Tag Archives | country

Highway Angel Hosts Show On Renegade Radio Nashville

By on July 29, 2012 in In The Press
Nashville, Tennessee (July 26th, 2012) – Renegade Radio Nashville has enlisted the Truckload Carriers Association’s (TCA) Highway Angel program spokeswoman Lindsay Lawler to host new radio show, On The Road To Nashville.
The show, which initially aired July 17th, incorporates drivers’ requests with heroic Highway Angel stories, as well as interviews with industry professionals. Lawler, a Nashville-based singer-songwriter  has gained notoriety amidst the truck driving community since partnering with the TCA in 2010. Her popularity was furthered with the release of her single, Highway Angel.
“My main goal is to bring a positive image to trucking and awareness of the most amazing, hard-working, loyal people that makeup the trucking industry,” Lawler said.

“We recognize the need for a show that will highlight such a large part of our valued listenership, and are excited to work with Lindsay to showcase these roadway warriors,” said Captain Jack Aponte, the voice and owner of Renegade Radio.

On The Road To Nashville airs every Tuesday and Thursday night from 5-8pm.

About Lindsay Lawler:
Born and raised in Texas, Lindsay Lawler spent several years performing in Los Angeles before making her way to Nashville, Tennessee in 2007. After performing at the 2010 Great American Trucking Show in Dallas, Texas, she formed a partnership with the Truckload Carriers Association and has since been named the official spokeswoman of their Highway Angels program. Her single, Highway Angel, has given her exposure as an artist and become an anthem for truck drivers everywhere. She also wrote and recorded Long Haul, a salute to female truck drivers. Lawler continues to support the truck driving community through her performances around the country and her radio show, On The Road To Nashville. For more information on Lindsay Lawler, visit www.lindsaylawler.com.

About Renegade Radio:
Renegade Radio Nashville began as the brainchild of longtime broadcasting veteran Captain Jack Aponte. With a solid vision of utilizing the latest technology to reach the largest audience worldwide, Renegade Radio Nashville began Internet broadcasting on June 7, 2011. The station currently has 3.5 million listeners tuning in from 143 different countries and, in December of 2011, became the first ever Internet radio station to be granted reporting status with Music Row Magazine. For more information on Renegade Radio Nashville, visit www.renegaderadionashville.com. 

About Highway Angel:
Created by the Truckload Carrier Association (TCA), the Highway Angel program is designed to bring recognition to those truck drivers having participated in good deeds. Whether it be a random act of kindness or a heroic act, the program aims to improve indiviual drivers’ feelings toward themselves and their profession, all while promoting greater public recognition of Angels and improving the public’s image of the truck driving profession. For more information on the Highway Angel program, visit www.truckload.org/highway-angel.

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Album Review: Self-Titled Debut By THE FARM

By on July 20, 2012 in Album & Song Reviews

When I first met THE FARM a year ago as I interviewed them and then saw them perform for the first time at Warner Music’s “Pickin’ On The Patio”, I knew there was something special about them and great things would be coming from them in the future. At least, I hoped so!

THE FARM is comprised of Nick Hoffman, Krista Marie, and Damien Horne. Their debut self-titled album is strongly driven by Nick Hoffman’s incredible fiddle playing, tight harmonies of all 3 members, and a contemporary country sound. Their songs are inventive, diverse, and catchy. Nicely produced by the talented songwriter/producer, Danny Myrick.

Here’s the first interview that I did with them, if you want to check it out:

My favorite off the album is still “Home Sweet Home”, their first single that is currently in the top 20 of the charts and still climbing. It’s an uptempo, fiddle-driven tune about not forgetting about where you come from and how nice it is to go back home.   Another favorite is “The Train I’m On”, I loved how it starts out slow lead by the vocals of Damien and builds.  This is a mid-tempo to up-tempo tune that has a great groove.  “Fresh Off The Farm” is another fun, uptempo standout to me and this was lead by the vocals of Nick Hoffman.   Another of the standouts on the album is beautiful ballad “Be Grateful” – especially poignant on a day like today when you turn on the news to hear/see tragic events that seem to plague our world far too often.  Remembering to be grateful for the good things you have in life is a good reminder to have and this song will touch you.

