Duran Duran

Twenty five years after the formation of Duran Duran, the five original members: Simon LeBon, Nick Rhodes, John Taylor, Andy Taylor and Roger Taylor, are back together again.

With the same undeniable musical chemistry and signature style that originally propelled them to the top of the charts, the band reunited in 2001, since which time they have signed a new recording deal, released a brand new studio album, ‘ASTRONAUT’, toured the world, filmed one of their spectacular concerts for a live DVD, ‘LIVE FROM LONDON’, and been given a string of highly prestigious Awards in recognition of their work - both past and present. With wonderfully infectious songs, excellent musicianship, thrilling arrangements and raw and edgy vocals, the band’s latest material is quintessentially and unmistakably “classic Duran Duran for the new millennium.”

Duran Duran have sold over 70 million records to date and have had an extraordinary career that has made them one of the most successful groups of the past few decades. They fused pop music, art and fashion to an unprecedented degree and single-handedly took music video making to a new level. They transformed what had previously been a simple marketing tool into what is now one of the music industry’s most valuable assets. With exotic locations, beautiful girls and stunning visuals, Duran Duran set a whole new standard. Their success followed years of hard work and relentless touring. Good looks, great style and a wealth of confidence completed the package.

They wrote classic, timeless pop songs combining rock guitars with infectious melodies and memorable lyrics. They played to sold-out audiences around the world and broke box office records everywhere they went. The media compared them to the Beatles as hysteria preceded them, both on stage and off. They tapped into the mood of the times and captured an army of adoring fans.

Now they are doing it all over again.

Formed in Birmingham, England in 1978, by keyboardist Nick Rhodes and bassist John Taylor, Duran Duran’s sound was inspired by the soul music of their youth, the vibrant New York underground music scene of the 70’s (the New York Dolls and Velvet Underground), the iconic David Bowie and avant garde bands like Roxy Music. They shot to fame as part of the “Second British Invasion” of the 1980s that included groups like Spandau Ballet, Human League, Ultravox and Culture Club – and yet they always stood apart – delivering an electric live show, pushing the boundaries of new technology and enduring longer than any of their peers.

Their eponymous debut album sold more than 2.5 million copies in 1981 and spawned the hit single ‘Planet Earth’. That same year, they became the first pop act to do a 12″ remix (also ‘Planet Earth’) and to release a controversial video for the dance mix of ‘Girls on Film.’ that was subsequently banned by both MTV and the BBC.

Classic chart-toppers such as ‘Hungry Like the Wolf’,’ ‘Rio’ and ‘Save A Prayer’ followed on their multi-platinum, sophomore release RIO as the band shot to another level of success with their exotic and groundbreaking videos. It was during this time that Princess Diana declared Duran to be her favorite band, and friends like artists Andy Warhol and Keith Haring lent their support. By now the music had traveled outside the UK and the band were enjoying global success.

By 1983 ‘Hungry Like the Wolf’ (which was filmed in Sri Lanka by director Russell Mulcahy) had become one of the most played videos on MTV. Later that year ‘Is There Something I Should Know’ went straight to No. 1 in the UK and hit No. 4 in the US.

The band’s third album, 1984’s SEVEN AND THE RAGGED TIGER earned Duran Duran their first Stateside No. 1, with ‘The Reflex.’ That same year, Rolling Stone magazine christened the band “The Fab Five,” as their single ‘Union of the Snake’ exploded around the world.

By now, the band were playing sold-out arenas and breaking box office records everywhere they went. Awards, hits, and global branding became the norm. As one successful single followed the next, it seemed like they could do no wrong.

In 1985 an invitation to write for the movie ‘A View to a Kill’ earned the group another first when their song became the only Bond theme tune to make it to No. 1 (an accomplishment that still stands today).

With Duran’s success still riding high, John and Andy took a break from the band to team up with Robert Palmer, Chic drummer Tony Thompson and bassist Bernard Edwards to form the Power Station. At the same time, Nick, Simon and Roger embarked on their own side project, Arcadia, with guest performers Grace Jones, Sting, David Gilmour and Herbie Hancock. Both released just one album.

In July 1985, after some time apart, the five members of Duran Duran got back together to play in Philadelphia at the historic Live Aid concert. Although no-one knew it at the time, this would turn out to be the final performance of the original lineup and would mark the end of an era.

