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River To The East by Vic Holman [Email]

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SONG STATS:
Hits: 390
Comments: 58
Votes:
Plays: 90
Last Played: Nov 12, 2008 - 06:44:14 PM
Downloads: 18
Fans: 29
Uploaded: Sep 29, 2008 - 09:16:48 PM
Last Updated: Sep 29, 2008 - 09:16:48 PM
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Description:
This song is a statement about the struggles of individuals and families facing economical hardships during these times.
I was thinking of the old catch phrases "drowning in debt" "up the river without a paddle" which made me to think metaphorically about water references for the lyrics. This can also be attributed to floods and hurricanes.

I really hope things can turn around so people can back on their feet.

Lyrics:
River To The East

uncertain future
in these unpredictable times
families are drowning
trying to keep their heads above water

ch:
and I'm paddling against the waves
on the river to the east
and I'm struggling against the waves
on the river to the east

throw out a life line
too many lives are going under
brother and sister
we really need to pull together

ch:
and I'm paddling against the waves
on the river to the east
and I'm struggling against the waves
on the river to the east

drifting and floating
until there is the site of land
guessing I'm wondering
where is the island in this world

ch:
and I'm paddling against the waves
on the river to the east
and I'm struggling against the waves
on the river to the east

somewhere over the rainbow
the dream will go on forever
somewhere it's forever
we will remember the better days

ch:
and I'm paddling against the waves
on the river to the east
and I'm struggling against the waves
on the river to the east

Hardware:
pretty much the same

Software:
pretty much more of the same
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Great track Vic &mdash 09/29/08 - 09:31:10 PM
The lyrics say it all, and the music just backs it up. These are hard times for a lot of folks, but by working together in a positive way, we can make a difference.

The metaphor works by the way.

Be well and be cool,

Ed

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Thanks Ed &mdash 09/30/08 - 09:44:55 PM
sure is crazy isn't it?

i thought by going the metaphor approach in the lyrics would be a better then doing a finger pointing outlook.

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River To The East &mdash 09/29/08 - 10:43:48 PM
powerful and stronge messege song ..I respect such
song with direct and goals ..man your guitar just
magic .. Kudos and thank you for sharing !!

Amen to all your prayers !!

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Thanks Feter &mdash 09/30/08 - 09:49:50 PM
you as anyone knows of the hardships that hit people from out of the blue. I hope the lyrics are open enough for different interpretations.

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Vic "Ray Davies" Holman... &mdash 09/29/08 - 11:56:18 PM
..strikes again!

A tune for the times to be sure bro. The only soci0-political comment I'll make here is "I agree with what sloparts said"!

Definitely a Kinks influence, but the Vicar transcends even this.

Nice work man!

Be well!

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hey Mike &mdash 09/30/08 - 10:00:08 PM
well it had to be said by someone. the lyrics came down very fast. I hope the economic turn around time comes about quickly as well for a lot of folks.

I think I'm going to avoid watching the news for a while.

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yes... &mdash 09/30/08 - 11:56:26 PM
...it definitely needed to be said. And you said it with honest conviction and style!

KUDOS my friend!

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Really great &mdash 09/30/08 - 01:04:14 AM
lyrics and song - the chorus is extremely catchy. Stellar production as always.
Cheers
Len



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Thanks Len &mdash 09/30/08 - 10:03:11 PM
I remember reading a long time ago that Tom Petty said make the chorus catchy as hell and get to it quickly. That always sticks with me. when I get to the lyrics and vocal stage the chorus is what I work on first.

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Very topical... &mdash 09/30/08 - 01:59:54 AM
Excellent lyrics and catchy tune. I especially like the guitar solo and the guitar on the outro. Production is up to your usual high standards - another winner!

Peter

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Thanks Peter &mdash 09/30/08 - 10:11:14 PM
this seems to be a situation on most peoples minds. It just takes time to rebound. Back in 1990 there was a crash, it took 6 months to rebound. Experts say it can take a bit longer.

