2011 GRAMMY BEST FEMALE POP PERFORMANCE

Best Female Pop Vocal Performance: 2011

Grammy nominee’s Pop Vocal for Singles or Track

1. Sara Bareilles, “King of Anything” (Kaleidoscope Heart)
2. Beyoncé, “Halo” (Live) track
3. Norah Jones, “Chasing Pirates” (The Fall)
4. Lady Gaga, “Bad Romance” (The Fame Monster)
5. Katy Perry, “Teenage Dream” (Teenage Dream)

All of these ladies are powerful competitors, but only one is the winner and I think it may be Beyoncé for her rendition of “HALO”.

Beyoncé:  “Halo”   Her performance is outstanding and widely acclaimed. Her vocals speak to all, and make a person want to hear more commanding songs from her. She didn’t grab her crotch or wear a skimpy little outfit or shake her booty to get our attention, she just sings. She has a strong compelling voice in “Halo” and I think it is the best ever with this performance. She deserves the nomination, and the win.

Sara Bareilles: “King of Anything” I have been a fan and follower of the singer songwriter since her CD Little Voice which included the hit “Love Song”. The “King of Anything” is a catchy tune, and a hit, but can’t say that I will download it. It will have to grow on me first. I reviewed all the tunes on the cd and decided not to download any of the tunes as they are similar to what I already have on my iPod from her, and I was not wowed enough to buy more of the same.

Norah Jones: “Chasing Pirates” smooth upbeat, the best song on the Album which is an artsy crooner type CD somewhat like “Come Away With Me” Which I still like, and listen to but don’t need two similar CD’s. I did download Chasing Pirates, because it is different than the rest of the songs and I consider it the best song on the CD, but I want something better from her.

Lady Gaga: “Bad Romance”   I love this girl, she has it all. She is creative, innovative, and she can sing plus delivers tunes that make you want listen/dance to.  She certainly has set the female music industry divas on their toes. They are all trying to compete and outdo her, including Beyoncé, Ke$ha, Rihanna, and Katy Perry, plus anyone that is anyone in the pop world. It seems like a competition on who can get into the tinniest outfit and who can project the crudest image, while belting out a tune to Shakira like rhythms.  I will continue to follow her music and purchase selectively the ones that get me to sing along or make me want to get up and dance. I do have the FAME CD, and have downloaded “Bad Romance” from the Fame Monster CD because they are too good not to have in my collection. 

Katy Perry: “Teenage Dream” She has a sweet innocence about her, but she is a grown women that can deliver a tune as well as the competition.  She has a different style/look from the others, but well deserves the recognition.

She sends us mixed messages that may appeal to the Teeny Bopper generation, while the content is somewhat explicit. I can’t help but like the zest for life she radiates, and she can sing too. I will not purchase “Teenage Dream” but have downloaded “Firework” and “California Gurls” from the same CD, and “I Kissed A Girl” from other work because they are fun, upbeat, and a little different. 

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2011 GRAMMY BEST NEW ARTIST

2011 GRAMMY:  BEST NEW ARTIST

Nominees:

1. Justin Bieber
2. Drake
3. Florence & The Machine
4. Mumford & Sons
5. Esperanza Spalding 

Justin Bieber:  Probably the best hair do, at least he has it for now. He can sing, and the little/young girls love him, so he has all the qualities of a star? What happens when his voice changes? Probably the best choice to win this category, and hopefully he will change his hair-do to a mature look in a few years.

Drake:   He is Canadian born, an actor and recording artist. If you like the “F” word and the “N” word in every other sentence then this is your guy. The ironic part is the he can sing, and would be a great R&B singer, but he falls into the Rap genre and probably will fade away. He will be non-memorable as time goes by, no matter how many “F” words or “N” words he puts in his song.  In his song CeCe’s Interlude, he sings “I Wish I Wasn’t Famous”;   I don’t think he needs to be too concerned about that.

Florence & The Machine:  An English inde rock group with an alternative style music group, and they sound like something I have heard before. Actually they remind me a little of Sinéad O’Connor. I would describe Florence as a eccentric pop singer.  They have possibilities, but not sure they have longevity. They may be just a fad for some.