In 1986, Roger Taylor and Andy Taylor left the band – Roger to pursue a more private life, away from the spotlight, and Andy to embark on a solo career. After several months of searching for a new guitarist, Andy was replaced by Warren Cuccurullo (who had previously played with Missing Persons and Frank Zappa). Later that year the new lineup teamed up with producer Nile Rodgers, to record the funk-based album, NOTORIOUS. The album’s title track topped the charts, propelling the album to multi-platinum status. Fourteen years later, the same song was sampled by Sean “Puffy” Combs on the posthumous Notorious B.I.G. release, ‘Born Again.’

But the band’s immense success did not end there… NOTORIOUS was followed by BIG THING (in 1988), and the release of DECADE in 1990 – celebrating their previous ten year’s work. Their sixth studio album, ‘Liberty’ came out later that year – with new drummer Sterling Campbell replacing two-time collaborator Steve Ferrone.

In 1993, Nick, Simon, John and Warren went back into the studio to record a new album. Better known as the WEDDING ALBUM (because the album artwork featured photos of their parents’ weddings) the CD spawned the award winning smash ‘Ordinary World’ and its equally acclaimed follow-up ‘Come Undone.’ Garnering them some of the best reviews of their career, and the prestigious Ivor Novello songwriting award, the WEDDING ALBUM sold more than four million copies around the world, and brought the band a new generation of ardent ‘Duranies.’

THANK YOU Duran Duran’s covers album followed in 1995, and gave the band a chance to pay homage to many of the great artists that inspired and influenced them over the years. The album included tributes to Grandmaster Flash & the Furious Five, Led Zeppelin, Iggy Pop and Lou Reed, amongst many others, and received rave reviews from both fans and the artists themselves.

In 1996, after two decades of being with Duran Duran, John Taylor left to pursue various solo projects. The following year, the band contributed, ‘Out of My Mind’ to the film version of ‘The Saint’ and released MEDAZZALAND which Taylor had played on before leaving. The album featured ‘Electric Barbarella,’ the first song ever to be sold in a download format across the Web.

In 2000, after the release of two Duran tribute albums (featuring artists as diverse as Kylie Minogue and Ben Lee on one and the Deftones and Goldfinger on the other), Hollywood Records put out POP TRASH CD, which the band supported with an extremely successful international tour, that featured the first use of ‘augmented reality’ technology in a live concert. At the end of the tour, Warren left the group to return to Missing Persons.

With the most recent world tour behind them, Simon took a well-earned break at the start of the new millennium, while Nick joined long-time friend and collaborator Stephen Duffy, as The Devils, to work on their debut album,DARK CIRCLES (released in late 2002).

Over the years many people tried to encourage the original members of Duran Duran to reform to capitalize on the obvious chemistry that existed between them. While they were busy pursuing other, individual interests, however, this never happened. In 2000, with the band’s silver jubilee fast approaching, the timing felt right and conversations were initiated. At first the talk was only of a reunion tour, but once in a room together again the creative juices started to flow. As 2003 rolled around Duran’s original ‘Fab Five’ went back into the studio to embark on their first album together in almost eighteen years. Charged by the challenge of “taking back their crown,” Simon, Nick, Andy, Roger and John worked relentlessly to complete the material featured on their critically acclaimed album ASTRONAUT, released worldwide on October 11/12, 2004, and featuring the hit singles ‘(Reach Up for the) Sunrise’ and ‘What Happens Tomorrow’.

The ASTRONAUT Tour that followed, from 2004 - 2005, saw the band once again selling out arenas around the world and playing some of the most prestigious events on the music calendar. Five record-breaking nights at London’s Wembley Arena, capacity crowds at LA’s Staples Centre and NY’s Madison Square Garden, performances at both Live 8 in Italy and on the Superbowl from Houston, appearances on both the UK and US Fashion Rocks shows, the Nobel Peace Concert in Norway and Andre Agassi’s 10th Anniversary Grand Slam Charity Event for Children in Las Vegas. And alongside this, months of touring, playing in front of packed, ecstatic houses, and the release, at the end of 2005, of the band’s first full length live concert DVD, LIVE FROM LONDON.

