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Rob Playford

Real Name:Rob Playford
Profile:Rob Playford has been referred to as "the busiest man in jungle," and has probably had his hands in more aspects of the business, art, and culture of hardcore and drum'n'bass than any other single person. A DJ, recording artist (2Bad Mice, Kaotic Chemistry, Metalheads), label owner (Moving Shadow), and ultra-visible dance music proponent, Playford, like Goldie, Grooverider, and DJ Hype, has been a staple on the hardcore scene since it traded its helium-shrill vocal samples and rave whistles for chopped-up breaks and thunderous basslines in the early part of the '90s. An important catalyst of jungle's post-rave growth spurt, Playford's 2Bad Mice project helped push breakbeat beyond its rave trappings, and, with Moving Shadow as his engine, has played a crucial role in supporting jungle's growth as an autonomous art form.

A native of Hertfordshire (just north of London), Playford DJed house and techno through the late-'80s height of the acid house movement, following the music into its harder element at decade's turn. He self-released his own track, "Orbital Madness," and became a touch point for young artists and bedroom producers seeking advice on how to break into the scene. Rather than continuing to funnel talent to other labels, however, Playford formed Moving Shadow in 1990 (assisted by a "how-to" book on running a small business), both to release his own material and those of up-and-coming hardcore artists such as Blame, Mixrace, Flytronix, and Earth Leakage Trip. Initially selling records out of the trunk of his car, the steady growth of the hardcore and jungle scenes, as well as the consistent quality of the music finding its way to Moving Shadow, meant the label quickly became a full-time commitment.

Moving Shadow's early catalog was dominated by Playford-related projects, including 2Bad Mice, the influential trio Playford formed in 1991 with Sean O'Keefe and Simon Colebrooke. They released a number of club hits through the early '90s (including "Waremouse"), and are widely credited with releasing the first serious glimpse of drum'n'bass in 1992's massive "Bombscare." One of Moving Shadow's first chart successes, "Bombscare" charted in both the U.K. (#43) and the U.S. (#23) and has sold through a number of pressings, reissues, and remixes. Playford's other main musical venture -- Metalheads (the artist, not the label), together with Goldie -- have released a number of singles, including the massive hit "Inner City Life," arguably one of the most crucial moments in jungle's crossover to widespread acceptance. The pair also worked together on Moving Shadow's much-hyped 100th release, titled simply "The Shadow" and billed to Playford, Goldie, and Dominic Angus (of MS's Dom & Roland). The Metalheads tag has also been attached to a number of remixes, including post-Happy Mondays group Black Grape and the soundtrack for Mission: Impossible. Playford also engineered on Goldie's full-length debut, Timeless.

