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  | DEEP PURPLE ~ HARD ROAD: THE MARK 1 STUDIO RECORDINGS 1968-69
PARLOPHONE 825646337415 (Barcode: 825646337415) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1968 - 1969 Released: 2014
This wonderful Box Set includes the expanded and remastered versions of the first three albums by the seminal British band Deep PurpleFind albums by this artist: "Shades Of Deep PurpleFind albums with this title", "The Book Of TaliesynFind albums with this title" and the eponymous "Deep PurpleFind albums with this title". Recorded between May 1968 and March 1969, i.e. in just ten months (!), these are some of Rock and Prog cornerstones of epic proportions, seldom given their due as far as influencing future generations of Rock and especially Prog musicians in the decades to come. The Mark 1 lineup consisted of vocalist Rod EvansFind albums by this artist, guitarist Ritchie BlackmoreFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Jon LordFind albums by this artist, bassist Nick SimperFind albums by this artist and drummer Ian PaiceFind albums by this artist, who all contributed as songwriters, although obviously most of the group´s material was created by Lord and Blackmore. On those three albums the band played mostly their own music, but also arranged, quite dramatically one must admit, songs by other songwriters, like John LennonFind albums by this artist / Paul McCartneyFind albums by this artist (twice), DonovanFind albums by this artist, Joe SouthFind albums by this artist, Billy RobertsFind albums by this artist, Neil DiamondFind albums by this artist and others. All three albums were produced by the legendary British produced Derek LawrenceFind albums by this artist.
This Box Set includes both the original mono and stereo mixes (on separate CDs) of the first two albums and the stereo version of the third album. All five CDs are expanded by a plethora of bonus tracks, which include album outtakes, alternate takes, single edits, etc. all of which are studio recordings. For radio (i.e. live in the studio) recordings of the Deep Purple Mark 1 the fans should look up the excellent double CD album entitled "The BBC Sessions 1968–1970Find albums with this title", which collects all Mark 1 BBC recordings on the first CD.
It is also worth remembering that although the next Deep Purple album would be recorded by the Mark 2 lineup with vocalist Ian GillanFind albums by this artist and bassist Roger GloverFind albums by this artist, musically it belongs very much to what the Mark 1 lineup was doing on the third album, which included elaborate orchestral arrangements. The appropriately titled "Concerto For Group And OrchestraFind albums with this title" album, a pioneering and unprecedented merger of a Rock group with a Symphonic Orchestra, was a direct result of the work initiated on the third album and is a true closure of the Mark 1 chapter. The fifth album however, "In RockFind albums with this title", was a completely new story and came as a reaction to the release of the Led ZeppelinFind albums by this artist debut album in early 1969, which also prompted the personnel change from Mark1 to Mark 2. That album embedded Deep Purple´s role as a defining element of the Hard Rock / Heavy Metal genres and Rock music in general.
I often wonder why the role of Deep Purple Mark 1 is almost completely ignored by the Prog snobs. Even under the populist definition of Prog as an amalgam of Rock (electric instruments and rhythmic patterns), Classical (extended melodic and harmonic themes) and Jazz (improvisation), Deep Purple Mark 1 are the essence of Prog, much more so that say early YesFind albums by this artist, GenesisFind albums by this artist and other pretenders to the Big Five. By the same token the roles of other Deep Purple Mark 1 contemporaries, like NiceFind albums by this artist, Moody BluesFind albums by this artist and several others, are similarly completely overlooked, which is a pity to say to say the least. Prog was not just born one day with Robert FrippFind albums by this artist being struck by lightening…
This is an essential piece of history of the formative years of Rock and a beautiful example how great music remains untouched by time and perhaps even gets better in time. I can´t imagine a music library, which does not include these classic recordings, so now is the time to repent and remedy.
| | Updated: 26/01/2019Posted: | CD 5 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Remastered Bonus Tracks Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | DONOVAN ~ 7-TEASE
REPERTOIRE 2315 (Barcode: 4009910231524) ~ UK ~ Classic Pop
Recorded: 1974 Released: 2004
This is a reissue / remaster of the twelfth studio album by the legendary British bard / singer / songwriter DonovanFind albums by this artist, recorded in 1974 with studio musicians, including brass and string sections. The original album presents twelve original songs by Donovan. This reissue adds four bonus tracks: two single versions of songs on the album and two session outtakes.
