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Patty Griffin — Little God (original mix)
Album: Silver Bell
Avg rating:
7.1

Your rating:
Total ratings: 1613









Released: 2013
Length: 5:22
Plays (last 30 days): 0
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Good morning, little god
I see you've come for me again
With a noose between your teeth
You are not my friend

Pouring little cups of tea
Humming a little tune
You sit across from me
And fill my little room

Little god

Smoke is in the air
From your little cigarette
You tell me to throw the fight
You go and place your little bet

Shake, little god
Shake your little fists
All the strippers think you're odd
But you leave the biggest tips

Little god

Where, oh, where
Did I leave myself today?
On the bed, in the chair?
Did I send myself away?
On a sleepy afternoon
Will I be returning soon?

Laugh your little laugh
Stomp your little feet
They talk behind your back
All these people that you meet

They say time is running out
And you don't know what to do
And I hear them talk about
Another place to live but not with you

Little god
Little god
Little god

God

You've got to do better than that
You've got to do better than that
You've got to do better than that
Better than that
Comments (353)add comment
I wonder if this is who Madrugada's "Hands Up I Love You" is written for, with his little fists?
Posted 2 years ago by deanv    [ Reply ]
Posted 2 years ago by scrubbrush    [ Reply ]
So much better than the version she re-recorded for the album that actually got released.
Posted 3 years ago by ScottishWillie    [ Reply ]
 tiggers wrote:
Towards the end there I thought she was having some sort of seizure, dreadful track! Giving it a 2, it avoids a 1 for the sole reason that no matter how bad it is it isn't as bad as Bob Dylan!
 
You obviously don't participate in the P Griffin is a Goddess Fan Club. As I do.
Posted 4 years ago by LizK    [ Reply ]
A big song for Patty...Well produced.
Posted 6 years ago by Rockit9    [ Reply ]
can I vote that Bob keeps the fan-made cover art? The "real" cover isn't nearly as good.



oldman wrote:
Oct 8 release, finally
have to change the cover art
 

 


Posted 11 years ago by apd    [ Reply ]
love this song gave it a 9, really liked the east indian type rhythms and feel of the song. I read in one of the postings shes Robert Plants  significant  other (maybe some of his influence). The searing bagpipes solo in the begining was beautifully done as well
Posted 11 years ago by artphul    [ Reply ]
Oct 8 release, finally
have to change the cover art
 
Posted 11 years ago by oldman    [ Reply ]
I was so surprised to learn this song is about her bossy pet cat. Who happens to smoke cigarettes.
Posted 11 years ago by zoopmama    [ Reply ]
Towards the end there I thought she was having some sort of seizure, dreadful track! Giving it a 2, it avoids a 1 for the sole reason that no matter how bad it is it isn't as bad as Bob Dylan!
Posted 11 years ago by tiggers    [ Reply ]
Good grief.  I must be missing the point.
Posted 11 years ago by DaidyBoy    [ Reply ]
 ShaunJ wrote:

Bob the shrub's (Robert Plant) significant other.

 
Lucky him. Very lucky him. Great song, great singer, 8 from the smitten Nottingham jury {#Hearteyes}
Posted 11 years ago by fredriley    [ Reply ]
 jocelynsart wrote:
don't generally care for her, but this is great

 
Bob the shrub's (Robert Plant) significant other.
Posted 11 years ago by ShaunJ    [ Reply ]
wow
 
Posted 11 years ago by leuver    [ Reply ]
don't generally care for her, but this is great
Posted 11 years ago by jocelynsart    [ Reply ]
Asian Dub Foundation to Patty Griffin.  An AMAZING segue.  Just amazing, Bill!
Posted 11 years ago by philbertr    [ Reply ]

Everybody in my church loves this song...
 
Posted 11 years ago by Lazarus    [ Reply ]
Whoa. This song is amazing. Patty's voice; the hypnotic guitar; so deep and entrancing and powerful. It's a shame this album was never released.
Posted 11 years ago by bev    [ Reply ]
 Easyrider wrote:
Over the top vocally,sounds like a wailing cat.

No that wailing cat isn’t the vocal its the bagpipes. Easy mistake to make!
Posted 11 years ago by ScottishWillie    [ Reply ]
 philbertr wrote:
Does anybody know what this song is about?