Moving Shadow's incessant drum'n'bass P.R. extended in the mid-'90s to a series of regional compilations (including Storm from the East and Transcentral Connection), and the label has increasingly pushed the full-length format, with albums by Omni Trio, Foul Play, and E-Z Rollers all appearing. The label's stable has also grown to one of the most solid and acclaimed on the current scene, with new-crop artists such as Ed Rush, Dom & Roland, and Technical Itch all signing on. A reissue label, Re-Animate, was established in 1996, and MS's publishing arm has handled licensing for such popular U.K. TV shows as Eastenders and Father Ted. In addition to the success of his label and recording projects, Playford was also the recipient of a special award for outstanding industry contributions at the 1996 U.K. hardcore awards. -- Sean Cooper
Aliases:Charlie Say's, Orbital Project, The, Timecode
In Groups:2 B'Too, 2 Bad Mice, Cosmo & Dibs, Dvus, Joint, The (3), Kaotic Chemistry, Mashed, Metalheads
Name Variations: All | Rob Playford | Playford | R Playford | R. Playford | R.Playford | Rob | Rob & Goldie | Robert Playford
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Releases:
Blueprint (12")   FFRR 1997
Distorted Dreams / The Shadow ◄ (3 versions)   Moving Shadow 1997
Drones / The Shadow ◄ (2 versions)   Moving Shadow 1997
Moving Shadow 100 (CD, Maxi)   Rhythm Republic 1997
Remixes Pt.1 (12", Promo)   Moving Shadow 1997
Remixes Pt.2 (12", Promo)   Moving Shadow 1997
Shadow 100 ◄ (2 versions)   Moving Shadow 1997
The Shadow (Rick Smith Remixes) (12", Ltd)   Moving Shadow 1997
The Shadow / Distorted Dreams (CD, Maxi)   DanceNet 1997
98.1 (CD)   Moving Shadow 1998
Remixes:
Bombscare (CD, Maxi) Bombscare (Moving Shad... Sm:)e Communications 1994
Dred Bass (Single) ◄ (2 versions) Dred Bass (Manic One R... Moving Shadow 1994
Ghetto Prayer (3x10" + Box, Ltd) Ghetto Prayer (Deep Bl... 6 x 6 Records 1994
Ghetto Prayer (CD, EP) Ghetto Prayer (Deep Bl... 6 x 6 Records 1994
Hand Of The Dead Body (Single) ◄ (2 versions) Hand Of The Dead Body ... Rap-A-Lot Records ... 1994
Hand Of The Dead Body (The Goldie Mixes) (12", Promo) Hand Of The Dead Body ... Virgin Records America, Inc. (Europe) 1994
Bee Charmer (CD, Maxi) Bee Charmer (The Sound... Warner Music UK Ltd. 1995
Warriors Drum (12") Warriors Drum (Moving ... XL Recordings 1995
Fat Neck (12") Fat Neck (Beat The F**... Radioactive 1996
Fu-Gee-La (Goldie Revamp The Camp Remix) (10", Promo, S/Sided)   Columbia 1996
Milk (Maxi) ◄ (2 versions) Milk (The Completely T... Mushroom Records 1996
Playin Loud: Talkin Loud Rare Tracks '90 - '97 (CD, Comp) Get Another Plan (Rob ... Mercury, Brownswood Records 1996
Sleeper (CD, Maxi, Ltd) Sleeper (Time Code On ... Mother Records 1996
Swallowed (12") Swallowed (Toasted Bot... MCA Records 1996
The Boy With The X-Ray Eyes (Maxi) ◄ (2 versions) The Boy With The X-Ray... EMI Records 1996
Theme From Mission: Impossible (Single, Maxi) ◄ (6 versions) Mission: Impossible Th... Mother Records ... 1996
Blueprint - The Definitive Moving Shadow Album (2xCD + CD) The Shadow (VIP Mix) Moving Shadow 1997
Deconstructed (Album) ◄ (2 versions) Swallowed (Toasted Bot... Trauma Records (2) ... 1997
Mission: Impossible Theme (12", Promo) Mission: Impossible Th... Mother Records 1997
Co-Operation Dub (CD) Ghettoprayer (Deep Blu... Echo Beach 1998
Comatose / Chocolate (Maxi) ◄ (3 versions) Comatose ("So High I C... F-111 Records 1998
Fast Machine (CD, Single, Promo, Car) Fast Machine (V2 To V8... V2 Records, Inc. 1998
Greedy Fly (CD, Maxi) Swallowed (Toasted Bot... Interscope Records 1998
Retox / Detox (Comp) ◄ (4 versions) Let Me Go (Rob Playfor... Eagle Records ... 1998
