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Les McCann & Eddie Harris — Compared To What
Album: Swiss Movement
Avg rating:
8

Your rating:
Total ratings: 3376









Released: 1968
Length: 8:35
Plays (last 30 days): 2
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I love to lie and lie to love
I'm hangin' on they push and shove
Possession is the motivation
That is hangin' up the goddamn nation
Looks like we always end up in a rut
Everybody now
Tryin' to make it real compared to what

Slaughterhouse is killin' hogs
Twisted children killin' frogs
Poor dumb rednecks rollin' logs
Tired old ladies kissin' dogs
I hate the human love of that stinking mutt
I can't use it
Tryin' to make it real compared to what

President he's got his war
Folks don't know just what it's for
Nobody gives us rhyme or reason
Have one doubt they call it treason
We're chicken feathers
All without one nut goddamn it
Tryin' to make it real compared to what

Church on Sunday sleep and nod
Tryin' to duck the wrath of God
Preachers fillin' us with fright
They all tryin' to teach us what they think is right
They really got to be some kind of nut
I can't use it
Tryin' to make it real compared to what

Where's that bee and where's that honey
Where's my God and where's my money
Unreal values a crass distortion
Unwed mothers need abortion
Kind of brings to mind old young King Tut
He did it now
Tried to make it real compared to what

Tryin' to make it real compared to what
Comments (571)add comment
Immortal Magic! I used to get the biggest KICK out of this as a kid, and I freaked my parents and teachers out by blurting out lines from this from time to time...
Posted 10 hours ago by coloradojohn    [ Reply ]
I said Yo!!
Posted 3 weeks ago by GingerandMe    [ Reply ]
 bairdc wrote:



Just upped my rating to the same!  Fortunate enough to see him live right here in his hometown some moons ago!  Amazing! 

GREAT TUNE!   I started out with a TEN.  Thanx RP!  
Posted 4 months ago by joejennings    [ Reply ]
 idahoTux wrote:

9 -> 10




Just upped my rating to the same!  Fortunate enough to see him live right here in his hometown some moons ago!  Amazing! 
Posted 4 months ago by bairdc    [ Reply ]
9 -> 10
Posted 5 months ago by idahoTux    [ Reply ]
all incredible sentiments except the part about stinking mutts 
Posted 5 months ago by marysclark    [ Reply ]
10 is not enough! Whoaaah!
Posted 5 months ago by joko63808    [ Reply ]
From 1968 to 2024, still spot on!!
Posted 6 months ago by dris    [ Reply ]
just plain beautiful isn't it.
Posted 6 months ago by carmelmike    [ Reply ]
Eddie Harris is one of the more interesting "jazz" musicians. I use quotes because jazz, not really. But listen to the track "Listen Here" and you will get a good idea.
Posted 6 months ago by WoodieGoodpecker    [ Reply ]
 SmackDaddy wrote:


How is this NOT a 10?


Godlike dammit!
Posted 7 months ago by damonlazer    [ Reply ]
Good old Les. What a classic. And what amazing timeless lyrics.
Posted 7 months ago by beejtheman    [ Reply ]
Sock it to me, now!

Posted 7 months ago by zptduda    [ Reply ]
 Egrey wrote:

This song is a 9 for many reasons, one of which is the perfect use of “god dammit.”



How is this NOT a 10?
Posted 8 months ago by SmackDaddy    [ Reply ]
god damn it! 10
Posted 1 year ago by fredGarvin    [ Reply ]
 Catalytic wrote:

It's unfortunate how the lyrics are still relevant nearly fifty years later. 




YES!
Posted 1 year ago by joejennings    [ Reply ]
 grogg wrote:
The song completely syncs up with the dancing bananas. Therefore the dancing banana was created for this song. Science.
{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Bananapiano}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}

I Agree!  ...Spot on!  


Posted 1 year ago by joejennings    [ Reply ]
 natjsoper wrote:

Not many 8 minute songs that hold your attention the entire time--a solid 9!

