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Special Event: atrlcritic | Ed Sheeran's new songs after the upgrade
Member Since: 4/30/2011
Posts: 21,827
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I might write one for twigs later today.
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Member Since: 1/4/2014
Posts: 3,513
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FKA twigs - LP1
FKA twigs, or Tahliah Barnett, is one of the most exciting new artists around. She's a witty songwriter, her voice is intriguing and she likes to experiment with her music. While her first EP came out almost 2 years ago, we were finally blessed with her debut LP, "LP1". I only discovered her about a month ago but oh, it was a good time to notice her. I had enough time to fully enjoy her previous work and I was just in time for the release of the album. After my first listen she immediately became one of my new favorite artists, one thing I still don't know though is where she fits. I don't think you can classify her in one genre but she likes to mix and experiment with trip hop, alternative, R&B, pop,... but most of all she's just different and that's what I like about her.
First overall impression: This album is everything I wanted from her, I really feel like I shouldn't even talk about it as I think I might not do it justice. That's how excellent it is. It's the perfect combination between her first two EPs. She experiments, she engages, she sets no boundaries, she goes all in and that's what makes her stand out. One moment she can give you a very hard, experimental sound but she can also switch to this soft, dreamy, almost poppy sound. Some of her songs almost feel trance-like and once you get into this album, you really can't get out. She makes you feel and her vocals are captivating plus all of that with beautiful lyrics and fascinating melodies. "LP1" is really all you need from an artist, certainly considering its her debut.
Track-by-track review: Preface - This is without a doubt my least favorite song of the album, it's wonderfully executed and sets the tone for the rest of the album. But my issue is the length, I'm not good with short songs. I need some time to get into it but this isn't even 2 minutes. However it's not a bad song but I also won't think of it as a standout track. 8
Lights On - This is where the album really kicks off, one of my favorite tracks of the album. The production, the lyrics, the vocals,... everything fits perfectly. I really like those flute-like melodies and Tahliah's timing is just impeccable. It's also one of the catchier songs, where you notice you are singing along after a few listens: "When I trust you we can do it with the lights on" is one of the most memorable lines of the album. 9.5
Two Weeks - Where to start with this one? Well, when I first heard "Two Weeks" I fell in love, I think it might be the first song I heard of her and I dare say it might still be my favorite. This is one of those songs you just gotta experience, just feel the bass go through your veins. She finds the perfect balance between her R&B side and her experimental side. It's not the conventional radio song but it also isn't overthrown by a heavy experimental production. 10
Hours - This is a song you can totally lose yourself in. Tahliah's voice and the music can take you away and put you on a cloud. If you put the song on repeat you could literally float away for hours and the ride only gets better. "Hours" improves every second and reaches its high with the outro, which is just everything, I could listen to that forever. 9.5
Pendulum - Besides "Two Weeks" this was the only song I heard prior to listening to the full album and although I liked it, I wasn't as crazy about it as some of her other songs. But when I heard it combined with the rest of the album I completely changed my mind and since then it has only grown on me. The bridge is incredible and gives the song that little extra. 9.5
Video Girl - Another standout track, this song was from the first listen one I instantly adored and I still do. It's her most personal track as she sings about herself when she was "just" a video girl. I love that she opens up a bit here and sings about how she felt during that time. As with most of the album, the production once again is faultless and it just amazes me how Tahliah gets her voice and timing always right. Nothing seems out of place, everything is where it belongs. 10
Numbers - This is the most polarizing song of the album for me. Normally, I really like her experimental side but it took me some time to get into this one and I'm still not a big fan of the intro. Her vocals however slay me on this track and the chorus gives me life. You can tell they put a lot of effort into the production but it's not my favorite. 9
Closer - This is probably the most intriguing song on the album. The vocals shine through this track, they are so dreamy and almost heaven-like plus the combination with the high-pitched voice is so captivating. The songwriting is really thought-provoking and the lyrics are arguably the cleverest of the album. Add on top of that the hypnotizing production and you have one of the best tracks of the album. This is the future of R&B everyone! 10
Give Up - Another very futuristic R&B song which completely absorbs you from start to finsh. It's so gripping how they always figure out how to make every song exactly what it's supposed to be. You never have the feeling something is unfinished or unclear and this, sometimes space-like, "Give Up" is another example of that secret formula. 9.5
Kicks - I honestly have no words anymore. I'm speechless, this is just the perfect ending to the perfect album. Tahliah surely saved the best for last. 10
This became an instant classic for me, it's going to be an album that I can play 10 years from now and I'll still be as amazed as I am now, like Lauryn Hill's "Miseducation" or Madonna's "Ray of Light". I wanna give this a 10 so badly but I'm gonna follow my individual scores. Just know it's definitely worth a 10. "LP1" is without a doubt the best release of the year so far, if not of the decade and I can't wait to see what FKA twigs has in store for us next.
