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James Wayman @jameswayman.bsky.social · 3h

I have a tendency to overlook 10k Maniacs when considering vintage college/alternative rock. Perhaps a little smoother than the music of their peers? Solid songwriting, competent performances, and strong vocals lead the way. TROUBLE ME, PUPPET, and POISON are highlights for me.

The cover art for 10,000 Maniacs' BLIND MAN'S ZOO, featuring 8 panels of black-and-white images of elephants (as well as people's interaction/effect on them). Wondering if this is a play on the idea that two people at opposite ends of an elephant will describe the same animal in two very different ways.

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James Wayman @jameswayman.bsky.social · 11/10/2026

Going through some scratch-and-dent 70s artists this weekend. Trying to avoid the obvious choices and ended up here. Despite the menacing Frazetta cover art, the hard rock is tucked into disco, boogie, and country tropes. KENTUCKY FRIED BLUES and title track are highlights.

The cover art to Nazareth's EXPECT NO MERCY is taken from a 1967 painting by Frank Frazetti called THE BRAIN. It shows a horned demonic warrior at the start of a two-handed overhand strike on a smaller opponent holding his sword horizontally while his shield is positioned on the other arm slightly behind him.

This cover art always messed me up as the shield would've been a far better strategy than the sword against the coming strike... as the sword goes overhead the whole torso is exposed. What could be impending dread could've been settled before the sword came down?

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James Wayman @jameswayman.bsky.social · 10/10/2026

Was entirely unaware of this release from Spirit which had 2 editions. This is the Esoteric version that mixes the early psyche sound with late 80s production. It doesn't all work, but really enjoy LOVE FROM HERE and the Bo Diddley beat of the title track.

The cover art for Spirit's TENT OF MIRACLES release featuring three round tents on the plain as well as three signposts to the right of the image that look somewhere between a Shriners'/Shambala image or something even more exotic (like golden horns with a golden sprout coming upward through its center).

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James Wayman @jameswayman.bsky.social · 10/10/2026

Hard to believe it's been 6 years since EVH's passing. Chose the underdog album. Reminded of what was lost, but grateful for all that was left behind. WOMEN IN LOVE still strikes me as classic. So dynamic in its gentle intro yielding to a stomping riff with great vocal harmonies.

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James Wayman @jameswayman.bsky.social · 08/10/2026

SLAVES AND BULLDOZERS was a most cathartic track of my 20's (KILLING IN THE NAME OF... was the other). As I recognized the talent it took to write, perform, and record this album... I also noticed that 12 minutes of this is bliss, but the 13th minute leads to headaches for me.

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James Wayman @jameswayman.bsky.social · 08/10/2026

Though familiar with TS at CAN'T STOP; this $3.99 LP found in the bins at Rolling Stones music one December night in the mid-80s was the first I brought home. It was ominous and heavy; but also hinted at how catchy they'd become. DESTROYER; DON'T KNOW; and title track still hit.

The cover art for Twisted Sister's UNDER THE BLADE features a band shot with leader Dee Snider in the front and center position reaching out to the listener.

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James Wayman @jameswayman.bsky.social · 08/10/2026

Wish I were in the market for new art; but this is a really nice image. Thank you for sharing.

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James Wayman @jameswayman.bsky.social · 07/10/2026

As a Jellyfish fan, when learning Jason Falkner and Roger Joseph Manning were part of this, I picked this up quickly. I didn't expect it to be 80's type techno synth pop somewhere between the Miami Vice soundtrack and a darker form of Information Society. Weird, but interesting.

I do not know the building on this cover art for TV EYES's self-titled album. Bathed in the pink of the sky and reflections from solid buildings, this is a whole-floor apartment on top of the space needle or your nearest water tower?

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James Wayman @jameswayman.bsky.social · 06/10/2026

As a new act, I absolutely didn't get the Pretenders; but each year that passes makes them better and better. TIME THE AVENGER remains an all-time favorite for me; but the fall-off from second-best to least favorite isn't that far. MIDDLE, CHAIN GANG, and MY CITY all strong.

