Live From Mars

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Latest Episodes:

New Music Friday Breakdown: Sabrina Carpenter, SZA, Selena Gomez & More! Feb 17, 2025

In this episode of Live from Mars, Alex (@vinylbymars) is joined by Seth Betzler (@dramakingbooks, @dramakingvinyl) to break down the best releases from this week's New Music Friday! With Valentine's Day as the backdrop, we discuss new music filled with love, humor, and surprises.

This week, we're diving into Sabrina Carpenter’s ‘Short n’ Sweet (Deluxe)’, analyzing the standout tracks like ‘15 Minutes’, a clever mix of humor and wordplay, and ‘Please Please Please’ featuring Dolly Parton, a fun, yet divisive remix. We also explore the melodic similarities between ‘Couldn’t Make It Any Harder’ and ‘Hopelessly Devoted to You’, Sabrina’s Sandy-inspired aesthetic, and why Busy Woman feels like the clear hit.

We also dive into SZA’s ‘LANA’ Deluxe, analyzing her strategy of releasing additional music nearly two years after SOS, and how this creates a "living, breathing" album experience. We contrast this with Sabrina’s six-month deluxe drop and discuss the different purposes deluxe albums serve in today’s streaming era.

Plus, we talk about Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco’s surprise album announcement, the newly released ‘Scared of Loving You’, and Selena’s unexpected return to music despite previously hinting at stepping away. We also break down new singles from Addison Rae (‘High Fashion’), Bon Iver (‘Everything Is Peaceful Love’), and Olivia Dean’s ‘It Isn’t Perfect But It Might Be’ for the Bridget Jones soundtrack.

🎧 Listen now and let us know your favorite tracks from this week!

Topics Covered:

Sabrina Carpenter’s ‘Short n’ Sweet (Deluxe)’ – The best new tracks and why ‘15 Minutes’ and Busy Woman stand out
SZA’s ‘LANA’ – A breakdown of the four new songs and how this deluxe release strategy differs from Sabrina’s
Selena Gomez & Benny Blanco’s album announcement – What ‘Scared of Loving You’ tells us about the project
Addison Rae’s ‘High Fashion’ – Where she fits in today’s pop music landscape
Bon Iver’s ‘Everything Is Peaceful Love’ – A rare happy and optimistic Bon Iver track
Olivia Dean’s ‘It Isn’t Perfect But It Might Be’ – Why we love her sound but want to see her push into new territory

Where to Listen:

Available now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and all major streaming platforms. Don’t forget to rate and review!

Follow Us:

🎶 @vinylbymars (TikTok, Instagram, YouTube)

📚 @dramakingbooks / @dramakingvinyl (TikTok, Instagram, YouTube)

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Breaking Down Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl Halftime Show (with WillTalksMusic) Feb 11, 2025

In this episode of Live from Mars, Alex (@vinylbymars) is joined by Will (@willtalksmusic) to dive into all things Kendrick Lamar at the Super Bowl Halftime Show. They break down Kendrick’s career leading up to this moment, analyze the standout moments from the performance—including his powerful collaboration with SZA—and, most importantly, discuss the explosive impact of Not Like Us being performed in front of 120+ million viewers. This diss track, fresh off winning Record of the Year and Song of the Year at the Grammys, solidified Kendrick’s dominance over Drake in their ongoing feud, and Alex and Will break down why this moment was so monumental.

Beyond Kendrick’s performance, they explore the deeper political and artistic messaging behind the set, from Samuel L. Jackson’s role as Uncle Sam to the striking visual storytelling. They also touch on Taylor Swift’s undeniable presence at the Super Bowl and how she continues to be part of the cultural conversation, even when she’s not on the stage.

After dissecting the halftime show, Alex and Will shift gears to discuss who should headline the Super Bowl in 2026. They debate potential contenders, from pop icons to hip-hop powerhouses, and throw in some wild card picks. Finally, Will shares his latest music recommendations, giving listeners insight into the albums and songs that have been on repeat for him.

Topics Covered:

Kendrick Lamar’s halftime show: performance highlights and deeper meanings
The impact of Not Like Us being performed on such a massive stage and its role in Kendrick vs. Drake
The artistry and messaging behind Kendrick’s set
Taylor Swift’s presence at the Super Bowl and her cultural influence
Who should headline the 2026 Super Bowl?
Will’s latest music recommendations

Where to Listen:

Available now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and all major streaming platforms. Don’t forget to rate and review!

