Acclaimed Blues Rock guitarist Anthony Gomes will release his 13th studio album entitled, “High Voltage Blues” on Friday September 23, 2022 via RatPakRecords. Coming off the heels of his highly successful 2020 #1 Billboard charting release, “Containment Blues”, “High Voltage Blues” is a compilation album that showcases three new studio tracks, along with eleven re-recorded fan favorites and features guest appearances by legendary bassist Billy Sheehan, KoRn drummer Ray Luzier, renown vocalist BekkaBramlett and The Voice™ contestant Wendy Moten. Watch the video and pre-order you exclusive hand autographed bundles at: https://ratpakrecordsamerica.com/anthonygomes
TRACK LISTING: 01 Painted Horse (featuring Billy Sheehan & Ray Luzier) 02 Fur Covered Handcuffs 03 Blues-A-Fied 04 Born to Ride (featuring Billy Sheehan & Ray Luzier) 05 Peace, Love and Loud Guitars (featuring Billy Sheehan & Ray Luzier) 06 I Believe 07 Red Handed Blues 08 Turn It Up! 09 Blues In The First Degree 10 Hell and Half of Georgia 11 Darkest Before The Dawn (featuring Bekka Bramlett & Wendy Moten) 12 Blues Child Bonus Tracks 13 White Trash Princess 14 Rebel Highway (featuring Billy Sheehan & Ray Luzier) 15 Darkest Before The Dawn – Extended Version (featuring Bekka Bramlett & Wendy Moten)
(Rosemead, CA) – Rosemead Blues Rock Band, DELTA ROSE have completed their second EP and set for a late Spring Release. Frontman/Guitarist Spencer Krasch explains more when asked about the album’s influences:
“With this album, we were just going for Delta Rose! We were going with what was going to pick up the best rock tone, the guitars, and trying to find a way to capture our live sound and put it out on a CD and I think we did it!”
Delta Rose is widely known for their high energy larger than life stage presence with a dedicated fan base that is sure to pack their shows. Most recently they were nominated as BEST LIVE BAND for LA Weekly.
From the studio to the band, there is quite an amazing amount of talent put into this stellar album. The currently untitled album was recorded at the legendary NRG Studios and produced by Billy Schleifer and Isaac Hasson (Demi Lovato, Hot Chelle Rae), mixed by Steve Hardy (Blue October, Rush, Jay Z), and mastered by the legendary Howie Weinberg. The song “10 Long Years” features Dizzy Reed of Guns n Roses.
“The album is filled with smoking guitar solos, cool group chants, vibrant blues licks, solid drumming, infectious basslines and the most captivating and edgy, yet sweet as honey vocals you will ever hear. Delta Rose’s new album has definitely polished and perfected true rock and roll.” – Marisol Richardson, Music Junkie Press
DELTA ROSE: Spencer Krasch (Guitar/Vocals), Forrest Goss (Lead Guitar), Steven Aulcey (Bass), and Mikey Herrera (guitars)
Featuring! Joe Satriani, Tony Levin, Johnny Depp, Joe Perry, Marty Friedman, Michael Lee Firkins, Phil Aaberg, 2Cellos, Tommy Henriksen
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Phoenix, AZ – Guitar legend Steve Hunter, best known for his work with Alice Cooper, Lou Reed, Peter Gabriel, David Lee Roth, Jack Bruce and Aerosmith, has a new CD released, ‘The Manhattan Blues Project’, featuring an all-star guest line-up! This is Steve’s fifth solo album and is a culmination of his love of the Blues and New York City mixed with his love of melody and “Tone Poems”.
After recording and touring with Alice Cooper in 2011, he decided to get off the road to write and record. He thought it would be cool to have some guest players join him and was overjoyed and humbled at the willingness of those he asked to contribute to this project. Many of the guests he had not worked with before and most had a very different style of playing to himself. There are two cover tunes but this album is mainly new material written, played and produced by Steve. He was very happy to also include a short composition by his friend Jason Becker, called “Daydream By The Hudson”.