When you add up their chart successes, the awards, the album and singles sales, the number of concert tickets they have sold, the stadiums they’ve filled, the ground-breaking videos they’ve made, and the influence they’ve had on generations of musicians, theirs’ is a story that only a handful of artists, such as U2, the Rolling Stones, and Madonna, can tell.

As both individuals and founders of one of the world’s most influential pop groups, the five band members have always pushed the boundaries and set new standards. Looking to set trends, rather than follow them, they have taken risks that others would have shied away from. The results speak for themselves. Contemporary bands such as The Killers, Franz Ferdinand, The Deftones and The Scissor Sisters have taken this into the 21st Century, touting Duran Duran as a major influence in their music.

With the phenomenal success they have already enjoyed and their intense commitment to the future, Duran Duran are uniquely positioned. They are a household name around the world – a recognizable and respected brand to generations of music lovers. They have a rich and colourful past. They have an equally exciting and dynamic future.
 

Duran Duran Official Website

Duran Duran Official Fan Community

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theSTART

theSTART will release their third full length album “CIAO, BABY” in stores and online JUNE 5, 2007 on Metropolis Records.

“Written over the span of almost two years, the album( INITIATION ) bruises the Technicolor hooks of SHAKEDOWN! with doses of shoegazing dreaminess and Cure-esque moods. Keyboards swirl like a hyperventilating kiss: guitars throttle songs black and blue;beats that sound plucked from your local watering hole’s goth night. Nevertheless, Initiation will still apeal to all facets of the START’s fanbase, boys in eyeliner,crusty hardcore lifers,palefaces hidng from the sun, new-wave obsessives and synthpunks.” - Alternative Press .195

Aimee Echo and Jamie Miller formed theSTART in the Fall of 1998, citing a mutual love of dark wave, dance music and art rock. The prophetic nature of their name revealed itself quickly as they would be among the first of the crop of the new New Wave, alongside bands like the Faint and Le Tigre.Renown for delivering a raucous live set, they’ve shared stages with a variety of bands, ranging from Alt-Rock scenesters (Garbage, The International Noise Conspiracy, Cave IN, John Frusciante, Weezer, Melissa Auf der Maur, Sparta, Burning Brides, The Von Bondies, Team Sleep, Head Automatica) to punk rock royalty ( Alkaline Trio, AFI, Hot Water Music, Offspring) to Goddess-fronted rock ( X’s Exene Cervenka, Berlin, and Bow Wow Wow)..

Aimee Echo and Jamie Miller formed theSTART in the Fall of 1998, citing a mutual love of old-school new wave, dance-punk energy and dark pop, with bassist Jeff Jaeger and drummer Scott Ellis(Mellowdrone). The prophetic nature of their name revealed itself quickly as they would be among the first of the crop of the new New Wave, alongside bands like the Faint and Le Tigre. It wasn’t long before the band practically owned the L.A. club scene and were offered a deal with The Label, a Geffen-distributed imprint overseen by the Firm. The band’s first album, Shakedown!, recorded in 1999, shelved in 2000 and finally released in 2001, was loaded with earworm-generating pop hooks, Echo’s admirable vocal prowess and Miller’s six-stringed slamming and synthetic smoldering circuitry. In 2001 and well ahead of it’s time, Shakedown! was a rosebush trying to bloom in a manure field of nu-metal and date-rape rock.

Upon returning home from life on the road in support of their debut and shortly after the world-altering events of September 2001, the band were informed that The Label was shutting down. Undaunted and in service to their music, Echo and Miller bought a van so they could continue their rockin’ crusade. However, drummer Ellis decided he didn’t want to ride in it, and departed.
The following year, the band ponied up $800 and some change and recorded Death Via Satellite, six tracks of raw-pop power, that retained all of the melodic aspects of Shakedown!, with the kind of mania usually found in people who abuse diet pills and asthma inhalers. The band moved forward, their masters in hand, pressed, and sold the disc themselves on the road. After a year of heavy touring, Jaeger got married, started his own painting business and Aimee and Jamie bid him adieu.

It was during their stint on the 2002 Warped Tour that a member of Nitro Record’s shadow government caught theSTART’s set and was so significantly blown away that he offered them a deal. Nitro reissued Death Via Satellite to sate the band’s fanbase until the release of the next album.