And why isn't this CD listed on Amazon or AllMusic?  (The song isn't on AllMusic either?)
 

I've written this before, but a concert a few years ago, Patty explained that this song was about a strange record producer who was mixed up with her early career and would come to visit her now and then. She thought the guy to be very odd. 

She then launched into right into "Little God," much to the discomfort of the audience.  Most of them had never heard this song before, and it's definitely not as accessible as some of her other work. I think it a pretty great, but the audience was a little taken aback. I have to say that the audience reaction was as amusing as Patty's story about the song.  I loved Patty for not playing it safe and for not being afraid to sing her more edgy stuff.


Posted 11 years ago by rogersullivan    [ Reply ]
Nasty,evil sounding song!
Posted 11 years ago by Easyrider    [ Reply ]
I love this song—-almost thought it might be Morcheeba.
Posted 11 years ago by Giselle62    [ Reply ]
 Dyn0hub wrote:
This music is not relaxing. It makes me want to die. I assume you've never been to Seattle in the fall? Give me a break. Give me some relief.
 

Explore the darker side of music.  That's where you'll find the best.  Go there, you'll come out a better person.  Face the abyss.
Posted 11 years ago by rdo    [ Reply ]
This music is not relaxing. It makes me want to die. I assume you've never been to Seattle in the fall? Give me a break. Give me some relief.
Posted 11 years ago by Dyn0hub    [ Reply ]
Patty Griffin, little lady, huge artist.
Posted 12 years ago by BobbyCat    [ Reply ]
 Easyrider wrote:
Over the top vocally,sounds like a wailing cat.
 

For me, unlistenable.
Posted 12 years ago by Hannio    [ Reply ]
 philbertr wrote:
Does anybody know what this song is about?

And why isn't this CD listed on Amazon or AllMusic?  (The song isn't on AllMusic either?)
 
The album was never officially released (due to a dispute with her record company).
Posted 12 years ago by William    [ Reply ]
Does anybody know what this song is about?

And why isn't this CD listed on Amazon or AllMusic?  (The song isn't on AllMusic either?)
Posted 12 years ago by philbertr    [ Reply ]
Over the top vocally,sounds like a wailing cat.
Posted 12 years ago by Easyrider    [ Reply ]
Great!
Posted 12 years ago by yankerr007    [ Reply ]
I.  Love.  This.  Song.
Posted 12 years ago by Red_Dragon    [ Reply ]
 iTuner wrote:
Apparently I'm the only one who finds her wailing voice grating.
 
Yes, you are.  Her voice sounds just perfect for this outstanding song.
Nice and moody and whinny, just like a little god can make one feel.  If
you listen really close, the guitar is whinnying too.  She does it just right! 
Posted 12 years ago by lattalo    [ Reply ]
It surprises me in a good way.  Nice segue with Chorus of Tribes before and Sympathy after.  Good work all day, Bill!
Posted 12 years ago by railroadwail    [ Reply ]
 iTuner wrote:
Apparently I'm the only one who finds her wailing voice grating.
 
For the most part, I love Patty's voice.  But on this one, yes, she is a little grating.  Downgrading from a 7 to a 5.
Posted 12 years ago by Imkirok    [ Reply ]
I love Patty's music, but I definitely don't think this is one of her best.
Posted 12 years ago by bangatpound    [ Reply ]
Patty has over some time now grown to be a absolute favorite   
Posted 12 years ago by BowTieDad    [ Reply ]

She sounds a bit emotionless on this one.  Normally I love Patty, but she could've put more umhph in it. .......................... .................................................................................

Yeah, well, on this cut, she waits a bit.  Patty! I still love you!  I take it all back. Most of it anyway. 


Posted 12 years ago by LizK    [ Reply ]
Apparently I'm the only one who finds her wailing voice grating.
Posted 12 years ago by iTuner    [ Reply ]
 mrmagoo wrote:
For us "oldies" I can hear a slight resemblence to Grace Slick (back in the daze). Hope I don't offend anyone with the comparison.

 

Not offended, but I don't hear it.  Her voice is a lot thinner than Grace's.
Posted 12 years ago by TJS    [ Reply ]
For us "oldies" I can hear a slight resemblence to Grace Slick (back in the daze). Hope I don't offend anyone with the comparison.

