Tag Archives: coldplay

December 23, 2011 · 1:31 pm

Gigs of the Year

For me, live music is so much more important than recorded music. Yes, there are many albums which I completely fall in love with. But listening to a record doesn’t compare to the feeling of seeing a band live. Music is about so much more than just a song, just a melody and just an album. Music is about bringing people together, and sharing a moment that you will never forget. This year I was lucky enough to attend 10 different festivals, and experience so many different things, many of which I will never forget. Here is a list of my 10 favourite gigs of the year. Trying to write down why I loved each experience so much is difficult as you cannot put into words some experiences, but i’ve tried anyway.

1. Coldplay- The Pyramid Stage, Glastonbury Festival

‘Thousands of People, all covered in mud, who love this place with every drop of their blood’

Glastonbury is my favourite place on the whole planet. Nothing comes close to that atmosphere, that togetherness and that feeling of being at that festival. For me, it’s the most beautiful feeling in the world. Before this performance, I was a Coldplay fan. I have always loved their first two albums and was looking forward to seeing them. However, the performance they gave was completely out of this world. They are such an incredible live band and for them to headline this festival, for the third time, is a match made in heaven. The songs are epic, sounds and suit a festival better than anywhere else. The bands love and long time association with the festival make this the perfect place to see a band like Coldplay.

The crowd also made it for me, I was surrounded by people from all over the world, all singing along to every single word, loving every minute of it, and for many, by the end of it tears were really streaming down their faces. And walking round the festival for the rest of the weekend and hearing people sing the melody from Viva La Vida, you knew that you were part of something. This was one of those moments I will never forget, and always feel honoured to be a part of. Incredible.

 

2. Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros- The Old Vic Tunnels

A gig is best when it is more than just a gig, when it becomes a whole experience. Edward Sharpe’s debut album was one of my favourites of 2009, and after watching countless videos of them on YouTube I was beyond excited to get tickets to one of these gigs. But what I actually got when I walked in far exceeded any expectations I already had. They created a whole universe in these underground tunnels. I wrote a whole review about this gig here, so read that to find out more about it. There is lots of photos too. I think this band are one of the best around, and its a shame more people don’t know it.

 

3. Bon Iver- Hammersmith Apollo

This man created my album of the year, the self titled Bon Iver Bon Iver. It is a stunning record, but live it was another experience completely. He doesn’t tour the UK much and so I think for a lot of people, including me, it was the first time they had the opportunity to see him live. The first album For Emma, Forever Ago affected a lot of people in a very personal way and so it was no surprise at the amount of tears present at this gig. Afterwards I felt like I had never done before after a gig, emotionally drained, and in complete awe of what had just happened. Go and see this man, just amazing.

 

4. Paul McCartney- Liverpool Echo Arena

I saw Paul McCartney in 2009 at the O2 Arena. But when he announced he was playing in Liverpool, his home town, I jumped at the opportunity to see him again. He is 69 and still an incredible performer. For about 2 and a half hours he wowed the audience with songs from his back catalogue of Beatles tracks, Wings and solo stuff. This man is a true legend and it was an honor to be able to see such a special performance in Liverpool.

 

5. Arcade Fire- Benicassim Festival

This was the third time I have seen Arcade Fire, and by far their best performance. It was the last night of their tour and they completely gave the audience everything. I didn’t enjoy Benicassim as a festival at all, but this performance and some others made it worth while. I think Arcade Fire are one of the best bands on the planet still making music.

 

6. Pulp- Park Stage, Glastonbury Festival

Pulp were one of the not-so-secret Special Guests at this years Glastonbury Festival. They played the Park Stage, usually home to small folky bands. I found out about it a couple of hours before, and since their wasn’t anyone else I wanted to see on that Saturday afternoon, I went and waited at the front of the stage and so was luckily enough  to be right down the front (even if I did have to sit through the dreadful set from Tame Impala). Jarvis Cocker is quite simply a national legend. His humour between songs made it so special- and you could tell he completely understood Glastonbury as a festival. And taking a quote from the man himself ‘Glastonbury is more than just a festival, it’s a feeling’.

