JANICE'S BLUES ALLEY PRESENTS

    THE TEMPTATIONS






    THE ORIGINAL LINEUP

    David Ruffin, Melvin Franklin, Paul Williams, Otis Williams, Eddie Kendricks

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    The most successful group in black music history was formed in 1961 in Detroit, Michigan, USA, by former members of two local R&B outfits. Eddie Kendricks (b. 17 December 1939, Union Springs, Alabama, USA) and Paul Williams (b. 2 July 1939, Birmingham, Alabama, USA, d. 17 August 1973) both sang with the Primes; Melvin Franklin (b. David English, 12 October 1942, Montgomery, Alabama, USA, d. 23 February 1995, Los Angeles, California, USA), Eldridge Bryant and Otis Williams (b. Otis Miles 30 October 1941, Texarkana, Texas, USA) came from the Distants. Initially known as the Elgins, the quintet were renamed the Temptations by Berry Gordy when he signed them to Motown in 1961. After issuing three singles on the Motown subsidiary Miracle Records, one of them under the pseudonym of the Pirates, the group moved to the Gordy label. 'Dream Come Home' provided their first brief taste of chart status in 1962, although it was only when they were teamed with writer/producer/performer Smokey Robinson that the Temptations achieved consistent success. The group's classic line-up was established in 1963, when Eldridge Bryant was replaced by David Ruffin (b. 18 January 1941, Meridian, Mississippi, USA). His gruff baritone provided the perfect counterpoint to Kendricks' wispy tenor and falsetto, a contrast that Smokey Robinson exploited to the full. Over the next two years, he fashioned a series of hits in both ballad and dance styles, carefully arranging complex vocal harmonies that hinted at the group's doo-wop heritage. 'The Way You Do The Things You Do' was the Temptations' first major hit, a stunningly simple rhythm number featuring a typically cunning series of lyrical images. 'My Girl' in 1965, the group's first US number 1, demonstrated Robinson's graceful command of the ballad idiom, and brought Ruffin's vocals to the fore for the first time. This track, featured in the movie 'My Girl', was reissued in 1992 and was once again a hit.

    'It's Growing', 'Since I Lost My Baby', 'My Baby' and 'Get Ready' continued the run of success into 1966, establishing the Temptations as the leaders of the Motown sound. 'It's Growing' brought a fresh layer of subtlety into Robinson's lyric writing, while 'Get Ready' embodied all the excitement of the Motown rhythm factory, blending an irresistible melody with a stunning vocal arrangement. Norman Whitfield succeeded Robinson as the Temptations' producer in 1966 - a role he continued to occupy for almost a decade. He introduced a new rawness into their sound, spotlighting David Ruffin as an impassioned lead vocalist, and creating a series of R&B records that rivalled the output of Stax and Atlantic for toughness and power. 'Ain't Too Proud To Beg' introduced the Whitfield approach, and while the Top 3 hit 'Beauty Is Only Skin Deep' represented a throwback to the Robinson era, 'I'm Losing You' and 'You're My Everything' confirmed the new direction.