It was hard to pick a least favorite from the album because I really enjoyed the whole album, but if I have to pick it would be “Every Time I Fall In Love”.  Although it was beautifully lead by the vocals of Krista Marie, it was a little too slow for me.  I tend to enjoy uptempo songs more.   It was well-written, just not a big fan of the melody.

I highly-recommend this album by THE FARM that is out in stores now.  I like how they each feel comfortable taking the lead on the album and switch out.  All 3 are strong singers and equally talented musicians (Nick – fiddle,  Damien – guitar, Krista – guitar).

If you get the chance to see them perform live, be sure to.  They are high-energy, polished, and dynamic performers who easily recreate what you hear on the album live on stage.

For more information about THE FARM, go to: www.thefarmmusic.com

Rated 5 out of 5 stars.

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Album Review: Self-Titled Debut Release By JT Hodges, Due In Stores August 21st

By on July 20, 2012 in Album & Song Reviews

Listening to this self-titled debut release from Showdog Records’ JT Hodges, I am struck by the versatility and ease of his voice.  He has a gritty sound that I believe sets him apart from many of his male counterparts in country music today.  The songs lean towards a mix of contemporary country and a little bit of classic rock with some blues mixed in for good measure.  I enjoyed the diverse subject matter, the depth of the songs, and found it very easy to listen to.  It’s a good, solid effort and he penned 8 out of the 10 songs on this album.  I found his writing to be interesting and skilled.  His words easily paint a picture in your mind and tell a story, which I enjoy.

One of my favorites off the album is: “Sleepy Little Town” – a mid-tempo song about dark secrets of a small town that you don’t expect.  Another, “Hunt You Down” was his first single from this album and is a playful, mid-tempo song with a nice groove about a fun night out on the town in Memphis with a woman he just met.  “Right About Now” another mid-tempo song that I enjoyed about an ex-lover unable to let go of a past love as he thinks of what she’s probably doing right about now.  “When I Stop Crying” was a touching ballad about losing love that showed so much depth and gave me chills at times.   Showed a completely different side to his music and I loved the steel guitar in this song.

I found it hard to pick a song that is what I consider a least favorite of mine.  I guess “Green Eyes Red Sunglasses” was my least favorite of the album, but even with it, I enjoyed some of the elements like the more bluesy feel of the song overall.  Just wasn’t as strong or enjoyable to me as the others.

Overall, this is a solid effort filled with diverse, well-written songs.

For more information about JT Hodges, check out his website: www.jthodges.com

Rated 4 out of 5 stars.

Also, check out this interview we had with him this past spring right here:

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Nashville TN  July 18, 2012 —   Show Dog-Universal Music will release JT Hodges’ self titled, debut CD on  August 21, 2012.   Hodges penned eight of the CD’s 10 tracks (see full track listing below). Earlier this month, Hodges asked fans to help him select the next single, and at the halfway point, the contenders have been narrowed down to two: “Sleepy Little Town” (far and away the frontrunner) and “Rather Be Wrong Than Lonely.”  Fans may continue to vote here:   http://on.fb.me/SGRxx9.

 

About JT 

He burst onto the country music scene in 2011 with the release of his debut single, “Hunt You Down,” and a slot on Toby Keith’s Locked & Loaded Tour. Earlier this year, JT was a semi-finalist in the Academy of Country Music’s New Artist of the Year category. “Goodbyes Made You Mine” was the second single from the artist’s soon to be released CD. In his Music Row review of the single, respected music critic Robert K. Oermann  said, “this has a certain ‘presence.’ JT’s not only a solid writer, but his vocal performance is up-close and personal, packed with personality and exuding confidence. The deep-twang guitar and driving production are also pluses. A star is born.”

Tracks on JT Hodges

1.     Rather Be Wrong Than Lonely

2.     Sleepy Little Town

3.     Hunt You Down

4.     Give It One More Night

5.     When I Stop Crying

6.     Goodbyes Made You Mine

7.     Leaving Me Later

8.     Right About Now

9.     Rhythm Of The Radio

10.  Green Eyes Red Sunglasses

For more information on the artist, please check out these links: http://jthodges.com/,

https://twitter.com/#!/HelloJTHodges and https://www.facebook.com/jthodgesmusic.

