Kori Jean Olsen
Reason Why
JAMO MUSIC LLC 750532087924
****
If you are expecting run of the mill modern country songs then you will be disappointed
New female country artists are emerging all of the time. Kori Jean Olsen is a talented teenage singer from Provo Utah. Kori has always wanted to be a performer and from the age of seven she was performing on stage. Kori’s music is heartfelt. She believes that music can be used to knock down the walls that build up in our lives and in the world as a whole. After entering Austin Idol, which saw Kori come in second place, she decided to try out for American Idol. Sadly the producers told Kori that she was not what they were looking for. Determined not to give up Kori was introduced to Paul Pearcy from Flashpoint Recording, the end result was Kori’s debut album REASON WHY. Kori blends modern country with pop and blues on the album. Kori’s personality shines through throughout the album. The album starts off with Run Away this is a modern country song with an upbeat feel. If you are expecting a run of the mill country album full of sound-a-like songs then you will be sorely disappointed. Kori’s vocals are interesting and alluring, never dull. She Ain’t Got Jack is a rousing bluesy country song. I’ll Be Your Reason Why is a slow rather delicate country song bursting with lovely traditional instrumentation. Kori’s vocals really enhance this charming song. When I Get Mean is a fast modern country song with a heavy beat. There are touches of Miranda Lambert here. Texas Rain is a gorgeous slow country/pop ballad. Kori’s vocals are splendid on this delicate song. Fight Like A Girl is a great up-tempo pop/modern country song with a catchy hook. This song has hit written all over it. We All Cry is a thoroughly modern country song. Kori’s vocals are fresh and remind me a little of Dolly Parton in her earlier years. Next Big Nothing is more of a classic country song. Fans of more traditional country will appreciate this song. Beautiful is a pop/country song. Delicate vocals once again bring this song to life. Kori’s vocals on this song remind me of the talented singer Juice Newton. Richest One brings the album to a classy close. This is another really classic country song with blues overtones. This album has it all – amazing vocals, stunning ballads and high quality classic country songs.
Sunday, 4 April 2010
Kimberly Cash CD Review
Kimberly Cash
Country Kisses
Platinum Plus Universal Records 695407025420
****
An entertaining first CD
Since the age of three Kimberly has known that she wanted to perform, COUNTRY KISSES is her first album comprising of thirteen songs. Kimberly is known to be a very determined and spiritual person and these strengths are echoed in her vocal talents. Hailing from Kettle Falls in the United States Kimberley’s first offering effortlessly blends together modern country with some classy pop sounding ballads. The album kicks off with a lively catchy song called Would’ve Been There By Now, heavily reminiscent in style of Pam Tillis. You’re The Reason is a slower song with traditional instrumentation. The chorus is extremely catchy. The third song on the album When God Made You is a beautiful ballad with stunning soft vocals. An amazing song with a gentle melancholy sound. Useless and One Track Mind have a definite country feel. Kimberly is often compared to Reba McEntire and on these songs it is to see why. Butterfly is another classy slow song with a lovely piano introduction. Perhaps more of a pop song than a country song, this jazz infused number sees Kimberly’s vocals take centre stage. Karen Carpenter comes to mind when listening to this Billy R Bensing penned number. Mamma’s Kisses and Can’t Get Enough Of Your Love see the pace picked up again. The later song has heavy backing and a thoroughly modern country sound. Top quality music! Years is a delightful ballad with a strong country feel. The vocals are fragrant. After All is another song reminiscent in style of Pam Tillis. Unfaithful Man written by Kris Menz is a striking country infused ballad. A superb song with heartfelt lyrics, which Kimberly manages to convey to the listener perfectly. The ballads on this album are all splendid and allow Kimberly to show off her astounding vocals. I’m Going Home is another face paced slightly blues sounding song. The final offering Goosebumps written by Lori Shepard is a fast country number. A rousing song to end an entertaining and thoroughly charming first CD.