    The peak of Whitfield's initial phase with the group was 'I Wish It Would Rain', a dramatic ballad that the producer heightened with delicate use of sound effects. The record was another major hit, and gave the Temptations their sixth R&B number 1 in three years. It also marked the end of an era, as David Ruffin first requested individual credit before the group's name, and when this was refused, elected to leave for a solo career. He was replaced by ex- Contour Dennis Edwards, whose strident vocals fitted perfectly into the Temptations' harmonic blend. Whitfield chose this moment to inaugurate a new production style. Conscious of the psychedelic shift in the rock mainstream, and the inventive soul music being created by Sly And The Family Stone, he joined forces with lyricist Barrett Strong to pull Motown brutally into the modern world. The result was 'Cloud Nine', a record that reflected the increasing use of illegal drugs among young people, and shocked some listeners with its lyrical ambiguity. Whitfield created the music to match, breaking down the traditional barriers between lead and backing singers and giving each of the Temptations a recognizable role in the group. Over the next four years, Whitfield and the Temptations pioneered the concept of psychedelic soul, stretching the Motown formula to the limit, introducing a new vein of social and political comment, and utilizing many of rock's experimental production techniques to hammer home the message. 'Runaway Child, Running Wild' examined the problems of teenage rebellion; 'I Can't Get Next To You' reflected the fragmentation of personal relationships (and topped the US charts with the group's second number 1 hit); and 'Ball Of Confusion' bemoaned the disintegrating fabric of American society. These lyrical tracts were set to harsh, uncompromising rhythm tracks, seeped in wah-wah guitar and soaked in layers of harmony and counterpoint. The Temptations were greeted as representatives of the counter-culture, a trend that climaxed when they recorded Whitfield's outspoken protest against the Vietnam War, 'Stop The War Now'. The new direction alarmed Eddie Kendricks, who felt more at home on the series of collaborations with the Supremes that the group also taped in the late 60s. He left for a solo career in 1971, after recording another US number 1, the evocative ballad 'Just My Imagination'. He was replaced first by Richard Owens, then later in 1971 by Damon Harris. This line-up recorded the 1972 number 1, 'Papa Was A Rolling Stone', a production tour de force which remains one of Motown's finest achievements, belatedly winning the label its first Grammy award. After that, everything was an anti-climax.

    Paul Williams left the group in 1971, to be replaced by another former Distant member, Richard Street; Williams shot himself in 1973, after years of depression and drug abuse. Whitfield's partnership with Strong was broken the same year, and although he continued to rework the 'Papa Was A Rolling Stone' formula, the commercial and artistic returns were smaller. The Temptations still had hits, and 'Masterpiece', 'Let Your Hair Down' (both 1973) and 'Happy People' (1975) all topped the soul charts, but they were no longer a leading force in black music.

    Whitfield left Motown in 1975; at the same time, Glenn Leonard replaced Damon Harris in the group. After struggling on for another year, the Temptations moved to Atlantic Records for two albums, which saw Louis Price taking the place of Dennis Edwards. When the Atlantic partnership brought no change of fortunes, the group returned to Motown, and to Dennis Edwards. 'Power' in 1980 restored them to the charts, before Rick James engineered a brief reunion with David Ruffin and Eddie Kendricks for a tour, an album, and a hit single, 'Standing On The Top'. Ruffin and Kendricks then left to form a duo, Ron Tyson replaced Glenn Leonard, and Ali-Ollie Woodson took over the role of lead vocalist from Edwards. Woodson brought with him a song called 'Treat Her Like A Lady', which became their biggest UK hit in a decade. Subsequent releases confirmed the quality of the current line-up, although without a strong guiding hand they are unlikely to rival the achievements of the late 60s and early 70's line-ups, the culmination of Motown's classic era.

    Encyclopedia of Popular Music Copyright Muze UK Ltd. 1989 - 1998
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    Motown 40Motown 40 Temptation's Archive
    R&B PageR&B Page Real Audio Interview and Article form 1997
    WDIVWDIV Temptations Special (Real Audio/ Real Video] from 11/1/1998
    Urban MusiciMusic Urban Music - Temptations






    LOOKTITLEYEAR
    Phoenix Rising1998
    Ultimate Collection1997
    One by One1996
    For Lovers Only1995
    Emperors of Soul1994
    My Girl1994
    Just My Imagination1994
    More of the Best- Hum along and Dance1993
    The Temptations 25th Anniversary1986
    To Be Continued1986
    Touch Me1985
    Truly for You1984
    Surface Thrills1983
    Reunion1982
    Back to Basics1981
    All the Million Sellers1981
    Give Love at Christmas1980
    Power1980
    Bare Back1978
    Hear to Tempt You1977
    House Party1975
    Song for You1975
    Anthology- Best of the Temptations1973
    Masterpiece1973
    Solid Rock1972
    All Directions1972
    Sky's the Limit1971
    Volume 2 - Greatest Hits1970
    Live At London's Talk Of The Town 1970
    Psychedelic Shack 1970
    Temptations' Christmas Card1970
    Cloud Nine1969
    Together1969
    In a Mellow Mood1967
    With a Lot 'O Love1969
    Volume 1 - Greatest Hits1966
    Gettin' Ready 1966
    Temptin' Temptations 1965
    Temptations Sing Smokey1965
    Meet the Temptations1964
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    Phoenix Rising 1998