Posted 12 years ago by mrmagoo    [ Reply ]
This could almost be a track on Mezzanine by Massive Attack.  {#Music}
Posted 12 years ago by rdo    [ Reply ]
 Bone wrote:
I always get a whisper of Jeff Buckley's 'Dream Brother' when this track starts up.

Of course, after that, Patty Griffin's distinct genius asserts itself.  {#Meditate}
 

I get that too!
Posted 12 years ago by bluecshells    [ Reply ]
{#Daisy}
Posted 12 years ago by bluecshells    [ Reply ]
... not ... {#Notworthy} ... worthy
Posted 12 years ago by a_genuine_find    [ Reply ]
I always get a whisper of Jeff Buckley's 'Dream Brother' when this track starts up.

Of course, after that, Patty Griffin's distinct genius asserts itself.  {#Meditate}
Posted 13 years ago by Bone    [ Reply ]
I surrender!!!!!  Love Patty and this song.
Posted 13 years ago by bluecshells    [ Reply ]
 FrankMc wrote:
 I think it may be one of those songs you have to surrender to rather than just listen at.
 
Well said. I agree entirely.

Posted 13 years ago by cc_rider    [ Reply ]
 cc_rider wrote:
In this case, the woman was abused (musically, commercially, financially) by a record producer. But the sentiment is the same, I agree.

But I'm biased: I could listen to Patty Griffin sing a phone book. And still rate it an 8.
 
I admire that she tries different styles.  This may not be for everyone but it works for me, quite likable.
Posted 13 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]
 FrankMc wrote:
I evidently hated this song the first time I heard it. I really loved just now. I had headphones on this trip. I think it may be one of those songs you have to surrender to rather than just listen at.
 

Nicely said - there are some songs that leave you floating serenely on the surface, others that you need to swim through the feel the benefit, and some (like this one) where its best to just let yourself be completely immersed.

Posted 13 years ago by Ngoziman    [ Reply ]
Terrible song. I wish it was never played again.
Posted 13 years ago by jacqi    [ Reply ]
I evidently hated this song the first time I heard it. I really loved just now. I had headphones on this trip. I think it may be one of those songs you have to surrender to rather than just listen at.
Posted 13 years ago by FrankMc    [ Reply ]
 Xeric wrote:
This woman can be so good, until she gets carried away, and then she is so, so bad. As, say, here.
 

I'm thinking the same thing.
Posted 13 years ago by Hannio    [ Reply ]
 k_trout wrote:
 Xeric wrote:This woman can be so good, until she gets carried away, and then she is so, so bad. As, say, here.

Xeric - Try to imagine this song through the eyes of an abused woman
  In this case, the woman was abused (musically, commercially, financially) by a record producer. But the sentiment is the same, I agree.

But I'm biased: I could listen to Patty Griffin sing a phone book. And still rate it an 8.


Posted 13 years ago by cc_rider    [ Reply ]
 cvandoren wrote:
I was working on something else and this song penetrated my consciousness.  I quickly clicked over to rate the song and saw I had already rated it a 2.  Phew, no change needed.
 
Me too! Except my rating was a 9.

Posted 13 years ago by BikeCoachDave    [ Reply ]
I've already maxed out my rating on this extraordinary song.  Amazing to hear it in concert too.
Posted 13 years ago by Dave_Mack    [ Reply ]
And RP plays her, thank goodness ! ARTICULA wrote:
It took a Big God to give us Patty Griffin.
 


Posted 13 years ago by cohifi    [ Reply ]
I was working on something else and this song penetrated my consciousness.  I quickly clicked over to rate the song and saw I had already rated it a 2.  Phew, no change needed.
Posted 13 years ago by cvandoren    [ Reply ]
 Xeric wrote:This woman can be so good, until she gets carried away, and then she is so, so bad. As, say, here.

Xeric - Try to imagine this song through the eyes of an abused woman

Posted 13 years ago by k_trout    [ Reply ]
This song makes me think it's not a good idea to get on the bad side of this lady.

Just sayin'...
Posted 13 years ago by cc_rider    [ Reply ]
It took a Big God to give us Patty Griffin.


Posted 13 years ago by ARTICULA    [ Reply ]
 Xeric wrote:
This woman can be so good, until she gets carried away, and then she is so, so bad. As, say, here.
 
