Oct 26 2026
2 notes

The Only Picture

The October 2026 edition of Royal Groove is called “The Only Picture”, named after the Aesop Rock & Blockhead track in the mix.

The mix also contains some lovely new releases by the likes of Curió Curió, Karate Boogaloo and Konkolo Orchestra, plus classic jazz(-funk) by Alice Coltrane and Merl Saunders (an Axelrod production).

Listen to The Only Picture.

PLAYLIST THE ONLE PICTURE

  1. Keith Papworth - Track Record (Hard Hitter, 1975)
  2. Marla Kether - A Jam In Paranoá (Luso, 2026)
  3. Fleetwood Mac - Keep On Going (Mystery to Me, 1973)
  4. Eleven76 - Frosty (A Day Of Unrest, 2026)
  5. Curió Curió - Tô Chegando (Curió Curió, 2026)
  6. Hardkandy - Yonder (Yonder – Single, 2024)
  7. Aesop Rock & Blockhead - The Only Picture (Garbology, 2021)
  8. Merl Saunders - Righteousness (Merl Saunders, 1974)
  9. Jonny Drop - The Moon & The Stars (Sub Plot, 2016)
  10. KLINT - DRIVE (DRIVE – Single, 2025)
  11. SALOMEA - Midnight in Soho (axxxis, 2026)
  12. Karate Boogaloo - Butterfly (Access All Areas, 2026)
  13. Konkolo Orchestra - Jikijela (Jikijela / Grass Ain’t Greener – 7", 2026)
  14. The Solid Doctor - Intranauts (Beats Means Highs, 1996)
  15. Alice Coltrane - Paramahansa Lake (Ptah, the El Daoud, 1970)
  16. Cecily - Footsteps in The Dark (feat. Brandon Lane) (Déja Vu – EP, 2025)


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Picture by Michele Miquel.


Sep 30 2026
1 note

Midnight In A Perfect World

The September 2026 edition of Royal Groove is called “Midnight in a Perfect World,” named after the legendary DJ Shadow track in the mix.

Shadow’s Endtroducing….. was released on September 16, 1996, so I had to include a track from this album in the mix, since the album completely changed the way I listened to music and broadened my musical horizons in a fantastic way.

Midnight also contains a deep contemporary groove by Joey Alexander, jazz riffs by the Outer Worlds Jazz Ensemble, the Gary Bartz cut famously sampled by Tribe Called Quest, and a big-band cover by Valtteri Laurell of the J Dilla classic.

Listen to Midnight In A Perfect World on Mixcloud

PLAYLIST MIDNIGHT IN A PERFECT WORLD:

  1. Mike Wallace - Celebrate Life (Theme & Beat 01, 2024)
  2. Laura - Love Song (Comin’ Apart, 1972)
  3. Bonzo Dog Band - Narcissus (Gorilla, 1967)
  4. Joey Alexander - Deep Calls To Deep (Celestial Keeper, 2026)
  5. Ghost Funk Orchestra - Yours (single, 2026)
  6. James Taylor Trio - Get Carter (The Truth, 2026)
  7. Gary Bartz - Gentle Smiles (The Shadow Do!, 1975)
  8. Ome Guus x Andel - Loophole Interlude (Schetsen Van Een Scheve Geest, 2025)
  9. Valtteri Laurell - Y'All Ain’t Ready (Visions of Dilla, 2026)
  10. Dynamic Syncopation - Swings & Roundabouts (Dynamism, 1999)
  11. d33p. - Seduce Me (Hypnotic Aura, 2025)
  12. Okvsho - Roottree (feat. Tenderlonious) (Frozen Flashes, 2026)
  13. The Outer Worlds Jazz Ensemble - Alto Vento (feat. Chip Wickham) (The Kármán Line, 2026)
  14. Lynda Dawn - Arise (At First Light, 2019)
  15. Kraan - Silky Way, (Wiederhören, 1977)
  16. DJ Shadow - Midnight in a Perfect World (Endtroducing….., 1996)
  17. David Axelrod - The Human Abstract (Songs of Experience, 1969)

Enjoy!