Follow Us:

@vinylbymars (TikTok, Instagram, YouTube)
@willtalksmusic (TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, Twitch)

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2025 Grammys Recap: Biggest Wins, Snubs & Wildest Moments (with Amanda Leopizzi) Feb 04, 2025

This week, Alex is joined once again by his good friend and fellow #MusicTok creator Amanda Leopizzi to break down everything that went down at the 2025 Grammy Awards. From historic wins to shocking snubs, this episode covers all the biggest moments of music’s biggest night.

In this episode:

• Biggest wins & surprises – Beyoncé finally wins Album of the Year, Kendrick Lamar sweeps Record & Song of the Year, and Chappell Roan takes Best New Artist.

• The biggest snubs of the night – Taylor Swift and Billie Eilish walk away empty-handed.

• Best performances of the night – Charli XCX, Sabrina Carpenter, Chappell Roan, RAYE, Doechii, and the Best New Artist showcase.

• The Weeknd’s return to the Grammys – After years of boycotting, what does his performance mean for next year’s awards?

• Lady Gaga’s “Abracadabra” premiere – Is Fame Monster-era Gaga officially back?

• Records broken & major milestones – Bruno Mars extends his Grammy-winning streak, Doechii makes history in rap, and more!

Did the Recording Academy get it right? Or did your favorites get snubbed? This episode is filled with bold takes, heated debates, and plenty of Grammy hot takes!

Who was your biggest winner of the night? Leave a comment.

🔔 Don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and hit the NOTIFICATION BELL to stay updated with all things Live From Mars!

Follow Alex:

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@vinylbymars

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vinylbymars

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@vinylbymars

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/user/abm0896

Follow Amanda:

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@amandasplaylist

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amandasplaylist

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@amandasplaylisttt

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2025 Grammy Predictions: Who Will Win and Should Win (with Amanda Leopizzi) Jan 27, 2025

Welcome to Episode 10 of Live From Mars! This week, Alex is joined by his good friend and fellow #MusicTok creator Amanda Leopizzi to kick off the most exciting week in music – Grammy week!

In this episode:

A roundup of this week’s New Music Friday releases, including Tate McRae’s viral hit "Sports car" and Teddy Swims’ emotional new album, I’ve Tried Everything But Therapy Pt. 2.
Predictions for the biggest Grammy categories, including Record of the Year, Album of the Year, Song of the Year, and Best New Artist.
Bold takes on pop icons like Taylor Swift, Lady Gaga, Bruno Mars, Sabrina Carpenter, Chappell Roan, Charli XCX, Beyoncé, and Billie Eilish.

Get ready for a fun and opinionated breakdown of who the Recording Academy might crown versus who truly deserves to win. Whether you’re a fan of Billie’s Hit Me Hard and Soft, Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter, or Taylor’s The Tortured Poets Department, there’s something for everyone in this episode.

Don’t miss Alex and Amanda’s final Grammy predictions before the big night! Be sure to follow Live From Mars on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen, and subscribe to Vinyl by Mars on YouTube for more music content.

Follow Alex:

TikTok: @VinylByMars
Instagram: @VinylByMars
YouTube: Vinyl by Mars
Spotify: @abm0896

Follow Amanda:

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Most Anticipated New Music of 2025 (with Seth Betzler) Jan 13, 2025

Most Anticipated New Music of 2025 (with Seth Betzler)

In this episode of Live from Mars, I’m joined by my dear friend Seth Betzler (@DramaKingVinyl, @DramaKingBooks) to kick off 2025 by discussing our most anticipated albums of the year! After a packed 2024, the music industry is set to deliver another round of incredible releases, and we’re diving into everything from confirmed drops to rumors that have us buzzing.

We explore:

Taylor Swift’s Next Re-Records: Reputation (Taylor’s Version) and Taylor Swift (Taylor’s Version)—what to expect from the vault tracks.
The Weeknd’s Hurry Up Tomorrow: Trilogy connections, female collaborators, and the potential “end” of The Weeknd.
Lady Gaga’s LG7: What Die with a Smile tells us about the album.
Harry Styles, Miley Cyrus, and Lana Del Rey: Where are these artists heading next?
Stars on the Rise: New projects from Aly & AJ, Chappell Roan, Madison Beer, and Olivia Dean.
Rumored Returns: Olivia Rodrigo, Lorde, and more.

From pop legends to emerging voices, we cover it all in this packed episode. If you love music and want to get hyped for what’s to come, this one’s for you!

Chapters:

01:05 - Welcoming Seth and Recapping 2024’s Big Year in Music

03:48 - Taylor Swift’s Reputation and Taylor Swift (Taylor’s Version) Vault Predictions

07:45 - The Weeknd’s Hurry Up Tomorrow: Breaking Down the Trilogy

17:13 - Aly & AJ’s Silver Deliverer

25:28 - Lady Gaga’s LG7: Will It Live Up to the Hype?