“This album has been inside me trying to get out for a long time, I wanted to show the other side of New York, the soulful side plus it also says a lot of what I have always wanted to say on guitar.” – Steve Hunter
Guest players on The Manhattan Blues Project: Joe Satriani, Tony Levin, Johnny Depp, Joe Perry, Marty Friedman, Michael Lee Firkins, Phil Aaberg, 2Cellos, Tommy Henriksen
“I am honored to play along side legendary guitarist Steve Hunter on his stunning new album, check it out!” – Joe Satriani
On ‘The Manhattan Blues Project’ Steve goes back to his blues roots in his own unique way. You will hear string arrangements, vocal arrangements, a burst of guitar shredding by the best in the world and echoes of The Beatles. The two cover tunes include Steve’s instrumental version of Peter Gabriel’s “Solsbury Hill”, a song he had played the guitars on for the original album version in 1977. The second cover is from one of his favorite artists Marvin Gaye, “What’s Going On”.
“Steve really knows how to play a guitar. His silky delivery and smooth golden tones make you feel like you’ve just leaned back into your living room sofa after a rocky trip. His notes have a direct connection to your heart. He stirs the feelings that we all long for from a guitar. And like all masters, he makes perfection seem so easy.” – Dennis Dunaway
The Manhattan Blues Project is a rich, uplifting musical experience with lashings of soul, passion and outstanding performances from everybody involved!
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To purchase Steve Hunter ‘The Manhattan Blues Project’:
“In our last meeting together before his passing, Ray and I were both very excited about the upcoming release of ‘Twisted Tales’. We signed off on the artwork and agreed that it should be released sooner than later. So, honoring that decision, I have proceeded with the release. We both were proud of this recording and hope that people enjoy it. This recording is dedicated to Ray’s memory” – Roy Rogers
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Nevada City, CA – Ray Manzarek and Roy Rogers have received no shortage of kudos since they first recorded together five years ago. Ray Manzarek’s signature keyboard sound was a cornerstone of The Doors – one of the most iconic rock bands of the 60’s. An inductee into the R&R Hall of Fame – he certainly needs no introduction. In the pantheon of music, The Doors’ music continues to be one of the most revered rock song catalogs of any band. Slide guitarist Roy Rogers has been lauded not only for his own recordings but for his long-time collaboration with harmonica master Norton Buffalo as well as his producing of 4 CD projects for blues icon John Lee Hooker and folk legend Ramblin’Jack Elliott. He is well known worldwide for his mastery of slide guitar and has received 8 Grammy nominations for his work as artist and producer.
In 2011 Manzarek-Rogers released ‘Translucent Blues’- a blues-rock collection of songs tinged with poetry and literary references. The project reached #1 on the Americana Roots chart and debuted at #6 on the Billboard blues chart. The lyrical contributions came from such diverse co-writers as Jim Carroll, Warren Zevon and poet Michael McClure, among others. ‘Twisted Tales’ draws from some of those same writers to tell very different stories. Featured musicians are Kevin Hayes on drums, formerly with the Robert Cray Band; Steve Evans on bass who has performed with the Elvin Bishop Band; and George Brooks on saxophones, who has performed with John McLaughlin and Zakir Hussain.
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The new release is a collaboration of keyboard and guitar sounds that merge with stories, images and art. These two amazing musicians create an intoxicating, plush sound that is – more than unique. Manzarek and Rogers are seemingly an odd pairing – but their new recording unleashes a stunning musical landscape for the listener – this music will ‘take you for a ride’… There is a full-length documentary film to be released examining their unique collaboration and friendship in depth this fall.
‘Twisted Tales’ is destined to become a classic, not only as Ray Manzarek’s last recording, but also as a definitive work of two great artists. Available at www.manzarekrogersband.com/ Amazon and iTunes and retailers nationwide.
SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE SET FOR AUGUST 21ST RELEASE ON ABSTRACT LOGIX
FALL TOUR SET – INCLUDING DATES WITH VICTOR WOOTEN
(Los Angeles) Worldwide fans of guitar-great JIMMY HERRING will have the opportunity to hear all 10 tracks of his soon to be released solo album, Subject to Change Without Notice, by visiting JIMMY’s facebook page or the new DIY music platform website. Fans are also encouraged to share these great tracks with their friends through their own social networking pages.