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James Wayman @jameswayman.bsky.social · 05/10/2026

Some days are better than others, as I wished for a few extra hours of today's sunlight and weather. Moving into evening with this sunny choice. While some of the mixing and keyboard patch choices definitely datestamp the album; its smoothly melodic way continues to connect.

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James Wayman @jameswayman.bsky.social · 04/10/2026

With the turn of the calendar, the fall vibes are settling in. An artist that always fits this time is R.E.M. Found my way in on this album, and remembering this as a frequent listen during my junior and senior years of high school. Loved the hits, but DISTURBANCE brings me back.

The cover art for R.E.M.'s DOCUMENT album featuring an image that looks like the title spine is in the wrong place between the right edge of a photo fully seen in the inserts; and a two-third's image of a man in front of a gaggle of camera, cages, or recorders. (Never did figure this out?)

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James Wayman @jameswayman.bsky.social · 03/10/2026

In listening to several Capitol-era Megadeth albums, Have only now begun to realize the damage the 2004 remixes have done to my memories of these albums. For PEACE, I also have the 2011 remaster which returned to the original mix. THE CONJURING are like 2 different songs...

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James Wayman @jameswayman.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

Bummed to hear about Cronos's passing. The first Venom LP I owned, though loved everything that came before it. Love it or hate it, Venom had authority, spectacle, and influence despite their musical limitations. They dreamed audaciously big. RIP RIDE shows how dreams prevail...

The cover art for Venom's AT WAR WITH SATAN gives the appearance of a leather-bound religious (or anti-) text with goldleaf titles, boundaries, and design. The original LP played up the textures, but by second and third presses it was clearly a photograph of a leather texture.

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James Wayman @jameswayman.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

I realized that music had moved past me around 2000. I really did like this pop-punk record from DumDums which took a burst of Marvelous 3 energy; Fountains of Wayne directness; and a borrowed Joe Jackson angst to make something fun. CAUGHT ME and SHIP are the class of the album.

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James Wayman @jameswayman.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

It was a game-changing album, but at the time it felt more for the next generation of heavy rock fans than the NWOBHM through 'thrash maturation' era of mine. I respected AERIALS and CHOP SUEY; but listening now, this album is so much deeper as NEEDLES and the title track prove.

The cover art for System of a Down's TOXICITY album featuring the band's name appearing on the side of a hill somewhat akin to the HOLLYWOOD sign in California.

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James Wayman @jameswayman.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

Rod Stewart or Owen Wilson? Hadn't heard MY HEART CAN'T TELL YOU NO in years, until noticing it on Muzak at the grocery store nudged me to dig this out again. Surprised I still had this from a collection buy. Won't confuse this with Faces or earlier solo work, but not bad.

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James Wayman @jameswayman.bsky.social · 27/09/2026

40 years ago Cliff Burton had died in a tour bus crash. Z-Rock radio played their albums and b-sides all day. 'Mandatory Metallica' music blocks on radio replaced 'Get the Led Out'. I root for Metallica, but think they never really recovered what was lost that day. Tighter older.

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James Wayman @jameswayman.bsky.social · 27/09/2026

After hearing the ENIGMA VARIATIONS 2 tape in the late 90s, I found myself trawling for lesser-known Enigma artists 10-15 years after their records came out. Game Theory, Plan 9, and Wednesday Week. Liked the earnest nature of this, and felt Don Dixon's WHY was a great fit.

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James Wayman @jameswayman.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

Found my way in through PEEPSHOW. Picked this up on release a short while later. Despite the intended quirks; what I liked about Siouxsie's voice was similar to what I liked about Kate Pierson's (B52's). Not only have a soft spot for FEAR OF THE UNKNOWN, but totally relate.

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James Wayman @jameswayman.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

Just learned about these guys, and digging into their classic thrash sound. Bits of bands like Raven, Razor, Exciter, and Sacrifice can be found in the energy. While not as identifiable as the mentioned bands, I'm surprised they didn't get more attention during early thrash years

The cover art for Chainsaw's HELL'S BURNIN' UP features a bat flying through a fiery scene carrying a blue chainsaw.