MUMFORD & SONS:  Some of their numbers sound like choral/choir arrangements. I like the lead vocals voice, very similar to Lee Dewyze and some of the arrangements remind me of Paolo Nutini. They are from England and are a Folk Rock Group.  The vocals are somewhat wordy at times, and with added banjo plucking brings out that folksiness sound to the group. Again, I think they have some possibilities.

Esperanza Spalding: I had heard of her before, but can’t think why, and I don’t think it was in a negative way, but I am not excited about his lady. She is chamber music, jazz, Latin jazz fusion, and not that interesting. She is an American born bassist and vocalist, but to be best new artist of the year, she needs to have a little more spunk for me. Her Chamber music vocals nearly put me to sleep. I was probably listening to the wrong CD as she shows up in other genres. She has a unique voice quality.

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2011 GRAMMY RECORD OF THE YEAR

GRAMMY 2011:  RECORD OF THE YEAR

Nominee’s: Song/Artist

1. NOTHIN’ ON YOU: B.o.B Featuring Bruno Mars
2. LOVE THE WAY YOU LIE: Eminem Featuring Rihanna
3. F*** YOU: CeeLo Green
4. EMPIRE STATE OF MIND: Jay-Z & Alicia Keys
5. NEED YOU KNOW: Lady Antebellum      

NOTHIN’ ON YOU:  From the Album B.o.B presents The Adventures of Bobby Ray, featuring the vocals of Bruno Mars.  This album is also nominated for Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals for the song “Airplanes. Part II”, featuring Eminem & Hayley Williams.  Bruno Mars smooth vocals with Hip Hop artist B.o.B make a mighty fine collaboration, and has earned them a spot for Record of The Year. I like this Bruno Mars guy, he don’t need rap & hip-hop embedded in his music to make him a hot number.

LOVE THE WAY YOU LIE:  This song has several nominations from Eminem’s Album RECOVERY.  This song is nominated five times and features Rihanna. It is explicit and the video exploits a love/hate relationship between a man and a woman, which includes violence.   So if beating up the girlfriend is OK with you then this is the perfect song.

F*** YOU: Nominated from the single of the same name. The deluxe version of the single has 4 songs, one which is a video, and the other are variations of F*** YOU. One titled FORGET YOU, is the exact song changed from F*** YOU. The album LADY KILLER which F****YOU is from is smooth and kind of fun.  F**** YOU is a very catchy tune, and not sure if the F***YOU is supposed to shock us, or what, but it did get Grammy’s attention. Usher said it best “OMG!”

EMPIRE STATE OF MIND: From Jay-Z’s Album The Blueprint 3, featuring Alicia Keys. Alicia carries the melody while Jay-Z raps about New York. Both are native New Yorkers and deliver a Pop/Rap kind of style which includes profanity. This Song is nominated for 2 other Grammy’s in the Rap category. It probably got the nomination because it highlight’s New York, and everybody loves New York.

NEED YOU KNOW:  From the Album of the same name by country trio

Lady Antebellum.  This song is an emotional pleading to be together in times when you feel like you are alone. They have won the heart strings of Grammy as they have 3 other nominations for this record, plus 2 nominations for the album. They are on a whirlwind ride this year, and hopefully we will see them again. While I am not a country fan/follower, this song has merit and deserves to be on the list.

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2011 GRAMMY ALBUM OF THE YEAR

GRAMMY 2011:  ALBUM OF THE YEAR

Nominees: Artist/Album

Arcade Fire: THE SUBURBS

Eminem: RECOVERY

Lady Antebellum:  NEED YOU KNOW

Lady Gaga:  THE FAME MONSTER

Katy Perry:  TEENAGE DREAM

ARCADE FIRE:  Has 3 Grammy nominations for 2010, presented February 2011

They are an indie rock group out of Canada who are multi-talented. They are classified as Alternative, but nominated for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals, Best Album of the Year, and Best Alternative Music Album.  Some have compared them to the Beatles, because they reflect on social injustice in their music.  The album THE SUBURBS was released with eight different covers and 16 song selections.  After a three year break they are rewarded with 3 Grammy nominations and various accolades in the industry.   