9.5/10
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Member Since: 5/16/2012
Posts: 12,486
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Wait, I'm glad I checked the thread. I didn't realize our reviews for Hilary's single were due by tomorrow.
I was too busy enjoying LP1 to even bother with it. Lemme whip something up quickly.
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Member Since: 2/2/2014
Posts: 7,449
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Quote:
Originally posted by alexanderao
The reason that it was hard for me to review LP1 is because it is so different.
On number of listens, I will say that only a miniscule number of songs/albums grow on me to the point where I would change my review of it. So when I listen to 0 to 100 / The Catch Up, I still think it is a 4. It may seem impossible but songs rarely grow on me.
Also, I'm just not the type of person that likes to listen to songs and albums lots of times (unless I really like the song/album. If I listen to most songs a lot I get tired of them.
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Quote:
Originally posted by Artemisia
"Lights On kicks off with another awkward instrumental. It feels like a haphazard effort, as it is extremely empty and lacks a defined chorus. There are no verses; just vocals while strange instruments pop in here and there."
This just isn't true. Like at all. Not even a matter of opinion. The song has a clearly defined verse chorus structure. The chorus is unmissable. Please listen again.
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I understand and accept that we all have different music tastes but everything Artemisia sis said is just so true
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Member Since: 8/28/2012
Posts: 34,863
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Quote:
Originally posted by alexanderao
The Lowdown: Extremely abstract album has startling lack of substance, emotion, and replay value.
LP1, the debut album from British artist FKA Twigs, is a puzzling collection of very, very experimental music. The album inauspiciously starts with Preface, which is a strange introduction. Her vocals are annoyingly high-pitched and unintelligible, and the instrumental is really a misguided jumble of unorthodox sound effects. The piece goes absolutely nowhere and is an extremely strange song unlike any I'd ever heard before. Lights On kicks off with another awkward instrumental. It feels like a haphazard effort, as it is extremely empty and lacks a defined chorus. There are no verses; just vocals while strange instruments pop in here and there. By the time the song ends, I was incredibly bored. Two Weeks is the first song on the album to feature a pop-style (though very minimalistic) beat. Released as the first single from the album, I'd be beyond shocked if this got any radio airplay. Twigs' vocals are far too deliberate as she whisper-sings syllables with pauses in between. The song doesn't contain any variation and bores the listener easily.
Hours, a song with nothing to tap your foot to, epitomizes this album. The drums sound like they are randomly placed with no regard to Twigs' vocals. The falsetto is tiring by now, and it's a welcome reprieve two minutes in when Twigs briefly sings in a lower register. Unfortunately, the music behind her doesn't back up her vocals at all, and her vocals are frequently distorted to the point where it is annoying. I kept checking to see how far I was into the song because I wanted it to end. Pendulum follows, and it is a very calming song. It is very boring for the same reason Two Weeks is very boring; there is no structure to it. It sounds almost improvised at times. By the time Video Girl rolled around, i wanted the album to end. The melodies are mediocre, and the track is very forgettable. Numbers and Closer contained a slightly smaller does of boredom than Hours, but Twigs' vocals are quite uninspired and sound like she wants to finish the album as well. Give Up is the best song on the album, with a nice, chill drum beat and a decent vocal from Twigs. Kicks ensured the album did not go out with a whimper. It had less of a void than other songs on LP1, but it was still boring.