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Cover art by Faye


Sep 05 2026

The Other Side

The August 2026 edition of Royal Groove is called The Other Side, named after the track by Soul Surfers.

The edition also features new work by Andrei Nikolsky, the famous sample cut (Cut Chemist & Diplo) by Tadeusz Nalepa, the classic downtempo track by Barcode and a lovely cover from the Mandrill cover Fat City Strut by Topaz.

It is available to listen to on Mixcloud 🎧

PLAYLIST THE OTHER SIDE:

  1. Thierry Lemaitre Quartet – Rooftop (Less Is More, 2026)
  2. Neil Larsen – Demonette (High Gear, 1979)
  3. Andrei Nikolsky – Fathoms Deep (Flight of Fancy 7", 2026)
  4. Dana and Alden – Lee’s Greenhouse feat. Mei Semones (Papa’s Boat, 2026)
  5. Aver & Move 78 – Daisies (The Algorithm Smiles Upon You, 2021)
  6. The Soul Surfers – At The Other Side (The Soul Surfers Present: Igor & Romeo’s Sound Excitement, 2022)
  7. Barcode – Love Anybody (Cup Of Tea Records – A Compilation, 1996)
  8. Dobbö – Hidden Village (2026)
  9. Topaz – Fat City Strut (The Zone, 2002)
  10. John Lurie – Men Working (African Swim and Manny & Lo: Two Film Scores, 1998)
  11. Kronstad 23 – Svartmagi (Dødehavet, 2026)
  12. Tadeusz Nalepa – Usta Me Ogrzej (Breakout – Blues, 1971)
  13. Monaqee X Vanis – Robo Wars (Robo Wars, 2025)
  14. Eddie Russ – Hill Where The Lord Hides (Fresh Out, 1974)
  15. Geri Allen – Unconditional Love (The Life Of A Song, 2004)
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Aug 13 2026
1 note

Did Ya Know?

The July 2026 edition of Royal Groove is called Did Ya Know?, named after the track by Thee Sinseers.

The edition also features new work by I Am An Instrument (the modal jazz/dub collective from Copenhagen), more funky stuff from St Petersburg (True Flavas Band), jazzy soul from Pieces of a Dream and a beautiful vocal track from Nostalgia 77.

It is available to listen to on Mixcloud 🎧

PLAYLIST DID YA KNOW?:

  1. Boogaloo Combo – Hot Pants Road (Com Muito Ritmo, 1972)
  2. The Brothers Nylon – Honk (Lab Rats, 2019)
  3. Thee Sinseers – Did Ya Know (Love Stories, 2026)
  4. Adrian Quesada – Eso No Lo He Dicho Yo (Boleros Psicodélicos, 2022)
  5. Arrangement – Tedium(single, 2018)
  6. Lau Ro – Conclusão (Lau, 2026)
  7. Lesbian Horse – Christo Redentdub (2026)
  8. Dizzy Gillespie – Incantation (Free Ride, 1977)
  9. True Flavas Band – Beletage Deux (Les Truffes Variété Noir, 2024)
  10. I Am An Instrument – Wonder, Wander (Wonder, Wander,2026)
  11. Omasta – Mandem (Jazz Report from the Hood, 2025)
  12. Pieces of a Dream – Warm Weather (Pieces of a Dream, 1981)
  13. Run Logan Run – Exists (Better Not Bitter) (Prey / LV / Ears, 2026)
  14. The Pharcyde – Passin’ Me By (Fly As Pie Mix)(1993 remix single)
  15. John Carroll Kirby – Meeting Peter (OST The Luckiest Man in America, 2025)
  16. Nostalgia 77 – You Were In My Dream Last Night (When The Lights Gone, 2026)
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Jun 28 2026

Riviera Serenade

The June 2026 edition of Royal Groove is called Riviera Serenade, named after the track by the French cosmic jazz-funk group Aldorande.

The edition also features funky grooves from St Petersburg (Vicious Seeds), a Badu sample cut, bits of dubstep from Melbourne (Shadow Club) and a tasty bit of a modern rare groove by UK’s finest, Kaidi Tatham.