EMINEM: Has 10 Grammy Nominations for 2010, presented February 2011

The Album RECOVERY has 17 angry, explicit numbers with various featured artists.  Not sure what the “RECOVERY” part is?  This is the 7^th studio album for Marshall Bruce Mathers III, and most recognized.  His “Love The Way You Lie” featuring Rihanna, is about lovers who can’t stay together or apart.  The Best of the album, but also explicit and the opposite of what lovers are in most of our minds. Everyone seems to be fascinated by him and that is clearly demonstrated by the number of Grammy nominations.   

LADY ANTEBELLUM: Has 6 Grammy Nominations for 2010, presented February 2011

This country music trio formed in 2006 with Charles Kelly, Dave Hayward, and Hillary Scott out of Nashville.  They begin receiving recognition and accolades as soon as 2008 for their musical endeavors.  The name Antebellum comes from the antebellum architectural style meaning pre-war which describes the very large plantation homes of the southern states, and mainly the pre-Civil War culture. The Album Title NEED YOU KNOW is also nominated for song of the year with the same title.

LADY GAGA:  Has 6 Grammy Nominations for 2010, to be presented in 2011.

Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanatta, aka Lady Gaga, the American Pop artist began her recording career in 2003. Known for her outrageous wardrobe, professes she was influenced by glam rockers, David Bowie and Queen as well as Pop Icons Madonna and Michael Jackson. Whatever she is doing is working because she has 206+ nominations for various awards attached to her name. We have not heard the last of her yet. I would guess she will re-invent herself for us many times in the near future.

KATY PERRY:  Has 4 Grammy Nominations for 2010, to be presented in 2011.

Katy was raised by Christian Pastor Parents and began her recoding career as a Gospel singer.

She released her first gospel album in 2001, which was unsuccessful.

She became an American Pop Artist in 2008 with the release of “I Kissed a Girl”. She attributes the styles of Alanis Morissette and Cyndi Lauper as influential in her early style. She is known for her unconventional wardrobe, reminiscent of decades gone by.

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JAMES COTTON: MUSICIAN/HARMONICA/SINGER/SONGWRITER

James "Mr Superharp" Cotton:    Musician/American Harmonica/Singer/Songwriter

75 Years young this American Blues Harp player is nominated for Grammy once again for Best Traditional Blues Album 2010, GIANT to be presented in February 2011.

James Cotton genre includes Blues Harmonica, Blues and Electric Harmonica Blues, and Delta Blues.

He learned the ropes early on from blues legends Sonny Boy Williamson and Howlin Wolf. By the age of 15 he had cut four songs for Sun Records and later played harp on some of the Muddy Waters recordings.

He is associated with many Blues Rock/Pop and fellow Bluesmen playing the harp on various recordings and tours.

In 1967 he formed his own group The James Cotton Blues Band. He is widely known for his mesmerizing stage charisma that commanded attention from his audience.

In the mid-nineties he had surgery for throat cancer, and his last recorded vocal

performance was in 2000. He did continue touring backing various members of

the band who performed the lead vocals.  

In 1996 he was a Grammy winner for The Best Traditional Blues Album, with 2 prior nominations.

The history on James Cotton is long and detailed, and after all these years he is still doing what he loves to do, and doing it well enough to be recognized for his work

by Grammy.  CONGRATUALTIONS!

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CYNDI LAUPER, SINGER/SONGWRITER

Cyndi Lauper, Singer/Songwriter 

OMG, Cyndi is singing the blues, MEMPHIS BLUES, that is. She has sold over 30 Million records in her career beginning in the early 1980’s, and she is destined to sell a few more with her latest album.

When I first listened to the CD, I didn’t really like it. I couldn’t believe she was receiving accolades for her performance on this CD. I dutifully replayed it a few times and begin to appreciate her rendition of traditional blues. While I am not a follower of Cyndi unless it is chart toppers like “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” or “True Colors” played time and again on the radio, I normally do not seek out her music.  I will admit from the Traditional Blues perspective MEMPHIS BLUES is pretty darn good. Her interpretation reminds me of the late/great Ethel Waters (1896-1977).