In addition, they can pre-order the album, download a free song (“Bilgewater Blues”), as well as get a very cool “behind the scenes look” at the album’s recording featuring in-depth interviews with Jimmy and his bandmates on the recording of Subject to Change Without Notice. The “behind the scenes” video also displays an array of guest appearances from such legendary players as Bela Fleck (Banjo), Bill Evans (Sax) and Nicky Sanders (Violin) from the Steep Canyon Rangers.
Swedish Blues Rockers GRAVEYARD have played an amazing gig at this years Rock Hard Festival in Gelsenkirchen, Germany. Seven songs of the gig have been recorded by Germany’s renowned WDR Rockpalast and are now available for streaming at THIS location! The band is currently working on their third album which is planned for a late October release. Before the release of the album, a special 7″ vinyl single will also be issued. Keep your eyes and ears open!
Photo credit: Official White House Photo by Pete Souza
Buddy Guy, left, and Jeff Beck perform as President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama host “In Performance at the White House: Red, White and Blues” in celebration of Blues music in the East Room of the White House, Feb. 21, 2012. The concert is in recognition of Black History Month. Premieres Monday, February 27 at 9 p.m. ET on PBS stations nationwide.
Top Ten Rock Albums Of 2011 – This Top Ten Rock Album list comprises various genres, the likes of: Blues, Alternative, Rockabilly, Acoustic, New Wave, some shades of Hard Rock and of course, Rock itself. Isn’t Rock a grand blanket term for such incredible music diversity? I love Rock. Without Rock, there wouldn’t have been Heavy Metal.
If you are counting, there are actually thirteen Rock albums in this Top Ten list. Admittedly, compiling a “Top Ten” of anything is grueling for me, therefore the two “ties” below are as honest as I could ever possibly be, without pulling what hair I have left off of my head. Furthermore, I couldn’t resist adding Jeff Beck – Rock ‘n’ Roll Party/Honoring Les Paul as an “Honorable Mention”. It’s a good times, roots of Rock ‘n’ Roll listen, one that I’ve enjoyed time and again.
I chose the following Rock albums due to how memorable, fun and interesting they came across to my senses. The quality of Rock contained in these following albums, I simply revere. There are some elite musicians and bands on this list for certain. They all have proven to me just how diverse Rock ‘N Roll really is, with their respective albums. These are the Rock albums that I gravitated to and became inspired by most often during 2011. I highly recommend you check ’em out, if you haven’t already.
METAL ODYSSEY’S TOP TEN ROCK ALBUMS OF 2011
Honorable Mention
JEFF BECK – Rock ‘n’ Roll Party Honoring Les Paul
(ATCO)
#10
AFTERLIFE PARADE – REBIRTH
(WATERMAIN)
#9
DARYL HALL – LAUGHING DOWN CRYING
(Verve Forecast)
#8
TESLA – Twisted Wires & The Acoustic Sessions…
(Tesla Electric Company Recordings, Inc.)
#7
CHRIS CORNELL – SONGBOOK
(Universal Music)
#6
GREGG ALLMAN – LOW COUNTRY BLUES
(ROUNDER)
#5 (Tie)
SOCIAL DISTORTION – Hard Times And Nursery Rhymes
(Epitaph)
#5 (Tie)
FOO FIGHTERS – WASTING LIGHT
(RCA)
#4
LOS LONELY BOYS – ROCKPANGO
(Playing In Traffic Records / LonelyTone Records)
#3 (Tie)
THE CARS –MOVE LIKE THIS
(Hear Music / Concord Music Group)
#3 (Tie)
RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS – I’M WITH YOU
(Warner Bros.)
#2
JOE BONAMASSA – DUST BOWL
(J&R Adventures)
#1
THE TREWS – HOPE & RUIN
(Bumstead Productions Ltd.)
Hope & Ruin took me by surprise in 2011. THE TREWS captured a Rockin’ vibe that made my mood soar anytime I listened to this album. Melodic songs that glisten lyrically and musically, Hope & Ruin can easily become someone’s Rockin’ companion. THE TREWS are that Rock band you need to know about. This band defies the illogical American Rock mainstream press, proving that exquisite and blue-collar Rock music does exist in places other than Billboard or Rolling Stone magazine.