This album was one of the last albums (only two would follow) recorded in the 1970s, which would be followed by gradual seclusion and absence from the scene, until the early 2000s, when new material was recorded and released.
The album’s subject matter is reflective / retrospective and summarizes the incredible decade that preceded the time this album was released. Although the Psychedelic 1960s were still almost in the air, Donovan, like many other Artists, was disillusioned by the failure of the hope to “change the world”, which his (and my) generation had felt during that short-lived era.
Musically, the album is full of the absolutely beautiful tunes, no one but Donovan could weave, and his mellow / yellow voice is still absolutely unique, something to long for. Strangely enough, several of these songs have a strong Jazzy (well, traditional Jazz) arrangements.
Overall, this is a classic Pop / Rock album, which lost absolutely nothing of its charm and beauty over time. The heartbreaking naiveté, which kept us floating in the air even without getting “stoned”, is still alive and kicking, with bittersweet memories pushing the ticker to beat faster while the music plays. A superb trip down the memory lane!
| | Updated: 14/04/2023Posted: 14/04/2023 | CD 1 Digipak Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | DONOVAN ~ BREEZES OF PATCHOULI – HIS STUDIO RECORDINGS: 1966-1969
PARLOPHONE 5099992860520 (Barcode: 5099992860520) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 1966 - 1969 Released: 2013
This marvelous Box Set collects all the studio recordings by the great British troubadour DonovanFind albums by this artist, recorded during his explosive years, which changed the shape of Pop and Rock music as we know it. It includes the five extraordinary studio albums: "Sunshine SupermanFind albums with this title", "Mellow YellowFind albums with this title", "The Hurdy Gurdy ManFind albums with this title", "BarabajagalFind albums with this title" and finally "A Gift From A Flower To A GardenFind albums with this title" which was originally a double LP. All these albums were released by EpicFind albums on this label in the USA and PyeFind albums on this label in UK, often out of sync and with different track lists, as a result of the usual music business BS that prevailed at the time.
These albums feature all original songs written by Donovan and were produced by the British producer Mickie MostFind albums by this artist. Some of the arrangements were written by the great John CameronFind albums by this artist and the list of supporting musicians reads like a who´s who of the British Jazz and Rock scene at the time: pianist John Cameron, flautist Harold McNairFind albums by this artist, guitarists Jeff BeckFind albums by this artist and Jimmy PageFind albums by this artist, bassist Danny ThompsonFind albums by this artist, John Paul JonesFind albums by this artist and Jack BruceFind albums by this artist, drummers Phil SeamenFind albums by this artist and Tony CarrFind albums by this artist and many others.
In addition to the five original albums on three CDs, this set includes a fourth CD full of bonus material, which wonderfully fills in and expands the picture of Donovan´s creativity. A well researched booklet with overview of Donovan´s career during those years is also included.
Donovan´s brilliant mixture of Celtic roots, Psychedelia, Jazz and Rock, spiced with his incredibly poetic lyrics, was an absolutely unique phenomenon in the Pop / Rock history and no other artist managed to create such a massive body of brilliant songs within such short period of time. His music is as much relevant today as it was at the time it was created and lost nothing of its beauty, vitality or artistic power over time. They certainly don´t make music like that any more!
The only regret, as far as this Box Set is concerned, is the fact that it does not include the brilliant live album "In Concert (The Complete 1967 Anaheim Show)Find albums with this title", which would have made this set even more perfect.