Comatose (CD, Maxi) Comatose ("So High I C... Reprise Records, Reprise Records 1999
The Higher Education Drum & Bass Session (CD) Satellite (Rob & Dom R... F-111 Records 2000
Sea Shanties For Spaceships (CD, Album + CD, Maxi) Naked Twister, Crumple... Dead Pan Alley 2001
The Helicopter Tune (Maxi) ◄ (3 versions) The Helicopter Tune (R... Moving Shadow 2002
This Is Electroclash (3xCD) Let Me Go (Rob Playfor... Hypnotic 2003
Get Another Plan (12", pro)   Talkin' Loud  
Quiet Village / Hong Kong Cable Car (12", W/Lbl, Promo) Quiet Village Capitol Records  
Production:
2 Bad Mice / No Respect (12")   Moving Shadow 1991
Help Me / Oh So Nice (12")   Moving Shadow 1991
Hold It Down ◄ (2 versions)   Moving Shadow 1991
Psychotronic EP (EP) ◄ (2 versions)   Moving Shadow 1991
Star Eyes / Up Keys (12")   Moving Shadow 1991
The Last E / The Last A (12")   Moving Shadow 1991
Big Love (12")   Moving Shadow 1992
Jungle Tekno Volume One ◄ (2 versions) Music Takes You, Bomb ... Jumpin' & Pumpin' 1992
Kaos Theory 2 (LP, Comp) Music Takes You (2 Bad... Telstar 1992
Music Takes You (John B + BLIM Mixes) ◄ (2 versions)   Moving Shadow ... 1992
Projection E.P. (12", EP)   Moving Shadow 1992
Red Hot & White Labels (CD, Comp) What A Rush Vital Sounds 1992
Sonic Rush / Bodywork (12")   Moving Shadow 1992
A21 / Sikological Hostage (12")   Moving Shadow 1993
Best Of Rave Volume 1 (CD, Comp) Music Takes You Low Price Music 1993
Feel The Energy (CD)   Moving Shadow 1993
High Time / Blackmore (12")   Moving Shadow 1993
Organized Chaos EP (EP) ◄ (2 versions)   Moving Shadow 1993
Speed Limit 140 BPM+ Three: The Joint (CD, Comp) Mixrace Outta Hand Moonshine Music 1993
The Joint LP (CD, Comp) Mixrace Outta Hand Suburban Base Records, Moving Shadow 1993
Time Will Tell EP (EP) ◄ (2 versions)   Moving Shadow 1993
Underworld EP (12", EP)   Moving Shadow 1993
Xultation EP (EP) ◄ (2 versions)   Moving Shadow 1993
Bombscare (Single) ◄ (2 versions)   Sm:)e Communications ... 1994
Two On One Pizza Hut Edition (10x12") Fury, Shooby Corner Moving Shadow, Moving Shadow, Moving Shadow, Moving Shadow, Moving Shadow, Moving Shadow, Moving Shadow, Moving Shadow, Moving Shadow, Moving Shadow 1994
Angel (12") Saint Angel (Original ... FFRR, FFRR 1995
Kaotic Chemistry (CD, Album)   Sm:)e Communications 1995
Searchin' / Urban Style (12")   Moving Shadow 1995
Timeless (Album) ◄ (3 versions) Timeless (I. Inner Cit... FFRR 1995
A History Of Hardcore Part 1 (CD) Up Keys, 2 Bad Mice Ta... Sub Base Records USA 1996
A History Of Hardcore Part 2 (CD, Mixed, Comp) Helicopter Tune Sub Base Records USA 1996
Inner City Life (The Unreleased Mixes) (12")   FFRR (US) 1996
Not A Day Goes By (12") Waterbaby Warner Music UK Ltd. 1996
Special Brew (Cass) A Sense Of Rage (Sensu... Payday/ffrr 1996
T3 / Dark Metal ◄ (2 versions) Dark Metal Metalheadz 1996
Amp (CD, Comp) Inner City Life Caroline Records, Astralwerks 1997
Dance Valley 97 - The Mixes (2xCD) The Shadow (Rick Smith... Dance Valley 1997
Digital (Maxi) ◄ (4 versions)   ZAC Records ... 1997
MTV's Amp (CD, Comp) Inner City Life Caroline Records 1997
Spawn The Album (Album, Comp) ◄ (4 versions) T-4 Strain Epic ... 1997
21st Century Classics (CD) Digital (Boymerang Mix) Nippon Phonogram 1998
Moshi Moshi (Maxi) ◄ (2 versions)   Big Cat UK Records 1999
Thing For Your Love (Maxi) ◄ (2 versions)   Big Cat UK Records ... 1999