It is available to listen to on Mixcloud 🎧

PLAYLIST RIVIERA SERENADE:

  1. Kaidi Tatham - The Most Wanted Puffin (Lukey Dukey) (The Only Way, 2023)
  2. Aldorande - Riviera Serenade (Trois, 2025)
  3. Astrocolor - Time Internal (Stargazing – AstroJazz Vol. 2, 2024)
  4. The Vicious Seeds - Rubber Eagle (No Rain on the Other Side / Rubber Eagle, 2025)
  5. Gal Costa - Lagrimas Negras (Cantar, 1974)
  6. Wonderfulsound - Disque Bleu (Disque Bleu, 2026)
  7. Papaya - Favela (Papaya, 1976)
  8. Irresistible Force - Nepalese Bliss (DJ Food remix) (Nepalese Bliss, 1998)
  9. Interface Palm - Readymade (Curated Space, 2022)
  10. Olympic Runners - Get This Thing Down (Out in Front, 1975)
  11. Kotoa - Love and Light (Love and Light, 2026)
  12. Quiroga - Nico (Quiroga Vol. 8, 2015)
  13. Roy Ayers - Mystic Voyage (Mystic Voyage, 1975)
  14. Rachel Kitchlew & DOUGH - Spook (Ecology Division, 2026)
  15. Shadow Club - Connect (Connect EP, 2026)
  16. Tarika Blue (feat. Erykah Badu) - Dreamflower (The Blue Path, 1977)
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May 31 2026

Zenith

The May 2026 edition of Royal Groove is called “Zenith”, named after the Helado Negro track in the mix.

It is available to listen to on Mixcloud 🎧

Playlist ZENITH:

  1. Barigozzi Group - Violet Lips (Four Flies, reissue 2026)
  2. Surprise Chef - Dangerous (Superb, 2025)
  3. Doctor Bionic - Hold Your Breath (Tune In, 2024)
  4. Wah Wah Watson - Good Friends (Elementary, 1976)
  5. Claus Ogerman Orchestra - Night Will Fall (Gate of Dreams, 1977)
  6. Bandler Ching - Pousmousse (Sub Surface EP, 2020)
  7. Soccer96 - Telepathic DNA (Dopamine, 2021) 
  8. Helado Negro - Zenith (The Last Sound On Earth (EP), 2025)
  9. Gil Scott-Heron - Whitey On The Moon (Small Talk at 125th and Lenox, 1970)
  10. Ramon Morris - First Come, First Served, (Sweet Sister Funk, 1973)
  11. Asha Puthli - Right Down Here (Asha Puthli, 1973)
  12. Devaloop (w/ Jikuru) - Sundays (Stances EP, 2025)
  13. Nathan Haines - Belo Dia (Notes, 2024
  14. Sylvain Daniel - Vanity Ballroom (Palimpseste (Voyage imaginaire dans les ruines de Detroit), 2018)
  15. Laïka - Visions (Nebula, 2011)
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Apr 26 2026

Freedom Layers

The April 2026 edition of Royal Groove is called “Freedom Layers”, named after the Eric Demuro track in the mix.

It is available to listen to on Mixcloud 🎧

PLAYLIST FREEDOM LAYERS:

  1. Bernard Estardy – La Gigouille (La Formule du Baron, 1969)
  2. I Gres – Duo Balls (I Gres Vol. II, 1975)
  3. Gitkin – Rain Over Royal (Where the South Winds Wail, 2026)
  4. Astrud Gilberto & James Last Orchestra – Moonrain (Plus, 1986)
  5. Minus 8 – White (Minuit, 2002)
  6. Norman Connors – Just Imagine (You Are My Starship, 1976)
  7. Posy – Landing (Abroad EP, 2021)
  8. Mos Def – May-December (Black on Both Sides, 1999)
  9. Tom Funk – Brighter Day (feat. Andre Espeut) (What’s It Gonna Be?, 2026)
  10. Eric Demuro – Freedom Layers (2026)
  11. Lola’s Day Off – Park Life (single, 2014)
  12. Klaus Doldinger – Quartenwalzer (Doldinger Goes On, 1967)
  13. Ulla – New Poem (Tumbling Towards a Wall, 2020)
  14. The Upstroke – Sweet Juices (Porno Groove: The Sound of 70’s Adult Films, 2009)
  15. Arawak – Shotgun (Explosive, 1981)
  16. Andy Bey – Celestial Blues (Experience and Judgment, 1974)
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Mar 29 2026

Philosophers Store

The March 2026 edition of Royal Groove is called “Philosophers Store”, inspired by Lamont Johnson track in the mix.