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Warner Music Nashville & Word Entertainment Artists Share Special Summer Olympic Memories

By on July 19, 2012 in In The Press

NASHVILLE, TN – (July 18, 2012) – To celebrate the 2012 Summer Olympics that are right around the corner, a few of our Artists have shared their favorite Olympic memories.  We will be sharing more stories throughout the month of July. From Warner Music Nashville and Word Entertainment, good luck Team USA!

 

Summer Olympic Questions:

1.    If you could compete in an event at the Summer Olympics, what would it be and why?

2.    Any memorable Olympic event you recall?

3.    Do you have a favorite Olympian? Why?

 

KRISTA MARIE FROM THE FARM:

“My kind of Olympics… the Summer X Games, motocross of course!

“In 2006 when Travis Pastrana won gold at the Moto X Freestyle Finals doing a double back flip!!! What?!”

“Uhh yeah…Pastrana! #199 all the way! He has now won 10 X Game Gold medals in super cross, motocross, freestyle & rally racing. That’s bad ass in my book!

 

DAMIEN FROM THE FARM:

“100 yard dash.”

“Carl Lewis becoming the fastest man alive”

“Carl Lewis”

 

JANA KRAMER:

“It would definitely be Gymnastics! I wish I could do half the stuff they can! They are amazing!”

“When Misty May and Kerri Walsh won for the second time in 2008 after winning in 2004…I love volleyball so it was awesome to see them kick butt! Girl power:)”

“Kristi Yamaguchi…I grew up skating and she was always my idol!”

 

DARA MACLEAN

“Gymnastics. I was a gymnast for five or six years. I love watching it!”

“The Magnificent Seven, the victorious all-around women’s gymnastics team that represented the United States at the Atlanta Olympics in 1996.”

“Kerri Strug. She is by far my favorite, because of her courage and commitment. Her bravery in the face of fear and her unwavering passion.”

 

DAVE FREY FROM SIDEWALK PROPHETS

“If I could compete and win the gold in an Olympic sport it would easily be table tennis. It really is unreal to watch those guys play! I used to believe that I was a ping pong master in college until the first moment I witnessed Olympic table tennis. If I could somehow have the chops to compete against those guys, all my college friends would finally have to admit that I am the king of ping pong.”

“The Atlanta Olympics in 1996 were so much fun to watch. I’ll never forget my entire family gathered around the TV the night the women’s gymnastics team won gold. My mom literally screamed. The USA basketball team that year was amazing. I also fondly remember watching the swimming events and then my buddy and me trying to race each other in the local pool. The best part is that the worst I could do was silver. It was an awesome summer, and the patriotism and moving stories of the Olympics made it even more memorable.”

“My favorite Olympians were the entire 1996 women’s gymnastics team…and even though he never competed, Bella Karolyi. Bella’s passionate encouragement brought home gold and was parodied on Conan O’Brien for years.”

 

FRANKIE BALLARD

“The 100 meter, because if I was doin’ that…I’d be a speedy son of a gun!”

“The ‘Miracle on Ice’! I know it was the Winter Olympics, but when the Russians went down, it was huge!”

“I always liked Michael Johnson. He wore those gold shoes and just flew around the track!”

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Billboard Charting Indie Artist Chase Rice Signs with CAA

By on July 19, 2012 in In The Press

(l-r) CAA Meredith Jones, Chase Rice, CAA Brandon Frankel, CAA Jim Butler & Chase’s Tour Manager John Lessard

Chase Rice, the Billboard and iTunes Chart topping indie country performer, signs with CAA for exclusive representation. Jim Butler and Meredith Jones will be his Responsible Agents.

“When I recorded this album, I built the tracks around a live performance,” recalls Chase. “I look forward to getting it out in front of new audiences.  It’s definitely been a very exciting year seeing the pieces fall into place since the release of the record.”

