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Matthew Sweet — Girlfriend
Album: Girlfriend
Avg rating:
7.2

Your rating:
Total ratings: 1374









Released: 1991
Length: 3:38
Plays (last 30 days): 2
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I wanna love somebody
I hear you need somebody to love
Oh, I wanna love somebody
I hear you're looking for someone to love

'Cause you need to
Get back in the arms of a good friend
And I need to
Get back in the arms of a girlfriend

I didn't know nobody
And then I saw you coming my way
Well, I didn't know nobody
And then I saw you coming my way

Don't you need to
Get back in the arms of a good friend?
Oh, 'cause, honey, believe me
I'd sure love to call you my girlfriend

Ooh (1, 2, 3, 4)

All right

Don't you need to
Get back in the arms of a good friend?
Oh, 'cause, honey, believe me
I'd sure love to call you my girlfriend

'Cause you got a good thing going, baby
You only need somebody to love
Oh, you've got a good thing going
You're only looking for someone to love

'Cause you need to
Get back in the arms of a good friend

And I'm never gonna set you free
No, I'm never gonna set you free
Comments (143)add comment
The guitarist, Robert Quine, was an utter genius. And, yes, every bit of this song rocks. And the album is amazing. Check it out.
Posted 6 hours ago by catnip    [ Reply ]

This whole lp ROCKS!  The first 3 songs kill it. Divine Intervention and I've Been Waiting. followed by this one. Richard Lloyd on lead guitar smokes!!! 
Posted 10 months ago by tripp1    [ Reply ]
GOOD TUNE!  Thanx RP!   
Posted 1 year ago by joejennings    [ Reply ]
insta 10.  same for the entire record.

great live, also.
Posted 1 year ago by lily34    [ Reply ]
I remember seeing Matthew Sweet in concert in July 1995 on his 100% Fun tour, at Hampton Casino in NH. After enjoying Girlfriend, Altered Beast, and 100% Fun, it was beyond due to check him out. Also, I was under 18, and needed to be "accompanied". If I recall correctly, he went directly (little pause) from "Girlfriend" into "Sick of Myself." Both were great moments separately, together sublime. Oh yeah, and thanks Mom for accompanying!
Posted 2 years ago by globs101    [ Reply ]
A definite classic with a bit of that 1970s good time rock & roll influence.
 
 cely wrote:
I'm fascinated by the sound he goes for.  It's all flattened onto a single plane and kind of compressed, intentionally obviously.  It could never be reproduced on a stage.  I wonder if anyone has insight into how the sound is produced and why he went for it.  Clearly it was distinctive and became popular.
 
Go to Reddit and check out /r/audioengineering.  There's some smart people in there interested in that stuff.  Pretty fascinating discussions if you're into music and audio gear.
Posted 2 years ago by timmus    [ Reply ]
Love this song. Instant 10. 
Posted 2 years ago by tgrier    [ Reply ]
1991. Didn't suck.
Posted 2 years ago by dwlangham    [ Reply ]
Robert Quine RIP
Posted 2 years ago by Emmettf    [ Reply ]
Volume up. Pedal down. 
Posted 2 years ago by Kingsized    [ Reply ]
Excellent!
Posted 2 years ago by eileenomurphy    [ Reply ]
 alltherightnotes wrote:

There is something of the Jack Black about the guitar solo... Up for grabs as to whether that's a good thing or no...



It's chaotically great!
Posted 3 years ago by dougnichols    [ Reply ]
MS had great taste in lead guitarists:  Robert Quine & Richard Lloyd!
Posted 3 years ago by dougnichols    [ Reply ]
Posted 3 years ago by simon.martin83761    [ Reply ]
There is something of the Jack Black about the guitar solo... Up for grabs as to whether that's a good thing or no...
Posted 3 years ago by alltherightnotes    [ Reply ]
 Jelani wrote:

These days this kind of talk will get you cancelled, arrested,and/or persecuted by the lefty progressives. 



Right. That's why we never see scantily clad women on T.V. or in movies that supposedly controlled by "lefty progressives" What nonsense.
Posted 3 years ago by todbothom    [ Reply ]
These days this kind of talk will get you cancelled, arrested,and/or persecuted by the lefty progressives. 
Posted 3 years ago by Jelani    [ Reply ]
Pretty much a Jefferson Airplane rip-off!
Posted 3 years ago by angelomisterioso    [ Reply ]
This song is fucking awesome.