    01. Hereafter (Interlude)
    02. Stay
    03. False Faces
    04. How Could He Hurt You
    05. I'm Calling You (Interlude)
    06. This Is My Promise
    07. My Love     		08. Tempt Me
    09. If I Give You My Heart
    10. Take Me In Your Arms
    11. That's What Friends Are For
    12. Just Like I Told You
    13. Stay (Remix)


    Ultimate Collection 1997

    01. The Way You Do The Things You Do
    02. My Girl
    03. It's Growing
    04. Since I Lost My Baby
    05. Don't Look Back
    06. Get Ready
    07. Ain't Too Proud To Beg
    08. (I Know) I'm Losing You
    09. All I Need
    10. You're My Everything
    11. Angel Doll     		12. I Wish It Would Rain
    13. Cloud Nine
    14. I Can't Get Next To You
    15. Ball Of Confusion (That's What The World Is Today)
    16. Just My Imagination (Running Away With Me)
    17. Papa Was A Rollin' Stone
    18. Shakey Ground
    19. Treat Her Like A Lady
    20. Error Of Our Ways
    21. My Girl (A Cappella) (Excerpt)


    One by One 1996

    01. My Whole World Ended (The Moment You Left Me)
    02. I've Lost Everything I've Ever Loved
    03. I'm SoGlad I Fell For You
    04. The Double Cross
    05. Each Day Is A Lifetime
    06. I Miss You (Pt. I)
    07. Walk Away From Love
    08. Heavy Love
    09. Statue Of A Fool
    10. Everything's Coming Up Love
    11. Just Let Me Hold You For A Night
    12. You're My Peace Of Mind
    13. Which Way To My Baby
    14. When The Lights Come Down
    15. Don't Look Any Further (featuring Siedah Garrett)
    16. Aphrodisiac
    17. Coolin' Out
    18. Soulmate     		19. It's So Hard For Me To Say Good-Bye
    20. This Used To Be The Home Of Johnnie Mae
    21. Can I
    22. If You Let Me
    23. Girl You Need A Change Of Mind
    24. Date With The Rain
    25. Eddie's Love
    26. Darling Come Back Home
    27. Keep On Truckin'
    28. Tell Her Love Has Felt The Need
    29. Boogie Down
    30. Shoeshine Boy
    31. Happy
    32. Get The Cream Off The Top
    33. He's A Friend
    34. Feel Like Givin' Up
    35. Once You Had A Heart


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    For Lovers Only 1995

    01. Some Enchanted Evening
    02. I've Grown Accustomed To Her Face
    03. At Last
    04. Night And Day
    05. Time After Time
    06. Melvin's Interlude     		07. Life Is But A Dream
    08. What A Difference A Day Makes
    09. I'm Glad There Is You
    10. South Shell Interlude
    11. That's Why (I Love You So)
    12. For Your Love/You Send Me


    Emperors of Soul 1994

    Disc 1

    01. Come On
    02. Oh, Mother Of Mine
    03. Romance Without Finance
    04. Check Yourself
    05. Dream Come True
    06. Mind Over Matter (I'm Gonna Make You Mine)
    07. I'll Love You 'Til I Die
    08. Paradise
    09. Slow Down Heart
    10. I Couldn't Cry If I Wanted To
    11. Witchcraft (For Your Love)
    12. I Want A Love I Can See
    13. The Further You Look, The Less You See
    14. Farewell My Love     		15. A Tear From A Woman's Eyes
    16. The Way You Do The Things You Do
    17. I'll Be In Trouble
    18. The Girl's Alright With Me
    19. Girl (Why You Wanna Make Me Blue)
    20. Baby, Baby I Need You
    21. My Girl
    22. (Talking 'Bout) Nobody But My Baby
    23. It's Growing
    24. You'll Lose A Precious Love
    25. Since I Lost My Baby
    26. You've Got To Earn It
    27. My Baby
    28. Don't Look Back