Sea Shanties For Spaceships (CD, Album + CD, Maxi)   Dead Pan Alley 2001
Stuck In A Groove (Maxi) ◄ (3 versions)   Sine Dance ... 2002
Original Rave Anthems (3xCD, Comp, Mixed + Box) Bombscare Warner Music TV 2006
Co-production:
Archive (2xCD, Album)   Moving Shadow 1998
Energy Flash (CD) Two Bad Mice Take You,... Not On Label 1998
Northern Star (Album) ◄ (7 versions) I Turn To You Virgin ... 1999
I Turn To You (Single) ◄ (2 versions)   Virgin ... 2000
The Very Best Euphoric Dance Breakdown Ibiza (2xCD, Comp) I Turn To You (Hex Hec... Telstar TV 2001
Shoot To Kill (CD) Midtempo Deluxe Run Recordings 2002
Stuck In A Groove ◄ (2 versions) Stuck In A Groove Festival Mushroom Records ... 2002
Mix:
Buzz The Bass (12")   Moving Shadow 1991
Fun For All The Family E.P. (EP) ◄ (2 versions)   Moving Shadow 1992
Keep It In The Family E.P. (12", EP)   Moving Shadow 1993
Hardknox (Album) ◄ (2 versions) Do You Wanna Hear Satan? Avex Trax ... 1999
DJ Mixes:
Hardstep Jungle Vibe Presents More Badd Tracks 1996 (CD + CD, Mini)   Avex Trax 1996
Blueprint - The Definitive Moving Shadow Album (2xCD + CD)   Moving Shadow 1997
Appears On:
Bass 'N' Buzz (12")   Moving Shadow, Moving Shadow 1990
2 Bad Mice / No Respect (12")   Moving Shadow 1991
Five In One Night (12", EP)   Moving Shadow 1991
Help Me / Oh So Nice (12")   Moving Shadow 1991
Hold It Down ◄ (2 versions)   Moving Shadow 1991
Psychotronic EP (EP) ◄ (2 versions)   Moving Shadow 1991
2 Technocal: The Second Rave (Cass) Hold It Down (Remix) SPG Music Productions Ltd. 1992
4 Bad Remixes (12")   Moving Shadow 1992
Best Mindfuck Yet / What A Rush (12")   Moving Shadow 1992
Big Love (12")   Moving Shadow 1992
Jungle Tekno Volume One ◄ (2 versions) Bomb Scare Jumpin' & Pumpin' 1992
LSD EP (EP) ◄ (2 versions)   Moving Shadow 1992
Music Takes You ◄ (2 versions)   Moving Shadow 1992
N.10.C.T 01 (12", Mul) Bomb Scare (Remix) Wicked Mix 1992
Projection E.P. (12", EP)   Moving Shadow 1992
Red Hot & White Labels (CD, Comp) What A Rush Vital Sounds 1992
The Future Is Before Your Eyes (12")   Moving Shadow 1992
A21 / Sikological Hostage (12")   Moving Shadow 1993
Best Of Rave Volume 1 (Comp) ◄ (2 versions) Music Takes You Low Price Music 1993
Feel The Energy (CD)   Moving Shadow 1993
High Time / Blackmore (12")   Moving Shadow 1993
Speed Limit 140 BPM+ Three: The Joint (CD, Comp) The Joint, Underworld,... Moonshine Music 1993
Speed Limit 140 BPM+: The Sounds Of London Hardcore Techno (CD) Illegal Subs Moonshine Music 1993
The Dark Side - Hardcore Drum & Bass Style (2xLP, Comp) Illegal Subs React 1993
The Joint LP (CD, Comp) Underworld, A21, The J... Suburban Base Records, Moving Shadow 1993
Underworld EP (12", EP)   Moving Shadow 1993
Xultation EP (EP) ◄ (2 versions)   Moving Shadow 1993
Bombscare (Single) ◄ (3 versions)   Sm:)e Communications ... 1994
Dred Bass (Remixes) (10") Dred Bass (Manic One R... Moving Shadow 1994
Inner City Life (Single, Maxi) ◄ (8 versions) Inner City Life (Origi... FFRR ... 1994
The Helicopter Tune (Remix 1) (10") The Helicopter Tune (R... Moving Shadow 1994
Timeless (The Full Canvas) & Inner City Life (Looking At Outlines) (2xCD)   FFRR, FFRR 1994
Trouble In China / Subroutine (12")   Moving Shadow 1994
Two On One Issue 1 (12") Fury Moving Shadow 1994
Two On One Issue 3 (12")   Moving Shadow 1994