Country Kisses
Platinum Plus Universal Records 695407025420
****
An entertaining first CD
Since the age of three Kimberly has known that she wanted to perform, COUNTRY KISSES is her first album comprising of thirteen songs. Kimberly is known to be a very determined and spiritual person and these strengths are echoed in her vocal talents. Hailing from Kettle Falls in the United States Kimberley’s first offering effortlessly blends together modern country with some classy pop sounding ballads. The album kicks off with a lively catchy song called Would’ve Been There By Now, heavily reminiscent in style of Pam Tillis. You’re The Reason is a slower song with traditional instrumentation. The chorus is extremely catchy. The third song on the album When God Made You is a beautiful ballad with stunning soft vocals. An amazing song with a gentle melancholy sound. Useless and One Track Mind have a definite country feel. Kimberly is often compared to Reba McEntire and on these songs it is to see why. Butterfly is another classy slow song with a lovely piano introduction. Perhaps more of a pop song than a country song, this jazz infused number sees Kimberly’s vocals take centre stage. Karen Carpenter comes to mind when listening to this Billy R Bensing penned number. Mamma’s Kisses and Can’t Get Enough Of Your Love see the pace picked up again. The later song has heavy backing and a thoroughly modern country sound. Top quality music! Years is a delightful ballad with a strong country feel. The vocals are fragrant. After All is another song reminiscent in style of Pam Tillis. Unfaithful Man written by Kris Menz is a striking country infused ballad. A superb song with heartfelt lyrics, which Kimberly manages to convey to the listener perfectly. The ballads on this album are all splendid and allow Kimberly to show off her astounding vocals. I’m Going Home is another face paced slightly blues sounding song. The final offering Goosebumps written by Lori Shepard is a fast country number. A rousing song to end an entertaining and thoroughly charming first CD.
Kevin Rowe CD Review
Kevin Rowe10am
Self-released
*****
Could music by any better than this?
There are occasions when you hear an album and it stops you dead in your tracks because it is so amazing. On listening to 10AM by talented singer/song writer Kevin Rowe I had one of those moments and I am sure other listeners will as well. Kevin grew up in Houston, Texas, then at the age of thirteen moved to England. Kevin has always been passionate about music – learning to play the keyboard by the age of seven. Aged eighteen Kevin was back at school this time in a teaching role. His musical influences include The Beatles, John Mayer, Tom Petty and The Beach Boys. Kevin’s voice has a distinct and rather charming style. Kevin has a first class honours degree in music production and is in demand not only as a performer but also as a successful producer and sound engineer. Kevin now resides in the South West. Following the success and critical acclaim of his first independent release KEVIN ROWE LIVE, Kevin is keen to make a real name for himself as a performer – 10AM could see Kevin realising his dream. The album opens with a delightfully rich song called Feel Good. Kevin’s vocals are raspy and intoxicating. There is a touch of Bryan Adams about Kevin’s vocal style. This is a great song with a rousing chorus. The Waiting is a slower song with strong lyrics – certainly worth a close listen. A very likeable song! Singing Like A Rich Man sees Kevin really come to life. This is a classy up-tempo song with solid vocals. Dancing On Kitchen Tiles has a really catchy feel to it; you cannot help but sway along to the quirky music. This song deserves to be a huge hit for Kevin. School Of Noise sees the mood slow slightly. Kevin’s vocals are delicate and gentle on this warming song. 4 Walls picks up the pace once again. This is another excellent song. Through It All is a wonderful slow ballad with Kevin’s gorgeous vocals really shinning brightly. Occasionally there are hints of John Mellencamp in Kevin’s vocals. Last Train Home is another excellent song reminiscent in style of The Jayhawks. Katie is an upbeat song with a catchy beat. Won’t You Concede is a stunning slow song, which allows Kevin’s vocals to take centre stage. Back In Summertime follows on in a similar vain. Another splendid song filled with Kevin’s magical vocals. The Broken is the final song on the album. Listen to the lyrics of this song closely; they are truly amazing and heartfelt. Although this is not a slow paced ballad it still produced a lump in my throat. This is an album of top class music.
http://www.kevinrowe.com/
http://www.myspace.com/kevinroweuk
Self-released
*****
Could music by any better than this?