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James Wayman @jameswayman.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

While I had a little difficulty with Udo's lack of any involvement, I have to say this crop of guest lead vocalists seems eager to take stabs at getting that Udo shriek going. Halford and John Bush do it best. UP TO THE LIMIT and surpassing it.

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James Wayman @jameswayman.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

I'm sure Glenn Hughes could've written the ultimate redemption story of the wasted rock ranger into respected rock legend if ever he chooses. Gratefully, there are so many high quality solo albums and side projects to choose from. THIS HOUSE & FRAIL are highlights.

This is the cover art for Glenn Hughes's MUSIC FOR THE DIVINE album. A classic pink-tinged California city-scape photo featuring palm fronds and skyscrapers in the distance.

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James Wayman @jameswayman.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

When I was first getting into jazz 30 years ago, I really appreciated how Columbia had both the Contemporary Jazz Masters and the Masterpieces badges. Was why I bought this. Appreciating the 70s fusion stank all over it. The peak of the flugelhorn/trumpet double threat. Surviving in memory and cd.

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James Wayman @jameswayman.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

I seem to be practicing a weird form of gratitude. That Tokyo Blade is operational 40 years after their debut album just makes me so happy. Like a new album from an old friend. While the modern mix took a few bites out of their identifying sonic features; I'll take this deal going forward.

The cover art for Tokyo Blade's HOIST THE COLOURS HIGH has the red electric/neon samurai operating some sort of watercraft with a bigger ghastly laser-like ship following it.

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James Wayman @jameswayman.bsky.social · 20/09/2026

Being vulnerable about my ignorance on the value of mono sound versus the stereo field. It really is impressive how balanced these recordings are, and how each instrument holds its own lane without muddying the others. Sounds small after years of stereo OLE and MY FAVORITE THINGS.

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James Wayman @jameswayman.bsky.social · 19/09/2026

Appreciated how self-aware Sugar Ray was to follow-up the success of FLY with an album named after their remaining minutes of fame. Warhol may have smiled. Really liked the hits, but never really treated this as an entire album. Didn't mean it as disrespect, SOMEDAY connected.

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James Wayman @jameswayman.bsky.social · 19/09/2026

Mordred was a brave band bringing funk and scratch turntable-antics to thrash metal. In some cases, the novelty suggests a scene beyond Faith No More. In others that even in the most skilled hands these genres can't congeal. NUMB is a highlight.

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James Wayman @jameswayman.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

Not my first choice of Moody Blues albums usually, and listening to try to know why. On this listen, I still hear the psych-rock atmospherics, but the songwriting is a bit tighter and less experimental. NEVER COMES THE DAY is a wistful beauty though.

The cover art of The Moody Blues' ON THE THRESHOLD OF A DREAM featuring a space-robot like structure to the left, a dark wizard like figure to the right, and a tree with individual leaves larger than the branches in the middle of a violet-blue swamp background.

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James Wayman @jameswayman.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

Always appreciate these solo Corea efforts. They are less formal and cover a lot of ground for one piano. This time out, Chick covers Monk, Stevie Wonder, Bill Evans, and even performs a Mozart piece. Though this recording really sounds like you are in the performance environment

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James Wayman @jameswayman.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

A souvenir from my first trip to Bloomington-Normal area more than 15 years ago. Loved the storybook motif. Figured it to be a mix of indie and prog. Was wrong about the prog; but still a neat record with interesting guitar tones. THIS TOWN and LIFE IS EASY are highlights.

The cover art for Reuben's Accomplice's THE BULL, THE BALLOON, and THE FAMILY cd featuring a storybook like layout with a title box, and an inset of artwork featuring a skeleton holding a balloon while riding a purple bull into the desert away from a mission-church building.

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James Wayman @jameswayman.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

No one's asking, but I'm thinking the new dream is to start some sort of radio station that plays nothing but calm instrumental music. Sounds that make hold-music seem aggressive. Easy on the nerves and good for blood pressure. BARCELONA & PLACES would make the playlist.