    Disc 2

    01. Get Ready
    02. Fading Away
    03. Ain't Too Proud To Beg
    04. Too Busy Thinking About My Baby
    05. Who You Gonna Run To
    06. Beauty Is Only Skin Deep
    07. I Got Heaven Right Here On Earth
    08. (I Know) I'm Losing You
    09. All I Need
    10. Sorry Is A Sorry Word
    11. I'm Doing It All
    12. No More Water In The Well
    13. You're My Everything     		14. Just One Last Look
    15. Angel Doll
    16. It's You That I Need
    17. Don't Send Me Away
    18. Hello Young Lovers
    19. Ol' Man River
    20. I Wish It Would Rain
    21. I Truly, Truly Believe
    22. I Could Never Love Another (After Loving You)
    23. Please Return Your Love To Me
    24. How Can I Forget
    25. For Once In My Life (Live)


    Disc 3

    01. Cloud Nine
    02. Why Did She Have To Leave Me
    03. I'm Gonna Make You Love Me
    04. I'll Try Something New
    05. Runaway Child, Running Wild
    06. Don't Let The Joneses Get You Down
    07. I Can't Get Next To You
    08. Message From A Black Man
    09. War
    10. Psychedelic Shack     		11. Hum Along & Dance
    12. Ball Of Confusion
    13. Ungena Za Ulimwengu (Unite The World)
    14. Just My Imagination (Running Away With Me)
    15. Take A Look Around
    16. It's Summer
    17. Superstar
    18. I Ain't Got Nothin'
    19. Mother Nature
    20. Papa Was A Rolling Stone

    Disc 4

    01. Masterpiece
    02. Plastic Man
    03. Hey Girl (I LIke Your Style)
    04. Law Of The Land (Alt. Mix)
    05. Let Your Hair Down
    06. Heavenly
    07. You've Got My Soul On Fire
    08. Happy People
    09. Shakey Ground
    10. Glasshouse     		11. A Song For You
    12. Memories
    13. Keep Holdin' On
    14. Darling, Stand By Me
    15. Who Are You
    16. In A Lifetime
    17. Power
    18. Isn't The Night Fantastic
    19. Aiming At Your Heart

    Disc 5

    01. Standing On The Top (Pt. I)
    02. Sail Away
    03. Treat Her Like A Lady
    04. My Love Is True (Truly For You)
    05. Do You Really Love Your Baby
    06. Magic
    07. Lady Soul
    08. I Wonder Who She's Seeing Now
    09. Look What You Started     		10. Soul To Soul
    11. Special
    12. My Kind Of Woman
    13. Hoops Of Fire
    14. Error Of Our Ways
    15. Givin' U The Best
    16. Elevator Eyes
    17. Blueprint For Love


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    My Girl 1994

    01. My Girl
    02. I'm Ready For Love
    03. Don't Look Back
    04. You've Really Got A Hold On Me
    05. Paradise
    06. (I Know) I'm Losing You     		07. My Baby
    08. Two Sides To Love
    09. I've Passed This Way Before
    10. Girl (Why You Wanna Make Me Blue)
    11. The End Of Our Road


    Just My Imagination 1994

    01. Just My Imagination (Running Away With Me)
    02. Beauty Is Only Skin Deep
    03. What You Need Most (I Do Best Of All)
    04. A Song For You
    05. Darling, Stand By Me (Song For My Woman)
    06. It's Growing     		07. I'm On Fire (Body Song)
    08. There's No Stopping (Till We Set The Whole World Rockin')
    09. For Once In My Life
    10. Let Me Count The Ways (I Love You)
    11. If I Don't Love You This Way


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    More of the Best- Hum along and Dance 1993

    01. I Want A Love I Can See
    02. What Love Has Joined Together
    03. You've Got To Earn It
    04. No More Water In The Well
    05. Ain't No Sun Since You've Been Gone
    06. Gonna Give Her All The Love I've Got
    07. He Who Picks A Rose
    08. Fan The Flame
    09. Don't Let Him Take Your Love From Me     		10. Gonna Keep On Tryin' Till I Win Your Love
    11. Hum Along And Dance
    12. Ungena Za Ulimengu (Unite The World)
    13. It's Summer
    14. Stop The War Now
    15. Take A Look Around
    16. The Plastic Man
    17. Heavenly
    18. You've Got My Soul On Fire