There are occasions when you hear an album and it stops you dead in your tracks because it is so amazing. On listening to 10AM by talented singer/song writer Kevin Rowe I had one of those moments and I am sure other listeners will as well. Kevin grew up in Houston, Texas, then at the age of thirteen moved to England. Kevin has always been passionate about music – learning to play the keyboard by the age of seven. Aged eighteen Kevin was back at school this time in a teaching role. His musical influences include The Beatles, John Mayer, Tom Petty and The Beach Boys. Kevin’s voice has a distinct and rather charming style. Kevin has a first class honours degree in music production and is in demand not only as a performer but also as a successful producer and sound engineer. Kevin now resides in the South West. Following the success and critical acclaim of his first independent release KEVIN ROWE LIVE, Kevin is keen to make a real name for himself as a performer – 10AM could see Kevin realising his dream. The album opens with a delightfully rich song called Feel Good. Kevin’s vocals are raspy and intoxicating. There is a touch of Bryan Adams about Kevin’s vocal style. This is a great song with a rousing chorus. The Waiting is a slower song with strong lyrics – certainly worth a close listen. A very likeable song! Singing Like A Rich Man sees Kevin really come to life. This is a classy up-tempo song with solid vocals. Dancing On Kitchen Tiles has a really catchy feel to it; you cannot help but sway along to the quirky music. This song deserves to be a huge hit for Kevin. School Of Noise sees the mood slow slightly. Kevin’s vocals are delicate and gentle on this warming song. 4 Walls picks up the pace once again. This is another excellent song. Through It All is a wonderful slow ballad with Kevin’s gorgeous vocals really shinning brightly. Occasionally there are hints of John Mellencamp in Kevin’s vocals. Last Train Home is another excellent song reminiscent in style of The Jayhawks. Katie is an upbeat song with a catchy beat. Won’t You Concede is a stunning slow song, which allows Kevin’s vocals to take centre stage. Back In Summertime follows on in a similar vain. Another splendid song filled with Kevin’s magical vocals. The Broken is the final song on the album. Listen to the lyrics of this song closely; they are truly amazing and heartfelt. Although this is not a slow paced ballad it still produced a lump in my throat. This is an album of top class music.
http://www.kevinrowe.com/
http://www.myspace.com/kevinroweuk
Kerri Arista CD Review
Artist – Kerri Arista
Title – Walk Beside Me
Label – Self produced – Kerri Arista
Catalogue Number – Not listed at this time
Star Rating – 4 stars
Sometimes quite by accident you come across an album that just blows you away Kerri Arista’s latest offering Walk Beside Me does just that. It is a brilliant album in every sense of the word. The album combines Kerri’s superb writing talents with tender ballads that tug at the heartstrings plus a few livelier numbers to shake things up every once in a while. This is Kerri’s third CD and was produced by Kerri herself. Classed as a blend of pop, country and folk this is an album that should appeal to a variety of music fans.
The album kicks off with the title track – Walk Beside Me. Straight away you can tell that this is a top quality album. Kerri’s voice is rich and full of emotion on this opening ballad. The background music is unobtrusive giving Kerri’s voice the chance to shine through. Listeners will fall in love with Kerri’s voice after listening to this opening number.
To Good To Be is a slightly faster number with a rich country feel to it. Kerri’s voice is light and sounds natural and relaxed. Right Where You Are is another livelier number yet Kerri’s vocals still retain their gentleness.
A Tiny Glimpse is another slow song that showcases Kerri’s beautiful voice.
Shadow is my own personal favourite on the album. There are echoes of Andrea Corr in Kerri’s voice on this dreamy number.
I Know This For Sure is lovely song with some brilliant harmonies. There is a warmth to Kerri’s vocals, as a listener you quickly find yourself caught up in the lyrics of the song and Kerri’s soft, haunting vocals.
I Will Not Stand In Your Way is another luxurious ballad that is full of emotive lyrics that will tug at the listeners heartstrings. This is a classy number that deserves to be heard time and time again. Magic is another top quality ballad that showcases Kerri’s vocal depth and maturity.
On Top Of The World although different in style to Kerri’s previous song Shadow, has a similar dream like quality about it. This is perhaps the least striking track on the album.
Goodbye is a faster number with a catchy tune and sad lyrics that speak of leaving and letting someone go rather than trying to change their mind. Like In My Dreams is another great song with a slightly faster beat to it.
Everything completes this excellent album in fine style. This is an outstanding track to close on. Kerri’s voice is gentle yet strangely captivating on this final number. This is an impressive song that begs the listener to hear more.
Having been compared to the likes of Shawn Colvin and Jonatha Brooke, Kerri Arista has a lot to live up to but I think that she succeeds pretty well. This album is packed full of tender ballads that music fans will enjoy and want to hear more of. If this is Kerri’s third album I want to know why we haven’t heard a lot more of her before.