EVERYTHING about it is fucking awesome. The intro riff, the lyrics, the chorus, the riff at the end, the psycho stalker lyrics at the end, everything. Also an amazing video back when you had to find them on 120 Minutes on MTV. A very rare "10" from me.
Posted 4 years ago by Flying_Donut    [ Reply ]
 cely wrote:
I'm fascinated by the sound he goes for.  It's all flattened onto a single plane and kind of compressed, intentionally obviously.  It could never be reproduced on a stage.  I wonder if anyone has insight into how the sound is produced and why he went for it.  Clearly it was distinctive and became popular.
 I always thought he sounded "garage band" like. But more technically skilled, of course. I love it.

Posted 4 years ago by Jelani    [ Reply ]
 beearraydee wrote:


Likely a product of the loudness wars.
 
Since this was released in 1991, the Loudness Wars hadn't started yet. It's just the style of production they were going for. I like it: the bass just oozes through everything in a delightful kind of way.
Posted 4 years ago by frisbeepilot    [ Reply ]
 cely wrote:
I'm fascinated by the sound he goes for.  It's all flattened onto a single plane and kind of compressed, intentionally obviously.  It could never be reproduced on a stage.  I wonder if anyone has insight into how the sound is produced and why he went for it.  Clearly it was distinctive and became popular.
 

Likely a product of the loudness wars.
Posted 4 years ago by beearraydee    [ Reply ]
cannot listen to this song at regular volume and cannot sit still any time I hear it... good rockin song!!
Posted 4 years ago by lynn01    [ Reply ]
That song went well with all the grunge of the day.  Those were good days in Seattle!
Posted 4 years ago by we5jaramillos    [ Reply ]
I'm fascinated by the sound he goes for.  It's all flattened onto a single plane and kind of compressed, intentionally obviously.  It could never be reproduced on a stage.  I wonder if anyone has insight into how the sound is produced and why he went for it.  Clearly it was distinctive and became popular.
Posted 4 years ago by cely    [ Reply ]
New stereo in '91.
This was the first thing I payed on it.
(You may have heard)
Posted 4 years ago by sfyi2001    [ Reply ]

The guitar intro ALWAYS grabs me, raises the hair on my arms and neck, and causes me to turn up the volume. 
Posted 4 years ago by vandal    [ Reply ]
Sounds they listed to a lot of ‘Jet’ a solid Aussie rock band?
Posted 4 years ago by Matt_Maurer    [ Reply ]
Loving the rock mix.......more power pop....how about the dB's?
Posted 4 years ago by ozburns55    [ Reply ]
Great wake up song!

Thanks All
Posted 4 years ago by DanFHiggins    [ Reply ]
Basic rock drumming, well executed.
Posted 4 years ago by DeemerDave    [ Reply ]
Remember vividly hearing Matthew Sweet being introduced early one morning on the PIG by Wild Bill, way back in the early 90’s. Not typical for the Pig, and it was clear then, as it is now that WB had a vision and a taste in music that I’m grateful to get to listen to. So glad I’ve been able to stay connected, and continue to enjoy all this eclectic, wonderful noise he shares.
Posted 4 years ago by grnrubbr    [ Reply ]
Love the message.  Isn't that what romantic movies are made from?
Posted 4 years ago by unclehud    [ Reply ]
 Grammarcop wrote:

Sashsa:

I'm not alone in my opinion. See what the critic John Pareles said about him in the Nov. 26, 2003, New York Times. 

Best wishes. 
 

Sharing an opinion with John Pareles is not something one should be excited about.
Posted 4 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]
Was knocked out by this in '91.
Had just got a new stereo and it was first thing I played. Cranked it.