    The Temptations 25th Anniversary 1986

    ALBUM 1
    01. I Want a Love I can See
    02. So Much Joy
    03. It don't Have to be This Way
    04. The Further You Look, the Less You See
    05. My Girl
    06. Since I lost my Baby
    07. A Tear from a Woman's Eyes
    08. Wherever I Lay My Hat (that's my Home)
    09. Don't Look Back
    10. Get Ready
    11. Ain't too Proud to Beg
    12. Truly Yours     		ALBUM 2
    01. I Can't get Next to You
    02. Cloud Nine
    03. Just My Imagination
    04. Come to Me
    05. Soulmate
    06. Papa was a Rolling Stone
    07. Thanks to You
    08. Glass House
    09. Power
    10. Treat her like a Lady


    To be Continued 1986

    01. Lady Soul
    02. Message to the World
    03. To Be Continued
    04. Put Us Together Again
    05. Someone     		06. Girls (They Like It)
    07. More Love, Your Love
    08. A Fine Mess
    09. You're the One
    10. Love Me Right


    Touch Me 1985

    Truly for You 1984

    Surface Thrills 1983

    Reunion 1982

    Back to Basics 1981

    01. Miss Busy Body
    02. Sail Away
    03. Outlaw
    04. Stop the World Right Here     		05. The Battle Song
    06. Hollywood
    07. Isn't the Night Fantastic
    08. Make me Believe in Love Again


    All the Million Sellers 1981

    01. My Girl
    02. Ain't Too Proud To Beg
    03. I Wish It Would Rain
    04. Cloud Nine
    05. Runaway Child, Running Wild     		06. I Can't Get Next To You
    07. Psychedelic Shack
    08. Ball Of Confusion (That's What The World Is Today)
    09. Just My Imagination (Running Away With Me)
    10. Papa Was A Rollin' Stone


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    Give Love at Christmas 1980

    01. Give Love On Christmas Day
    02. The Christmas Song
    03. Love Comes With Christmas
    04. The Little Drummer Boy     		05. This Christmas
    06. Everything For Christmas
    07. Christmas Everyday
    08. Silent Night


    Power 1980

    Bare Back 1978

    Hear to Tempt You 1977

    House Party 1975

    Song for You 1975

    01. Happy People
    02. Glasshouse
    03. Shakey Ground
    04. The Prophet
    05. Happy People - (instrumental)     		06. A Song For You
    07. Memories
    08. I'm A Bachelor
    09. Firefly


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    Anthology- Best of the Temptations 1973

    Disc 1
    01. The Way You Do The Things You Do
    02. I'll Be In Trouble
    03. The Girl's Alright With Me
    04. Girl (Why You Wanna Make Me Blue)
    05. My Girl
    06. It's Growing
    07. What Love Has Joined Together
    08. Who's Lovin' You
    09. Since I Lost My Baby
    10. You've Got To Earn It
    11. Nobody But You
    12. My Baby
    13. Don't Look Back
    14. Ol' Man River (Live)     		15. Get Ready
    16. Ain't Too Proud To Beg
    17. You'll Lose A Precious Love
    18. Beauty Is Only Skin Deep
    19. (I Know) I'm Losing You
    20. All I Need
    21. You're My Everything
    22. (Loneliness Made Me Realize) It's You That I Need
    23. I Wish It Would Rain
    24. I Could Never Love Another (After Loving You)
    25. Please Return Your Love To Me
    26. Lullaby Of Love
    27. The Impossible Dream     		Disc 2
    01. Cloud Nine
    02. I'm Gonna Make You Love Me
    03. Runaway Child, Running Wild
    04. Don't Let The Joneses Get You Down
    05. I Can't Get Next To You
    06. Psychedelic Shack
    07. Ball Of Confusion
    08. Just My Imagination
    09. Superstar
    10. Papa Was A Rollin' Stone     		11. Masterpiece
    12. Hey Girl
    13. Let Your Hair Down
    14. Shakey Ground
    15. A Song For You
    16. Power
    17. Standing On The Top-Pt. 1
    18. Treat Her Like A Lady
    19. Lady Soul