The CD features seasoned bluesmen/women, Charlie Musselwhite (Who is nominated in the same category for his album THE WELL), Allen Toussaint,

B.B. King, Jonny Lang and Ann Peebles. Their collaboration make the blues come alive on this CD. I will give her credit, because she does know when to bring in the big guns.

Cyndi is nominated for her 12^th Grammy (One previous win) this year to be presented February 2011 for the Best Traditional Blues Album MEMPHIS BLUES. She is up against some legends in the same category, so it will be a hard choice to pick the winner.

James Cotton:  GIANT

Charlie Musselwhite: The Well

Pintop Perkins (Nearly 100 yrs Old) and Willie “Big Eyes” Smith: JOINED AT THE HIP

Jimmie Vaughan: PLAYS BLUES, BALLADS And FAVORITES

If you are into traditional blues, give her a chance and listen to the music.

My favorite the Bobby Blue Bland song “Don’t Cry No More”, but she also sings material written by Muddy Waters, Robert Johnson, Little Walter Jacobs, and more. I think Cyndi presented traditional blues in a respectable format, without going over the top and doing it well on this CD.

****Keeping the blues alive!

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KENNY WAYNE SHEPHERD, MUSICAN/SONGWRITER

Musican/Songwriter: Kenny Wayne Shepherd

I must confess I am not a regular follower of Kenny Wayne, but I am aware of his infamous guitar licks, his hits, and his musical ability. He is a self taught American guitarist and songwriter who became a blues sensation at a very young age. Originally a Louisiana boy, he has played with some of the greatest bluesmen of today and yesterday.

His blues licks have earned him 4 Grammy nominations, but no wins to date.

He has sold millions of records, and at the young age of 33 this bluesman will inevitability capture the beloved Grammy one day, and it could be February 2011. KWS is nominated for the Best Contemporary Blues album.  

Just an FYI:  In 2008 Fender Musical Instruments Corp. put out a signature series of Stratocaster designed by Shepard, selling for around $1,000+ each. The series is modeled after his 1960’s vintage Stratocaster. 

His Grammy nomination is for the Album LIVE! IN CHICAGO

Featuring; Buddy Flett, Willie “Big Eyes” Smith, Hubert Sumlin and Bryan Lee.

He is up against some seasoned competition, (Solomon Burke, Dr. John and the Lower 911, Buddy Guy, and Bettye LaVette) but I am thinking this may be his winner.  This live performance CD includes “Somehow, Somewhere, Someway” my favorite, and “Blue on Black” another favorite from previous years.

The CD is well done, and I think most would appreciate the very talented guitar mans live performance.

He will be one of the blues legends as time goes by, if he isn’t already. As he continues to grow in his profession we will hear many memorable licks from Kenny Wayne Shepherd and no doubt more Grammy nominations/wins.

****

http://www.kennywayneshepherd.net/

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RAY LAMONTAGNE, SINGER/SONGWRITER

Singer/Songwriter: Ray LaMontagne

Ray LaMontagne, (pronounced /la:mon’tein/) is nominated for 3 Grammy’s this year to be presented February 2011.  His name may not be that familiar to most people, he is an American Singer/Songwriter and he has had some commercial success with his music in movies and TV. You would probably recognize the song, but not the singer. 

He quit his job as a shoe factory worker in the late 90’s and started writing music. By 2004  his Album “Trouble” was the first of 4 albums for Ray.

Several songs on this album have been used in movies and TV shows/series.

He is a soft spoken, raspy voice Folk singer with a Blues/Rock kind of feel.

He is nominated for (1) Song of the Year (Beg Steal or Borrow) from the CD

“God Willin’ & the Creek Don’t Rise” (2) Best Contemporary Folk Album, from the same Album and (3) Best Engineered Album, Non-Classical

I listened to his CD and I liked it and actually downloaded the two songs that I mentioned to my IPod. I may go back and pick up a few more.  I thought it was a nice change; an American Folk singer brings it home with his musical delivery.

