The One

guygrooves

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I thought I might be done with this one, but I was approached by "Kappy" and asked if he could play a banjo line for it. I said of course, not thinking much about it. A few days later John (Kappy) sent me a copy of what he had done. It sat on my desktop for a few weeks because I honestly didn't know how I would mix it with a banjo. I was certain that it wasn't something I wanted for the song......BOY WAS I WRONG!! I opened it up, loaded it with the latest version of the song featuring Michael House aka mhv9591 on keyboard strings and electric piano, as well as Chris Cihon aka PickQuickRecords on lead guitar, and a harmony guitar track I didn't use on the last one. I started to mix it minus Michael's piano line, worried that I wouldn't be able to find enough room for placing all the instruments in the mix. WRONG AGAIN!! I eventually wound up using all tracks sent to me in this version. There are 8 separate instruments and 3 vocal tracks. This is the largest mix I have worked on to date, and it wasn't easy to get it to this point, but I figured if I didn't post it soon I might not ever. I am my own worst critic and suffer from a pretty bad case of perfectionism. Please feel free to let me know how to improve it, the more ears the better. Thanks to all who listen.

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Song Stats

Hits: 993
Comments: 71
Fans: 35
Plays: 168
Downloads: 49
Votes:
Uploaded: Mar 23, 2009 - 07:05:48 PM
Last Updated: Mar 23, 2009 - 07:05:48 PM Last Played: Nov 22, 2009 - 07:13:14 AM

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Comments

sheilad	sheilad said 245 days ago (March 23rd, 2009)
	aaahhhhhh That answers my question! Yes it is all of the players. Love the banjo... that just finishes it! Great job to everyone... d/l to the collection lol Check out my latest song called Halloween Wandering/PickQuickRecords

guygrooves	guygrooves said 245 days ago (March 23rd, 2009)
	Thanks I appreciate your thoughts and visit. Thanks again Sheila. Peace Guy Check out my latest song called Last Day Here

mowguy3	mowguy3 said 245 days ago (March 23rd, 2009)
	My oh My "Please feel free to let me know how to improve it, the more ears the better" You have got to be kidding. This sounded fantastic to me. Great job everyone. Wow! And what a story it just doesent get any better. Thanks. Russ Check out my latest song called A Different Shade Of Moonlight

guygrooves	guygrooves said 245 days ago (March 23rd, 2009)
	Thanks Russ Nice to meet you. Thanks for taking time to stop by and listen and thank you for the kind kind words. Peace Guy Check out my latest song called Last Day Here

chronologic	chronologic said 245 days ago (March 23rd, 2009)
	works I agree man Kappy's addition works, brings out a really cool vibe on this song. I think the banjo makes the vocal style even better, like a "Gentle On My Mind" type sound. Really places it and makes it "romantic" in that way. Love it. Check out my latest song called Walk with You

guygrooves	guygrooves said 245 days ago (March 23rd, 2009)
	Thanks bro as usual you are right on the mark. I totally agree with everything you say. Thanks for stopping by and listening. Peace Guy Check out my latest song called Last Day Here

Feter

Feter said 245 days ago (March 23rd, 2009)

The One
Ahhhhhhhhh ...Guy this is one of my fav ever song of yours ..your vocal
the spirit in all ..just amazing ...John 's banjo is the greatest I did
one with him as well will see the light soon I hope ...Mike and Chris just
super stars here and we know how they gives so good for the songs ...
super colab indeed ...I love this ..spirited song ..with deep meanings ..
Kudos to all ....thnx alot for sharin such gem !!!

p.s
I heard the Byrds on some verses !!!

Check out my latest song called A Night With Feter feat'(Roxylee sloparts crissew johnwhitehead and Yamin AL Yamani )

guygrooves	guygrooves said 245 days ago (March 23rd, 2009)
	Thanks Feter You are so kind and talented I am flattered you like the song man. Peace Guy Check out my latest song called Last Day Here

sloparts	sloparts said 245 days ago (March 23rd, 2009)
	Nice mix Guy No worries about it from here that's for sure. Kappy added a certain sparkle to the mix that brightens it up and adds the missing ingredient. all of you did a marvelous job on this, especially you Guy. Very nice mix man, congratulations. Ed Check out my latest song called Just a little Something