It is available to listen to on Mixcloud 🎧

PLAYLIST PHILOSOPHERS STORE:

  1. Lamont Johnson - Philosophers Store (1976, from “Nine… A Mystical, Musical Allegory”)
  2. Romano Rizzati - Shake N° 5B (2000, from “Kaleidoscopica”)
  3. Carwyn Ellis & Rio18 - Shades Of Red (feat. Nina Miranda) (2026, from “Haf”)
  4. Stimulator Jones - Tripp Cisco (2021, from “La Mano”)
  5. Sinitus Tempo - Jump Ship (2026, from “Altered State 2”)
  6. lovetempo - Wanna Be With You (feat. Kate Mattison) (2026, from “There Is A Light”)
  7. JJ Whitefield - In Transition (2025, from “Off The Grid”)
  8. Art Webb - Dobie (1977, from “Mr. Flute”)
  9. Moonchild - Hotline (2026, form “Waves”)
  10. Mike Longo - Like a Thief in the Night (1974, from “900 Shares of the Blues”)
  11. Trian Kayhatu - A Poem (feat. Kaidi Tatham) (2026, from “A Poem” (single))
  12. The Wiseguys - The Real Vibes (1994, from “Ladies Say “Ow!”)
  13. Johnny Harris - Footprints On The Moon (1970, from “Movements”)
  14. Silvan Strauss & Johannes Arzberger - Sirens (2025, from “Rebirth”)
  15. Kenny Rankin - In The Name of Love (1974, from “Silver Morning”)
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Feb 22 2026

Half Life

The February 2026 edition of Royal Groove is called “Half Life”, inspired by Eddie Gomez track in the mix.

It is available to listen to on Mixcloud 🎧

PLAYLIST HALF LIFE:

  1. Tremendous Aron & Moritz Land – La Señora Marcela (2026, from “no te preocupes”)
  2. David Axelrod – Mucho Chupar (feat. George Duke) (1974, from “Heavy Axe”)
  3. Young Holt Unlimited – Queen Of The Nile (1971, from “Born Again”)
  4. konteks – Outer Voyage (2025, from “Fruterias Vol.2”)
  5. Aceyalone – Forward (1998, from “A Book Of Human Language”)
  6. Combustible Edison – The Checkered Flag (1996, from “Schizophonic!”)
  7. Elis Regina – Bala Com Bala (1972 (from “Elis”)
  8. Nate Mercereau – Of Course That’s Happening (2019, from “Joy Techniques”)
  9. Ultra Naté – Twisted (4hero Remix) (2001, from “Stranger Than Fiction”)
  10. The Echocentrics – Electric Travels (2011, from “Sunshadows”)
  11. Eddie Gomez (plus snippets Imogen Heap) – Half Life (1976, from “Down Stretch”)
  12. The People’s Workshop – Love, Love (1982, from “Houston Talent Expo ‘82”)
  13. Jessica Lauren – Stone Garden (1999, from “Film”)
  14. Johnny Pate – Outrageous (1970, from “Outrageous”)
  15. Jhelisa – That’s Bullshit Woody (1997, from “Language Electric”)
  16. Brant Bjork – Waiting for a Coconut to Drop (1999, from “Jalamanta”)


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Picture by Noah Kalina.


Jan 25 2026

No Others

The January 2026 edition of Royal Groove is called “No Others”, inspired by Momoko Gill track in the mix. A journey through deep grooves and soulful textures.