30:14 - Miley Cyrus, Harry Styles, and Lana Del Rey: What’s Next?

35:45 - Olivia Rodrigo and Chappell Roan: The Next Era

44:43 - Stars on the Rise: Madison Beer and Olivia Dean

47:32 - Wrapping Up with Lorde, Final Thoughts, and Favorites

Follow Mars!

Follow Seth!

💬 Share your thoughts in the comments or reviews—what’s your most anticipated album of 2025?

👉 Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE for more episodes exploring the best of music and pop culture!

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Top 5 Albums of 2024: Ariana Grande's "Eternal Sunshine" (with Dan Cash) Jan 06, 2025

In this episode of Live from Mars, I’m joined by Dan Cash (@DanCashio), a social media star known for his hilarious and insightful takes on pop culture, to dive into Ariana Grande’s Eternal Sunshine. As the fifth and final installment of my Five Favorite Albums of 2024 series, we’re closing out on a deeply personal, meticulously crafted record that deserves all the praise.

From heartbreak to healing, Eternal Sunshine captures Ariana’s evolution through divorce, new beginnings, and unmatched vocal artistry. Dan and I unpack every detail, from standout tracks to Grammy snubs and what the future holds for one of pop’s most talented stars.

We explore:

The cinematic inspiration behind the album and its themes of memory and healing.
Our “Best, Worst, Fav” picks: “We Can’t Be Friends,” “The Boy Is Mine,” and more.
Ariana’s behind-the-scenes role as producer and her vocal evolution post-Wicked.
Why the album was overlooked during a jam-packed year for pop music.
What’s next for Ariana—could her Glinda performance influence her next era?

This episode is packed with laughter, insight, and love for an artist who continues to redefine herself. Whether you’re a die-hard Arianator or new to her music, you’ll walk away with a deeper appreciation for Eternal Sunshine.

Chapters:

01:47 - Welcoming Dan to the Podcast

04:50 - Dan’s Journey as a Creator and Pop Culture Expert

09:06 - Eternal Sunshine: Themes and Storytelling

11:26 - Best, Worst, Fav Tracks: Our Picks

16:32 - The Genius of “We Can’t Be Friends” and Ariana’s Production Skills

25:39 - Experimental Sounds and the Magic of “Imperfect for You”

30:14 - Why Critics and the Grammys Overlooked the Album

32:22 - What’s Next for Ariana Grande?

💬 Share your thoughts in the comments or reviews—what’s your favorite track from Eternal Sunshine?

👉 Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE for more episodes dissecting the best albums of 2024!

Follow Mars!

TikTok: @vinylbymars

Instagram: @vinylbymars

YouTube: @vinylbymars

Spotify: Mars

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/vinylbymars

Follow Dan!

TikTok: @DanCashio

Instagram: @DanCashio

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Top 5 Albums of 2024: Billie Eilish's "Hit Me Hard and Soft" (with Sam Murphy) Dec 30, 2024

In this episode of Live from Mars, I’m joined by Sam Murphy (@PopSamCam), music critic and pop culture commentator, to dive deep into my pick for the best album of 2024—Billie Eilish’s Hit Me Hard and Soft.

Billie’s latest album delivers emotional depth, sonic surprises, and career-defining moments, from haunting ballads to bold electronic experiments. Sam and I break down the tracks, themes, and Grammy buzz surrounding this unforgettable record.

We explore:

Standout tracks like “Birds of a Feather,” “Wildflower,” and “CHIHIRO.”
Our “Best, Worst, Fav” picks—and why this album’s 10-track format hits harder.
Billie’s artistic growth, genre shifts, and vocal evolution.
The album’s impact on 2024’s pop landscape and what’s next for Billie.
Grammy predictions—can Billie sweep with Hit Me Hard and Soft?

Whether you’re a longtime Billie fan or just discovering her music, this episode unpacks why Hit Me Hard and Soft deserves its praise—and why it’s my personal Album of the Year.

Chapters:

01:47 - Welcoming Sam to the Podcast

03:53 - Sam’s Journey as a Music Critic and Content Creator

07:46 - Why This Album Resonated with Us

11:22 - Best, Worst, Fav Tracks: Our Picks

16:32 - Quality Over Quantity: The 10-Track Format Debate

20:29 - The Sonic Universe of Hit Me Hard and Soft

27:23 - What’s Next for Billie Eilish?

30:08 - Grammy Predictions—Can Billie Take It All?