Angel (Single) ◄ (2 versions) Saint Angel (Original ... FFRR 1995
Inner City Life (12", Promo)   FFRR 1995
Kaotic Chemistry (CD, Album)   Sm:)e Communications 1995
Moving Shadow & Suburban Base Present The Joint (CD) Underworld (Remix) Meldac Corporation 1995
Speed Limit 140 BPM Plus Six: The Joint II (CD)   Moonshine Music 1995
Suspected ◄ (3 versions) Re-Open Your Mind 95 Moving Shadow ... 1995
Timeless (Album) ◄ (3 versions) Timeless (I. Inner Cit... FFRR 1995
Warriors Drum (12") Warriors Drum (Moving ... XL Recordings 1995
A History Of Hardcore Part 1 (CD) Up Keys, 2 Bad Mice Ta... Sub Base Records USA 1996
Conversions - A K&D Selection (Album) ◄ (2 versions) Searchin' Spray Records 1996
Desert Storm Presents Innovative / Intelligent Drum & Bass Volume One (CD) Searchin' Desert Storm Recordings, Sony Music Entertainment (UK) 1996
Fu-Gee-La (Goldie Revamp The Camp Remix) (10", Promo, S/Sided)   Columbia 1996
Mixmag Live! Volume 5 (CD) Bombscare (1 Bad Remix) DMC Publishing 1996
Not A Day Goes By (CD, Maxi) Waterbaby Warner Music UK Ltd., Magnet (2) 1996
Rave City 4 - The New Capital (Opening The Doors Of Perception) (2xCD) Inner City Life (Origi... Rave City Records 1996
Special Brew (CD, Comp) State Of Rage (Sensual... Payday/FFRR 1996
Star Eyes ◄ (2 versions)   Logic Records (US) ... 1996
State Of Mind (12")   FFRR 1996
Amp (CD, Comp) Inner City Life Caroline Records, Astralwerks 1997
Atmospheric Drum & Bass Volume 3 (2xCD, Dig) The Shadow (Bing Here ... Millennium Records 1997
Blueprint - The Definitive Moving Shadow Album (2xCD + CD) The Shadow (Process Mi... Moving Shadow 1997
Deconstructed (CD, Comp) Swallowed (Goldie / To... Interscope Records, Trauma Records (2) 1997
Digital (Maxi) ◄ (3 versions)   FFRR (US) ... 1997
MTV's Amp (CD, Comp) Inner City Life Caroline Records 1997
Phatphreestyle Phase 1 (CD) Ghetto Prayer (Deep Bl... D4D Records 1997
Quart Festival Vol. 1 (CD) State Of Mind Basement Music 1997
Spawn The Album (Album, Comp) ◄ (4 versions) T-4 Strain Epic ... 1997
The Best Of Mixmag Live (CD, Mixed, Comp) Bombscare Mixmag 1997
United Dance Presents The Anthems '92 - '97 (2xCD, Mixed, Comp) Music Takes You (2 Bad... United Music LTD. 1997
Urbal Beats: The Definitive Guide To Electronic Music (CD, Comp) Inner City Life (Radio... PolyGram TV 1997
Vorsprung Durch Drum & Bass Selection One (2xCD, Comp, Dig) The Shadow Sub Terranean, Sub Terranean, Sub Terranean 1997
Believe (Maxi) ◄ (2 versions)   FFRR ... 1998
Clik! (Album) ◄ (2 versions) Future High Street, Pa... Big Cat UK Records 1998
Muzik Classics - Drum & Bass (3xLP) Inner City Life Beechwood Music 1998
Saturnz Return (2xCD, Album) Digital, Chico - Death... FFRR 1998
Temper Temper (Maxi) ◄ (2 versions)   FFRR 1998
Corduroy (CD, EP, Promo)   Big Cat UK Records 1999
INCredible Sound Of Drum'n'Bass Mixed By Goldie (2xCD, Mixed, Comp) Digital INCredible 1999
MSX00.1 10th Anniversary Special Edition (CD + CD-ROM) The Shadow (Process Mi... Moving Shadow 2000
Y3K - Soundtrack To The Future (CD) Bombscare (Hybrid Remix) Distinct'ive Breaks Records 2000
10.02 (12", Ltd)   Moving Shadow 2001
The Addison Tapes (12") The Addison Tapes Unique 2001
02.2 (CD) The Shadow (Hive VIP),... Moving Shadow 2002
Back To Mine (CD, Mixed, Comp) No Idea DMC Publishing 2002
Changing Lanes - Original Motion Picture Score ◄ (2 versions)   Varèse Sarabande 2002