Title – Walk Beside Me
Label – Self produced – Kerri Arista
Catalogue Number – Not listed at this time
Star Rating – 4 stars
Sometimes quite by accident you come across an album that just blows you away Kerri Arista’s latest offering Walk Beside Me does just that. It is a brilliant album in every sense of the word. The album combines Kerri’s superb writing talents with tender ballads that tug at the heartstrings plus a few livelier numbers to shake things up every once in a while. This is Kerri’s third CD and was produced by Kerri herself. Classed as a blend of pop, country and folk this is an album that should appeal to a variety of music fans.
The album kicks off with the title track – Walk Beside Me. Straight away you can tell that this is a top quality album. Kerri’s voice is rich and full of emotion on this opening ballad. The background music is unobtrusive giving Kerri’s voice the chance to shine through. Listeners will fall in love with Kerri’s voice after listening to this opening number.
To Good To Be is a slightly faster number with a rich country feel to it. Kerri’s voice is light and sounds natural and relaxed. Right Where You Are is another livelier number yet Kerri’s vocals still retain their gentleness.
A Tiny Glimpse is another slow song that showcases Kerri’s beautiful voice.
Shadow is my own personal favourite on the album. There are echoes of Andrea Corr in Kerri’s voice on this dreamy number.
I Know This For Sure is lovely song with some brilliant harmonies. There is a warmth to Kerri’s vocals, as a listener you quickly find yourself caught up in the lyrics of the song and Kerri’s soft, haunting vocals.
I Will Not Stand In Your Way is another luxurious ballad that is full of emotive lyrics that will tug at the listeners heartstrings. This is a classy number that deserves to be heard time and time again. Magic is another top quality ballad that showcases Kerri’s vocal depth and maturity.
On Top Of The World although different in style to Kerri’s previous song Shadow, has a similar dream like quality about it. This is perhaps the least striking track on the album.
Goodbye is a faster number with a catchy tune and sad lyrics that speak of leaving and letting someone go rather than trying to change their mind. Like In My Dreams is another great song with a slightly faster beat to it.
Everything completes this excellent album in fine style. This is an outstanding track to close on. Kerri’s voice is gentle yet strangely captivating on this final number. This is an impressive song that begs the listener to hear more.
Having been compared to the likes of Shawn Colvin and Jonatha Brooke, Kerri Arista has a lot to live up to but I think that she succeeds pretty well. This album is packed full of tender ballads that music fans will enjoy and want to hear more of. If this is Kerri’s third album I want to know why we haven’t heard a lot more of her before.
Keeley Dodd CD Review
Keeley Dodd
Almost Love
Self-released
***
The vocals on this album take centre stage
Pretty country singer/songwriter Keeley Dodd’s new album is bursting with passion and emotion. An enjoyable album that will appeal to fans of modern female country music. Where Are All The Men is a rousing, heavy country song with a rocky vibe. Keeley’s vocals are strong and powerful. That’s What Lonely Is To Me is a slower song packed full of emotion. Keeley’s vocals are once again strong and solid. Drunk On You is more of a typical modern country song. Love Was is a slow ballad full of passion. Trisha Yearwood comes to mind when listening to this song. His Saturday Night is a heavy rock infused country song. Keeley can really belt out lyrics when she needs to. Almost Love is more of a contemporary country song. Keeley’s vocals are highly polished. This is certainly a song with radio air play potential. I Wanna Be Lonely is another slow paced song with a modern country feel. Keeley’s vocals really steal the show on this song. My Heart’s Been Broken is a faster song with a heavy dose of traditional country. Absolutely Perfect For Me is a stunning slow ballad. Very modern in style. This song allows Keeley to show off her passion filled vocals. The Man She Wants Him To Be is the final song on the album and is another slow emotional song with a strong modern country feel. Here again it is Keeley’s vocals that take centre stage.