Posted 5 years ago by sfyi2001    [ Reply ]
 Sasha2001 wrote:

Wow, you really had to dig up THAT reference, hardly a game changer. It's easy to call anyone a "second-tier songwriter," it's pretty lazy thinking on Pareles' part, and there are a lot of second-tier songwriters who would love to have written an album like Girlfriend. 

https://www.nytimes.com/2003/11/26/arts/pop-review-modesty-becomes-a-songwriter.html
 

Ah yes, Jon Pareles, the critic who invented the term "mope-rock" back in the 80s to write off bands like The Smiths and The Cure. Interesting to find out that he's ALWAYS been out of touch. 
Posted 5 years ago by jkamm14    [ Reply ]
Anyone remember the music video for this song?  Cool and unique Anime style.
Posted 5 years ago by Harlock    [ Reply ]
 Grammarcop wrote:

Sashsa:

I'm not alone in my opinion. See what the critic John Pareles said about him in the Nov. 26, 2003, New York Times. 

Best wishes. 

 
Wow, you really had to dig up THAT reference, hardly a game changer. It's easy to call anyone a "second-tier songwriter," it's pretty lazy thinking on Pareles' part, and there are a lot of second-tier songwriters who would love to have written an album like Girlfriend. 

https://www.nytimes.com/2003/11/26/arts/pop-review-modesty-becomes-a-songwriter.html
Posted 6 years ago by Sasha2001    [ Reply ]
Meh ... non-descript pop song. Seems like nothing special
Posted 8 years ago by smehan55    [ Reply ]
Sounds like late Moon Martin to me: fake, wanna-be rock'n'roll, dated production... Not a PSD, but not great either!
Posted 10 years ago by Mannick    [ Reply ]
 Cynaera wrote:
Oooo - Matthew Sweet. This song is just good for the ears (since romeotuma is conspicuously absent lately!) I'm chair-dancing (not to be confused with pole-dancing, which requires a thong, a hot body, and gymnastic moves. Um, and a pole.) {#Dancingbanana}
 

Miss you so much, Cynaera...

love this song...
 
Posted 11 years ago by Lazarus    [ Reply ]
Just a good rockin' song.
Posted 11 years ago by Zonkers    [ Reply ]
 Propayne wrote:
Robert Quine.

Very good. 

 
Robert Quine and Richard LLoyd - even better.....
Posted 11 years ago by lemmoth    [ Reply ]
Robert Quine.

Very good. 
Posted 11 years ago by Propayne    [ Reply ]
 martinc wrote:
Tight and great guitar licks ... I don't ask for much more

 
{#Bananajam}
Posted 11 years ago by DanO-1    [ Reply ]
'Need somebody to love..'?  Sounds familiar, not good.
Posted 11 years ago by Dav3thedog    [ Reply ]
Tight and great guitar licks ... I don't ask for much more
Posted 11 years ago by martinc    [ Reply ]
 Sasha2001 wrote:


...Who managed to craft a few top-tier songs. You forgot this last part.
 
Sashsa:

I'm not alone in my opinion. See what the critic John Pareles said about him in the Nov. 26, 2003, New York Times. 

Best wishes. 
Posted 11 years ago by Grammarcop    [ Reply ]
Says 1991 on Amazon - Wow, 21 years  - how time flies when you are having fun and listening to RP! {#Motor}
Posted 12 years ago by Pedro1874    [ Reply ]
His KBCO acoustic version is pretty good too.
Posted 12 years ago by Geecheeboy    [ Reply ]
Awesome guitar, weak lyrics but they would be totally overcome by a stronger blues voice.  I am imagining this song with the black crowes singing.
Posted 12 years ago by Sloggydog    [ Reply ]
Nice guitar
Posted 12 years ago by DD gypsyman    [ Reply ]
It was going so well... until he started singing.
Posted 12 years ago by Art_Carnage    [ Reply ]
i love Matthew Sweet. if you ever get the chance to see him live, do it. such a fun performer. 
Posted 12 years ago by lily34    [ Reply ]
 Boxman wrote:
A fantastic album from beginning to end, but I never would have discovered if not for hearing this song almost 20 years (yikes!) ago.

Driven by the late great Robert Quine on lead guitar, Fred Maher on the drums, Greg Leisz playing the lap steel, and Matthew Sweet on bass, as well as lead and backing vocals, "Girlfriend" is just an awesome track.  Quine's lead guitar on this song is something that puts a smile on my face everytime I hear it, because it sounds like he's about to go careening off the rails at any moment, but he incredibly regains control each time you think he's about to lose it.  Then there's that great rhythm vamp between Maher on drums and Sweet on bass that precedes the end of the song as Quine's guitar lets out these fitful restrained squeals before the song all comes to its somewhat menacing end. {#Music}  Just perfect.  