When I listen to Hope & Ruin, I’m not hearing a Rock band that is out to prove themselves. I’m instead hearing a Rock band that created a complete album of songs, which I imagine is straight from their Rock ‘N Roll hearts.
* To read my review on Hope & Ruin, (posted on August 5th, 2011), click on the large header link below:
Johnny Winter – Friday Music is re-releasing on 180 Gram Audiophile Vinyl, Second Winter, the third studio album and 1969 Blues/Rock Classic from the iconic Johnny Winter. An American Blues/Rock guitarist, singer, songwriter and producer, Johnny Winter’s influence across the world of Rock cannot be measured. Simply put, Johnny Winter is one-of-a-kind.
* Second Winter will be re-released as a three-sided album as well, with the fourth side left blank, just as the original Columbia Records release from 1969.
* As a very limited run, this 180 Gram Vinyl re-release of Second Winter includes the original gatefold album cover designed by Tony Lane and the photography excellence of Richard Avedon.
Second Winter – Band Lineup:
Johnny Winter – vocals & guitars
Edgar Winter – keys & saxophone
Tommy Shannon – bass
Uncle John Turner – drums
Second Winter – Track List:
Side One:
Memory Pain
I’m Not Sure
The Good Love
Side Two:
Slippin’ And Slidin’
Miss Ann
Johnny B. Goode
Highway 61 Revisited
Side Three:
I Love Somebody
Hustled Down In Texas
I Hate Everybody
Fast Life Rider
* To purchase this Johnny Winter gem, on 180 Gram Vinyl, click the link below:
ZZ TOP – Billy Gibbons, Dusty Hill and Frank Beard. Three undisputed Rock and Roll legends. On this 2011 July 4th holiday weekend in America, kickin’ back to some live ZZ Top with some cold brews aplenty, well, just seems like the right thing to do. I pulled Live FromTexas out a couple of days ago and thought this album should be recommended for any fan of good times, old school, Classic Rock. Aw, hell, any fan of Rock Music just has to appreciate what ZZ Top has accomplished over their glorious Rockin’ career. From Southern Rock to Hard Rock, with the Blues in-between, ZZ Top is Rock and Roll whoop-ass, no matter how you slice it.
Released back in 2008, on Eagle Records, Live From Texas is not short on sound quality and production. This album obviously makes for a very cool greatest hits and live combination. Fans both old and new should get a kick out of hearing Pearl Necklace being introduced, showing that a little band rhetoric with the audience surely goes a long way. I dig every song I hear on Live From Texas, including Rough Boy… Metal be thy name. Rough Boy seems to take an unfair hit every now and again and I’m tellin you now, this song is cool alone for just making the girls all mushy. Well, that’s how I observed it “back in the day” with Rough Boy.
The live versions of Cheap Sunglasses and Just Got Paid flat out ROCK through my veins with Classic Rockin’ intoxication. Being able to see ZZ Top live during my lifetime is something I’ll always cherish and want to experience again one day soon. In the meantime, I’ll just reach for Live From Texas to get my dose of ZZ Top playing 16 songs live… with Texas and American pride!
* ZZ Top – Live From Texas was recorded on November 1st, 2007, at the Nokia Theatre in Grand Prairie, Texas.
GARY MOORE – The Official Website for Gary Moore has reported today, Sunday, February 6, 2011, the following sad message: “It is with deep sorrow and regret, that we have to announce that Gary Moore passed away while on holiday in Spain last night. Our thoughts are with his children, family and friends at this sad time. Gary Moore, RIP.”
Metal Odyssey expresses heartfelt condolences to the children, family, friends and fans of Gary Moore. Gary Moore was and forever will be a guitar legend. The sounds I’ve always heard come from the guitar of Gary Moore were also musical lyrics… for Gary Moore could make his guitar sing to my ears. As a vocalist, Gary Moore kept it real, there were no pretensions.
To say that I am saddened and shocked at learning the news of Gary Moore passing away is an absolute understatement. Gary Moore has left us all with an incredible and extensive catalog of music, that will live on forever. From Hard Rock to the Blues, Gary Moore’s music has made many happy moments for me throughout my life. The music of Gary Moore will continue to have that same affect on me, without question. I’m certain countless others feel this same way. The music of Gary Moore will live on forever.