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Watch out for leaks :) &mdash 09/30/08 - 03:15:21 AM
A lovely tune to "see the bottom fall out of your retirement fund" to Vic. Which is a little like what we (and lots of others) are probably doing at the moment.

Cool song. All the usual superlatives.

Neil

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Hey Neil &mdash 09/30/08 - 10:16:22 PM
drifting in a leaky boat. I just started a IRA about 6 months ago, so not much of any loss on my end, But, boy I sure would of been pissed if I was close to retiring.

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great &mdash 09/30/08 - 09:01:48 AM
rhythm tracks. They really drive the song along. These are interesting times, to say the least. I think you've captured a lot of personal and collective feelings in this song. Great job!

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Thanks Eric &mdash 10/01/08 - 09:30:30 PM
The rhythm section is pretty simple. I thought giving this tune a straight ahead approach would be nice for a change.

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Sounds like you! &mdash 09/30/08 - 09:47:45 AM
Your vocals and guitar are so unique. Very few people can carry off a voice so stylized (Hiatt, Bowie) but your vox sound authentic and effortless. Same for your lead guitar - your choice of effects and note choices immediately identify the solo as yours - very cool. Another Vic Holman signature track (and for me another DL). Thanks!

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sounds like &mdash 10/01/08 - 09:35:52 PM
i never sing until I'm ready to record the vocal tracks. can be several weeks at times. But, I'll keep going over and over until i memorize and have a good feel going. Sometime it's the same way with solos as well. I'll redo the whole thing even if i goof a note.

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Real symbols &mdash 09/30/08 - 10:22:42 AM
Wow, man!

When will it recede? I like the treatment, here.

Powerful performance! Nicely done.

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Thanks Doug &mdash 10/01/08 - 09:43:40 PM
I didn't want to be direct with the lyrics so in came the thought of metaphors in the lyrics. poetic license you know.

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The Bottomless Vic &mdash 09/30/08 - 11:41:49 AM
I'm convinced that you could write a song about anything at any time and I'd enjoy listening to it.

You're singing a little different on this one - a little lower in your range and a little further back in your throat. It sounds cool and I've also detected a few ideas explored in your performance. Always like to see you explore.

Your guitar sounds like it's enjoying some cooler weather.

Great song Vic. I've downloaded it too.

Bob

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Thanks Bob &mdash 10/01/08 - 09:49:24 PM
well this is the season when you see more flattened squirrels on the road. there could be a story there of risking it all or being just plain stupid with a chestnut in it's clenched teeth. Not sure if anyone wants to hear that. Especially kids.

Deeper vocal. I was trying to see if I could get a different sound going. This is what happened, couldn't get it quite so for the chorus.

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nice one Vic &mdash 09/30/08 - 11:56:12 AM
topical lyrics. i am a bit consumed with this whole thing, was just talking to the wife this morning. we can ride out the worst as we live so lo-profile, but it's gonna screw a lot of people.

beyond that, i really like the song. as usual you threw in an awesome guitar solo. you're stuff although rooted in classic rock, to me is always kind of punk rock. i could actually hear the Lords of the New Church doing this back in the day. This is a great tune.

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nice catch! &mdash 10/01/08 - 09:58:17 PM
I was going for a Stiv Bator meets Depeche Mode meets myself on this.

Up in my corner of the world there's not big fallout. Just kind of stalled. And the housing market is slow. You would be blown away on how much of a house you could get for 250,000 now. it's terrible to see how many people are suffering presently.

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Very topical &mdash 09/30/08 - 04:38:42 PM
and very evocative of what's happening and what's about to happen to a lot of people throughout the world in these worrying times. As always well played, sung and thought out Vic, regards M

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Thanks Maurice &mdash 10/01/08 - 10:19:05 PM
Once in a while I do get around to writing about what is happening in real life. Unfortunately it's about man's struggles in life.