Still one of my favorite albums from the 1990s, with an incredible guitar line-up throughout featuring Quine, Richard Lloyd, and Leisz (as does Sweet's much darker follow-up album, "Altered Beast"). 

 
This and Altered Beast were probably the most 2 played albums of the 90s for me.{#Yes} Funny this song is probably my least favorite of both albums combined. Still a 7 though.

Posted 12 years ago by sirdroseph    [ Reply ]
Platidudesque Rick'n-Rock'n-Rolladoodle
Posted 12 years ago by Xing    [ Reply ]
 SpamNRice wrote:
Good power-pop every 5 years is quite tolerable
 
OK, OK... make that every 4 years... {#Yes}


Posted 12 years ago by SpamNRice    [ Reply ]
What you have to ask yourselves is, if this song is so boilerplate, so nuts and bolts rock n' roll, how come there are so few other songs that sound like it?
Posted 12 years ago by Sasha2001    [ Reply ]
What ever happened to Matthew? Did he fall off the earth?
Posted 12 years ago by rabaak    [ Reply ]
 Grammarcop wrote:
Matthew Sweet is a second-tier songwriter at best. 
 



...Who managed to craft a few top-tier songs.

You forgot this last part.
Posted 12 years ago by Sasha2001    [ Reply ]
Matthew Sweet is a second-tier songwriter at best. 
Posted 13 years ago by Grammarcop    [ Reply ]
 Antje_Schwahn wrote:
Hackneyed rock cliches encapsulated neatly in a song which souds like so many othersof its ilk
 
                    

 

Posted 13 years ago by MojoJojo    [ Reply ]
LOVE this tune!!!
Posted 13 years ago by Canlistener    [ Reply ]
Good stuff... Not my favorite of his, but I wouldn't really classify myself as a true fan, so my opinion probably doesn't matter as much... : )

Posted 13 years ago by hencini    [ Reply ]
this rox!
Posted 13 years ago by vandal    [ Reply ]
 Boxman wrote:
A fantastic album from beginning to end, but I never would have discovered if not for hearing this song almost 20 years (yikes!) ago.

Driven by the late great Robert Quine on lead guitar, Fred Maher on the drums, Greg Leisz playing the lap steel, and Matthew Sweet on bass, as well as lead and backing vocals, "Girlfriend" is just an awesome track.  Quine's lead guitar on this song is something that puts a smile on my face everytime I hear it, because it sounds like he's about to go careening off the rails at any moment, but he incredibly regains control each time you think he's about to lose it.  Then there's that great rhythm vamp between Maher on drums and Sweet on bass that precedes the end of the song as Quine's guitar lets out these fitful restrained squeals before the song all comes to its somewhat menacing end. {#Music}  Just perfect.  

Still one of my favorite albums from the 1990s, with an incredible guitar line-up throughout featuring Quine, Richard Lloyd, and Leisz (as does Sweet's much darker follow-up album, "Altered Beast"). 

 
too bad Quine and Auerbach never had a chance to do anything together,that would've been something,eh?

Posted 13 years ago by DD rabbi_phil    [ Reply ]
 Antje_Schwahn wrote:
Hackneyed rock cliches encapsulated neatly in a song which souds like so many othersof its ilk
 
Can we get a little more redundant please?
Maybe I should send this comment for approval from the office of redundancy office? 
Posted 13 years ago by Jelani    [ Reply ]
I bought this album when it came out,and my friends were like, 'dude this sounds like a friggin' garage band!" 
That's what I love about it; it sounds raw and un-messed with -  but good! 
Posted 13 years ago by Jelani    [ Reply ]
8 -> 9   I love me some Matthew Sweet! I remember the brief moment around '93–'94 when stuff like this was getting major airplay.

Would love to hear more MS on RP – maybe 'superdeformed'?
Posted 13 years ago by alaken    [ Reply ]
A fantastic album from beginning to end, but I never would have discovered if not for hearing this song almost 20 years (yikes!) ago.