This is an absolutely essential piece of music history, which deserves an honorable place in any serious music collection!
| | Updated: 26/01/2019Posted: 08/11/2016 | CD 4 Remastered Bonus Tracks Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | DONOVAN ~ IN CONCERT
BGO 0090 ~ UK ~ Classic Rock
Live album from 1968 presents DonovanFind albums by this artist - the Prince of British Psychedelia - in an unusual setting singing his favorite songs and accompanied by an acoustic ensemble with a strong jazzy flavor, made unique by the presence of the outstanding flute player Harold McNairFind albums by this artist, who unfortunately died soon after this recording was made.
| | Updated: 28/07/2023Posted: | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | DONOVAN ~ OPEN ROAD
REPERTOIRE 4880 (Barcode: 4009910488027) ~ UK ~ Classic Pop
Recorded: 1970 Released: 2000
This is a reissue of the eighth studio album by the legendary British bard / singer / songwriter DonovanFind albums by this artist, recorded in 1970 with the short-lived band Open RoadFind albums by this artist, which included also bassist / vocalist Mike ThomsonFind albums by this artist and drummer / vocalist John CarrFind albums by this artist. Pianist Mike O`NeillFind albums by this artist plays on some of the songs. The album presents twelve songs, all by Donovan.
This was the first album Donovan recorded after parting ways with the producer Mickie MostFind albums by this artist, who had a strong influence on Donovan’s albums up to the seventh album “BarabajagalFind albums with this title”. The song’s subject matter returns to protest themes against industrialization and other social / political issues. Musically, in addition to the Psychedelic influences, the album also has some World Music and Jazz influences.
Musically, the album is full of the absolutely beautiful tunes, that no one but Donovan could weave, and his mellow / yellow voice is still absolutely unique, something to long for. Sadly, Donovan and Open Road parted ways and the band continued as a separate musical entity for some years, but Carr and Thomson did take part in recording of the next Donovan album called “HMS DonovanFind albums with this title”.
Overall, this is a classic Pop / Rock album, which lost absolutely nothing of its charm and beauty over time. The heartbreaking naiveté, which kept us floating in the air even without getting “stoned”, is still alive and kicking, with bittersweet memories pushing the ticker to beat faster while the music plays. A superb trip down the memory lane!
| | Updated: 13/06/2023Posted: 13/06/2023 | CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
  | DONOVAN ~ ORIGINAL ALBUM CLASSICS
EPIC 773847 (Barcode: 886977384721) ~ UK ~ Folk-Rock
Recorded: 1967 - 1968 Released: 2010
This excellent Box Set includes three studio albums, recorded between 1967 and 1968 and released on the Epic label, by the great British pioneer of Folk-Rock and later Psychedelia DonovanFind albums by this artist: "Mellow YellowFind albums with this title", "Hurdy Gurdy ManFind albums with this title", and "BarabajagalFind albums by this artist". Donovan´s unique talent fro writing superb melodies, his brilliant vocal delivery and his openness to new musical ideas made his one of the most important British musicians in the late 1960s. Supported by some of Britain´s best musicians at the time, like flautist Harold McNairFind albums by this artist, bassist Danny ThompsonFind albums by this artist, guitarist Jeff BeckFind albums by this artist and many others, these albums are all absolute classics of the era. The albums are remastered and packaged in album replicas (mini-sleeves), housed in a cardboard box, and with the attractive price tag this is a tremendous bargain as well. Highly recommended!
| | Updated: 26/01/2019Posted: | CD 3 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Recommend To A Friend |
  | DONOVAN ~ PIED PIPER
RHINO 081227829025 (Barcode: 081227829025) ~ UK ~ Pop & Rock
Recorded: 2001 - 2002 Released: 2002
This is the twentieth studio album by British singer / songwriter DonovanFind albums by this artist and his third album with children’s music. It presents thirteen songs, all by Donovan, mostly originating from his older albums, with three new songs for this release. The songs were re-arranged for this album and performed by Donovan, several additional vocalists, bassist Noel BarrettFind albums by this artist, drummer Danny ByrtFind albums by this artist and several guest musicians.
The music is absolutely delightful, like everything Donovan ever recorded, and his love for children is obvious, which makes this little gem a true pleasure to listen to. There are very few other songwriters able to write such beautiful melodies, which although simple, have beautiful harmony and depth, which this album shows in full light.
By the early 2000s, when this album was released, Donovan re-organized his life and career, starting a new path, which was more focused and relaxed than that the hectic preceding decades, and he started to record regularly, producing several excellent new albums since.