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Well done! &mdash 09/30/08 - 06:14:02 PM
Great Tune Vic! I really think the melody line is acutely appropriate for this sentiment; fits very nicely. As usual, you've got great production values but this time the vocal sounds even better. Love the guitar lead too.

Joe



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Thanks Joe &mdash 10/02/08 - 02:53:05 PM
I wanted the verse lyrics to be strong and make a statement. So I tried doing a deeper voice to give a authorative feel to it. And a little different feel to the whole thing over all.

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Nice one Vic! &mdash 09/30/08 - 06:33:41 PM
What is interesting about your lyrics is the line "we will remember the better days" I was thinking about something similar yesterday in how as I get older I'll remember (hopefully) the good times growing up- as in memories.

It never entered my mind that I might also be thinking, "Gee I remember when I used to have extra spending money". The way things are going, I might have to take up mowing lawns and raking leaves. Man, that'll bring back memories :P

This is a wonderful track as usual! (sorry for rambling)

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Thanks Mike &mdash 10/02/08 - 02:56:06 PM
funny how you can look back and think ah, life wasn't so bad. I think we are wired to soften the harder parts of the past.

BTW, you can start raking my leaves in two to three weeks.

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Timely &mdash 10/01/08 - 10:06:24 AM
Fitting and current. But, Europe is doing fine.

Your voice sounds a bit different on this. (Deeper)

A classic, Vic. Great stuff.

Dave

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Hey Dave &mdash 10/02/08 - 03:00:58 PM
I started the whole song from goofing around on the synths. I liked the sound of them and built the song from there. Like Michael 2 pointed out Lords of the New Church style. So I thought to do the vocals a bit in there style as well. Wasn't sure how it was going to sound originally, but thought i would give it a go.

My area of the world isn't hurting economically that much. but people aren't spending that much just to be on the safe side.

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Cool &mdash 10/01/08 - 03:46:50 PM
song I really dug it. Good drive with a good message. Thanks for sharing it.

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Thanks for the listen &mdash 10/03/08 - 09:15:54 PM
once in a while I will do a social issue tune

Thanks again for the listen, I appreciate it.

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Dogpaddling against the tide &mdash 10/01/08 - 05:53:19 PM
It's funny. You hear all the talk about golden parachutes, but what most people want is simply a life preserver, or even just some small piece of wreckage to hold on to to keep afloat.

Very timely and topical and, as usual, very well done.

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Hey Joseph &mdash 10/03/08 - 09:19:14 PM
yeah at least some measure of stability. that is until someone rocks the boat and knocks the cheese puffs overboard. you don't mess with a man's cheese puffs.

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A subject close to heart &mdash 10/03/08 - 05:46:12 AM
Working for bank was never a bundle of laughs but now it's taken a darker turn. The worst of it is that the guys who got us into this mess will walk away with huge bonuses while bank workers like me will end up with no jobs or no pay increase and heavier workloads.

A song that needed to be written Vic and you've done it so well.

Cheers

Dick

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Hey Dick &mdash 10/03/08 - 09:27:44 PM
man, that's shakey biz to be in right now. even with other financial businesses buying out the ones that went down, you know there still will be job cuts.

I guess the 7 deadly sins needs to include an 8th..... accountability.

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Has a British sound to it &mdash 10/03/08 - 06:37:04 PM
Solid composition, with a John Lennon atmosphere... around the Sgt. Pepper era I'd guess. Enjoyed! Thanks for sharing.

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Thanks John &mdash 10/03/08 - 09:30:21 PM
J.L., it must be the chorus and that E7th chord. And the metaphoric lyrics.

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Enjoyed everything about this &mdash 10/03/08 - 09:43:19 PM
the pic (very dramatic and cool), words= terrific, singing outstanding kinks style, not even sure that they could do this good.

Really something, this is hit rock fine stuff.

Impressed !

WAy To GO vic!

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Thanks Bill &mdash 10/04/08 - 05:52:22 PM
I was listening to your new song. seems the subject matter is on a lot of minds now a days.

Thanks again for the listen!