Chase dropped his debut album Dirt Road Communion on March 20th which climbed to #6 on iTunes Top Country Album Charts, #15 Billboard Heatseekers and punched through at #48 on the Billboard Top Country Album Chart. Chase is also a co-writer on “Cruise,” the debut single from Republic Nashville’s newest duo Florida Georgia Line.

Dirt Road Communion features strong rooted contemporary country songs that invoke a good times spirit like the lead single “How She Rolls,” alongside “Pop a Top” and “Whoa,” but you’ll also find personal and insightful examinations of his darker side on “Jack Daniel’s & Jesus” and “Room 205.” Chase moved to Music City shortly after coming in runner up on the hit TV series CBS Survivor: Nicaragua.  Since the move, this North Carolina reared performer has been running at full throttle developing a grass roots connection to his ever expanding fan base.

Before his bold move to Nashville, Chase was a star on the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill football team.  He’d trade in his Carolina blue to suit up for Hendrick Motorsports after college where he served on the pit crew for Ryan Newman and Jimmie Johnson.  His parent’s always pushed for excellence and his father particularly carried a huge influence on his choices up till his death.  “Dad was a fighter and I hope I have his same spirit.  I wear a belt buckle that says ‘Cowboy Up!’ every time I take the stage to remind me of all that he did to get me here.”

To stay updated on Chase, visit www.chaserice.com.

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Song Review: Little Big Sky By Susan Cattaneo

By on July 14, 2012 in Uncategorized

Susan CattaneoI was pleasantly surprised by this single “Little Big Sky” that was co-written and sung by Susan Cattaneo. I found the vocals pretty strong and natural, enjoyed the melody, and the whole optimistic message behind this mid-to-uptempo song featuring a heavy dose of fiddle. I don’t know that it will enjoy much commercial success because of today’s standards or radio airplay, but it was a good song that I would listen to again. Good production qualities, but no real “wow” moments in this one or that made it really stand out. Her style of vocals put me in mind a little of Trisha Yearwood.

Overall a good effort not great, but still a song that I think today’s country music enthusiasts might enjoy listening to.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars.

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Album Review: Punching Bag By Josh Turner

By on July 14, 2012 in Album & Song Reviews

Josh TurnerJosh Turner could sing straight from the phone book and make it sound great.  He’s just THAT good.  I could listen to his soothing, deep baritone voice all night.  Most of his songs are both radio-friendly and have a very traditional feel that he never strays from.   He’s very consistent.  While I don’t expect him to win any Entertainer of the Year awards because his shows are not known for being really exciting, his voice doesn’t need a lot of fanfare and I think it’s just more his style to simply let his voice/music speak for itself.  He has great range in his voice and it all just comes so naturally for him with each release. This new album does not stray from previous albums of his and I think his fans will be pleased.  This is an album filled with plenty of traditional country and songs with religious overtones that he is known for.

One of my favorite songs off the album is “Left Hand Man” – a mid-tempo, optimistic song about love.  I love the melody and lyrics.  “Time Is Love” is another favorite.  Mid-tempo, well-written, and probably my favorite off the entire album.  I heard a lot of steel guitar and mandolin in this one.  Always my favorites to hear on any country song.   Also, “I Was There” gave me goosebumps from the start.  It is a deep, meaningful ballad.  “Good Problem” is an optimistic, uptempo song about love that I really enjoyed, too, and think would make a great single.

The one song I wasn’t crazy about was “Pallbearer”.  This song was just a little to sad and slow for me.  Don’t see this one doing well at radio if it was ever released.

Overall, this is a great album.  Well-written, meaningful, deep, beautifully sung and produced.  I highly recommend it to anyone that is both a fan of traditional and contemporary country music.

For more information, please go to his website: www.joshturner.com

Rated 5 out of 5 stars.