 

7. Primal Scream- Bestival

Primal Scream are an amazing live band. I first saw them at Benicassim and was amazed at how many song I knew. Bestival is an amazing festival as it is, full of character and spirit. This performance was in the Big Top tent at about 1am I think, and WOW, what a party. Amazing band.

 

8. Beyonce- Glastonbury Festival

I love Beyonce. I think she is a very unique kind of popstar and a inspirational woman. She completely stormed Glastonbury, and being the first female to headline is 20 years I think? When she played ‘Halo’ with videos of Glastonbury in the background, you knew she understood the festival. I also loved how grateful she seems for being given the opportunity to play- it seemed like we were all living out her dream together.

 

9. Joanna Newsom- End of the Road Festival

Joanna Newsom is someone I have been dying to see live for years. And when she announced she was playing End of the Road, I knew I had to go. She gave a completely flawless performance. Her voice has been altered as she’s had a lot of throat issues over the years, but I think this has actually worked a little in her favour. The unique, slightly shrill qualities of her voice are gone but what we are left with is a mellower version. She played solo, and I was completely entranced for the whole thing.

 

10. Willy Mason- WOOD Festival

Before this gig I didn’t really know who Willy Mason was. We were actually trying to work out if he was a young guy or an old guy with long hair (Willy Nelson). There was something very special about the atmosphere at this gig, it felt like everyone was incomplete awe of what we were experiencing. WOOD festival is a stunning place as it is, the festival feels like you are part of a great big family, I really hope it continues into 2012.

Special mention to Antony and the Johnsons at Wilderness Festival. Bring on 2012!

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December 22, 2011 · 4:55 pm

Songs of the Year: Part 1

Part 1 of 2, these songs are in no particular order.

Lana Del Rey- Video Games

For me, this song is leaps and bounds above any other song on this list. Super gorgeous sultry and with a touch of old Hollywood glamour.

Cloud Control- There’s Nothing in the Water we Can’t Fight

Summer in a song. The melodies are killer.

Coldplay- Paradise

The best song they have produced since Viva La Vida. What. A. Tune.

Friends- I’m His Girl

Got high hopes for this band. This song is so good, and mixes so many genres of music together. Also really like the video.

Girls- Vomit

The soul in this song mixed with the incredible songwriting makes it very special indeed.

Daughter- Landfill

‘I want you so much, but I hate your guts’. This line is one of my favourites of the whole year. And just a stunning song.

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December 4, 2011 · 9:00 am

Albums of 2011: No. 15-11

This is the second post in my albums of the year. If you missed 20-16 you can catch up here. After this each of my top 10 albums will have its own individual post.

15. Grouplove- Never Trust A Happy Song

Grouplove win the award for the best album name of the year and its a brilliant album too. Super happy, fun and interesting pop music. Also one of the best live bands around at the moment. This is one of those albums you can’t really fault because it feels so perfect as a collection of songs, and every single one gets stuck in your head.

Standout Tracks: Colours, Lovely Cup, and Love Will Save Your Soul

14. Big Deal- Lights Out

2011 has definitely been the year of the boy-girl duos. Some got caught in the haze, but some triumphed, and Big Deal did just that. With just two guitars and two voices they manage to create a sound so unique and beautiful to them. Live, it lacks some spark, but this record is a perfect collection of excellently well written lo-fi pop songs with minimal production and stories of teenage love. It will be interesting to see where they can take this sound next, but a beautiful debut to begin.

13. Coldplay- Mylo Xyloto

Coldplay are a band that seem to divide music lovers. Are they credible? Are they boring? Well who cares, because I love them and they write some ruddy great songs. The melodies in Mylo Xyloto are no exception to the usual sing-a-long stuff of Coldplay. Paradise, Charlie Brown and Every teardrop is a Waterfall show just why Coldplay fill arenas and are hailed as such a perfect festival band.

Standout Tracks: Charlie Brown, Paradise, and Hurts Like Heaven

12. Jonny Kearney and Lucy Farrell- Kite

Jonny Kearney and Lucy Farrell are yes, another boy-girl duo, but of a very different breed. This is simply gorgeous melancholy traditional folk music. It’s quite a talent to make a whole album have a sad and dreary tone throughout it, but Jonny and Lucy manage to do it in such a lovely way. Such pretty lullaby-esque tunes, all produced by members of The Unthanks, who have always supported their careers. Also check out their debut EP ‘The North Farm Sessions’.