I couldn't even finish my usual track-by-track dissection of an album because there really isn't anything new to say about each coming track. In general, I wrote much less about LP1 than I thought I would. The reason for this is when I was taking notes on the album, I didn't feel much emotion at all. Whether it is the disorienting production or Twigs' constant distorted falsetto, none of these songs made me feel anything. I didn't have a mirror with me, but I don't think the stoic expression on my face ever changed. I was never nodding my head to, becoming fascinated by, or enjoying the album. It seems that I have the minority opinion in this department, but this album was incredibly boring. It got old after 3-4 minutes and nothing ever changed throughout the album. Cohesiveness in an album is great when the production, vocals, and lyrics are thought-provoking and/or good (see 21 and Pure Heroine). Unfortunately, none of those prerequisites apply to LP1.
On a bit of a tangent, this album was the most experimental music I have ever listened to. It is completely genreless, and perhaps that's why it went in one ear and out the other for me. It is not alternative because it is abstract and out of left field even by alternative standards. It sure as hell isn't hip-hop or even R&B with all of that falsetto and emptiness. Dream pop might be the closest genre to LP1, but that tag doesn't seem to fit either. For some reason, this album just could never hold my interest. Each song seemed to drag on infinitely, and the lyrics (which do not stand out) did not help. In fact, I applaud anyone who is able to transcribe Twigs' singing. I could only pick up a line here, and a word there. And I'm usually pretty good at figuring out what singers say.
In conclusion, this album manages to be emotionless, boring, and perplexing. It was a complete snoozefest for me. It's unlike any other genre of music, yet it's still uninteresting and unpleasantly monotonous. This was my hardest atrlcritic review to write by far, and I don't really understand why. Ultimately, I likely won't remember how any of the songs on LP1 go when I wake up tomorrow morning.
Reviews:
Drake - 0 to 100 / The Catch Up (4.0)
La Roux - Trouble In Paradise (2.3)
Azealia Banks - Heavy Metal and Reflective (2.0)
Jessie J, Ariana Grande, & Nicki Minaj - Bang Bang (5.8)
Hilary Duff - Chasing The Sun (0.5)
Tony Bennett & Lady Gaga - Anything Goes (4.9)
Nicki Minaj - Anaconda (2.0)
Beyoncé f/Nicki Minaj - ***Flawless Remix (3.7)
Pixie Lott - Pixie Lott (6.0)
FKA Twigs - LP1 (1.7)
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Great review. So many good points and pretty accurate score
I'll write mine tomorrow.
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Member Since: 1/1/2014
Posts: 43,331
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All About You review coming tonight.
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Member Since: 8/19/2013
Posts: 39,572
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I'll write my review some point in the morning.
It's gonna get a 10 though
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Member Since: 8/19/2013
Posts: 27,248
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Gonna give FKA twigs a listen
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Member Since: 6/19/2012
Posts: 29,579
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Quote:
Originally posted by holyground
Gonna give FKA twigs a listen
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Enjoy! It's really not as hard of a listen as it looks.
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Member Since: 8/19/2013
Posts: 27,248
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Quote:
Originally posted by Artemisia
Enjoy! It's really not as hard of a listen as it looks.
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I'm am impressed tbh. The album has got me Lorde-dancing.
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Member Since: 1/1/2014
Posts: 43,331
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I feel like I need to tweak my AAY review more. It'll come tomorrow morning.
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Member Since: 2/5/2014
Posts: 29,111
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Hilary Duff - All About You
What do you get when you mix Beyoncé’s “XO”, Mumford & Sons, and Britney Jean’s “Now That I Found You”? Either: 1) Hilary D]uff’s new single “All About You” or 2) a mess of a song, are acceptable answers. “All About You” begins promising, with a soft guitar strummed and Hilary vocalizing, but it’s all downhill from there. Randomly, a banjo enters the mix without any purpose, just seemingly in the songs because banjos are trendy and unexpected. A banjo within a non-country pop song is not a problem, but the banjo here does not fit in with the clicking hi-hats, Hilary’s vocal effects (especially on the “You-oooo-oohhhs on the chorus”), and backing vocals so sweet you will want to schedule a dentist appointment. Too much of this new song is derivative: the backing vocals are clearly ripped from “XO” (they worked with the sweeping feeling of that track, but are too grating with the semi-folksy vibe), the banjo straight from the Mumfords. The track as a whole sounds like the (far-superior) Britney Jean Deluxe track “Now That I Found You” but manages to be derivative of Beyoncé, Mumford & Sons, OneRepublic, and somehow Imagine Dragons instead of just Avicii like Britney’s track.