For much of 2003, Echo and Miller were playing with pickup rhythm sections poached from friends’ bands. One night in San Antonio, Texas, Erick Sanger (bassist from Kissing Chaos and an original member of Sparta) approached Echo, professing his love for her band and offering his services should they ever need a low-end merchant. This came just as Miller and Echo were in the process of firing their pickup four-stringer of-the-moment. The next day, Sanger called Echo announcing, “My band broke up last night, can I play in yours?” Miller and Echo finally found the revving engine to drive their tunes.

With their lineup finalized and a batch of new songs ready to go, theSTART began work in February of 2004 on Initiation, their debut for Nitro Records.(Initiation released 8/24- it’s out now go get one!) Miller and Brian Virtue (Jane’s Addiction, Audioslave, Deftones) oversaw the production of what would become 12 shots of noise-pop, blissed-out fatalism and flailing rock abandon. Crackling with dynamics, energy and atmospherics, Initiation is a rocket ride of styles and shape-shifting songs that adequately display the breadth of the band’s capabilities. TheSTART aren’t trying to be clever; they’re simply doing whatever the fuck they want to do.

“I do think people like the certain boxes they put themselves into,” says Miller. “The whole ‘I listen to just this’ kind of thing. We’d get bored with 13 tracks of the same thing. We do our own thing, and damn the consequences. Really, we should’ve named the album, We’re Fucking Stubborn.”

Ah, but stubbornness has rarely sounded this ambitious. The pulsing, urgent opener “Like Days” charges confidently like a home invasion, but it’s undercut by Echo’s unhinged vocal that’s part sociopath, part suicide-hotline caller. The deceptively cheery “Life Is Sweet” is a bouncy pop number that swings, until you listen closely to Echo’s story of a dysfunctional relationship (Aimee describes it as “equanimity through suffering”). By its title alone, “Peacocks” could be misconstrued as a saccharine love song, but in reality, it’s theSTART’s battle anthem, anchored by Echo’s vicious mantra, “We Will Rise!” On Initiation, pop sensibilities are smeared with blood and dirt, camouflaging other motives. Clearly, Echo is not going to come along - or go away - quietly.

Expect the same kind of conviction displayed on Initiation to manifest itself when theSTART get in the van and throw it down in front of an audience. Renown for delivering a raucous live set more so now, than ever, with the heavy hitting Frank Zummo on drums. They’ve shared stages with a variety of bands, ranging from Alt-Rock scenesters (The International Noise Conspiracy, John Frusciante, Weezer, Melissa Auf der Maur, Sparta, Burning Brides, The Von Bondies) to punk rock royalty ( Alkaline Trio, AFI, Hot Water Music, Offspring) to Goddess-fronted rock ( X’s Exene Cervenka, Berlin, and Bow Wow Wow) gaining them fans in the strangest places. Even No Doubt’s Adrian Young will occasionally be found pounding theSTART’s drums!

theSTART are currently writing what will become their third release for Nitro Records due out early 2006.

http://www.myspace.com/thestart

www.thisisthestart.com

We Need Your Support…

Other sizes:M | L	Shakedown!Price: $14.97 USDLowest used price: $0.64 USD
Other sizes:M | L	Death Via SatellitePrice: $3.93 USDLowest used price: $2.48 USD

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Deadstar Assembly

For a growing legion of alienated youth looking for relief from commodified hipness, insearch of a voice that won’t be co-opted by Volkswagen, a teen-angst anthem that doesn’t sell product, Deadstar Assembly is a twisted savior. They are an explosive exploration in aural alchemy; sonic salvation that is equal parts dark, metallic dissonance, early 80’s synth-pop, crushing percussive rhythm, and trance-progressive techno bombast. A genre-bending juggernaut poised to be respected by disillusioned youth and emulated by future artists.

http://www.myspace.com/deadstarassembly

DSA Coming to your Home Town in April. Check out the dates and help spread the word!
http://www.deadstar.com/