Standout Tracks: Green Leaved Trees, Down in Adarisville and Call Yourself a Friend of Mine

11. Summer Camp- Welcome to Condale

Summer Camp have been a BIG love of mine ever since the mysterious ‘I Only Have Eyes For You’ was released online way back in 2009. This album brought together all the reasons why we all love Summer Camp so much, the summery, happy, romantic 80′s vibes and brilliantly catchy songwriting. Such a great band!

Standout Tracks: Losing My Mind, Down and Better Off Without You

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November 5, 2011 · 7:57 pm

New Music 26

I’ve written loads and loads of new treats recently, which is great. But theres also been loads of new songs from bands you might already know released. Here’s a celebration to some of them.

Starting with the wonderful, wonderful Coldplay and ‘Charlie Brown’ from their new album ‘Mylo Xyloto’ which is brilliant in my opinion. They write so many stunning melodies and this song is no exception.

Summer Camp have now released their debut album, ‘Welcome to Condale’. It’s everything I expected, super 80′s, electro, amazing melodies, and just a wonderful collection of songs. This is the title track, ‘Welcome to Condale’ and its great.

Another brilliant new album is ‘Ceremonials’, from Florence and the Machine. ‘Lungs’ was an epic debut and I wasn’t sure whether this album was going to live up to it, but its completely exceeded my exceptions. The amount of massive tunes on this album is astonishing. So many classics. I went to her album launch last week at Hackney Empire and everyone should most certainly be getting excited about her touring again.

Rachel Sermanni is such a talent. She is realising an EP soon called ‘Black Currents’ which has been produced by Communion’s Ian Grimble. This track ‘The Fog’ is taken from it, I think its lovely.

Jamie N Commons might be one of those ‘one to watch’ sort of artists. I like what he’s doing, its really different, a bit Johnny Cash. This is his single ‘The Preacher’

Fanfarlo made one really really great album and then they went away for what seemed like ages. But their back, with a different sound. This is so much more indie/electro, but that essence of great songwriting is still there.

I pretty much fell in love with Jonny Kearney and Lucy Farrell’s mini album ‘North Farm Sessions’. So stunningly beautiful. They have just released their debut full length album and I have pretty much fallen in love all over again. This song ‘Green Leaved Trees’ is the first single to be taken from the album.

I have already featured this track, ‘The Lion’s Roar’ from First Aid Kit, but I thought this video was so good that I also had to include it. The second album is out on January 24th and I am really looking forward to hearing it!

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July 1, 2011 · 6:20 pm

Festival Review: My top 10 highlights of Glastonbury 2011

Glastonbury Festival is my favorite place on earth. There is no where else which condenses an amazing atmosphere, great music, and a positive spirit quite as well as that place. As Jarvis Cocker said ‘Glastonbury is more than just a festival, its a feeling’, and he couldn’t be more spot on. This year of Glastonbury was my forth year, for me each year gets better, and that was defintely the case this time. Despite the terrible weather of the first few days, we got through and I think everyone their would agree, we had a blast!

I started writing a Glastonbury review, but found I had far too much to say and too many bands to write about! So I have decided to simmer it down and just write about my 10 favorite performances of the weekend. So here goes…

1. Coldplay

Undoubtedly my favorite performance of the weekend was Coldplay. I had never seen them before, but am a big fan of their first two albums, so they were a must see for me. However they managed to far exceed my expectations. Everything about the performance was perfect, an abundance of hits, a fantastic performance from the band and the most incredible atmosphere. I have never been in a crowd quite like it, and I think it is obvious how much everyone is loving it from watching the footage back. Hearing the sing-a-long and seeing every single persons arms in the air for ‘In My Place’, ‘Viva La Vida’ and ‘Fix You’ among many others, created a moment I will never forget. A proper Glastonbury performance.