Greatest song writer of my generation, this song proves it.  Love It, we all know a little God.

Posted 13 years ago by lattalo    [ Reply ]
Not sure why, but I'm thinking about "Once upon time in Mexico" ...
Posted 13 years ago by zanref    [ Reply ]
 Coaxial wrote:
9 to a 10...Maybe it is the pain meds, maybe not...
 
If I had some of your meds, I'd bump it a notch to 10 too...

Posted 14 years ago by cc_rider    [ Reply ]
 rogersullivan wrote:

Can't remember if I've told this story, but at a concert a few years ago, Patty explained that this song was about a strange record producer who was mixed up with her early career and would come to visit her now and then. She thought the guy to be very odd. 

She then launched into right into "Little God," much to the discomfort of the audience.  Most of them had never heard this song before, and it's definitely not as accessible as some of her other work. I think it a pretty great, but the audience was a little taken aback. I have to say that the audience reaction was as amusing as Patty's story about the song.  I loved Patty for not playing it safe and for not being afraid to sing her more edgy stuff.


  Thanks for this story, rogersullivan - very informative. I agree - it's good that she takes chances.  I love her voice.  The first thing I ever heard by her was "Flaming Red," and I've been a fan ever since. {#Sunny}


Posted 14 years ago by Cynaera    [ Reply ]
 Coaxial wrote:
9 to a 10...Maybe it is the pain meds, maybe not...
 

8 to a 9 here.  Might be my Friday mood. {#Mrgreen}
Posted 14 years ago by dggeek    [ Reply ]
9 to a 10...Maybe it is the pain meds, maybe not...
Posted 14 years ago by Coaxial    [ Reply ]
 k_trout wrote:
@DaveInVA - thanks!

 
Seconded

Posted 14 years ago by xtalman    [ Reply ]
 DaveInVA wrote:



It was unreleased by her record company but it still seems to be available in mp3 form a website called "Salty Salutes", google it.

 
Great tip.here's the link

https://saltysalutes.blogspot.com/2009/06/patty-griffins-unreleased-album-silver.html



Posted 14 years ago by scrubbrush    [ Reply ]
@DaveInVA - thanks!

Posted 14 years ago by k_trout    [ Reply ]
 k_trout wrote:
Trippy - what a talent - can't find this album/song anywhere - any suggestions?

 


It was unreleased by her record company but it still seems to be available in mp3 form a website called "Salty Salutes", google it.

Posted 14 years ago by DaveInSaoMiguel    [ Reply ]
Trippy - what a talent - can't find this album/song anywhere - any suggestions?

Posted 14 years ago by k_trout    [ Reply ]
This song is good but it gives me the willies.
Posted 14 years ago by GT66    [ Reply ]
 Xeric wrote:
This woman can be so good, until she gets carried away, and then she is so, so bad. As, say, here.
 
I agree! The moaning in the end is painful to the ears!
Posted 14 years ago by titanium667    [ Reply ]

Patty Griffin by Lance Robinson
https://www.flickr.com/photos/lmrobins/

© All rights reserved.

.


Posted 14 years ago by calypsus_1    [ Reply ]
the juxtaposition of those last two comments is hilarious!
Posted 14 years ago by ziggytrix    [ Reply ]
This woman can be so good, until she gets carried away, and then she is so, so bad. As, say, here.
Posted 14 years ago by Xeric    [ Reply ]
You know, I generally don't like Patty Griffin, almost as a rule, but this I really like ....a lot.
Posted 14 years ago by Jelani    [ Reply ]
I really enjoyed this tune, like so many on RP. I knew I was in trouble when a 10 year old song was not found on Amazon. I hate to ask such a tired question, and I did go poking around in the thread a bit for the answer, but I would like to get this tune if that is possible. I have looked where I know to look, any help?
Posted 14 years ago by kevin8092    [ Reply ]

Can't remember if I've told this story, but at a concert a few years ago, Patty explained that this song was about a strange record producer who was mixed up with her early career and would come to visit her now and then. She thought the guy to be very odd. 

She then launched into right into "Little God," much to the discomfort of the audience.  Most of them had never heard this song before, and it's definitely not as accessible as some of her other work. I think it a pretty great, but the audience was a little taken aback. I have to say that the audience reaction was as amusing as Patty's story about the song.  I loved Patty for not playing it safe and for not being afraid to sing her more edgy stuff.