One of my favorite albums from Gary Moore is After The War. This album was released back in 1989. I can’t say it enough times, just how much this album has lifted my spirits and made me feel great over the years. That’s the magical thing that musicians and vocalists can do… they can move you to greater emotional heights, especially when you are feeling down. Thank you Gary Moore for making this fan feel great from the music you created.
Back on June 6th, 2010, I wrote a review on the album – After The War. I aimed to salute this sensational album and give Gary Moore his deserved and just applause. If you would like to read it, just click the header below:
ZZ TOP – It’s a humdinger of a thought, reflecting back to those blissful days of keg parties so long ago, in an open field, while Eliminator from ZZ TOP was blasting from someone’s boom box or car stereo. It was very common to hear Eliminator being cranked up along with Screaming For Vengeance from Judas Priest (released in 1982), Iron Maiden’s The Number Of The Beast and Piece Of Mind (released in 1982 and 1983 respectively) and Quiet Riot’s Metal Health. You have to remember, these were profoundly popular Metal albums of the day and ZZ TOP came knockin’ on the door to party… when all the world was abuzz about Heavy Metal. The really cool thing is, I and the majority of fellow Metalheads I knew then… let ZZ TOP in.
Metal Health was released on March 11, 1983 and Eliminator was released on March 23, 1983. Everyone knows the Metal historical importance of Metal Health being the first #1 Heavy Metal album on the Billboard Chart. (If you did not know, well, now you do. Plus QR rules too). Eliminator cracked that same Billboard Chart peaking at #9. As I reflect on it now, both the Metal Health and Eliminator albums should be hailed more frequently for their combinedpop culture impact, it was like a one-two punch to the Hard Rockin’ forehead that felt so damn good back then. It certainly was a great moment in Rock Music history, when MTVreally played music videos and while Heavy Metal along with Hard Rock was heard everywhere.
The coexistence of Eliminator alongside such Metal album classics back in 1983 proved that Heavy Metal, Hard Rock and Rock can and does have a common connection. A “weeding out” process was happening amongst us fans and bands back in those early 80’s… resulting in the eventual endless list of sub-genres that we all debate about in 2011. Eliminator seemed to break down any barriers of Rock ‘N’ Roll segregation back in 1983, the Country and Southern Rock fans just might like a band that a Metalhead digs!
I’ve never been one to embrace just Metal as my only music listening experience and ZZ TOP is one major reason why. (Metal is #1 in my Metal heart though). I remember my buddies and I rushing to Strawberries Records & Tapes to buy earlier albums from ZZ TOP after Eliminator was released. This album gave the ZZ TOP back catalog even more notoriety, (even though it was already revered) and helped spotlight the righteousness of Blues Rock and Southern Rock/Southern Hard Rock.
While I write about Eliminator, I’m tapping into my memories of yesteryear, regardless of how dazed they might be. I do remember vividly the social impact that Eliminator had on my group of buddies and the media impact goes without saying. The music videos that spawned from this album were beyond entertaining… they were Rock ‘N’ Roll coolness with an exclamation point. TVDinners is not just a (gasp) fun song, the music video for this song is flat-out hilarious. The slow driven, thump and stump of TV Dinners “really can’t be beat”, in my Metal opinion.
Not to disrespectfully push the “hits” of Eliminator aside, still, there are other songs on this album that cut loose with their dirt kickin’ and down home Rockin’ vibes. I Got The Six, Dirty Dog, If ICould Only Flag Her Down, I Need You Tonight, Thug and Bad Girl are just as potent as the world popular Legs, Sharp Dressed Man, Gimme All Your Lovin, Got Me Under Pressure and of course… TVDinners.
Was Eliminator commercial for it’s time? Of course it was and for grand reason. Eliminator will forever have a commercial appeal due to it’s memorable lyrics and good-times feel. It’s that big Texas boogie beat that will always make ZZ TOP and their catalog of albums timeless. Blues and grooves. Add into the sound and style of ZZ TOP these three words as well: Hard, Heavy, Classic. What other Rock power-trio, if you will, manifested more bluesy slick and muscular grooves into their songs such as ZZ TOP? Eliminator only magnified this.