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James Wayman @jameswayman.bsky.social · 12/09/2026

This album kept creeping up as a recommendation in the vein of jazz records I liked; particularly John Coltrane's OLE. This is a bait-and-switch where only the title track goes into that otherworldly space that OLE, Sun Ra, or Miles Davis's IN A SILENT WAY. The rest is blues-based and a novelty tune

The cover art for Randy Weston's AFRICAN COOKBOOK featuring an African-influenced scene of a god-like statue in front of an orange sun. A triumvirate of women in color (one standing in front of the statue with arms stretched to her sides; in the foreground is a woman in a blue headress and burka-like cover; to her left is a black lady with a gold crescent earring and a light purple (purple-y white?) gown looking over her left shoulder at the balancing figure in front of the statue.

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James Wayman @jameswayman.bsky.social · 12/09/2026

The funereal vibe set the wrong tone for this album, but the songs stay strong. I've listened to everything I could find by the Smithereens, and it is that mixture of sweetness and melancholy that has made them a favorite. Particularly HOUSE AT THE END OF and ALL REVVED UP.

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James Wayman @jameswayman.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

Did Uli Roth have an outsized impact on Scorpions? What's good became favorites from them; but can't cleanse the mess of his worst instincts. TbF is a post-Hendrixian rock album with funky 70s vibes. CHARON, STEAMROCK, and BURN THE SKY are worth a re-visit despite the patina.

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James Wayman @jameswayman.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

Really liked Fastway with Dave King, enjoying their Columbia-era albums. So was surprised to see life after King come in the form of ON TARGET. Fast Eddie teamed up with former Paul Di'Anno manager Lea Hart. FINE LINE is a highlight, though it sounded closer to Fate or Europe.

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James Wayman @jameswayman.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

Though Alcatrazz was to be Graham Bonnet's star vehicle; it was more like a Mayall's Bluesbreakers for 80's guitarists Yngwie and Vai. Didn't get this until 1991 but loved Vai's guitar work. He supported and challenged Bonnet. WILL YOU BE HOME is a favorite Bonnet performance.

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James Wayman @jameswayman.bsky.social · 08/09/2026

Reading a recent review of the Mountain View performance and despite a cracking new album, the mighty Purple can't win. With 3 members associated with their most popular eras; they are an older act vs only 1 member among 2 openers. Without the 3 would people recognize the act?

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James Wayman @jameswayman.bsky.social · 07/09/2026

Another favorite rock/metal artist has closed in on a 50th anniversary. BREAKER was my first exposure to Accept; though it was RESTLESS & WILD and BALLS TO THE WALL that made me a fan. Udo's voice kept this from being a Maiden/Priest/Scorps imitation. MIDNIGHT HIGHWAY still rocks.

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James Wayman @jameswayman.bsky.social · 06/09/2026

Really loved this album. Hard rock with Paul Di'Anno crossing over from his native growl into an area of sustained notes with operatic projection. RIP IT UP is a great opener, and it was noticeably different than Iron Maiden. A shame that every cd issue of this has sounded so bad.

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James Wayman @jameswayman.bsky.social · 05/09/2026

This version of Elvis's POCKETFUL OF RAINBOWS always gets me. It opens with Elvis's voice cracking on the first word. The band trainwrecks. The engineer uses the talkback and Elvis responding before the band tries again and nails it. Editing enables perfection, adding distance.

The cover art for MUSIC FROM THE MOTION PICTURE, JERRY MAGUIRE featuring a similar Tom Cruise photo to the one used on the film posters.

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James Wayman @jameswayman.bsky.social · 04/09/2026

SIGNALS is my forgotten Rush album. Their first 4 LPs were budget buys that I got when first buying music. Burnt out on TOM SAWYER, and didn't reconnect until I started collecting cds in 1987. WINDOWS and FIRE had me go back. Oddly SIGNALS eluded me until it was remastered.

The cover art for Rush's SIGNALS with a dalmatian sniffing at a red fire hydrant.

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James Wayman @jameswayman.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

When in a Grateful Dead mode, I generally spiral. This later ABB effort is a nice chaser. Though they definitely had great material stockpiled and ready to go (NOBODY & SOULSHINE); it also is a testament to Allman and Betts' versatility and the enduring talent of Warren Haynes.