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HIM

HIM

In the beginning there was three fellows who wanted to spit out their ideas in the musical way. Guys are very good friends since their childhood.They were Ville Hermanni Valo, Mikko Lindström (known as Linde) and Mikko Paananen (known as Mige). In the start Ville plays bass guitar, but because also Mige plays it -Ville has started to sing. Before HIM, Ville plays bass in the progressive band called Donits-Osmo Experience with persons (Joel Melasniemi and Antti Lehtinen) that lately played in Ultra Bra, Scandinavian Music Group and Don Huonot. By the way, Joel is cousin of Antto who would have later been keyboard player in HIM. Ville made some demos and played them to Mige who rapidly enchanted on them. They wanted guitarist to their new band and because they know Linde already, they only need a drummer to their band. Ville’s good friend Suho (the singer of Jimsonweed) gave the phone number of Pätkä (real name:Juhana Rantala) to Ville and the band is ready. Pätkä played earlier in the grungeband called Slumgudgeon from Lappeenranta. Rest of the band was making jokes from Pätkä’s origin (Lappenranta is smaller town in the eastern Finland). First gig was in Teatro (R.I.P. in 2003) in Helsinki on december 19th 1995 (Mige’s birthday). Mige worked in Teatro and his brother was shareholder of Teatro, so they were booked to play there. HIM was supporter of Kauko Röyhkä and because Kauko was earlier spoke about his satanic view of the world, the crowd thinks that His Infernal Majesty is a new nickname for Kauko. The crowd screamed His Infernal Majesty to the stage as they thought that means Kauko and when the ‘real’ His Infernal Majesty walks to spotlight, the crowd went disappointed and confused. ‘What the fuck is that?’ they wondered. HIM gets no positive reactions, band’s music is not what crowd was came to hear about and the plugs made by Mige exploded continually and technical side of the band was not working. After that they started public performances which was actually coverversion shows, because they’ve got not enough own material to play. They played Rauli Badding Somerjoki, Dingo, WASP, Kiss, Depeche Mode,Type O Negative and all between them. The second gig was also in Teatro and there was Burton on keyboards. Burton was old friend of Mige and because they needed a keyboardplayer to their Type O Negative-covergig, so Burton came in. That was a night when Apocalyptica played their first gig ever. Teatro was sold-out and the crowd went nuts in the concert. It took finally 7 years that Burton comes and takes permanent place in HIM… Ville imagined that the music that he wants to play sounds like Dimmu Borgir meets Depeche Mode in David Lynch movie. thanks to him-room666
Join the Official HIM Street Team http://www.myspace.com/heartagram http://www.heartagram.com

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VNV Nation

VNV Nation
 the name
 One of the most frequently asked questions is what the letters VNV stand for. They stand for “Victory not Vengeance”. The meaning behind this
stylized motto is that one should strive to achieve, not sit in bitter regret.

members

VNV Nation are Ronan Harris (electronics, lyrics, vocals) and Mark Jackson (drums).

word and sound

 VNV Nation´s inspiration was originally the clash of modern and classical Europe cultures, where mythology and technology live in an uneasy fusion but this has since broadened to encompass a world view. The music ranges in style from electronic dance music to ballads and classical inspired music. Inspirations are taken from a wide range of styles including contemporary underground club culture, industrial and classical music. The lyrics draw on philosophy, literature, art, politics and different forms of symbolism. VNV Nation does not advocate any ideology. It is a metaphor for expression.

history
1990-93 : VNV NATION was formed in London, England by Ronan Harris. Originally it comprised a collage of orchestral, electronic dance and soundtrack inspired pieces. This resulted in two limited edition vinyl releases. These were; “Body Pulse”, a self produced 2 Track 12″ (May 90) and “Strength of Youth”, selkf produced 4 Track 12″ (Nov 90). Ronan moved to Toronto late in 1990 where he continued working on the project.

1994 -95 : In late 1994 Ronan returned to Europe to complete new and reworked material. Exclusive tracks were released on samplers and in July 1995 VNV NATION signed with German label Discordia and releases the first full length CD “ADVANCE & FOLLOW”. Around the same time Mark Jacksoin joined the band as live drummer and later as a member.

1998 : In January 98 VNV NATION signed with German label Off-Beat and released the full-length album “Praise the Fallen” (02.06.98) and the “Solitary EP” (14.09.98). VNV Nation do their first headline tour of Germany in September 98.