Almost Love
Self-released
***
The vocals on this album take centre stage
Pretty country singer/songwriter Keeley Dodd’s new album is bursting with passion and emotion. An enjoyable album that will appeal to fans of modern female country music. Where Are All The Men is a rousing, heavy country song with a rocky vibe. Keeley’s vocals are strong and powerful. That’s What Lonely Is To Me is a slower song packed full of emotion. Keeley’s vocals are once again strong and solid. Drunk On You is more of a typical modern country song. Love Was is a slow ballad full of passion. Trisha Yearwood comes to mind when listening to this song. His Saturday Night is a heavy rock infused country song. Keeley can really belt out lyrics when she needs to. Almost Love is more of a contemporary country song. Keeley’s vocals are highly polished. This is certainly a song with radio air play potential. I Wanna Be Lonely is another slow paced song with a modern country feel. Keeley’s vocals really steal the show on this song. My Heart’s Been Broken is a faster song with a heavy dose of traditional country. Absolutely Perfect For Me is a stunning slow ballad. Very modern in style. This song allows Keeley to show off her passion filled vocals. The Man She Wants Him To Be is the final song on the album and is another slow emotional song with a strong modern country feel. Here again it is Keeley’s vocals that take centre stage.
Kate Redgate CD Review
Kate Redgate
Nothing Tragic
Self-released
****
Not for the faint hearted, this is an album for those who like rousing country music with a bit of rock
Kate Redgate has a powerful voice and puts her heart and soul into her music. She has shared the stage with many folk greats including John Gorka. The Stones, Buddy and Julie Miller and Steve Earl are just some of Kate’s many influences. Compared with the likes of Sheryl Crow and Melisa Etheridge Kate puts her own unique stamp on country rock. NOTHING TRAGIC is produced by Tom Eaton and features Zach Field on drums, Mike Miskis on bass, Kevin Barry on electric guitar and Tom West on the organ. Last To Know kick starts the album and lets the listener know that they are in for a rocky ride. Kate’s vocals are strong and passionate. Her vocals have a slight old fashioned sound but the music feels well and truly modern. Into The Blues is a catchy song with a familiar sound. The Palace has a touch of Tanya Tucker about it. Again Kate graces the listener with some top class vocals. Nothing Tragic, the title song, shows that Kate doesn’t beat around the bush – she means business. This is a great choice of song for a title track. Strong and powerful, Kate’s music is rousing and really shows what she is made of. Another Story is a much slower song with a strong country flavour. Kate’s powerful vocals bring this song to life. Believe is a highly polished song with a modern sound. Walkin’ A Fine Line, brings to mind instantly Bonnie Raitt. Bitterroot Valley Goodbye is another one of Kate’s slower songs. Here I am reminded of Lacy J Dalton. A lovely song with plenty of emotion running through it. Mississippi Moon is a catchy fast song. Cold November is the real highlight of the album. This is a slow and somewhat dramatic ballad. Kate’s vocals are toned down slightly allowing them to really shine and show what they are made of. Roxy’s is the final offering on the album and is another rousing song. This is a heavy song with powerful vocals reminiscent in style of Miranda Lambert. All in all this is a magnificent album for those people who like their country with a large dose of rock.
www.kateredgate.com/
http://www.myspace.com/kateredgate
Nothing Tragic
Self-released
****
Not for the faint hearted, this is an album for those who like rousing country music with a bit of rock
Kate Redgate has a powerful voice and puts her heart and soul into her music. She has shared the stage with many folk greats including John Gorka. The Stones, Buddy and Julie Miller and Steve Earl are just some of Kate’s many influences. Compared with the likes of Sheryl Crow and Melisa Etheridge Kate puts her own unique stamp on country rock. NOTHING TRAGIC is produced by Tom Eaton and features Zach Field on drums, Mike Miskis on bass, Kevin Barry on electric guitar and Tom West on the organ. Last To Know kick starts the album and lets the listener know that they are in for a rocky ride. Kate’s vocals are strong and passionate. Her vocals have a slight old fashioned sound but the music feels well and truly modern. Into The Blues is a catchy song with a familiar sound. The Palace has a touch of Tanya Tucker about it. Again Kate graces the listener with some top class vocals. Nothing Tragic, the title song, shows that Kate doesn’t beat around the bush – she means business. This is a great choice of song for a title track. Strong and powerful, Kate’s music is rousing and really shows what she is made of. Another Story is a much slower song with a strong country flavour. Kate’s powerful vocals bring this song to life. Believe is a highly polished song with a modern sound. Walkin’ A Fine Line, brings to mind instantly Bonnie Raitt. Bitterroot Valley Goodbye is another one of Kate’s slower songs. Here I am reminded of Lacy J Dalton. A lovely song with plenty of emotion running through it. Mississippi Moon is a catchy fast song. Cold November is the real highlight of the album. This is a slow and somewhat dramatic ballad. Kate’s vocals are toned down slightly allowing them to really shine and show what they are made of. Roxy’s is the final offering on the album and is another rousing song. This is a heavy song with powerful vocals reminiscent in style of Miranda Lambert. All in all this is a magnificent album for those people who like their country with a large dose of rock.