****Check him out; I think you will find his music a nice addition to your collection. http://www.raylamontagne.com/us/home

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THE BLACK KEYS, MUSIC GROUP

The Black Keys, Music Group

Who are these guys?  I first heard of them about a month ago and holy cow! They have 6 Grammy nominations, to be presented on February  2011.

Their CD/Album “BROTHERS” is nominated for Best Alternative Album,  and they have a sure fire chance to claim the prize. They also have nominations for (2) Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals (Tighten Up) (3) Best Rock Song (Tighten Up) (4) Best Rock Instrumental (Black Mud), (5) Best Recording Package (Brothers), (6) Producer of the Year, Non-Classical- Danger Mouse (Tighten Up)

Dan Auerbach, vocals/guitar and Patrick Carney, drummer/producer from Ohio started out in/about 2001, and has been banging out tunes ever since. “Brothers” is their sixth album with more to come. They are classified by some as an American Blues Duo, but I think they are nominated in the correct category as an “ALTERNATIVE” music Duo/Group.

While I have reviewed the songs on the album, “Tighten Up” and “Black Mud” are not my favorites. I tend to lean toward “Howlin For You” a kind of quirky, catchy constant tribal beat, with little lyrical depth, but that’s OK, this one is about the rhythms.

My other favorite: “Too Afraid To Love You” kind of reminiscent of The Animals, “House of The Rising Sun”. The dominant drumming, haunting vocals and I think a harpsichord make it a song I will listen to again and again on my IPOD.

****  Good Luck at GRAMMY’S!

http://www.theblackkeys.com/

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R. KELLY, SINGER/SONGWRITER

Singer/Songwriter: R KELLY

I was not a fan of R Kelly, only because of the problems he had in his personal life.  All I could say is “Get real” you have so much talent, don’t waste it.

R. Kelly, is a singer, songwriter, music producer and re-mixer for many famous artist from various music fields. He came on the scene about 1992. He plays a number of musical instruments and is included in the R/B Soul, Hip Hop, and Gospel genre.

He has two Grammy nominations to be presented February 2011. His latest Album, which he wrote and produced all the songs “Love Letter”, has One Grammy nomination. (1) Best Traditional R/B Vocal Performance (When a Women Loves) released December 2010. He is also nominated for (2) Best Contemporary R/B Album (Untitled) released in December 2009.

While he is nominated for “When A Women Loves” a very powerful performance, my favorites on the Love Letter CD are “Just Can’t Get Enough” a smooth melody, with exceptional vocals. He can really sing, and this CD brings out his beautiful vocal quality, which you don’t get in the hip hop variety dominant in the previous recordings.

Another favorite is “Radio Message” a real R/B sound, again his vocals pull

you into the music.  Reminiscent to the 60’s style R/B, smooth, solid, I love it!

He has some pretty strong and deserving competition for Grammy, but who knows, maybe it’s time to recognize his velvet voice, for this well done, well written, and outstanding performance.

I really hope R. Kelly will continue singing and producing with the same quality he has demonstrated in Love Letter and I can say I am a FAN.

***** Worth the Price of a CD. A must have for my IPOD!!

• http://www.r-kelly.com/

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MICHAEL GRIMM, SINGER/SONGWRITER

Singer/Songwriter: MICHAEL GRIMM

Winner 2010 America’s Got Talent show, though many don’t remember because of the second place winner Jackie Evancho, the little girl with the powerful voice.

They are both winner’s in their own right. Jackie will be famous no matter what, her voice is extraordinary, no one can compare, although the young Charlotte Church would be comparable to her caliber, yet very different.  Michael will have to continue to work at it his craft to establish a following.  