Cover art for the Allman Brothers' WHERE IT ALL BEGINS album featuring a flashback photo of a mighty mushroom emerging from a circular lake or pool at sunset (or sunrise).

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James Wayman @jameswayman.bsky.social · 02/09/2026

Didn't really find my path into the Grateful Dead until 1991 or so. Between their contracts with Warners and Arista; they released several albums on their own label. Liked how rock, jazz, and country melded into a unique fusion here. The instrumentals deserve more credit.

The cover art for Grateful Dead's BLUES FOR ALLAH album featuring a red-robed skeleton sitting on a portico window playing a violin.

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James Wayman @jameswayman.bsky.social · 01/09/2026

Liked the idea of releasing the bonus tracks of a box set without the box set. Released shortly after ONE FOR ALL, this was their first US issue in 8 years. Their guitarist had an injury, and it would be 10 years before the next new album. Nice to have an official HOT MOVES on cd.

The cover art to Raven's RAW TRACKS compilation of outtakes, covers, live, and demo versions featuring a collage of pictures and an open can. (Tracks in the can, maybe?

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James Wayman @jameswayman.bsky.social · 30/08/2026

Settling in for a peaceful Sunday. With so many great jazz pianists over the years, it is too easy to lose track of them all. Chick, Monk, Brubeck, Hancock, Tyner, Zawinul, Bill Evans, Ahmad, Duke, Basie, Oscar, and Keith populate these lists. Cedar Walton isn't mentioned enough.

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James Wayman @jameswayman.bsky.social · 29/08/2026

Never thought Exumer would be an active concern 40 years after buying the POSSESSED BY FIRE LP. Currently enjoying the speed and power of the new cd. Hits similar spaces reached by Exodus, Testament, and more recent Kreator. ERADICATION is sonic anger as I remember it.

The cover art for Exumer's DEATH MASK MESSIAH features a pewter-looking mask similar to earlier Exumer covers with 3 prongs on top, a wrap of barbed wire over its forehead; and metal bands on either side of the mask. Looks more like NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS than a typical metal cover.

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James Wayman @jameswayman.bsky.social · 29/08/2026

In a bit of revisionism, Sea Hags seem to be equally important to GnR and more so than Love/Hate in the current narratives. I had picked it up as a new album at the time, and thought it sounded like Alice Cooper trying out for Faster Pussycat. This listen hasn't changed my mind.

The cover art for Sea Hags' self-titled debut features a scene of murky stormy seawater. A mermaid and a cabin boy holding a lantern are in the foreground.

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James Wayman @jameswayman.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

I have a soft spot for the prog hard rock sound of bands like Masterplan, Millennium, Place Vendome, and Pyramaze. Though bits of this sound like a laptop album; it lessens the guilt of using bluetooth while doing chores. Making do with Bandcamp and hope for a cd someday.

The cover art for Martin Miller's MAZE OF MY MIND album featuring a cutaway image into the top of a gentleman's head (no guts or blood; just maze walls). A tree, a fire, and a tightrope walker complete the image.

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James Wayman @jameswayman.bsky.social · 26/08/2026

Olde English fonts, a skeleton rider and odd stained-glass patterns suggest Grim Reaper entered the metal arena at a disadvantage. Grimmett and Bowcott give it a good fight with strong performances and great energy; especially MATTER OF TIME, FIGHT FOR THE LAST, and title track.

The cover art for Grim Reaper's FEAR NO EVIL album featuring a cowl-robed skeleton riding a motorcycle through a stained-glass window.

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James Wayman @jameswayman.bsky.social · 26/08/2026

Made a quick flyby on this album tonight because I wanted to hear HANGINAROUND and MRS POTTER'S LULLABY again. Positive memories of learning LULLABY as part of a duo when it was a newer song. Always was a little thrown by how many verses there were in that song. A great band.

The cover art to Counting Crows' THIS DESERT LIFE featuring the suit-and-bowler traveler character with a fishbowl for a head.

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