Posted 14 years ago by rogersullivan    [ Reply ]
Sounds almost Bjorky.  I think it would improve with a bit more Bjorkness in fact.
Posted 14 years ago by dggeek    [ Reply ]
 MJMJ wrote:
So (how) do royalties get paid for this song, and to whom, since it was never officially released?
 
The songwriter gets royalties as long as the work and artist is registered with BMI or ASCAP. Royalties are not paid on the basis of it being an official release, they are paid in accordance with airplay.

Posted 14 years ago by Bosami    [ Reply ]
10
Posted 14 years ago by peyotecoyote    [ Reply ]
This is an great song, and the segue from "Into Morocco" was excellent.{#Notworthy}
Posted 14 years ago by komainu    [ Reply ]
I think that new Sade song would be good about now...
Posted 14 years ago by musickat    [ Reply ]
 to_the_eleven wrote:
Sinead pulls off the hat trick.. is Patty next?

1:26 pm Asian Dub Foundation
1000 Mirrors (w/ Sinead O Connor) Enemy of the Enemy (2003) 6.4

11:47 am Sinéad O'Connor
Mandinka The Lion and the Cobra (1987) 7.2

9:04 am Patty Griffin
Change Flaming Red (1998) 7.7

5:20 am - Sinéad O'Connor - Downpressor Man
 
Hello, this is the future calling. Operation Patty Sinead is a go. Standby for temporal adjustment.

Posted 14 years ago by potatomutant    [ Reply ]
little kyoto god
Posted 14 years ago by a_genuine_find    [ Reply ]
 MJMJ wrote:
So (how) do royalties get paid for this song, and to whom, since it was never officially released?
 
That's a good question.  Bill?
Posted 14 years ago by skdenfeld    [ Reply ]
way awesome..Patty has yet to disappoint mine ears

Posted 14 years ago by cattail321    [ Reply ]
Sinead pulls off the hat trick.. is Patty next?

1:26 pm Asian Dub Foundation
1000 Mirrors (w/ Sinead O Connor) Enemy of the Enemy (2003) 6.4

11:47 am Sinéad O'Connor
Mandinka The Lion and the Cobra (1987) 7.2

9:04 am Patty Griffin
Change Flaming Red (1998) 7.7

5:20 am - Sinéad O'Connor - Downpressor Man


Posted 14 years ago by to_the_eleven    [ Reply ]
Awww, man, I really like this one from Patty.  My favorite.
Posted 14 years ago by shutter    [ Reply ]
So (how) do royalties get paid for this song, and to whom, since it was never officially released?


Posted 14 years ago by MJMJ    [ Reply ]
Wikipedia says that silver bell was not released ? Is-it so ?

Posted 14 years ago by ColdBear    [ Reply ]
Can't get enough of this..{#Music}
Posted 14 years ago by DaveInSaoMiguel    [ Reply ]
 helgigermany wrote:
Who or what is little god?
 
Someone who thinks that they are better than anyone else and in
a position of authority so they can remind you just how important
they are.  Actually they are so insecure that they need to feel like
this to survive.

Posted 14 years ago by lattalo    [ Reply ]
 Dave_Mack wrote:

I don't have any inside information, but I'd say it's an old boyfriend, after their relationship had turned toxic.  Actually, I saw her sing this live, and she said "it's a song about someone I used to know", but no more than that.

 
My understanding it is about her old record producer!  I wonder if he
has heard it.  But we all know a little GOD!

Posted 14 years ago by lattalo    [ Reply ]
If there was a 20 rating it would not be enough.  I think that this
is brilliant!  Thank you RP for introducing me to this wonderful artist!
Posted 14 years ago by lattalo    [ Reply ]
Like her but this song grates...
Posted 14 years ago by Seahunt    [ Reply ]
 helgigermany wrote:
Who or what is little god?
 
I don't have any inside information, but I'd say it's an old boyfriend, after their relationship had turned toxic.  Actually, I saw her sing this live, and she said "it's a song about someone I used to know", but no more than that.

Posted 15 years ago by Dave_Mack    [ Reply ]
 FrankMc wrote:
She sounds like she is in pain. For such a talented girl she occasionally really goes in the ditch.
 