Driven by the late great Robert Quine on lead guitar, Fred Maher on the drums, Greg Leisz playing the lap steel, and Matthew Sweet on bass, as well as lead and backing vocals, "Girlfriend" is just an awesome track.  Quine's lead guitar on this song is something that puts a smile on my face everytime I hear it, because it sounds like he's about to go careening off the rails at any moment, but he incredibly regains control each time you think he's about to lose it.  Then there's that great rhythm vamp between Maher on drums and Sweet on bass that precedes the end of the song as Quine's guitar lets out these fitful restrained squeals before the song all comes to its somewhat menacing end. {#Music}  Just perfect.  

Still one of my favorite albums from the 1990s, with an incredible guitar line-up throughout featuring Quine, Richard Lloyd, and Leisz (as does Sweet's much darker follow-up album, "Altered Beast"). 

Posted 13 years ago by Boxman    [ Reply ]
Any song with a drum solo/break deserves at least a 9! {#Drummer}
Posted 14 years ago by Darkmatter    [ Reply ]
 Cynaera wrote:
Oooo - Matthew Sweet. This song is just good for the ears (since romeotuma is conspicuously absent lately!) I'm chair-dancing (not to be confused with pole-dancing, which requires a thong, a hot body, and gymnastic moves. Um, and a pole.) {#Dancingbanana}
 
{#Lol}

{#Hug}

Posted 14 years ago by hippiechick    [ Reply ]
I miss hearing Matthew Sweet.
Posted 14 years ago by hippiechick    [ Reply ]
Great album that holds up today. {#Dancingbanana_2}
Posted 14 years ago by pauleywalnuts    [ Reply ]
Some songs just exist to rock and sound good. Remember first seeing the anime' video for this and thinkin' how cool it was.
Posted 14 years ago by Sasha2001    [ Reply ]
 Antje_Schwahn wrote:
Hackneyed rock cliches encapsulated neatly in a song which souds like so many othersof its ilk
 
Those who can, do.
Those who can't, teach.
Those who can't do or teach become critics.
Guessing you're a critic.

Posted 14 years ago by Cynaera    [ Reply ]
Oooo - Matthew Sweet. This song is just good for the ears (since romeotuma is conspicuously absent lately!) I'm chair-dancing (not to be confused with pole-dancing, which requires a thong, a hot body, and gymnastic moves. Um, and a pole.) {#Dancingbanana}
Posted 14 years ago by Cynaera    [ Reply ]

Posted 14 years ago by Derecho    [ Reply ]
 Hannio wrote:


Gotta agree.
  Hannio's comment is a pre-packaged non-original comment like so many other sheep such color...

Posted 14 years ago by auraltaffy    [ Reply ]
 Antje_Schwahn wrote:
Hackneyed rock cliches encapsulated neatly in a song which souds like so many othersof its ilk
 

Gotta agree.
Posted 14 years ago by Hannio    [ Reply ]
Hackneyed rock cliches encapsulated neatly in a song which souds like so many othersof its ilk
Posted 14 years ago by Antje_Schwahn    [ Reply ]
kicks ass
Posted 14 years ago by lophrequa    [ Reply ]
Great power pop! Love the urgency in the background vocals, and the percussion fill. Better LOUD! Great album too.

Posted 15 years ago by Essbee    [ Reply ]
 velvetglove wrote:
Hey, Bill.  Can you add I've Been Waiting from this album?  Pretty please?
 
Yeah — I like that one too!  Great idea! {#Clap}
Posted 15 years ago by WayUpNorth    [ Reply ]
Brings me back to sophomore year in college. I used to play a dubbed copy of this album incessantly on cassette — remember those?
Posted 15 years ago by okelle    [ Reply ]
 out_to_lunch wrote:
I love that photo he used for the cover. Great song
 
Yeah, Tuesday Weld; she was adorable.  Great song too.


Posted 15 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]
Nice to hear this.  I like a couple of other songs on the album better but Girlfriend deserves some airplay.  I bought this album based on some Amazon reviews (not always a good idea) and was pleased about how good the whole album is. 