1999 - 00 : Early in 99 VNV NATION and 3 other artists leave Off-Beat to start Dependent Records along with Off-Beat’s A&R. Three albums resulted. The first, “Empires”, stayed at No.1 in the DAC (German Alternative Charts) for 7 weeks winning DAC album of the year ‘99. The album produced 2 singles- “Darkangel” topped the DAC for 5 weeks. In early 2000 the follow-up single “Standing” stayed at no.1 for 8 weeks (the maximum a single can remain in the DAC) winning a German Alternative Music Award for most successful single of 2000 and sharing the place for most successful single in the DAC’s history with the Chemical Brothers. A limited edition entitled “Burning Empires” followed containing alternate versions of tracks from “Empires”. This remains one of the most sought after VNV rarities.

2001 - 02 : In March of 2001 the first ever VNV Nation album was remastered and released as “Advance and Follow v2″. In September of the same year the single “Genesis” was released. It spent 4 weeks in the German Media Control Charts reaching no.67 as well as again topping the DAC. In October 2001 VNV Nation embark on the highly successful “Futureperfect” tour of Europe and North America. The 4th full length CD “Futureperfect” was released in January 2002 and reached no.25 in the German Album Charts. This was followed by a second single “Beloved” which again reached the high 60’s in the German Singles Chart. Following the release of “Beloved” VNV Nation leave Dependent. In April 2002 VNV Nation go on a second tour of the US. Despite being 4-5 months after the previous tour of North America it is an even bigger success.

2003 : VNV Nation form their own label “Anachron Sounds” to exclusively handle all future releases by VNV Nation.

New Album: Judgement (April 2007)

Their last album “Matter and Form” (2005) was hailed by critics for its high-impact array of tone and sound - from the raw, punch of “Chrome”, the soulful sounds of “Homeward” and “Endless Skies”, to the uplifting, indie-electronic anthem “Perpetual”.

In April 2007, the band will release their next album “Judgement” which already promises to be their most powerful and unique release to date. Having already broken the boundaries on “Matter and Form”, VNV Nation take their music to new heights, creating a sound that is a collision of future and past, everpresent insight, energy and emotion.

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Bolshoi

BIOGRAPHY:

Autumn 1984 - singer/guitarist Trevor Tanner and drummer Jan Kalicki emerged from deepest Wiltshire to form the Bolshoi. Having hitch-hiked to the darkest wastelands of Woolwich to seek their fame and fortune, the boys recurited bassist Nick Chown and within 3 months had guested live with The Cult, Lords Of The New Church, Wall Of Voodoo, The Redskins, March Violets, culminating with a headline show at Londons famous Marquee club in January 1985, selling it out on word-of-mouth alone.

Their first single, ‘Sob Story’, was released that spring, followed by a mini-album ‘Giants’ which included the irresitibly anthemic ‘Happy Boy’. The Beat magazine, November ‘85 said of ‘Giants’: “Strong on broody melodies, driven along by forceful rhythms and crashing splinters of trebly guitar, all showing enough fire and ambition to crash throuh the dark undergowth of the post-punk jungle…admirable stuff”. The remixed single of ‘Happy Boy’ was variously described as “an accessible introduction to their subtle charms” (Record Mirror), “impressive and charismatic” (City Limits) and “fabber than before…entirely confident” (ZigZag). (All the early singles and ‘B’ sides were collected on the expanded CD re-issue called ‘Bigger Giants’.)

“I don’t think we sound like anyone else” concedes the charismatic Trevor. “That’s not a conscious thing - we simply do what we do. We’re like a ‘real’ band…we’re real people who actually enjoy what we’re doing, work well together and are affected by what’s going on musically outside. I’m not saying we’re different, but people have diverse impressions of us. I don’t know what we sound like, and I don’t think anybody else knows what we sound like either!”

Growing to a four piece with the addition of Paul Clark on keyboards, the band continued to build on their live following and finally released a full lenght album ‘Friends’, in September 1986 which included singles ‘AWay’ (”an understated mini-epic which easily overruns the chronically abbreviated runway of charts ’80’s style”-Sounds) and ‘Books On The Bonfire’. Sounds again applauded “the musical artistry of this album…this flowing stream of vinyl perfection…if you’ve seen this group you’re already hopelessly addicted.”

http://www.beggars.com/us/bolshoi/index.html

http://www.trevortanner.com/

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