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Album Review: Lovely In Blue By Michelle Turley

By on July 14, 2012 in Album & Song Reviews

Michelle TurleyOverall, I appreciated the traditional country feel through this entire album, especially the use of a lot of steel guitar throughout, which is one of my favorite instruments and missing too much in today’s country.  As a whole, it was very soothing and kind of an escape.  Not an album that I would listen to over and over again, but enjoyable for its traditional country qualities.   This is just the kind of country music that my dad would have enjoyed.  Although, I don’t think it would fit at all in today’s country market or receive radio airplay.  Michelle Turley‘s voice was ok, but not great and had a sort of yodeling quality to it that I was sure she would break out yodeling any minute.  Never been a huge fan of yodeling, but it does take some skill to do.  I wouldn’t say that there was any point in this album that really stood out to me and wowed me, though.

My favorite song on the album was the duet “What If” with Jay Tighe.  A pretty ballad.  “Doin’ Time” was a fun, uptempo song that I would expect to hear coming out of the doors of any of the honky tonks on Broadway.

“Stand In Line” was probably my least favorite of the album.  Just too slow in the beginning and I got that little bit of yodeling that I was expecting to come.

Notably, Michelle Turley wrote or co-wrote every song on this album.

For more information about Michelle Turley, go to her site:  www.reverbnation.com/michelleturley

Rated 2 out of 5 stars.

 

 

 

 

 

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Album Review: Dirt Road Communion By Chase Rice

By on July 14, 2012 in Album & Song Reviews

Chase RiceWhile I appreciate the production, musicianship, and the melodies of the album as a whole, I found the entire album a bit cliche.  There are just too many songs about dirt roads, trucks, beer, whiskey, girls, and tractors.  Nothing groundbreaking, profound, or will truly touch your heart here.  The vocals are ok, but will not blow you away and seemed a little strained at times.  I was looking for something with a bit more depth and something to really stand out for me in this new release from Chase Rice, who many will remember as being a runner-up on the hit CBS show ‘Survivor’.

I did enjoy the mid-tempo song “Jack Daniels & Jesus”.  This song had some depth, a great melody, and good lyrics.  “PBJs & PBRs” was a fun uptempo song reminiscing about college days.  This song is radio-friendly and would do well as a summer release.

“Whoa” was a low point for me on this album.   Chase tried to rap during one part of the song. Personally, I think that any kind of rapping should be left off of a country album.  It just doesn’t belong in the genre.  I did like the melody of the song, but the lyrics were lacking.

Overall, this new album is a good listen, but not great and filled with too many country cliches that have been overdone.  It just didn’t blow me away or lacked in true depth.

For more information about Chase Rice, please visit his website at:  www.chaserice.com

Rated 2 1/2 out of 5 stars.

 

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Road To The Ram® Jam Announces Zac Brown Band As The Fourth Artist In The All-Star Country Music Series

By on July 14, 2012 in In The Press

Road To The Ram JamJune 27, 2012 – Multi platinum selling artists Zac Brown Band will join previously announced artists Kellie Pickler, Brantley Gilbert and Easton Corbin for the “Road to the Ram® Jam” series and sweepstakes.  The Road to the Ram Jam, presented by the Ram Truck brand, features five of today’s best country music artists and provides fans the opportunity to win prizes including trips for two to an invitation-only 2012 RamJam concert event December 29th in Nashville, TN, where all five artists will perform.

The Road to the Ram Jam series and sweepstakes helps bring country music fans closer to some of their favorite artists with exclusive video content, the opportunity to win prizes including collectible posters and vinyl records through participating country radio stations nationwide, and free music downloads. Fans can enter the sweepstakes for a chance to win trips for two to the invitation-only 2012 RamJam concert event at www.RamTrucks.com/RoadtoRamJam or on the Ram Trucks Facebook page at www.ramjamsweeps.com.

Zac Brown Band will offer fans a chance to win a free download of their new single “The Wind,” from the forthcoming album Uncaged set for release on July 10th on Atlantic Records/Southern Ground Artists, when they enter the Road to the Ram Jam concert sweepstakes. The last Road to the Ram Jam artist will be announced in August and all five participating will receive a lease on a 2012 Ram 1500 Laramie Longhorn truck. The trucks will then be auctioned off in early 2013 with all proceeds going to benefit a charity of each artist’s choice.