Um, some of the best music EVER was created out of pain. Sounding like she is in pain was the whole point of the song.

Not saying you hafta like it, just saying she made it sound exactly the way she wanted.

Posted 15 years ago by cc_rider    [ Reply ]
little god
Posted 15 years ago by CamLwalk    [ Reply ]
Who or what is little god?
Posted 15 years ago by helgigermany    [ Reply ]
This is only song of hers I can't seem to get tired of hearing. Still a 10.....
Posted 15 years ago by DaveInSaoMiguel    [ Reply ]
Couldn't resist raising my 9 to a 10.  This is one of my favorite songs right now.
Posted 15 years ago by Dave_Mack    [ Reply ]
 crockydile wrote:
What the hell is this song about? Addiction? {#Ask}
  hm.
I'd say that's a good guess.


Posted 15 years ago by Wizzuvvoz    [ Reply ]
What the hell is this song about? Addiction? {#Ask}
Posted 15 years ago by crockydile    [ Reply ]
Very different and VERY good. -= 9 =-
Posted 15 years ago by rbigelo    [ Reply ]
Good morning little god
I see you've come for me again
With a noose between your teeth
You are not my friend
Pouring little cups of tea
Humming a little tune
You sit across from me
And fill my little room
Little god

Smoke is in the air
From your little cigarettte
You tell me to throw the fight
Go and place your little bet
Shake, little god-
Shake your little fists
All the strippers think you're odd
But you leave the biggest tips
Little god

Where oh where did I leave myself today
On the bed, on the chair
Did I send myself away
On a sleepy afternoon
Will I be returning soon

Laugh your little laugh
Stomp your little feet
They sulk behind your back,
All the people that you meet
They say time is running out
And you don't know what to do
And I hear them talk about
Another place without you
Little god
Little god
Little god
Little god
Little god

in www.lyricsdownload.com

** 8 / 9 **


Posted 15 years ago by calypsus_1    [ Reply ]
 FrankMc wrote:
We agree.

 holborne wrote:
Wow, I adore Patty Griffin, but I actually had to mute this one.
 
 
I disagree, pure genius.  Thanks Bill for turning me on to her!

Posted 15 years ago by lattalo    [ Reply ]



Like it was written just for me ;-)





'cept I don't smoke


Posted 15 years ago by VogonDichter    [ Reply ]
I would love to play this for song for my boss's boss, though little god's don't often get
it.  I suppose that's why they are little god's.  To all the little god's out there, {#Moon}  
Posted 15 years ago by lattalo    [ Reply ]
<200000> >Patty Griffin - Little God
KT Tunstall - Beauty Of Uncertainty{#Yes}
Posted 15 years ago by a_genuine_find    [ Reply ]
I like the gloominess of this song.  I also like the fact that she is such a versatile writer and singer - that she doesn't just crank out predictable, cursory "product" to make everyone else happy.
Posted 15 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]
We agree.

 holborne wrote:
Wow, I adore Patty Griffin, but I actually had to mute this one.
 


Posted 15 years ago by FrankMc    [ Reply ]
I love this song and think its one of the best Patty has done. Its to bad its not  "legally" available as the album its from, "Silver Bells" was never officially released. I hope that someday it will be properly released so it can be available as more than an less than CD quality "illegal" mp3 download.
Posted 15 years ago by DaveInSaoMiguel    [ Reply ]
Wow, I adore Patty Griffin, but I actually had to mute this one.
Posted 15 years ago by holborne    [ Reply ]
She sounds like she is in pain. For such a talented girl she occasionally really goes in the ditch.
Posted 15 years ago by FrankMc    [ Reply ]
sexxxy

{#Devil_pimp}
Posted 15 years ago by jbtidwell    [ Reply ]
 Shimmer wrote:
I would've sworn she's singing "Little Girl".
 
That's what I thought too.

Posted 15 years ago by Imkirok    [ Reply ]
Love Patty - but this song . . . . not so much.
Posted 15 years ago by radams005    [ Reply ]
10 > 100 great song!!!!!  I think Patty is the best artist I have heard in the last 10 years.
This song is just perfect.  We have all met a little god.

Posted 15 years ago by lattalo    [ Reply ]