guygrooves	guygrooves said 245 days ago (March 23rd, 2009)
	Thanks Ed Really nice of you to say. Thanks for the listen. Peace Guy Check out my latest song called Last Day Here

magnatone	magnatone said 245 days ago (March 23rd, 2009)
	The One I LOVE THIS!! the banjo is, dare i say, exquisite! this has such a warm, accessible feel to me. terrific vocals, harmonies, and every single instrument adds immeasurably. this is one excellent song! Check out my latest song called Symphonic Smackdown

guygrooves	guygrooves said 245 days ago (March 23rd, 2009)
	I agree... The banjo really is exquisite it really brings everything together doesn't it. Thanks Karen. Peace Guy Check out my latest song called Last Day Here

Elevator_Funk

Elevator_Funk said 245 days ago (March 23rd, 2009)

OK....
here's what i like about this one versus other ones..... The banjo is just right in the mix. I felt on 'our' version that my guitar was overwhelming in the mix when you were singing, but the banjo fits better in the mix and sounds tasteful without overwhelming your vocals, plus the guitar solos on this were killer, they fit in right where they were supposed to. I especially liked the dual leads in various parts of the song, gave it a kind of allman bro's feel. Good stuff.

Check out my latest song called Post Nasal Drip

guygrooves	guygrooves said 245 days ago (March 24th, 2009)
	Thanks Brian I really like our version too and your guitar was the "sheen" in that one in my opinion Henri really gave the rhythm section the anchor it needed and I dug your guitar lines so much I may have subconsciously moved it too far up in the mix but only because it was so good. Thanks so much for your time and thoughts. Peace Guy Check out my latest song called Last Day Here

Char	Char said 245 days ago (March 24th, 2009)
	Oh yes, Love all the instruments and the harmonies. Very bright and clean and balanced. I think you are done with this, now. Had to sing along or at least hum along. Great job, band. Take a bow. Thanks, all of you. Check out my latest song called Break Away (Mark Holbrook & Awigze)

guygrooves	guygrooves said 245 days ago (March 24th, 2009)
	Thanks Char I learned with this one to never say never lol Thanks for the kind words and the time you took to listen. Peace Guy Check out my latest song called Last Day Here

PaddyNavinCaryatid

PaddyNavinCaryatid said 245 days ago (March 24th, 2009)

What's left to say?
The banjo isn't an addition, it's the sheen, the final piece in the jigsaw puzzle. Like nearly everyone else I think this is not just a great MJ song but something that stands alongside the best classic commercial releases. The banjo sits in the mix like it always belonged there.
I'm a sucker for banjo in country rock. This is now my definitive version of "The One" and will take its place on my iPod to soothe me on sad evenings.
I salute you!

Check out my latest song called The Last Goodbye (New Version)

guygrooves	guygrooves said 245 days ago (March 24th, 2009)
	Dead on Mate... You couldn't be more accurate with that comment. I am very happy with how it came out. Thanks for the listen and comment. You should try to find a copy of "Sweet city woman" by the Stampeders which is in my opinion the crown jewel of country rock with a banjo. Peace Guy Check out my latest song called Last Day Here

MarkHolbrook	MarkHolbrook said 245 days ago (March 24th, 2009)
	Hi Guy! I agree with the above the banjo adds sheen and I love the sound of this one. On my first listen something sounded out of sync in the very start but after two more listens it has clicked in. It was probably my ears that were messed up! Great job Guy! Gosh the vocals on this are superb! Check out my latest song called Never Say Goodbye - Bond Challenge

guygrooves	guygrooves said 245 days ago (March 24th, 2009)
	You have good ears.... There is... the banjo starts a beat late and I couldn't really fix it, and the acoustic goes out of time a couple times throughout the song. I wish I had re recorded it before I posted this and if I find a bass player I will. Thanks for your time Mark Peace Guy Check out my latest song called Last Day Here

jiguma

jiguma said 245 days ago (March 24th, 2009)

Guy
The individual tracks sound fantastically well recorded, and you have a lot of life in the mix of this very nice song. It gets better and better as it moves on - a really nice country rock feel going on.