There was no rushing to the “Prog-Rock” door to impress the fans when it came to the Rock ‘N’ Roll of Eliminator, that’s never been what ZZ TOP was/is known for. Straightforward with their brand of bluesy Southern Rock and Hard Rock is what made ZZ TOP famous for in the first place. As time has gone by, Eliminator just “eliminated” any doubts about this band and album having a huge impact among a cross section of Rock genres. It always feels dandy when I can reflect on an album that has made my Rock lovin’ life so enjoyable. My Eliminator vinyl and CD can never grow moss or collect dust mites… there’s just too many BIG beats and FUN moments that it bulges with, just like a Classic Rock album from ZZ TOP should do.
ZZ TOP:
BILLY GIBBONS – guitar & vocals
DUSTY HILL – bass & vocals
FRANK BEARD – drums
* Eliminator was released on March 23, 1983, on Warner Bros. Records.
ZZ TopAntenna cured my rainy day blues today. You bet it did rain, all day long too in Pennsylvania. I turn to music any time it rains, just to get my adrenaline and momentum perked up. This ZZ Top album may not get the notoriety of their Eliminator, (1983) or Degüello, (1979) albums, still this is one dandy of an album. A dynamite Rock album is Antenna. Cutting to the chase here, Cherry Red is one of my favorite ZZ Top songs ever… it has all the vintage Blues Rock and patented Rock Boogie that this Hall of Fame band is super known for. Cherry Red, in my Metal opinion, sounds like a ZZ Top song that would have fit perfectly on their El Loco album from 1981. Lizard Life is one groove saturated, bluesy Rock song that showcases ZZ Top’s flare for all out, old school, jamming. Fuzzbox Voodoo is another knockout song on Antenna. The foot stomping and (kick your worries aside) beat and swagger of Fuzzbox Voodoo is so good. Pincushion was the big hit from this album, a meat and potatoes song from ZZ Top without a doubt, it is a substantive opening track for Antenna.
I re-discovered this Antenna album over this past Summer of 2009, finding it at an antique store in Bird-In-Hand Pennsylvania… believe it or not. When I saw this CD for sale amidst a small bounty of others, my mind was made up as to taking this ZZ Top title home. It really amazes me, that over the years, I just never bought this ZZ Top album. Regardless, I have redeemed myself by buying this used copy. Quite honestly, there are those bands I listen to that are like comfort food… ZZ Top has always been a comfort band for me. Does that sound ridiculous? Maybe, only that is how I feel and see it.
I did get to see ZZ Top on this Antenna Tour too, back in 1994 at the Hartford Civic Center. George Thorogood opened up for ZZ Top and he simply put… rocked. My girlfriend (and now wife), bought the tickets to this concert, we both had a great time. Bringing back cool memories is only one of many great qualities of music. I realize that I have mentioned going to this concert in a past ZZ Top related post, please excuse the redundancy. As I listened to Antenna today, I couldn’t hold back the memory of that ZZ Top concert… good times. My daughters had the day off from school, (Thanksgiving Holiday), so we listened to this CD as we played UNO… good times again. I also played this ZZ Top CD in the car as we embarked on our errands, driving around in the cold rain. Long live ZZ Top.
The caricatures of Billy Gibbons, Dusty Hill and Frank Beard on the cover of Antenna are just plain fun. As I look at the front cover of Antenna, I conclude that sometimes artistic creativity is grand in it’s most simplistic design. I have to give a Rock and Roll salute to designer/illustrator Michael Ray Nott for the front cover artwork of Antenna.
If you’re a band or musician and would like your music reviewed or be interviewed by Stone, please click the link under the “ALBUM REVIEWS ARCHIVES” section below!
RT @queensryche: Thanks so much Las Vegas!! Good times at the Cannery Hotel and Casino – North Las Vegas NV (photo: Craig Blackwell) #Quee… 11 hours ago
RT @metalchurchis1: NEW DATE!! June 25th at Asbury Lanes in New Jersey, with special guests Living Wreckage and Damn Your Eyes!! Doors at… 15 hours ago
Metal Odyssey's Rock, Hard Rock and Heavy Metal Hall of Fame! These Are The Rock And METAL Legends Wrongfully Ignored By "The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame"
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