Posted 15 years ago by mwaite49    [ Reply ]
Hey, Bill.  Can you add I've Been Waiting from this album?  Pretty please?
Posted 15 years ago by velvetglove    [ Reply ]
Most excellent CD!
Posted 15 years ago by coffee-eyes    [ Reply ]
Lovely song - brilliant guitar!
Posted 16 years ago by moonajohannes    [ Reply ]
The prototype for a GREAT pop song.  On the right day that's a fine thing.
Posted 16 years ago by ROSSinDETROIT    [ Reply ]
what a great album!
Posted 16 years ago by bodhisattva1031    [ Reply ]
Bleh.
Posted 16 years ago by MsJudi    [ Reply ]
ALive wrote:
I keep thinking Guitar Hero 2.
This was on Guitar Hero II?? MUST. GET. GUITAR. HERO. II!!!!!
Posted 16 years ago by agnes    [ Reply ]
I keep thinking Guitar Hero 2.
Posted 16 years ago by ALive    [ Reply ]
99 wrote:
This song is 100% fun.
Ha ha, this song was 100% fun!
Posted 16 years ago by Krispian    [ Reply ]
Good power-pop every 5 years is quite tolerable
Posted 16 years ago by SpamNRice    [ Reply ]
I couldn't imagine listening to this song very often. Ok on rotation, but bah, not really that good. average smaverage
Posted 17 years ago by superfido    [ Reply ]
I've always loved this one. Heard it for the first time when I was about 20 and was very impressed with this Matthew Sweet guy, whoever he was. I bought and enjoyed his next couple of albums as well but have since lost track of him. I think there are a handful of other songs that would fit nicely in the RP rotation.
Posted 17 years ago by RobK    [ Reply ]
This song is 100% fun.
Posted 17 years ago by 99    [ Reply ]
Sweet has some simply GREAT pop-rock classics. Some of the best (e.g. this and "Sick of Myself") get played a lot but it's still nice to hear.
Posted 17 years ago by TJOpootertoot    [ Reply ]
THE perfect alternative pop song. Possibly the greatest BREAK ever as well... !!!
Posted 17 years ago by King_Balt    [ Reply ]
haha, definitely one of the best albums of all time, and a great song, and yup, great album cover too, so simple yet so niiiiice. he's got a good thing goin' you know
Posted 17 years ago by davyjrshort    [ Reply ]
Great combination of pop sensibility and guitar rock!!!
Posted 17 years ago by music_man    [ Reply ]
Fun tune. Haven't heard it ages.
Posted 17 years ago by dixiedeb    [ Reply ]
serinde wrote:
98% on Medium! And that's without using Star Power!
Finally, someone who really "gets" me...
Posted 17 years ago by zazelle    [ Reply ]
I love that photo he used for the cover. Great song
Posted 17 years ago by out_to_lunch    [ Reply ]
diggin it
Posted 17 years ago by d00kie    [ Reply ]
Little pop gem. Good work resurrecting it!
Posted 17 years ago by meydele    [ Reply ]
98% on Medium! And that's without using Star Power!
Posted 17 years ago by serinde    [ Reply ]
It was only rejected 3 times before being accepted! Maybe someone finally is starting to like MS...
Posted 17 years ago by earthbased    [ Reply ]
makes me wanna play some more Guitar Hero II
Posted 17 years ago by jazy510    [ Reply ]
Hmmm this tracks starts out all right-I thought it was Hendrix at first but it turned into some awful pop schmultz. What an awful song.
Posted 17 years ago by goo    [ Reply ]
Love It! Haven't heard it in years. I had a promo disc with the demo of this. It was acoustic and was titled "Good Friend." Matthew told me he changed it because it's more sexy this way.
Posted 17 years ago by Graig    [ Reply ]
This song has it all: Great guitat solo, fantastic pop sensibility, beautiful melody, uplifting lyrics, etc.
Posted 17 years ago by dogdokken    [ Reply ]
Posted 17 years ago by Shesdifferent    [ Reply ]
About time! I think this has been uploaded more than once before finally making The Show. Excellent tune.
Posted 17 years ago by redeyespy    [ Reply ]
This whole album had pop magic on every track. And then...I didn't like anything else he put out until very recently. The 60's covers he does with Susanna Hoffs are wonderfully produced. Bill would be doing us all a great turn by playing Run To Me, the Bee Gees' track that ends their disc.
Posted 17 years ago by daliebe    [ Reply ]
Interesting cover. Looks like she has horns coming out of her head! Hmmm?
Posted 17 years ago by Walrus_Gumbo    [ Reply ]
I loved the music video for this song, It had anime in it.
Posted 17 years ago by TAKEY    [ Reply ]