Michael Grimm is in a class of his own, and the winner. This guy can sing no doubt about it. He has been around, but just now becoming successful with his music, with the help of America’s Got Talent.  He is originally from Mississippi, and resides in Las Vegas, where he has been working on stage at the thing he loves to do and that is performing for a live audience.   His soulful, gravelly voice is commanding, emotional, yet soothing, and a joy to listen to. He delivers his soul to you with humility on his CD “Leave Your Hat On”.   It is by far a time-less example of what this guy has to give.  He is Ray Charles, Joe Cocker, and Michael Grimm, in control of spellbinding vocals.  His song “I’d Rather Go Blind” is a great example of timeless music, written by Ellington Jordon, and Billy Foster in 1968, and recorded by Etta James 68-69, and re-recorded by the likes of B.B. King, Koko Taylor, Rod Stewart, Fleetwood Mac, Beyonce’ and many more.

He has other albums, one titled I am Michael Grimm which he has a tune called “A Mile Away” (2009) which I really like, and he also had a Country Roots Vol. 1 album (1996) of his roots music, which I will listen to when I am in a country kind of mood.  

He truly has a place in the music books, and I am excited for him and will continue to follow him and his music.

Get out there and support this guy to keep him coming back with more    timeless music.    

http://www.michaelgrimmmusic.com/

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JEFF BECK, MUSICIAN

Musician: Jeff Beck

I never thought I would review or purchase A Jeff Beck Number, but I have, and I am excited about it.  His rendition of Puccini’s “Nessun Dorma” on his CD Emotions And Commotion is breathtaking. Beck's performance allows me to visualize Pavarotti performing this aria when I had the opportunity to see him live several years before he died. He may have been the best tenor that ever lived, he has my vote.

Jeff Beck makes his guitar sing with this performance, he is in full command, and the best there is with his interpretation.  This CD is extremely well done, kudos to him.

He has been around a long time, from the UK and once with Eric Clapton and The Yard Birds, he has been very successful in the music business. I have known who he is and appreciated some of his work, but did not follow him, probably because he didn’t sing as Clapton does. He has been recognized by Grammy before and is again nominated this year four times to be presented February 2011.

Nominations for Grammy are:  1. Best Pop Instrumental Performance “Nessun Dorma” 2. Best Rock Instrumental Performance “Hammerhead” 3. Best Rock album (Emotion And Commotion) 4. Best Engineered Album, Non Classical (Emotion And Commotion)

I can’t imagine him not winning at least the Best Pop Instrumental for “Nessun Dorma”, because it is brilliant.  The competition is good, but he is far more superior and the best there is with this performance.

*****Nessun Dorma

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THE HEAVY Music Group

The Heavy

The Album “The House That Dirt Built” is a creative style to be reckoned with. This Neo-Soul, hard hitting metal band gives us a unique interpretation of Funk, Rock, Spoken Word, and a bit of Rap, that comes together in an appealing way in the album.

They come from somewhere in the UK, and appeared on the US scene sometime around 2008. Lead Vocalist Kevin Swaby, is the front man for the up and coming new sound.

They have appeared on Letterman (Jan 2010) and have had commercial recognition with their song “How Do You Like Me Now”   This song was also played at the 2010 Super Bowl in a commercial featuring KIA, and also played at the Stanley Cups Finals in Canada. $$$

While they have commercial value in their music, they also offer some interesting combinations and qualities to each of their songs on this album.

“Long Way From Home”, the vocals are catchy with sing-a-long style. It’s a combination of burlesque and rock rhythms in a unique delivery. 

“Sixteen” Is a combination of tuba, symbols, cabaret, ump, pa, pa that gets your attention. The vocals are exceptional above the music to deliver a piece of music that is memorable.

“Short Change Hero” This is almost haunting. It reminds me of the Clint Eastwood movie “Hang’em High” or was it “The Good, The Bad and The Ugly” Which ever one had that haunting music?  Only this has thunder, and “Prince” like vocals.

“No-Time”  Reminds me of Aerosmith’s, Steven Tyler, but with ticking clocks and with heavy bass timing the melody flows.  Again, another interesting and engaging tune, that sucks you in.

Each song has a unique quality. The group is innovative and draws from all aspects of music be it past, present, commercial or pleasure, it’s all here.

I think this is well worth the price of a CD.   I can’t help wonder what’s next for this group, can they keep this interesting sound going?

           

***** For unique contribution to the music scene, I have this CD on my IPOD.

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