As far as improvements go, the only nits I would pick are: the acoustic guitar in the RH channel in the first minute or so (it comes back towards the end) - the one playing off the beat - seems to throw the rhythm out pretty badly. I'd suggest a much straighter strum on that. Only other area which seems lacking is the bass - I'm listening on pretty good 'phones and can't really make it out at all. For me (I grew up playing this sort of thing) there's a driving bass line just screaming out for a chance to move this along.

Great song, great recording (except for the bass). Singing, drums and guitar are all excellent. Banjo works for me too. Your production skills have come a long way since that first song of yours I heard.

Cheers,
N

Check out my latest song called Lost In Translation (w Mike Watkins)

guygrooves

guygrooves said 245 days ago (March 24th, 2009)

Neil
I am so happy you made it by, it means a lot to me, as I know how busy you are. You are a huge part of how far I have come with production. You were very kind with your direction and advice in the beginning (as well as lately) but those early days you gave me some strong direction and I am grateful to say the least.
I am going to re record the acoustic, and wish I had done it before posting this one, but I think there is one more in me, and maybe next year I'll have a version with a real bass line and an on time acoustic guitar. Thanks for your time mate and take care of yourself.
Peace
Guy

Check out my latest song called Last Day Here

davisamerica	davisamerica said 245 days ago (March 24th, 2009)
	Guy .. Kudos to all involved. A beauty ... downloaded .. how cool are you ?? Very. Check out my latest song called No Son(egobandit band)

guygrooves	guygrooves said 245 days ago (March 24th, 2009)
	Hey bro I am only as cool as you lol Thank you for stopping by mate. Peace Guy Check out my latest song called Last Day Here

michael2

michael2 said 245 days ago (March 24th, 2009)

nicely done
some good country rockin going on here. banjo is a great addition, and those guitar parts are great. reminds me of the time i spent in Florida listening to the Allmans, Marshall Tucker, etc... my one nitpick is the same as Jiguma: the one accoustic is a little off time in parts, and takes away from the driving feel. but you are 99% of the way there on this one. take with a grain of salt as i use all first takes (including mixes). that makes me SO not the person to be dispensing advice. great track.

Check out my latest song called Behind Enemy Lines (w/Bud and Particle Dots)

guygrooves

guygrooves said 245 days ago (March 24th, 2009)

I dig how humble
you are Michael You have every right to dispense advice man your songs and production is always top notch. Thank you for stopping by man, I am flattered you took the time bro. I am aware of your situation at home and I hope and pray it changes for the better.
You are right as Jiguma, and I mentioned how and when I was gonna fix it so I'll give some other projects some needed attention for the time being and come back to this later.
Peace
Guy

Check out my latest song called Last Day Here

tokai	tokai said 245 days ago (March 24th, 2009)
	Blue Nice song, with your great voice and sweet arrangement, great guitar moments through out. Love those vocal harmonies very well done. Check out my latest song called maizuru/Bud/Char

guygrooves	guygrooves said 245 days ago (March 24th, 2009)
	Thank you I appreciate the visit and the time you took to listen and comment. Peace Guy Check out my latest song called Last Day Here

Calchas	Calchas said 244 days ago (March 24th, 2009)
	Hey Guy... You tryin' to become a "One" hit wonder or something? lol Well it seems each version is better than the last. I really like the more "rootsy" approach you've taken here. Vocal harmonies are just right. Very nice my friend. Be well! Check out my latest song called All Is Quiet

guygrooves	guygrooves said 244 days ago (March 25th, 2009)
	Toooo funny LMAO The One Hit Wonder lol If I keep it up this will be the only song on my page lol and you would think I am done with it wouldn't you? ha ha ha I just got an awesome bass player to agree to do a "real" bass line for it........Ok everybody.... roll your eyes in unison Peace Guy Check out my latest song called Last Day Here

lengold	lengold said 244 days ago (March 25th, 2009)
	Great song Loved every version of it. Cheers Len Check out my latest song called Dodgy Doughnut

guygrooves	guygrooves said 243 days ago (March 26th, 2009)
	Len Thanks for the listen on all of them lol. I hope all is well with you. Peace Guy Check out my latest song called Last Day Here

tempie

tempie said 243 days ago (March 25th, 2009)

the one
yeah this is musical high cotton. i've said before (i think) that this tune makes me want to crank up the stereo, roll down the windows, and head down I-40, and this version even more so. banjo is really cool but it's the structure and vox that make this tune what it is. you only need one hit when this is "the one" lol.