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Rock Solid &mdash 10/04/08 - 05:22:37 PM
chord progression, and the break at 1:~~ took it on a different plane. How you managed to so smoothly bring it back into the original is a piece of art in itself.

nice one -

. - Harold

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Thanks Harold &mdash 10/04/08 - 10:32:13 PM
i pay a lot of attention to turn arounds so nothing is left hanging. especially when i do solos i change the whole chord pattern from the rest of the song, so i need to find a little piece to get back to the tune. i hope

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Very cool &mdash 10/04/08 - 05:30:49 PM
Lead in this one its My favorite part. I hear you about hard times!

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Hey Tim &mdash 10/05/08 - 03:53:23 PM
i don't think things are going to get any better for awhile. hang in there.

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it's back &mdash 10/04/08 - 06:13:51 PM
The Vic Holman sound delivers it again! So tight and good... familiar as it has come to be... But how do you make your cool guitars sound the way they do? A guess would be that its all in the wrist...:)

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Thanks Thor &mdash 10/05/08 - 03:59:13 PM
most of the guitars are run through my Digitech GNX2 pedal board. where I have custom presets set up for simulated amps and effect pedals. But, yeah I think most of it comes from the hands.

Excellent new tune of yours, Thor.

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Great post &mdash 10/06/08 - 10:18:28 AM
sounds good vic. love those patented VH drum fills. Hearing a Bowie influence in this one I like. Excellent guitar solo and thoughtful lyrics

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Thanks Ridd &mdash 10/07/08 - 10:08:51 PM
Actually a long time ago I learned about and how to do guitar harmony lines from Mick Ronsons guitar tracks of the old Ziggy albums. I here the situation so much that I had to get exorcise it from my head.

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Could be a classic Ray Davies number &mdash 10/10/08 - 10:02:00 PM
Excellent production Vic - and musically you're killing me here. But it's the writing and the vocals that are really sealing the deal. Fantastic. I keep wondering how you can get better and then I stop back after being away a little and wham! - you've done it.

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you can call me ray &mdash 10/13/08 - 11:04:42 PM
i don't know. i just plug in and play. then replace almost everything.

thanks Kevin

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Mr Jones beat me to it! &mdash 10/13/08 - 03:16:35 PM
I agree with Bud in the Kinks Dept comparison and the production is fantastic! The swimming against the tide motif is great - there's a similar sentiment (altho' not about the 'credit crunch', about bad eco choices) in Midnight Oil's 'Beds Are Burning'. Reminds me a wee bit of that and I love that song.

You have a really gutsy sixties sound here, Vic. I love it - DL'd & straight to iPod.

Damn fine new avatar - where's the yellow?!!

Cheers,

Jim



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thanks Jim &mdash 10/13/08 - 11:07:10 PM
my aviator avatar license got revoked. they say i was flying to close to the sun.

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It's &mdash 10/14/08 - 04:28:03 PM
catch up time for me and another superb song from you Vic!

Great sound from your guitars, I always love the drum sound too on your songs and you do have your own special sound.

Superb vocals and great lyrics, very topical and it's hard for lots of us at the moment.

Excellent song!

Bob

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great &mdash 10/18/08 - 08:20:14 PM
great song...

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Master Guitar Tones &mdash 10/23/08 - 09:49:44 PM
Vic - Always great guitars. Your tones and sounds are the best. Love the chorus in this song.

The only suggestion I would make is a possible bridge or middle 8 for added variety.

Good song, first rate production.

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Great song... &mdash 10/30/08 - 12:56:24 AM
Edgy but a wonderful flow. Love the guitar sounds you get!

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Priorities... &mdash 11/12/08 - 06:59:44 PM
We have a brand new 60 million dollar art museuum in town that the city's wealthiest citizens felt we needed to attract a better class of business' to our community - and across the (tracks) highway on the other side about a block away is the relatively new Rescue Mission - money spent wisely in the service of our fellow human beings. Art is beautiful. Helping human beings get back on their feet is even more so.

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