Word, and Eddie Harris and Benny Bailey, mercy!!
Added one more to take it to the top.

Posted 1 year ago by eyke    [ Reply ]
Not many 8 minute songs that hold your attention the entire time--a solid 9!
Posted 1 year ago by natjsoper    [ Reply ]
Sock it to me!
Posted 1 year ago by Zep    [ Reply ]
then I read the lyrics... 
Posted 1 year ago by xrdstv    [ Reply ]
1968 distilled into one brilliant riff. And coming back around now for the 21st century. Timeless.
Posted 2 years ago by xkolibuul    [ Reply ]
 Egrey wrote:

This song is a 9 for many reasons, one of which is the perfect use of “god dammit.”



Which is why I am bumping my rating from 9 to a 10. God Dammit!
Posted 2 years ago by chinacat    [ Reply ]
 grogg wrote:
The song completely syncs up with the dancing bananas. Therefore the dancing banana was created for this song. Science.
{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Bananapiano}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}



Well I'll be...
Posted 2 years ago by ice-9    [ Reply ]
Not a particularly big jazz fan, but I just ADORE this! It's my standard play-loud song before heading out for the night. A perfect 10 for me, and thanks for having it on RP!
Posted 2 years ago by buckshot    [ Reply ]
More sense today than back then!
Posted 2 years ago by awhfman    [ Reply ]
Give it up for the horn section!
Eddie Harris (tenor saxophone)
Benny Bailey (trumpet)

Posted 2 years ago by DW4554    [ Reply ]
great music 
Posted 2 years ago by lisapax6    [ Reply ]
 BBoyes wrote:

One of many albums purchased on Amazon after hearing it here at RP... I need to buy Amazon stock I guess!


If you did, I bet you're pretty pleased with yourself!
Posted 2 years ago by TonyApuzzo    [ Reply ]
More cowbell!!!
Posted 2 years ago by sunflowerbee    [ Reply ]
Eddie Harris!!!!
Posted 2 years ago by jwallstrom846    [ Reply ]
Rated it a 10, and got it turned up to 10!

Sock it to me, now!
Posted 2 years ago by drictor    [ Reply ]
 kcar wrote:
I regret not digging into Les' and Eddies careers more deeply. One for the to-do list.

Something RP does so well: reminding us how much we loved something and reigniting the wish to not only go back to it but investigate it more😎
Posted 2 years ago by fedtho    [ Reply ]
Fabulous recording.  Brings me back to the old days for sure.  
Posted 3 years ago by tkelley    [ Reply ]
Bill, please put this into steady rotation. Doesn't get much better than this!
Posted 3 years ago by ImaOldman    [ Reply ]
I'm revamping my resume for a potential job and this music is making the task so much more fun! it's a 10 for me 
Posted 3 years ago by denisecerniglia    [ Reply ]
 jacopo777 wrote:

SLAP SOME OF THOSE C NOTES ON MY ORATORY CANAL.



Didn't you mean to shout, "AUDITORY" canal?
Posted 3 years ago by Ok_Sobriquet    [ Reply ]
Exquisite. While timeless, this performance can always be placed in history by the interpolation of The Age of Aquarius at the very beginning. Despite the sobering message, the exuberance of the musicians makes this an incredibly upbeat piece. ThAnks for putting it in rotation, Bill!
Posted 3 years ago by jmddj    [ Reply ]
Bill,

I saw what you did there... nice segue!!!
Posted 3 years ago by mjbaumann    [ Reply ]
This should be played more.
Posted 3 years ago by RichW    [ Reply ]
 Hmmm.. not quite my tempo

grogg wrote:
The song completely syncs up with the dancing bananas. Therefore the dancing banana was created for this song. Science.