Overall, although released as a collection of Children’s songs, this is a delightful album for children of all ages, and Donovan fans should find this a wonderful trip down memory lane. His voice in perfect form, and his charm still in place, this is an absolutely delightful piece of music!
| | Updated: 26/05/2023Posted: 26/05/2023 | CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
  | DONOVAN ~ SUNSHINE SUPERMAN
BGO 0068 ~ UK ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 1967
This album is one of the greatest treasurs of UK rock and marks the entry to thy Psychedelic era. DonovanFind albums by this artist changes like a cameleon from a folk / protest singer (a la Bob Dylan) to master craftsman of beautiful pop songs, heavily spiced with Psychedelia, which is emphasized by the brilliant work of the musicians playing on the session. A treasure!
Visitors' Comments
Dr. Rafael Augusto Lara Palmeros
A brilliant, beautiful work from English trovadour. Only a word: ¡¡ESSENTIAL!!!. Five stars.
| | Updated: 28/07/2023Posted: | CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | JULIE DRISCOLL / BRIAN AUGER / TRINITY ~ OPEN (DELUXE EDITION)
CASTLE 0978 (Barcode: 5050159197828) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1967 Released: 2004
2nd album by one of the most distinctive female voices ever on the UK scene. Julie DriscollFind albums by this artist was undoubtedly the most talented interpretter of soul material in her unique style which mixes soul with jazz and heavy psychedelia. Combined with the amazing talents of the organ player Brian AugerFind albums by this artist (see his releases), they were deadly. Just listen to Julie`s performance of DonovanFind albums by this artist`s `Season Of The Witch` - this surely must be one of the highlights of female singing in music`s history. The bonus material includes their amazing psychedelic hit `This Wheel`s On Fire`, penned by Bob DylanFind albums by this artist. Absolutely essential in any person`s collection!
| | | CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | STEVE HILLAGE ~ L (EXPANDED EDITION)
VIRGIN 373419 (Barcode: 094637341926) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1976 Released: 2007
2nd album by Steve HillageFind albums by this artist and his most (commercially) successful release ever. In contrast to the debut album, which was recorded while Hillage and his partner Miquette GiraudyFind albums by this artist were still members of GongFind albums by this artist and included strong similarities to Gong material, this album was quite a different affair. Hillage used his record label’s connections to establish contact with US musician / producer Todd RundgrenFind albums by this artist, who agreed to produce this album. Hillage and Giraudy left for the US, where this album was recorded and produced by Rundgren, with members of Rundgren’s band UtopiaFind albums by this artist serving as the backing band. The material includes both original material by Hillage / Giraudy and a few covers of what Hillage describes as “his favorite songs at the time” (including a great version of DonovanFind albums by this artist’s “Hurdy Gurdy Man”). The album stands the test of time fabulously and is a great example of both Hillage’s strength as a composer and a guitarist. One more point of interest is the participation of the great jazz trumpet player Don CherryFind albums by this artist, who adds an interesting coloring to the album’s atmosphere. A classic by all means!
| | | CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | SHAKE KEANE ~ THAT`S THE NOISE
VOCALION 8408 (Barcode: 765387840822) ~ UK ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1967 Released: 2005
Trumpeter / composer Shake KeaneFind albums by this artist was born in St Vincent (West Indies) and emigrated to Britain in the early 1950s. His superb tone and total control of his instrument was immediately recognized and the local music scene immediately absorbed him, providing plenty of opportunities for him to play in a variety of styles. By the end of the 1950s Keane almost completely to playing Jazz and became one of the spearheading figures of the British modern / free Jazz. He was a member of the pioneering group led by saxophonist Joe HarriottFind albums by this artist, with whom he recorded some of the most pivotal early European free Jazz. He was also a member, together with Harriott, in the groups led by pianist Michael GarrickFind albums by this artist.
Keane’s prime interest was actually in poetry and literature, which gave him his nickname, as short for Shakespeare. Playing with Garrick, he participated in the Jazz & Poetry scene, which of course was only appropriate for his field of interest.