Proceeds from Zac Brown Band’s Ram truck will be donated to Camp Southern Ground, which is the passion project of Grammy-Award winning musician Zac Brown, set to open in 2014. Zac donated this 500-acre piece of property, set in the farmlands of Georgia, to open the camp that will be a state-of-the-art facility whose programs will serve children ages 7-17 with both typical and special needs.  The camp will have activities that will challenge, educate, and inspire children with diverse abilities and from all socioeconomic backgrounds, races, and religions. Among the many traditional camp activities that will foster youth development and create teachable moments for campers, plans are in place to align certain elements of the facility with the latest innovative therapies and technology for those children affected by neurobehavioral disorders.  For more information on Camp Southern Ground you can go to http://www.campsouthernground.org/.

“To me, there’s nothing more important than helping kids and it’s a great to know that with support from our friends and fans, this camp is going to make a huge difference in the lives of each and every camper,” said Zac Brown.

“Ram is excited to continue partnering with Zac Brown Band,” said Fred Diaz, President and CEO – Ram Truck Brand and Chrysler de Mexico. “The Ram Truck brand and Zac Brown Band both have a unifying can-do attitude and a character filled with authenticity, care, passion and pride. It is very fitting for the band to donate their Ram 1500 Laramie auction proceeds to Camp Southern Ground, as it will be a wonderful place for children.” 

The Ram Truck brand and Zac Brown Band first worked together in 2010 on “Letters to Lyrics,” a national appreciation letter-writing campaign aimed at U.S. soldiers deployed around the world.

Two-time Grammy-Award winners and multi platinum artists Zac Brown Band have become one of music’s most heralded acts. With a historic nine consecutive #1 hit singles, awe-inspiring musicianship and dynamic live shows, the Georgia six-piece is definitely built to last. Zac Brown Band’s double-platinum major label debut ‘The Foundation’ (Atlantic Records/Home Grown/Big Picture) was named one of Billboard’s Top 20 albums of 2009, and the platinum follow-up ‘You Get What You Give’ (Atlantic/Southern Ground Artists) debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 chart in 2010. Since 2009, the band has garnered more than 50 combined Grammy, ACM, AMA, CMA, and CMT award nominations with wins including their 2010 Grammy win for “Best New Artist,” 2010 CMA win for “New Artist of the Year,” and 2011 ACM Top Vocal Event of the Year for “As She’s Walking Away” with Alan Jackson. No question, the past three years have been dizzying for the hardworking act. The band’s first major label release, ‘The Foundation’ was the first major label debut album in 18 years to yield five #1’s including “Chicken Fried” and “Free.” Released on November 18, 2008 on Atlantic Records, ‘The Foundation’ debuted at #17 on the Billboard Top 200 Chart and #3 on the Top Country Albums Chart.

Contest Rules

The Road to the RamRoad To The Ram® Jam Announces Zac Brown Band As The Fourth Artist In The All-Star Country Music Series ® Jam sweepstakes is open to legal residents of the 48 contiguous United States and the District of Columbia, 18 years or older at the time of entry. Residents of Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico are ineligible. No purchase or payment of money is necessary to win. The sweepstakes starts Feb. 1, 2012, and ends Sept. 30, 2012. Official rules and complete details are found at www.RamTrucks.com/RoadtoRamJam.

About Ram Truck Brand
The Ram Truck brand continues to establish its own identity and clearly define its customer since its launch as a standalone vehicle brand. Creating a distinct brand for Ram trucks has allowed the brand to concentrate on how core customers use their trucks and what new features they’d like to see. Whether focusing on a family that uses its half-ton truck day in and day out, a hard-working Ram Heavy Duty owner or a business that depends on its commercial vehicles every day, Ram has the truck market covered.

The Ram Truck brand has the most innovative lineup of full-size trucks on the market. Ram Truck has emerged as a full-size truck leader by investing substantially in new products, infusing them with great looks, refined interiors, durable engines and features that further enhance their capabilities. Truck customers, from half-ton to commercial, have a demanding range of needs and require their vehicles to provide high levels of capability. Ram trucks are designed to deliver a total package.

For more information on Road to the Ram Jam and to enter the sweepstakes, go to www.RamTrucks.com/RoadtoRamJam.


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