It is available to listen to on Mixcloud 🎧

PLAYLIST “NO OTHERS”

  1. Reddy Bobbio E Il Suo Complesso - Dirty Feet (1974)
  2. Ronnie Earl - Why Can’t We Live Together (2019)
  3. Reflection - Errornormous Bit (1997)
  4. Catalyst - New Found Truths (1972)
  5. Ruth Goller - Often they came to visit (2021)
  6. Pay For Soup - Madeleine (2023)
  7. Special EFX - Masterpiece (1999)
  8. Urban Species - Blanket (1998)
  9. Tom McBrien - The Seed (2025)
  10. Brick - Brick City (1976)
  11. The Breathing Effect - The Morning Swim (2017)
  12. Momoko Gill - No Others (2025)
  13. Corey Fonville, Sam Fribush & Charlie Hunter - I Couldn’t Love You More (2026)
  14. El Buho - Aurora (feat. La Chica) (2025)
  15. Gabriel Yared - Betty et Zorg (1986)
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Dec 30 2025

End of Year 2025

As is traditional at this time of year, I like to look back at all the amazing recordings and compositions submitted by artists from all over the world, and share some of my favorites with you.

Choosing favorite sounds of the year has been especially difficult in 2025, with honestly so many incredible compositions for choice.

But here we are: late night listening sessions done, hundreds of tracks pored over, enjoyed and reexamined, and I have almost 90 minutes to share with you today.

A tapestry of acid jazz, neo kraut rock, jazz-funk, contemporary retro-funk, cinematographic soul, bedroom jazz and some psychedelic pop. All mixed and blended into a chilled-smooth organic sonic nature.

LISTEN TO THE ROYAL GROOVE END OF YEAR 2025 MIX

PLAYLIST END OF YEAR 2025

  1. Intro
  2. Gerald Bailey - Mo Hellia
  3. 40 Winks - Lighted By
  4. Bacao Rhythm and Steel Band - Maria También (Khruangbin cover)
  5. 44th Move - Different Light
  6. Collettivo Immaginario - Sotto Il Mare
  7. Glass Museum - Van Glas (feat. Jazz Brak)
  8. Sven Wunder - Daybreak
  9. Triathalon - Melt
  10. JKriv - Intuition (feat. Megatronic)
  11. The Diasonics - Larks
  12. SOYUZ - P7 Blues
  13. Resavoir - Diversey Beach (feat. Mei Semones)
  14. Banksia - Black Swan
  15. Hether - Heavens Just A Mile Away
  16. OCENPSIEA - Espaço
  17. Bobby Bazini - Seul au cinéma
  18. Sean Wolcott - Oil Refining Catalyst of Progress
  19. Sessa - Gestos Naturais
  20. ANAN - Naif
  21. Kuna Maze - Maina
  22. Temporary Blessings - Fata Morgana
  23. Matt Johnson - Earth’s Mysteries
  24. Celine Dessberg - Selenge
  25. Silvan Strauss - SUDAN
  26. Yesterday’s Princess - Anemoia
  27. Free Whenever -  Inside Out (feat. KATZROAR)
  28. Greg Foat - Source de Bryon
  29. Brandee Younger - Unswept Corners (feat. Niia)
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Picture by Matthew Woodson


Dec 19 2025

Waiting

November’s edition is called “Waiting”, inspired by The Altons track in the mix.

Please listen to the mix on Mixcloud 🎧

PLAYLIST WAITING

  1. Calibro 35 - Nuove Indagini Primi Sviluppi (2025)
  2. Ray and James - Nature Boy (1982)
  3. Orions Belte - Spark (2025)
  4. The Graham Collier Septet - Crumblin’ Cookie (1969)
  5. Barbara Moore - Hot Heels (1972)
  6. Allman Brothers - In Memory of Elizabeth Reed (1970)
  7. Homer - Rollin’ (feat. KIRBY) (2024)
  8. DJ Quik - Quik’s Groove III (1995)
  9. Thelma Houston - Pressure Cooker (1975)
  10. The Altons - Waiting (2025)
  11. Solid State - Mood Swingin (1999)
  12. Hird - Keep You Kimi (feat. Yukimi Nagano) (2003)
  13. Billy Cobham - Heather (1974)
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Oct 27 2025

Peace Begins Within

Every last Sunday of the month, I release a fresh mix. This month’s edition is called “Peace Begins Within”, inspired by the Zara McFarlane track in the mix.