Keane left Britain in the late 1960s, first to Germany and later returning to his native island, where he became a government minister of culture. He continued his literary work and published works of prose and poetry. A few years before his death in 1997 he returned to his musical activities and even recorded new albums. Strangely enough, in the midst of his activity in the Avant-Garde Jazz field, Keane recorded a few solo albums, which present another side of his musical personality. These albums could be considered as belonging to the “lighter” side of Jazz, where Keane mostly played adaptations of Pop songs of the period.
This album is one of these, and although at the time it was criticized as being a “sell-out”, in retrospect it is a real gem. Keane does use a set of Pop songs (BeatlesFind albums by this artist, Rolling StonesFind albums by this artist, DonovanFind albums by this artist and others) as the basis, but the clever and unusual arrangements and his phenomenal improvisational skills turn these songs inside out and the overall effect is truly spectacular. A couple of his original compositions are also included and one more by his partner Joe Harriott. He leads a splendid sextet with Bob EffordFind albums by this artist – sax, Olaf VasFind albums by this artist – flute, Pat SmytheFind albums by this artist – piano, Coleridge GoodeFind albums by this artist – bass and Bobby OrrFind albums by this artist – drums (Stan TraceyFind albums by this artist plays piano on three tracks), which plays elegantly and effortlessly. I had a real ball listening to this uplifting music. Easy Jazz? Perhaps, but who cares, when it sounds as good as this.
| | Updated: 12/04/2019Posted: | CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | HAROLD MCNAIR ~ HAROLD MCNAIR / FLUTE & NUT
VOCALION 8494 (Barcode: 765387849429) ~ UK ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1968 - 1969 Released: 2012
This is a criminally overdue reissue of the two albums recorded by the British Jazz flautist / saxophonist / composer Harold McNairFind albums by this artist for the RCAFind albums by this artist label, which have been unavailable for over forty years now. McNair, born in Jamaica, was one of many brilliant West Indian musicians to arrive on the British scene in the 1950s and 1960, greatly contributing to the creation of the modern British Jazz, which was at its peak when these two albums were recorded. Although McNair played the saxophone superbly, his flute playing was absolutely amazing and extraordinary, making him probably the best ever British Jazz flautist. He died from cancer in 1971 at a ridiculous young age of thirty nine, a tremendous loss of an amazing talent, lamented to this very day by those who knew him and his work. His rather limited recorded legacy is now radically expanded with the reissue of these two albums.
The eponymous album was recorded by the Harold McNair quartet, with pianist Bill Le SageFind albums by this artist, bassist Spike HeatleyFind albums by this artist and drummer Tony CarrFind albums by this artist. They perform nine pieces, five of which are originals composed by McNair, three are standards and one is a song written by the Folk-Rock singer / songwriter DonovanFind albums by this artist. McNair was a regular member of Donovan´s band, where he played alongside the pianist / composer / arranger John CameronFind albums by this artist. McNair´s performances on this album are perfect from start to finish. He uses the flute on most of the tracks and his immediately recognizable style is simply overwhelming.
The "Flute & NutFind albums with this title" album features McNair accompanied by a Jazz Orchestra conducted by John Cameron, performing eight pieces orchestrated and arranged by Cameron, three of which are McNair originals, one a Cameron original and the remaining four are standards. In retrospect this is the best album McNair ever recorded, with his flute (and occasional saxophone) sounding absolutely marvelous and the beautiful arrangements adding a spectacular effect to the entire production.
McNair recorded only one more album as a leader after this, called "The FenceFind albums with this title", before he died, which was released on the B&CFind albums on this label label. Parts of the first album included here were released posthumously by the same label as another eponymous album, and included also live material recorded at the Ronnie ScottFind albums by this artist´s club.