💬 Drop your thoughts in the comments or reviews—what’s your favorite track from Hit Me Hard and Soft?

👉 Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE & FOLLOW for more episodes dissecting the best albums of 2024!

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Top 5 Albums of 2024: Charli xcx's "Brat" (with Adam the Flop) Dec 23, 2024

In this episode of Live from Mars, I’m joined by Adam Barrera (@AdamTheFlop), one of the sharpest voices in pop culture commentary, to break down Charli XCX’s groundbreaking 2024 album Brat—a project that dominated both music and pop culture this year.

Bold, abrasive, and wildly authentic, Brat redefined the modern album era. Adam and I dive into the music, the marketing, and the cultural impact of this critically acclaimed record to explore why it became the defining album of 2024.

We explore:

Standout tracks, from “360” to “Girl, So Confusing” (feat. Lorde).
The genius behind Brat’s marketing and how it reshaped album rollouts.
Our “Best, Worst, Fav” picks for Brat and its remix album.
The impact of Brat’s bold visuals, viral TikTok trends, and minimalist aesthetic.
What this era means for Charli’s next steps in 2025.

Whether you’re a Charli superfan or just discovering her music, this episode is packed with analysis, laughs, and a few spicy takes.

Chapters:

01:23 - Welcoming Adam to the Podcast

03:33 - Adam’s Journey in Pop Culture Commentary

06:18 - Why Brat Stands Out as Album of the Year

10:52 - Breaking Down the Marketing Genius Behind Brat

15:24 - Best, Worst, Fav Tracks: Our Picks

25:04 - Remix Album Highlights and New Collaborations

33:00 - What’s Next for Charli XCX in 2025?

💬 Drop your thoughts in the comments or reviews—what’s your favorite Brat track?

👉 Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE for more episodes dissecting the best albums of 2024!

Follow Mars!

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@vinylbymars

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vinylbymars

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCy6NiOrfN5V5P-99PiJ1qMA

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/user/abm0896?si=7e73ab04df564b14

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/vinylbymars

Follow Adam!

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@adamtheflop

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adamtheflop

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Top 5 Albums of 2024: Taylor Swift’s “THE TORTURED POETS DEPARTMENT" (with Seth Betzler) Dec 16, 2024

🎶 Top 5 Albums of 2024: Taylor Swift’s “THE TORTURED POETS DEPARTMENT" (with Seth Betzler) 🎶

In this episode of Live from Mars, I’m joined by Seth (@DramaKingVinyl, @DramaKingBooks), one of the biggest Taylor Swift fans I know, to break down her monumental 2024 release, The Tortured Poets Department as one of my five favorite albums of 2024. With 31 tracks, groundbreaking achievements, and raw, emotional storytelling, this album demands a deep dive—and we’re here to deliver.

We explore:

The standout tracks, from “So Long London” to “Guilty as Sin.”
Our “Best, Worst, Fav” picks for “The Tortured Poets Department: The Anthology.”
How folklore, Midnights, and the Eras Tour shaped this release.
Whether the 31-track format helped or hurt Taylor’s narrative.
What this album tells us about Taylor’s next moves in 2025.

Packed with analysis, laughs, and a few friendly debates, this episode is perfect for Swifties and pop music lovers alike.

Chapters:

01:27 - Welcoming Seth to the Podcast

03:33 - Seth’s Journey with Vinyl & Taylor Swift Fandom

09:20 - Quick Stats on The Tortured Poets Department

10:51 - Why Seth Chose This Album as a Favorite

13:18 - How folklore and Midnights Influenced Tortured Poets

20:18 - Best, Worst, Fav Tracks: Our Picks

25:14 - One-Word Reviews of All 31 Songs

52:11 - Do the Reviews of Tortured Poets Hold Up?

56:54 - What’s Next for Taylor in 2025?

💬 Share your thoughts in the comments or reviews—what’s your favorite track from The Tortured Poets Department?

👉 Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE for more episodes dissecting the best albums of 2024!

Follow Mars!

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@vinylbymars

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vinylbymars

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCy6NiOrfN5V5P-99PiJ1qMA

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/user/abm0896?si=7e73ab04df564b14

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/vinylbymars

Follow Seth!