It is available to listen to on Mixcloud 🎧

PLAYLIST PEACE BEGINS WITHIN

  1. Spirit Of Atlanta - Freddie’s Alive and Well (1975)
  2. Eduardo Belo - Portinho Samba (2025)
  3. Purple Shadows - The Joker (1968)
  4. Ancient Astronauts - Last Night (feat. Akua Naru) (2016)
  5. Carl Orr - Somewhere Else (2019)
  6. Hardkandy - Triage (2005)
  7. Joe Armon-Jones - One Way Traffic (feat. Yazmin Lacey) (2025)
  8. LITE - Daydreamer (2025)
  9. Zara McFarlane - Peace Begins Within (2017)
  10. forcian - Furusato (2019)
  11. EABS - Sen O Warszawie (2024)
  12. Mike Midnight - Had 2b (feat. Noa) (2022)
  13. oreglo - Bosté (2025)
  14. The Winston Brothers - Island Travel (2024)
  15. D'Angelo - When We Get By (1995)
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Sep 28 2025

Dream Diary

Every last Sunday of the month, I release a fresh mix. This month’s edition is called “Dream Diary”, inspired by the Lance Ferguson track in the mix.

It is available to listen to on Mixcloud 🎧

PLAYLIST DREAM DIARY

  1. Gene Harris & His Three Sounds - Book Of Slim (1968)
  2. Antibalas Afrobeat Orchestra - Dirty Money (2012)
  3. Sessa - Vale a Pena (2025)
  4. Hether - Nebulous Tango (2023)
  5. Moin - Lift You (2024)
  6. Eddie Fisher & The Next One Hundred Years - Either Or (1970)
  7. Jura Soundsystem - Udaberri Blues (2018)
  8. Lance Ferguson & The Bamboos - Dream Diary (2025)
  9. Chico Hamilton - This Dream (1966)
  10. Bahamadia - Da Jawn (1996)
  11. Land Of Echo - Freedom In Our Rhythm part 2 (2025)
  12. The Silhouettes - Hashi Baba (1971)
  13. Drae Da Skimask - Why June (2015)
  14. Sunbörn Meets Clap! Clap! - Jolloff On The Roll Off (2025)
  15. Carl Hudson - Sea Snake (2013)
  16. Stanley Clarke - I Think I’m In Love (2019)
  17. Sr Mandril - So Simple (Chris Coco Remix) (2012)
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Picture of the Glass House by Facundo Ruiz.


Aug 31 2025
1 note

For Tomorrow

Every last Sunday of the month, I release a fresh mix. This month’s edition is called “For Tomorrow”, inspired by the McCoy Tyner track in the mix.

It is available to listen to on Mixcloud 🎧

Playlist For Tomorrow

  1. The Soul Searchers - Ashley’s Roachclip (1974)
  2. The 3 Pieces - Backed Up Against The Wall (1975)
  3. Ocote Soul Sounds - Pirata (2016)
  4. Tom & Joyce - Vai Minha Tristeza (Modaji Acoustic Mix) (1998)
  5. Free Whenever - Bank Robbery (2025)
  6. Binha Thomaz - Preciso Me Encontrar Candeia (2023)
  7. 13th Ward Social Club - Preciso Me Encontrar (2023)
  8. Makala Jazz Funk Band - Hector (2015)
  9. Henry Mancini - Lujon (1961)
  10. The Circling Sun - Flying (2025)
  11. Robert Vanderbilt & The Foundation of Souls - A Message Especially From God (1978)
  12. ClassicBeatz - Relax (2025)
  13. Nathan Haines - Let It Go (feat. Rich Medina) (2003)
  14. Hi-Tek - Know me (feat. Jonell) (2007)
  15. Robohands & Jack Barone - Moving Circles (2025)
  16. McCoy Tyner - For Tomorrow (1977)
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