Beautifully remastered by Michael J. DuttonFind albums by this artist, these two albums sound fresh and wonderful, as if recorded only a short while ago. Musically they are some of the best Jazz flute music even captured and are an essential piece of the modern British Jazz legacy. Absolutely brilliant stuff!
| | | CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | HAROLD MCNAIR ~ THE FENCE
HUX 095 (Barcode: 682970000954) ~ UK ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1970 Released: 2007
Saxophonist / flautist / composer Harold McNairFind albums by this artist has been one of the greatest (and sadly unsung) heroes of the British Jazz scene. A brilliant instrumentalist he was one of the busiest studio musicians and took part in countless recording sessions, including those by famous Rock acts. He was a permanent member of DonovanFind albums by this artist’s group and recorded many albums with him. Of course he was also active on the Jazz scene, both as a leader and sideman. He recorded several albums, of which this is the last released while he was still alive, shortly before his life was tragically cut short by lung cancer at a ridiculously young age. His last eponymous album was released posthumously. This beautiful album was recorded with Harold’s musician friends and admirers, all great stars and Jazz heroes themselves: Keith TippettFind albums by this artist and Alan BranscombeFind albums by this artist on piano, Colin GreenFind albums by this artist on guitar, Rick GrechFind albums by this artist and Danny ThompsonFind albums by this artist on bass and Terry CoxFind albums by this artist and Tony CarrFind albums by this artist on drums. Harold plays saxes and flute – my preferred instrument in his hands. The music has a slight Caribbean feel, and includes one original composition by Harold. It’s difficult for me to shed the nostalgic attachment to this album, as Harold has been one of my favorite musicians for a very time, but I think the albums stands the test of time beautifully and should be enjoyed by most Jazz loving people around the globe. Bliss!
| | | CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | TYRANNOSAURUS REX ~ MY PEOPLE WERE FAIR AND HAD SKY IN THEIR HAIR… (DELUXE EDITION)
A&M 600753538876 (Barcode: 600753538876) ~ UK ~ Pop & Rock
Recorded: 1968 Released: 2014
This is the debut album by the British duo Tyrannosaurus RexFind albums by this artist, founded and led by singer / guitarist / songwriter / poet Marc BolanFind albums by this artist, which also included percussionist Steve Peregrin TookFind albums by this artist. Bolan was one of Britain´s most idiosyncratic and prophetic Pop stars and his short stay on this earth (he died tragically in a car accident a couple of weeks before his thirtieth birthday) was comparable to a comet passing us by.
Blessed by a highly unusual voice Bolan was involved in music since his early school days, first coming to wider attention as a member of the short-lived group John`s ChildrenFind albums by this artist. After the group fell apart Bolan formed Tyrannosaurus Rex, a duo playing and singing a weird mixture of Folk and Psychedelia, which was completely unique and Avant-Garde, even for the Flower Power era. "Adopted" by the American (who just moved to England) producer Tony ViscontiFind albums by this artist, who encouraged Bolan and produced almost all his albums, the duo recorded four sensational albums before shortening their name to T. RexFind albums by this artist, which later became one of the pioneers of British Glam Rock and brought Bolan fame and fortune.
The fact that albums such as this one were released by a major record label and even managed to achieve chart success is a wonderful document of the short period of time, when anything could happen on the music scene and of course the incredible musical creativity that flourished at the time. Some critics see in this album the last part of the great Psychedelic Trilogy, which started with DonovanFind albums by this artist´s "A Gift From A Flower To A GardenFind albums with this title" and continued with Pink FloydFind albums by this artist´s "The Piper At The Gates Of DawnFind albums with this title". This might be a little exaggerated, but the days when such Avant-Garde music, which featured bizarre vocals, chanting, gibberish, associative poetry and a full blown Psychedelic aura was accepted as "normal" by the majority of listeners were definitely miraculous and sadly very short-lived.
Because of its uniqueness the music on this album is completely timeless and lost absolutely nothing of its effectiveness and beauty over time. Of course if it was released today, the number of people ready to give it an ear would probably be infinitesimal.
This Deluxe Edition includes a plethora of bonus material, almost quadrupling the original album´s contents, including BBC sessions recorded before the debut album was recorded and other BBC material, stereo version of the original mono album, home demos etc. The accompanying booklet includes an essay by Boland´s biographer Mark PaytressFind albums by this artist, the album´s songs lyrics and a many wonderful photographs, justifying the reissue effort in full.
| | Updated: 12/04/2019Posted: | CD 2 Digipak Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
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