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    Masterpiece 1973

    Solid Rock 1972

    All Directions 1972

    Sky's the Limit 1971

    Volume 2 - Greatest Hits 1970

    01. Cloud Nine
    02. I Wish It Would Rain
    03. Ball Of Confusion
    04. I'm Losing You
    05. I Can't Get Next To You
    06. You're My Everything     		07. Psychedelic Shack
    08. Please Return Your Love To Me
    09. Runaway Child, Running wild
    10. I Could Never Love Another
    11. Don't Let The Joneses Get You Down
    12. It's You That I Need


    Live At London's Talk Of The Town 1970

    Psychedelic Shack 1970

    Temptations' Christmas Card 1970

    01. Rudoph The Red-Nosed Reindeer
    02. My Christmas Tree
    03. Santa Claus Is Comin' To Town
    04. Silent Night
    05. Someday At Christmas     		06. White Christmas
    07. Let It Snow
    08. Silver Bells
    09. The Christmas Song (Merry Christmas To You)
    10. The Little Drummer Boy


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    Cloud Nine 1969

    01. Cloud Nine
    02. I Heard It Through The Grapevine
    03. Runaway Child, Running Wild
    04. Love Is A Hurtin' Thing
    05. Hey Girl     		06. Why Did She Have To Leave Me (Why Did She Have To Go)
    07. I Need Your Lovin'
    08. Don't Let Him Take Your Love From Me
    09. I Gotta Find A Way (To Get You Back)
    10. Gonna Keep On Tryin' Till I Win Your Love

    Together 1969

    In a Mellow Mood 1967

    01. A Taste Of Honey
    02. Try To Remember
    03. Hello, Young Lovers
    04. I'm Ready For Love
    05. Ol' Man River
    06. For Once In My Life
    		07. What Now My Love
    08. With These Hands
    09. That's Life
    10. Who Can I Turn To (When Nobody Needs Me)
    11. The Impossible Dream
    12. Somewhere


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    With a Lot 'O Love 1967

    01. I'm Losing You
    02. Ain't No Sun Since You Been Gone
    03. All I Need
    04. It's You That I Need
    05. No More Water In The Well
    06. Save My Love For A Rainy Day     		07. Just One Last Look
    08. Sorry Is A Sorry Word
    09. You're My Everything
    10. Now That You've Won Me
    11. Two Sides To Love
    12. Don't Send Me Away


    Volume 1 - Greatest Hits 1966

    01. The Way You Do The Things You Do
    02. My Girl
    03. Ain't Too Proud To Beg
    04. Don't Look Back
    05. Get Ready
    06. Beauty Is Only Skin Deep     		07. Since I Lost My Baby
    08. The Girl's Alright With Me
    09. My Baby
    10. It's Growing
    11. I'll Be In Trouble
    12. Girl ( Why You Wanna Make Me Blue)

    Gettin' Ready 1966



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    Temptin' Temptations 1965

    01. Since I Lost My Baby
    02. The Girl's Alright With Me
    03. Just Another Lonely Night
    04. My Baby
    05. You've Got To Earn It
    06. Everybody Needs Love     		07. Girl (Why You Wanna Make Me Blue)
    08. Don't Look Back
    09. I Gotta Know Now
    10. Born To Love You
    11. I'll Be In Trouble
    12. You're The One I Need


    Temptations Sing Smokey 1965

    01. The Way You Do The Things You Do
    02. Baby, Baby I Need You
    03. My Girl
    04. What Love Has Joined Together
    05. You'll Lose A Precious Love
    06. It's Growing     		07. Who's Lovin' You
    08. What's So Good About Good Bye
    09. You Beat Me To The Punch
    10. Way Over There
    11. You've Really Got A Hold On Me
    12. You Can Depend On Me


    Meet the Temptations 1964



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