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dramakingbooks

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dramakingvinyl

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dramakingbooks

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dramakingvinyl

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Top 5 Albums of 2024: Sabrina Carpenter's "Short n' Sweet" (with Nick Palmai) Dec 09, 2024

Join me, Mars (@vinylbymars), and my very first guest, Nick Palmai, as we dive into one of my top five albums of 2024—Sabrina Carpenter’s Short n’ Sweet. From record-breaking chart success to lyrical wit and iconic performances, we discuss why this album is a masterclass in pop artistry. Nick shares his unforgettable encounter with Sabrina at the Short n’ Sweet tour and insights into his journey as a music content creator. Plus, we debate Grammys, Sabrina’s artistic evolution, and what’s next for her in 2025.

Whether you’re a pop fanatic or new to Sabrina’s music, this episode will have you streaming Short n’ Sweet on repeat.

💬 Share your thoughts below—what’s your favorite song from Short n’ Sweet?

⏰ Chapters:

0:00 - Intro: Top 5 Albums of 2024 Series

1:45 - Welcoming Nick Palmy to the Podcast

3:44 - Nick’s Journey as a Content Creator

9:12 - Sabrina Carpenter’s Short n’ Sweet Tour Highlights

11:34 - Album Stats & Achievements

18:22 - Sabrina’s Evolution: Pop Sensibilities & Lyrical Wit

22:14 - Track-by-Track Discussion: Singles, Humor, & Witty Lyrics

27:49 - Our Favorite Tracks: "Taste," "Don’t Smile," and More

34:24 - Sabrina vs. Other Pop Artists: Longevity & Evolution

36:14 - Grammy Predictions: Album of the Year, Song vs. Record

39:11 - Best New Artist Debate

41:51 - Closing Thoughts & What’s Next for Sabrina

👉 Don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for more pop music deep dives! 🎤✨

Follow Mars!

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Reacting To Your Taylor Swift Hot Takes Nov 25, 2024

In this episode of Live from Mars, I dive into your hottest takes on Taylor Swift, straight from the DMs and Instagram Q&A!

From the chaotic genius of Red (Taylor's Version) to the Grammy-winning masterpiece Folklore, we're unpacking every opinion with passion, humor, and a pinch of controversy.

Mars kicks things off with a personal recap: two back-to-back concerts at Madison Square Garden—Billie Eilish and Maggie Rogers! Hear all about the highs and lows of these electrifying shows and what makes a live performance unforgettable. Then, we jump into the hot takes, including:

The chaotic tracklist of Red—brilliance or distraction?
Folklore: Should it have even been nominated for Album of the Year?
Why Cowboy Like Me is one of Taylor’s most underrated gems
Single selections: Is Taylor making the right choices?
Should Taylor explore new producers beyond Jack Antonoff and Aaron Dessner?

Mars shares his own spicy takes, breaks down what makes Taylor's storytelling so unique, and reimagines some of her biggest songs. This episode is packed with thought-provoking debate and a celebration of Taylor’s artistry!

Don’t miss this deep dive into all things Taylor Swift on the latest episode of Live From Mars!

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My Journey to Mars Nov 11, 2024

In the very first episode of Live from Mars, I (Alex, aka Mars) take you on a personal journey through the moments that ignited my lifelong passion for music. From early memories of childhood road trips fueled by Britney Spears to the Top 40 days of Z100 radio and the rise of social media, this episode is all about how music became more than just a hobby—it became a lifestyle. I recount my evolution from a devoted fan tracking pop charts and album rollouts to creating my own content, and the bold leap of finally showing my face on TikTok to build a connection with my community.

You’ll hear about the early days of my vinyl collection, the challenges of staying authentic in a rapidly changing social media landscape, and the birth of my popular series "Best, Worst, Fav" that propelled my journey as @vinylbymars. Through every step—from running a Britney fan account that caught her attention to the transformative power of Spotify playlists—this episode reveals the story behind the music, the passion, and the platform. Grab a record, settle in, and let’s kick off Live from Mars with a look at where it all began.

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Breaking Down the Grammy Nominations: The Big Surprises and Snubs Nov 11, 2024

Dive into Live from Mars with host Alex as we dissect the biggest music event of the year: the Grammy nominations! In this episode, Alex, known on social media as @vinylbymars, brings a fan’s excitement and a critic's eye to each nomination, discussing which artists and albums hit the mark and which may have missed. From Record of the Year to Album of the Year and beyond, Alex breaks down each category and gets candid about the unexpected snubs and surprises in the Grammy race. Plus, listeners weigh in with their thoughts, sharing hot takes on whether the Grammys nailed it or missed the mark. Don’t miss this Grammy-special episode—your inside look at this year’s most talked-about nominations!

Check out Alex's social media at:

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@vinylbymars

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vinylbymars

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCy6NiOrfN5V5P-99PiJ1qMA

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/user/abm0896?si=7e73ab04df564b14

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/vinylbymars

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