Check out my latest song called Get Away with Murder Eyes (5XArms Cover)

guygrooves	guygrooves said 243 days ago (March 26th, 2009)
	Thank you Nice of you to drop by and listen, thanks for the kind words. Looks like one more version is in the works. I'll save it for when everyone has forgotten about this tune lol. Peace Guy Check out my latest song called Last Day Here

PickQuickRecords

PickQuickRecords said 243 days ago (March 25th, 2009)

The One
I like the addition of the banjo, it adds a nice element to an already awesome tune. To my ears its a little hot and up front compared to some of the other instruments like the accordion and strings, maybe a little more volume from them will help even it out. I agree with Jiguma on the bass, it really is hard to hear. Beside that, I'm impressed once again, and THANK YOU for letting me perform on this. I had a lot of fun recording the tracks. Extremely professional sounding. Impressive.

Thanks again.

Chris

Check out my latest song called Open Collab 2

guygrooves

guygrooves said 243 days ago (March 26th, 2009)

Hey Chris
I had another listen last night and I hear it now and agree. I actually tried to hide my crappy playing in both the acoustic and bass and I guess it only worked with the bass. Goes to show you the people you like to hear from the most are the ones likely to call you out on the weakness of any given piece. The Bass has finally been farmed out to a real bass player and I am gonna re record the acoustic. I always do better when I play with musicians that can actually keep time (never has been my strong suit lol) When those are done and in the mix I think the Banjo won't stand out as much, we'll see I guess. Thank you for your support and contribution I am truly honored you took the time. I think this last version will be everything I hoped the song could be.
Peace
Guy

Check out my latest song called Last Day Here

Vic Holman	Vic Holman said 243 days ago (March 25th, 2009)
	3rd times a charm the additions sound great! i had thought the first one & second one didn't need anything else, boy was i wrong as well. true you never know when a song is actually finished Check out my latest song called November

guygrooves	guygrooves said 243 days ago (March 26th, 2009)
	If 3rd time is a charm.. What would be the fourth lol. There is one more comin lol Way down the road though. Thanks Vic. Peace Guy Check out my latest song called Last Day Here

lavalamp	lavalamp said 243 days ago (March 26th, 2009)
	Good stuff Laid back. Has a country-rock feel to it. It could go either way which is not easy to accomplish. Great job. Enjoyed this a lot. Dave Check out my latest song called Googolplex Times Zero

guygrooves	guygrooves said 242 days ago (March 27th, 2009)
	Thanks Dave I am happy you made the time to stop by. Peace Guy Check out my latest song called Last Day Here

Dadai.2	Dadai.2 said 242 days ago (March 26th, 2009)
	classic written all over this... guyg... you have nailed it here. This song has the feel... such a great vocal. And those guitars--beautiful sounding. Kappy anchoring the whole thing with his crisp banjo... down home. Kudos to you both. Just one lovely song with deep sentiments expressed with heart. Jack Check out my latest song called The Riverside (with Ed sloparts sitting in)

guygrooves	guygrooves said 242 days ago (March 27th, 2009)
	Thanks Jack But 2 things have always bothered me about this one. The acoustic track and the bass in my mind are sub par, and I am in the process of having them corrected. So there will be at least one more. Thanks again for the visit and the kind words. Peace Guy Check out my latest song called Last Day Here

egobandit	egobandit said 240 days ago (March 28th, 2009)
	I dont know what happened but I thought I left you a comment. The mix in this is excellent,YOu have got some of the best of mj on here. A great song and the singing is spot on! Downloaded thanks! Check out my latest song called when its love

guygrooves	guygrooves said 239 days ago (March 30th, 2009)
	Thanks Man I was lucky to have them all including Brian and Henri. I have one more in the works with a bass player and I think it will be finally done unless someone else wants to add something to it lol. Never say never ha ha. Peace Guy Check out my latest song called Last Day Here

dolby

dolby said 239 days ago (March 30th, 2009)

Okay
Right then Guy, lets get to it. I honestly feel that this song is a MacJams classic. No shit - this could be a big hit - it has a great tune, a great feel and an emotional depth. And it stays with you and makes you want to listen again - and I'm saying all this about a genre which isn't really 'my thing,' but hey - even I know quality when I see it!