2. Pulp

Pulp were the secret, or not-so-secret, special guests in the Park on Saturday. Jarvis and co completely stormed the farm showing they would have been more than capable of headlining the bash (maybe in 2013 they will?). They rolled through hits, ending, of course with ‘Common People’. Jarvis’ rather hilarious banter filled in between the songs, and he expressed his love for the festival which transformed Pulp’s career when they headlined in 1995.

3. Beyonce

I went to see Beyonce partly for curiosity, partly because there was nothing else I really wanted to see, and partly because I knew I would probably never get the opportunity to see her again. And I am so glad I went as I thought she was amazing! There had been some controversy surrounding her performance, does pop belong in Pilton? But I didn’t really see the issue since Lady Gaga, Scissor Sisters and Black Eyed Peas have also been given major slots in the last few years. As Jay-Z did back in 2008, she completely ruled the farm, bringing her big tunes, diva moves and flawless voice to the festival. She too, like so many performers this year, expressed her love for the festival, and said she was living her dream by playing at the farm. Aww!

4. Melanie

Back in 1971 Melanie wowed a crowd of hippies with her stunning voice and flower child songs. And in 2011, I think she did exactly the same. The Spirit of ’71 stage was a new addition to this years festival, hosting many acts who played the original festival as well as other oldies. I also saw the Crazy World of Arthur Brown there, but Melanie stole the show. Her voice is still so radiant, but its her songs and love of life and humanity which came across the best. ‘Look What They’ve done to my Song’ was a highlight and she said that if there was to be a film made of her life, that song would be the soundtrack. If only more artists nowadays had that kind of sensibility.

5. Mumford and Sons

In 2009 I saw Mumford and Sons play the Greenpeace stage, on a bill which also included Laura Marling and King Charles. I would guess the capacity was under 300. Two years later, the same band play the Other Stage in front of one of the biggest crowds of the weekend. And they have only released one album. That’s incredible. But from watching their performance its clear to see why. They have so much raw energy, and really brought the folk hoedown to Glastonbury. I predict future headliners for sure.

6. Laura Marling

And following on from the Mumford comment, Laura Marling played the Pyramid Stage. There were concerns that the stage would swamp her but I knew her voice would manage to fill the space and it did. She put on a wonderful show, all songs with a band unlike normally when she plays a solo set in the middle, but the addition of lots of new songs made up for it. ‘A Creature I Don’t Know’, out September 12th, is going to be very special.

7. Grouplove

I love this band at the moment! So great live and such a fantastic way to start my weekend. They played at 12pm on Friday and attracted a surprisingly large crowd for so early in the day.Being billed so early didn’t stop them from producing the same wild energetic show they normally do. So great!

8. Fleet Foxes

Last time I saw Fleet Foxes at Glastonbury I was rather disappointed. They played the Pyramid Stage but their sound just didn’t fill the space and many punters were left bored. I was disappointed to see that they had been placed on the Other Stage, another whopper, but this year it was a totally different story. They were wonderful, playing a mixture of new songs from ‘Helplessness Blues’ and tracks from the debut. Robin also managed to sneak in ‘Blue Spotted Tail’, my favorite from the new album, so I was very pleased about that!

9. Summer Camp

Since last summer I have seen Summer Camp countless numbers of times in different situations and atmospheres. This was by far my favorite, perhaps since the first time I ever saw them. They played the Crow’s Nest, a tiny tent at the top of the Park with a semi-secret but absolutely excellent line-up and a stunning view of the entire site. Summer Camp played an acoustic set which worked wonderfully in the setting and their pop songs translated brilliantly to the audience. An album should be out soon and I am very much looking forward to it!

Summer Camp- I Want You

10. Emily and the Woods

Emily was one of the finalists of the Glastonbury Emerging Talent competition which I helped to judge. Treetop Flyers were the eventual winners, and well deserved, but this lady also turned a lot of heads through the competition and the audience in her set in the acoustic tent was surprisingly numerous. I’m hoping that through her sweet attire and stunning set, she managed to gain many more fans on the day too. Get her newest EP ‘Eye to Eye’, its wonderful!

Emily and the Woods- Eye to Eye

Also worth a mention: Sea of Bees and Sweet Baboo in the Crow’s Nest, the Crows Nest in general and Caitlin Rose at the Park. The tipi field, Shangri La, and the wonderful events at the Stone Circle.