Renaissance: The Mix Collection (Comp) ◄ (2 versions) Bombscare, Bombscare Renaissance 2004
The Remix Album, Volume 1 (2xCD, Comp) Inner City Life (4 Her... Raw Canvas Records 2004
Charlie And The Chocolate Factory (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) (Album) ◄ (2 versions)   Warner Sunset Records 2005
Casino Royale (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) (CD, Album)   Sony BMG Music Entertainment (UK) Ltd. 2006
Original Rave Anthems (3xCD, Comp, Mixed + Box) Bombscare, Inner City ... Warner Music TV 2006
The Hitman And Her (3xCD, Comp) Bombscare V2TV 2006
Yes It Is (7")   Blister Ballads 2006
FFRR Black - The Platinum Collection (CD, Comp) Inner City Life (Origi... Warner Platinum, Rhino (UK) 2008
FFRR White - The Platinum Collection (CD, Comp) Digital (Armand Van He... Warner Platinum, Rhino (UK) 2008
Oldskool Autopsy (CD, Comp) Inner City Life Tidy Trax 2008
Red (Album) ◄ (2 versions) Don't Look Down Polydor 2008
Balance 014 (2xCD, Mixed, Comp) Timeless EQ Recordings 2009
Tracks Appear On:
The Joint LP (Comp) ◄ (3 versions) The Joint Suburban Base Records ... 1993
The Joint LP Bonus Vinyl (12", S/Sided) The Joint Suburban Base Records, Moving Shadow 1993
Hardstep Jungle Vibe Presents More Badd Tracks 1996 (CD + CD, Mini) Distorted Dreams Avex Trax 1996
Acid Jazz Vol.8 (CD, Smplr) The Shadow (Bing Here ... Acid Jazz 1997
Atmospheric Drum & Bass Volume 3 (2xCD, Dig) The Shadow (Bing Here ... Millennium Records 1997
Blueprint - The Definitive Moving Shadow Album (Comp) ◄ (3 versions) The Shadow (Process Mi... Moving Shadow 1997
Dance Valley 97 - The Mixes (2xCD) The Shadow (Rick Smith... Dance Valley 1997
Elements (2xCD) The Shadow (Process Mix) MDS 1997
Full Force (2xCD, Mixed, Comp) The Shadow Most Wanted Records 1997
Jungle Talk (CD, Comp, Mixed) Distorted Dreams Millennium Records 1997
Junglist Vol: 1 (CD + CD, Mini) The Shadow Avex Trax 1997
Moving Shadow - A Trip Into The Future Via The Beginning Of Time (CD) Distorted Dreams, The ... Avex Trax 1997
Past > Future (Cass) The Shadow (V.I.P.) Moving Shadow 1997
Vorsprung Durch Drum & Bass Selection One (2xCD, Comp, Dig) The Shadow Sub Terranean, Sub Terranean, Sub Terranean 1997
Drum'n'Bass Groove (Cass, Mixed) The Shadow KDK Records 1998
Modulations: Cinema For The Ear (CD) The Shadow Caipirinha Productions 1998
Modulations: Cinema For The Ear ◄ (3 versions) The Shadow IMC Vision ... 1998
The Sound Of (r)Evolution (CD) The Shadow (Process Mix) World Domination Recordings 1998
Shades Of Technology (CD, Mixed, Comp) The Shadow (Process Re... F-111 Records 1999
The Best Of Atmospheric Drum & Bass (CD) The Shadow (Bing Here ... Millennium Records 1999
Dreamscape Drum & Bass Legends (2xCD) The Shadow Dreamscape 2000
MSX00.1 10th Anniversary Special Edition (CD + CD-ROM) The Shadow (Process Mix) Moving Shadow 2000
10.11 (12") The Shadow Moving Shadow 2001
02.2 (CD) The Shadow (Hive VIP) Moving Shadow 2002
projectHUMAN ◄ (2 versions) The Shadow (Hive VIP) Human Imprint Recordings ... 2002
Reborn In The USA EP (2x12", EP, Ltd) The Shadow (Hive VIP) Moving Shadow 2003
Mastercuts Drum & Bass (3xCD) The Shadow Mastercuts 2006
Silk Cuts IV (Cass, Mixed, Promo) Shadow (Grooverider Mix) Pure Acid Mixtapes  
Unofficial Releases:
Jungle Warfare Vol. 23 (12") Dred Bass (Manic One R... Jungle Warfare  
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