So, that said, lets really get inside this thing (and please remember to put that big capital lettered 'IMHO' after all the following comments:-)))

1) The first ten seconds could be better. It's a bit out of time and the acoustic sounds clumsy. Then that bass coming in doesn't really work (IMHO)!

2) Again, throughout the first verse there are issues with timing - but with the strummed guitar, and also the picked banjo (which is a sweet sound, but is not tight enough with the rhythm guitar). Also, especially in the first verse you seem to want to get too many words into the vocal and it sounds like you're playing catch up - check out the "lonely days to pass" line for what I mean.

3) The middle guitar section with the big strings is brilliant!

4) I'm not sure that the banjo needs to be there all the time - in the end sections I can hear it plucking away but I'm not sure it needs to be. Perhaps the old adage that less is more might be the case with the banjo here!

Anyway - these are minor gripes - but if you really want to whip this into uber-classic status then I would spend a bit of time down at the coal face grappling with some of the nitty-gritty of timing and arrangement.

Phil

Check out my latest song called You Can't Win Them All

guygrooves

guygrooves said 239 days ago (March 30th, 2009)

100%
You are very kind Phil, I appreciate the time you took with this, and I was aware of all those issues, except what you said about the banjo. I have a real bass player who wants a go at this and I am in the process of re recording the acoustic, so I am really glad to know I am on the right track. I will work with what you said about the banjo and see what comes out. Thanks again bro.
Peace
Guy

Check out my latest song called Last Day Here

mike_d	mike_d said 237 days ago (March 31st, 2009)
	Wow! What a fantastic sounding mix! Sounds radio ready over here :) Definitely downloaded, thanks! Check out my latest song called Broken (Ft. spitlogic & Kingbee)

guygrooves	guygrooves said 236 days ago (April 2nd, 2009)
	Thanks Mike I am happy you liked it. I appreciate the time you took to listen and comment. I hope you get your PRS figured out sorry I wasn't more help. Peace Guy Check out my latest song called Last Day Here

KDB91	KDB91 said 236 days ago (April 1st, 2009)
	cool! Great song! and a very nice clean guitar sound! Check out my latest song called just a demo track...

guygrooves	guygrooves said 236 days ago (April 2nd, 2009)
	Nice to meet you That clean guitar sound is all Chris Cihon aka PickQuickRecords and it is nice isn't it? Thanks for stopping by. Peace Guy Check out my latest song called Last Day Here

UncleTupeloFan

UncleTupeloFan said 234 days ago (April 3rd, 2009)

Tremendous Tune!
Reminds me of some early Ian Matthews, Fairport Convention -- great sound. Very solid lyrics also -- I didn't follow the chronology of this song, seems like there have been some adaptations but this one sounds complete and I'm glad I started here. So glad I found your work and I look forward to sampling some more tasty nuggets!

Peace,
Paul

Check out my latest song called A Sow's Ear

guygrooves	guygrooves said 234 days ago (April 3rd, 2009)
	Thank you Paul I am happy you stopped by and that I found your songs you are a fantastic writer. Peace Guy Check out my latest song called Last Day Here

kappy	kappy said 230 days ago (April 8th, 2009)
	Great song Hey Guy, this just keeps getting better! How do I download it? I'd love a copy!!!! John Check out my latest song called in shadows

guygrooves	guygrooves said 229 days ago (April 8th, 2009)
	OH CRAP!!!! I knew I forgot something... I am SO SORRY John, I blanked about sending you a copy. If you click on the icon where you see the heart and star up on the top right of this page you should be able to D/L it if that doesn't work then email me and I'll send you a copy direct. On second though I will anyway. Sorry about that bro. Peace Guy Check out my latest song called Last Day Here

kassia	kassia said 229 days ago (April 8th, 2009)
	wow this is great. i didn't follow the evolution of the song, but this final product is marvelous. what an amazing gathering of talent. your vocals are sweet and smooth, really nice harmonies. great performances all around. this is a killer tune - great job putting this all together guy. Check out my latest song called Deep Majesty

guygrooves	guygrooves said 229 days ago (April 8th, 2009)
	Wow...... Thank you for very very kind words. Still one more to come though lol maybe two. Thanks again for your visit kassia. Peace Guy Check out my latest song called Last Day Here