I defended “Chasing the Sun” because of its laid back summery vibe. The song was not copying several other hits, it knew what it was and didn't try to be anything else; but I’m not defending “All About You.” It’s not a good sign when your single sounds like the Britney Jean Deluxe Track that already sounded like a cheap cash in of another track.
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Grade: D
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Member Since: 1/1/2014
Posts: 107
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My review for 'All About You'
It's a catchy song and the perfect 'Comeback' single for Hilary! We all know Hilary's voice is very sweet. You can hear that with the sweet tunes. Her vocals are grown stronger and you can hear Hilary is more confident about her voice. It's a song that every age between 8 till 50 years can listen to. But this is more grown up then her past stuff. I mean she is now almost 27th and she stopped at her 20th for a break for 7 years. That is a long time to be away. But she did well by releasing two songs to give the fans a taste of her new music and album. 'Chasing The Sun' was a buzz single and 'All About You' will be her first lead single.
Many fans of Hilary's are also fans of Demi Lovato, Taylor Swift, Miley Cyrus and Selena Gomez. You can't compare this song with songs of them because Hilary has her own style. And wasn't she the first star that got a record? So she is not copying anything. She is finding her own style and like she said herself most of her songs are very personal and a bit of the past music she has made but then grown up (Metamorphosis). If she does good promotion and we haven't seen that yet, then she can be back in Pop Industry and score a hit with this song. But she needs to perform the song 'Live' attend a lot of big talkshows and go to many radio's to get airplay. But it's still very hard to get airplay for those artist. But this song needs to get airplay because it's sounds good, catchy, has written very good and it makes you want to dance. Next week she will shoot the video of 'All About You' and we can't wait for that!
10 out of 10
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Banned
Member Since: 4/13/2011
Posts: 18,738
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Member Since: 3/14/2013
Posts: 37,294
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| FKA Twigs' debut album, called "LP1", is an experimental piece of art, but it has some disappointing parts. I love the creativity that she used to do this record. In fact, any experimental piece should be praised just because of that. My favourite part was the fact that the intro "Preface" and the outro "Kicks" completed each other, giving a circular feeling. The worst part is that, after you listen to some songs, the album tends to become boring and her falsetto doesn't help either. However, you have to give it a few listens to get more into it because the album is a grower for sure. I feel that FKA Twigs has got her inspiration, or just sounds similar, to iamamiwhoami. Their voices sound alike, the melodies too, but honestly, I enjoyed FKA's work more than iamamiwhoami's.
Overall, the album is not good, but it's not bad. It's average in my opinion. I admire the fact that she tried to experiment and of course, try some original things, but I feel that when the first half ends, the album becomes a bit boring. Kudos to her for the amazing intro and outro though. |
Score: 5.4/10
Other reviews
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Banned
Member Since: 4/13/2011
Posts: 18,738
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ALBUM REVIEW
Sonic sex.
A FKA Twigs' LP1 Review
I don’t know why I’m smiling now.
I mean, I expected Twigs to deliver a great album. I’ve been nothing short of captivated by her as a creative for the past two years, yet I’m still surprised.
This is not a track by track review. LP1 is a project: a body of work. It is not a collection of records shopped to an artist by a legion of producers and songwriters. It is a beautiful marriage of a recording artist and visionary with a record producer, and the product of both parties being completely in sync with each other musically and mentally. Similar to what Madonna achieved with Ray of Light with William Orbit. Beautiful things always happen with these setups. Always.
I was worried about how much influence trip-hop would have on the album, as I find myself annoyed by the lack of lyrical destination in the genre. I wanted more alternative R&B from Twigs — Papi Pacify, Hide, How’s That, and Ultraviolet, and less Weak Spot and Water Me. She delivered a perfect marriage between the two, switching between R&B and Trip-Hop styles (often mid track) seamlessly.
So get into this experience. Take your time and listen to it with the Lights Out. Get Closer to someone you love and kiss them for Hours. Sway and tap your thigh to Video Girl, and when you’re alone and missing the one you love, play Give Up to reaffirm your loyalty. Lastly, keep your mind (and hands) occupied to Kicks (see what I did there?) until your lover is with you again.
