your way too kind. I try to keep it interesting. i liked the energy that this one came out with.
bud
here this is - another killer Vic tune. Love the dramatic changes and the straight ahead beat. Very cool backup vox too. Great song.
Vic Holman
I hope that week was pleasure rather than work.
it was a race to see if this one or a mellow one would get done first. It was good to get the BPM's up and the blood flowing.
Norman Goodman
When I hear the manifestation of what can only be a superb musical imagination such as what has been exhibited in this song.....I can only say.....I am blown away
Vic Holman
thanks for the way to kind words. I did work pretty hard on this one. Kept changing my mind on parts and ultimately did start over once or twice.
Heightened
Amazing- I kid you not!
Vic Holman
thanks for checking it out. I appreciate you giving a few of the past tunes a listen!
You're getting so good I don't know whether to despair or just work harder. Guess I'll choose the latter for the time being! Ha ha...
Magnifico bro!
Vic Holman
heck, you're doing great!
Mona Lisa smile : ) Shhh K.W. Sh... : )
Vic Holman
shhhhh - i know :)
.... the bird isn't here!!
Mr. Vic, this is really one of your very bests. Amazing guitar work as usual, great synth sounds and totally blew me away. Kudos Sir, this is a killer track!
Take Care
- Yeman A. Al-Rawi
Vic Holman
Thanks Yeman. This was a fun one to put together. I came together pretty fast.
BossHook
kicks ass. Great attitude and unique chord structure, I love the way it cruises so tough.
Maya Angelou - If you sing off key long enough, someone lets you out to test your wings within reason. Now if I can just peck through the electronic tracking device and make it to the open window sill... just kidding. : ) All is well now that I have acquiesced to the "ground" rules. Tweet tweet. : )
five_extra_arms
After an energetic Vic Holman block of ROCK (all caps), I've determined that this still ranks high on my chart of favorites of your tunes. It definitely gets played a bunch.
The chorus is still magnificent 288 days after the first time I heard it.
Bob
Vic Holman
has it been that long. it felt more like 286 days.
one of my favs as well Bob.
five_extra_arms
You oughta name your lead guitar Holly Smokes.
Yeah Vic, I guess if I live to be your age I'll have no concept of time. By the way, am I late for something?
Bob