MarcusPerry	MarcusPerry said 214 days ago (April 23rd, 2009)
	Very Cool Very good vibe on this one.. I love the harmony on "left to hide" lyrics... Banjo is very cool.. I wish I still had my banjo.. Check out my latest song called Not That Easy

guygrooves	guygrooves said 211 days ago (April 26th, 2009)
	Thanks Marcus I am a fan of your work and I am flattered you like the song. Peace Guy Check out my latest song called Last Day Here

RoughRooster	RoughRooster said 211 days ago (April 26th, 2009)
	Yes! This is great, really enjoyed this, love the banjo and the guitars, a great vocal too and harmonies! Check out my latest song called Stranger In Your Heart

guygrooves	guygrooves said 211 days ago (April 26th, 2009)
	Thank you Nice to meet you. I'll be by to check out your work soon. Peace Guy Check out my latest song called Last Day Here

stevel	stevel said 211 days ago (April 27th, 2009)
	Lovely song Very nice country rock track, good mix of instrumentation (can I hear an accordian in there?), cool electric guitar solo and good expressive vocals Nice one! Steve Check out my latest song called Electricity

guygrooves	guygrooves said 211 days ago (April 27th, 2009)
	Thanks Steve Coming from an artist as good as you this means a lot. Chris really killed on that solo didn't he? No, no accordion but you have the wheels turning .... AGAIN lol. Thanks for stopping by. Peace Guy Check out my latest song called Last Day Here

kappy	kappy said 210 days ago (April 27th, 2009)
	greetings Hey Guy, just checking in to say hi. Still love this song and I'm so glad to have been a part of it. I hope the banjo survives the next re-mix Ha Ha. John Check out my latest song called in shadows

guygrooves	guygrooves said 210 days ago (April 27th, 2009)
	It has my friend most of it anyway, you now carry the verses and choruses the 2 solos are all Chris and Michael's now. Thanks for stopping by again bro it's much appreciated. Peace Guy Check out my latest song called Last Day Here

Monkaton	Monkaton said 209 days ago (April 28th, 2009)
	Good One Guy! I like all the instruments and thought you mixed them very well. Good song and good production. Check out my latest song called Darkness of the Night

doc_elvis	doc_elvis said 167 days ago (June 10th, 2009)
	cool! very nice! this one here got a smooth crooning around feeling... i like that very much! great mix! i will check out more of yours! Check out my latest song called SPECIAL NEWS (brave new world part 2)

doc_elvis	doc_elvis said 167 days ago (June 10th, 2009)
	cool! very nice! this one here got a smooth crooning around feeling... i like that very much! great mix! i will check out more of yours! Check out my latest song called SPECIAL NEWS (brave new world part 2)

Kori Arashi	Kori Arashi said 167 days ago (June 10th, 2009)
	Wonderful! :3 Nice grooving work here friend! It's really smooth and I love the solo in it! I got to check out your other works (And others too) since it has been a while since I've been here from so much school work. Glad to see you're still making music and keep up the great work! Always a joy to hear your music! :D Check out my latest song called Wolves of the Sky

	grizzle said 166 days ago (June 10th, 2009)
	guy great song. Check out my latest song called Now I Know

kingkenny	kingkenny said 159 days ago (June 17th, 2009)
	nice work nice work. well played. liked the harmony with the vocals. the musicianship. well done. song sets a good mood, feel. good job. Check out my latest song called sophistically intoxicated

Bob6stringer

Bob6stringer said 15 days ago (November 8th, 2009)

Comparison w/newer version...
This mix is a little more dynamic (uncompressed) than the one after it. I like the crisp high end on it a little more on it. But it's got some looser edges to it. Not sure if it ws the compression or if you picked through every measure to play "whack-a-mole" on errant frequencies and levels... or what. But the newer one is definitely terrestrial hit-parade ready IMHO.

P.S., I really appreciate your tasteful lead guitar hooks. Great little "whip" as you move off of, or pull-off, from one fret/note to the next. Very fluid and natural sounding. It's what I look for.

Check out my latest song called Yours and Mine

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