www.kateredgate.com/
http://www.myspace.com/kateredgate
Karolina Dawn Song Review
Karolina Dawn is a highly popular artist on MySpace with well over four million hits on her page so far. Karolina is set for big things with her obvious charm and her talented vocal abilities. Her music blends together a mix of pop, dance and R&B. Reminiscent in style of artists such as Cascada, Ciara and Rihanna her music is infectious and a joy to listen to. European radio has already picked up on Karolina and her music. Many fans have also tuned into YouTube on the internet to see her videos. Karolina is extremely pretty and has a fresh faced look, which suits her style of music. Her songs are great to dance to but they are a lot more than dance songs. One More Night is a great dance track ideal for the summer months. It has a nice beat and is a catchy bright song. It is easy to imagine yourself on the dance floor dancing away to this song. Similar in style to that of Cascada this song is already being touted as a possible single and the flagship song of Karolina’s debut album. Listening to it, it is easy to see why. One listen to this song just isn’t enough. You need to have this song on repeat play so you can hear it several times at least. What’s Done Is Done has a strong R&B feel to it. This is a sexy number and Karolina conveys that sexiness with great ease. As a listener it is easy to picture a video for this song. Karolina’s vocals are sultry and steamy on this classy number. The chorus is catchy and infectious. Don’t Be Shy is another R&B influenced song with yet more sultry vocals. A slow song with a nice beat. The chorus picks up the pace before Karolina’s sultry vocals kick in once again. S.E.K.S is another sexy song that reminds me in style of Ciara. Karolina’s vocals are delicate but this is a song with a definite message. A great dance track. I can imagine a really hot video to accompany this song. Come Home is a dance song with solid vocals. This song really gives Karolina a chance to show off her amazing vocal talents and to prove that she is more than a singer of one line dance tracks. Rihanna would not sound out of place singing this song. Everything is a classy pop/dance song with punchy lyrics. Karolina is a very talented lady with a great voice. Her songs are both great to listen to and great to dance to. I for one cannot wait for her debut album to be released.
Can’t Believe It is an up-tempo dance song with a slight Latin feel to it. You can almost see the flashing lights in the dance hall when listening to this classy number. I am reminded here of Basshunter. A softer, slower moment at the end of the song allows Karolina’s vocals to really shine. Karolina’s vocals are silky and sensual when the beat is slowed right down, almost to nothing.
Had It All is an infectious upbeat song with a strong dance feel to it. Karolina’s vocals shine through on this summery number. This song is a strong contender for a top ten hit as it is catchy, pleasing on the ear and will remind the listener of a warm day spent on the beach having fun. Although this song is definitely geared for the dance floor the music never over shadows Karolina’s vocals, allowing the listener to take a close look at what talents Karolina has in the vocal department. A top class song that lingers on in the listeners mind long after the music has faded away. This is one of those songs that you will want to purchase the extended mix of - it is that good!
Can’t Believe It is an up-tempo dance song with a slight Latin feel to it. You can almost see the flashing lights in the dance hall when listening to this classy number. I am reminded here of Basshunter. A softer, slower moment at the end of the song allows Karolina’s vocals to really shine. Karolina’s vocals are silky and sensual when the beat is slowed right down, almost to nothing.
Had It All is an infectious upbeat song with a strong dance feel to it. Karolina’s vocals shine through on this summery number. This song is a strong contender for a top ten hit as it is catchy, pleasing on the ear and will remind the listener of a warm day spent on the beach having fun. Although this song is definitely geared for the dance floor the music never over shadows Karolina’s vocals, allowing the listener to take a close look at what talents Karolina has in the vocal department. A top class song that lingers on in the listeners mind long after the music has faded away. This is one of those songs that you will want to purchase the extended mix of - it is that good!
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