Thank you to Michael and Emily Eavis for such a wonderful festival! See you in 2013!

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June 18, 2011 · 7:35 pm

Glastonbury 2011: 10 bands you must see!

This time next week we will all be ready to watch Coldplay on the Pyramid stage of Glastonbury festival 2011. Well, thats who I’ll be watching but with over 60 stages to choice from, it might not be where you will be. This is a post of 10 bands I really think are must sees at this years festival. There might be a few obvious choices, but these are often obvious for a reason, they are almost guaranteed to be great.  I am going to do a couple of ‘less obvious’ Glastonbury posts on new bands and the likes so look out for them in the next few days.
Coldplay
Pyramid Stage, Saturday, 22:15-22:45

So you might not be a fan, but its going to be epic. The headliners at Glastonbury are usually the best anyway, purely because of the atmosphere of the pyramid stage. Coldplay are a true Glastonbury band, friends of the Eavis’s and having played several times before over the last 10 years or so. It’s gonna be a moment.

Paul Simon

Pyramid Stage, Sunday, 16:30-17:45

The legend rightly takes the legends slot on the Pyramid on Sunday afternoon, previously host to Ray Davies and Leonard Cohen. Prepare for some sing-a-longs and hopefully some Simon & Garfunkel tracks slipped in, we’ll have to see!

The Park Special Guests

The Park, Friday, 20:00-21:15

The Park, Saturday, 19:45-21:00

The rumors, as usual, for these slots have been rife. Arcade Fire, The Strokes, Pulp, Radiohead have all been mentioned. And big names do come true, last year it was Radiohead and Biffy Clyro. Sure to be exciting anyway, so if you have no one else to see, pop to the park.

Mumford and Sons

Other Stage, Friday, 20:45-22:00

They were the band to see last summer, and are doing a limited amount of festivals this year, they are sure to take the Other Stage by storm on Friday evening. I predict it will be packed, and its already pretty tricky to see anything at the Other Stage, but the sing song shall echo through the whole crowd.

Melanie

Spirit of ’71, Friday, 22:00-23:00

The Sprit of 71 is one of the new stages for this year and one I am most excited about, especially as this lady headlines on Friday night. If you’ve not heard of Melanie, she is the original flower child of the hippie movement. She played at Woodstock, Isle of Wight 1970 and of course, Glastonbury in 1971. Her songs are fun spirited and her voice is beautiful.

U2

Pyramid Stage, Friday, 22:00-23:45

A pretty controversial choice as most people who read this blog probably won’t be U2 fans, but as with Coldplay, this is going to be an epic moment. A band who are undoubtably brilliant live, bring their spirit and over ambitious set to the Friday night at Glastonbury.

Laura Marling

Pyramid Stage, Sunday, 15:00-16:00

We all know I can’t make a list without including Laura Marling in it. This year she moves from her gorgeous Park set last year to the whopping Pyramid Stage, playing between Don McLean and Paul Simon, wow. And I’m sure it will be wow. Her third album ‘A Creature I Don’t Know’ is due for a September release and I hope she plays some new songs from it and not just crowd pleasers!

Bright Eyes

Other Stage, Friday, 17:35-18:40

If anyone has seen the video of Conor Oberst playing Lua at Coachella (above), you know this is gonna be special. I’ve never seen Bright Eyes before but am a big fan, especially of the Wide Awake it’s morning album. So I think this will be great!

Bombay Bicycle Club

Other Stage, Sunday, 16:00-17:00

BBC step up to the Other Stage this year, its gonna be great. I hope they play lots of stuff from ‘Flaws’ as well as, of course, the lively stuff from the debut.

Fleet Foxes

Other Stage, Friday, 19:10-20:15

I was disappointed by their performance at Glastonbury 2009, and then even more disappointed when I found out they were this year on another massive stage. The songs on the new album are bigger though and I’m willing to see whether they can WOW me like everyone says they do in a indoor venue.

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May 28, 2011 · 11:03 am

Festival Guide 2011: Part 1

I am going to do a couple of posts giving you the low down of some of the best festival around the UK this summer. This is part 1!