FKA Twigs’ debut album is exactly what Madonna wishes Erotica was: an experience in love, intercourse, and monogamy, at a ceremonial proportion and spiritual level.
LP1 is sonic sex.
VERDICT
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Member Since: 1/1/2014
Posts: 43,331
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The Lowdown: Straight-up pop song is cheesy, formulaic, and predictable.
After the horrifying incident that was the release of Chasing The Sun, Hilary Duff releases her second song within the span of a month and it is All About You. This track commences with an innocent guitar and drum instrumental which isn't very memorable. The very short first verse consists of just 4 lines, and Hilary decides to share the spotlight with a lot of unnecessary backup singers. In fact, the backups are used for most of the song, which is again unnecessary and cheesy. A 10-second prechorus follows which removes the heavy-hitting drum beat and allows Duff to showcase her (overproduced) vocals. The chorus then kicks in and it is not bad. Though the placement of a banjo seems a rather conspicuous attempt to appear trendy, it doesn't ruin the chorus. The chorus is simple but it is solid pure pop. The second half of the song is pretty much identical to the first in its structure, but a super-cheesy 20 second bridge pops in near the end. The song ends with another repetition of the chorus.
Though All About You is fun, youthful, and innocent, that doesn't make it a good pop song. Just like Chasing The Sun, it is extremely formulaic and never deviates from its very simple structure. This further limits its already-scant replay value. One observation I had was that the verses should have contrasted more with the chorus. Except for the addition of a banjo, the instrumental during the chorus is the same as the instrumental during the verse. This sort of downplays the chorus. Also, All About You feels rushed, clocking in at just 2 minutes and 42 seconds. Maybe the reason it was so short is because it would become terribly boring if it was the length of a regular song.
Most of the song is quite unmemorable and when you start repeating unmemorable choruses and cheesy verses it's going to get boring.
That said, All About You is a step up from Chasing The Sun for Hilary Duff. She shows here that she is able to make passable, upbeat generic pop. Ultimately, however, even though it's not bad, it's certainly disposable.
Reviews:
Drake - 0 to 100 / The Catch Up (4.0)
La Roux - Trouble In Paradise (2.3)
Azealia Banks - Heavy Metal and Reflective (2.0)
Jessie J, Ariana Grande, & Nicki Minaj - Bang Bang (5.8)
Hilary Duff - Chasing The Sun (0.5)
Tony Bennett & Lady Gaga - Anything Goes (4.9)
Nicki Minaj - Anaconda (2.0)
Beyoncé f/Nicki Minaj - ***Flawless Remix (3.7)
Pixie Lott - Pixie Lott (6.0)
FKA Twigs - LP1 (1.7)
Hilary Duff - All About You (4.1)
Taylor Swift - Shake It Off (7.1)
Charli XCX - Break The Rules (4.6)
Ariana Grande - My Everything (5.2)
Maroon 5 - V (5.4)
Banks - Goddess (8.2)
Calvin Harris f/John Newman - Blame (8.6)
Lorde - Yellow Flicker Beat (8.8)
Fergie - L.A.LOVE (la la) (2.5)
LIGHTS - Little Machines (6.7)
One Direction - Steal My Girl (2.0)
Carrie Underwood - Something In The Water (5.3)
Gwen Stefani - Baby Don't Lie (5.4)
Iggy Azalea f/MØ - Beg For It (7.7)
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Member Since: 10/14/2008
Posts: 9,686
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Quote:
Originally posted by alexanderao
On a bit of a tangent, this album was the most experimental music I have ever listened to. It is completely genreless, and perhaps that's why it went in one ear and out the other for me.
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Then what's the point of writing a review if you don't even know this genre? And calling this "the most experimental music you have ever listened to"? Embarrassing. Please broaden your musical horizons.
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Member Since: 2/13/2012
Posts: 62,082
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Someone giving Pixie Lott the best review out of all. Literally a disaster.
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Member Since: 1/1/2014
Posts: 43,331
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Quote:
Originally posted by M.R.
Then what's the point of writing a review if you don't even know this genre? And calling this "the most experimental music you have ever listened to"? Embarrassing. Please broaden your musical horizons.
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Well, I want to review all of the singles and albums that are covered here and not just pick and choose the ones that I am familiar with.
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