Glastonbury

The Daddy of all festivals. And the best. Glastonbury has of course, sold out, but for those with tickets you are for sure in for a real treat. So much more than a music festival, and with an atmosphere which you cannot recreate anywhere else. In my opinion it is one of the most wonderful places on earth, it completely changed my life and long my it carry on doing so. Theres no Glastonbury for 2012, so 2011 is set to be a big one!

Tickets: SOLD OUT!

Dates: 22-26th June

Headliners: U2, Coldplay, Beyonce

I recommend: Paul Simon, Bright Eyes, Laura Marling, Mumford and Sons, Fleet Foxes, Anna Calvi, Caitlin Rose, Treetop Flyers, The Spirit of 71 stage and the Park special guests.

T in the Park

I’ve never been to T but it boasts a pretty impressive line-up this year with 6 massive headliners.

Tickets: SOLD OUT

Dates: 8-10th July

Headliners: Arctic Monkeys, Coldplay, Foo Fighters, The Strokes, Beyonce, Pulp

I Recommend: Bright Eyes, Villagers, Eels, Noah and the Whale, Grouplove, Blondie.

The Big Chill

A wonderful festival, with a great atmosphere and really eclectic line-up. Big Chill is about so much more than the music though, its about the lifestyle and the incredible night life!

Tickets: £165

Dates: 4-7th August

Headliners: The Chemical Brothers, Kanye West, Rodrigo Y Gabrielle

I Recommend: Robert Plant, Warpaint, Janelle Monae, Wild Beasts

Latitude

Last year Latitude boasted one of the best line-ups of the summer, and this year I think it has done it again! I’ve been told the atmosphere is great too, and the site looks beautiful.

Tickets: £170

Dates: 14-17th July

Headliners: The National, Suede, Paulo Nutini

I Recommend: Bright Eyes, Iron and Wine, Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros, Bombay Bicycle Club, Cloud Control, Anna Calvi, Dry the River and so much more!

Bushstock

A brand new festival for 2011, organised by the folk at Communion. Bushstock is taking over Shepherds Bush for one day, June 4th, and its wonderfully folky line-up gives us a taster of how great its going to be! A Flying with Anna guide of who to see at the festival will be coming very soon!

Tickets: £27.50

Dates: 4th June

Headliners: Fink, Peggy Sue, Foy Vance and Guillemots

I Recommend: Cloud Control, Sarah Blasko, Daughter, Treetop Flyers, Lucy Rose, King Charles, Louise and the Pins and almost everything else!

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September 6, 2010 · 5:25 pm

New Music 10

This is the 10th New Music post which is jolly exciting! I really like doing these and I hope people enjoy looking at them and you find some nice things you like whenever I do them. The first band up this week is Glasser who I found in the NME. I love what I hear so far, its a little Bat For Lashes, a little XX, and a little gothic which is rather wonderful. This is Tremel and check out the Jamie XX Remix of it which is maybe better than the original track!

And speaking of Remix’s, this is the Basement Jaxx remix of Vampire Weekend’s ‘White Sky’ which you can download from their website at the moment. It’s good.

This is a beautiful band called Gypsy and the Wolf. There music is folk but its much more upbeat and catchy than some other folk music, the Mumford influences can definitely be heard.

I heard Lettie on a BB4 Glastonbury show on the Glasto night. Her songs are very sweet and remind me of Alessi’s Ark. Her voice always sounds nervous but it gives the music a lovely dreamy factor.

Now for two bands which are definitely not new but which I have been listening to a lot recently.. First Cocorosie. If you haven’t heard of them there music is dreamy, alternative and often a little weird but overall very beautiful. They have recently done a Daytrotter session which is how I discovered them and its beautiful (and free!) so go and have a listen!

The last song has been one of my favourite songs for years and years but I have never posted it before which is a massive shame. This is Don’t Panic by Coldplay and its featured in the film Garden State. Garden State is my favourite ever film and the soundtrack too is brilliant (The Shins, Zero 7, Nick Drake etc.). I re-watched it the other day and remembered how much I love this song. Hands down best Coldplay song.

Tomorrow is Mercury Prize day! Follow me on Twitter for a running commentary of my opinions of it all and the day after there will be a post about my happiness or sadness of the winner!

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