{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Bananapiano}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}


Posted 3 years ago by GiuseandVero    [ Reply ]
Well this needs to be in the rotation more often! 
Posted 3 years ago by missquo    [ Reply ]
Good stuff here, and as for Eddie Harris, I can only say: "Listen Here"!
Posted 3 years ago by jwallstrom846    [ Reply ]
This song is a 9 for many reasons, one of which is the perfect use of “god dammit.”
Posted 4 years ago by Egrey    [ Reply ]
Benny Bailey!!!
This just makes me smile : ^ )
Posted 5 years ago by mrtuba9    [ Reply ]
I’m with him on the dogs. I can’t use it either.
Posted 5 years ago by Jakethemuss    [ Reply ]
DAMN!!! This holds up 50 years later!!!
Posted 5 years ago by mrtuba9    [ Reply ]
Excellent..!
Posted 5 years ago by paulbrun55    [ Reply ]
SLAP SOME OF THOSE C NOTES ON MY ORATORY CANAL.
Posted 5 years ago by jacopo777    [ Reply ]
Schweizer Bewegung??? that's the hamer  (for me swissman) -- das ist der Hammer {#Bananapiano}
Posted 6 years ago by peter.gerzner    [ Reply ]
I keep thinking this is Herbie Hancock on piano. It's got that "Canteloupe Island" sound.
Posted 6 years ago by idiot_wind    [ Reply ]
really enjoyed hearing this today. Thank you! 
Posted 6 years ago by niseywee    [ Reply ]
 Pjesnik wrote:
If this is jazz, count me in. {#Smile}


 
This is most definitely Jazz! Two great players and a great tune from a classic album.
Posted 6 years ago by ImaOldman    [ Reply ]
The song completely syncs up with the dancing bananas. Therefore the dancing banana was created for this song. Science.
{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Bananapiano}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}
Posted 6 years ago by grogg    [ Reply ]
9>10   what a way to wake up today - loving this {#Dancingbanana}
Posted 6 years ago by planet_lizard    [ Reply ]
 hschlossberg wrote:
This song always reminds me of the fill music in the middle of an SNL commercial break.

 
Well,it does have saxophone.Kinda lacking in that cold,sterile corporate feel though.
Posted 6 years ago by spammer    [ Reply ]
So good...my workmates here in cube city are wondering why I'm moving and grooving at my desk. 
Posted 6 years ago by evansdad    [ Reply ]
This song always reminds me of the fill music in the middle of an SNL commercial break.
Posted 6 years ago by hschlossberg    [ Reply ]
Damn...just when you think it can't get any more swinging, he UPS IT TO THE NEXT LEVEL and hell, I love this now as much as ever!
Posted 6 years ago by coloradojohn    [ Reply ]
Maybe it's coincidence, but as thousands are lined up at this very moment in Salt Lake City to protest trump's national monument eviscerations, Bill's playing this right after Graham Nash's Chicago is quite timely.


Posted 6 years ago by idahoTux    [ Reply ]
If this is jazz, count me in. {#Smile}

Posted 6 years ago by Pjesnik    [ Reply ]
Prescient. Solid 10.
Posted 7 years ago by ojibwe    [ Reply ]
It's unfortunate how the lyrics are still relevant nearly fifty years later. 
Posted 7 years ago by Catalytic    [ Reply ]
This album has been in my playlist since 1971. On my iPhone playlist now, just listened to it today driving around town. Brillian.
Posted 7 years ago by buddy    [ Reply ]
 nancyco wrote:
Dear "wiseking",

I hafta say I prefer the company of loving, devoted  "mutt" than a clueless, narcissistic, self-satisfied "man-child".
Although... I still like the song.


 


Posted 7 years ago by nancyco    [ Reply ]
 thewiseking wrote:
"i hate the human love of that stinking mutt"
damn right!
dysfunctional dog lovers care more about Korean Dog Meat than they do their fellow human beings 

 


Posted 7 years ago by nancyco    [ Reply ]
boober wrote:

I hate to do this....but I am bumping my comment from 6 years ago. Meeting Les was a moment in time that I will never forget.

In 1984 I was checking into the Holiday Inn in downtown Cleveland.Behind me was a huge black man with luggage and some music equipment.I asked the front desk if they had a workout room cause I brought my workout clothes.The man behind me asked if I played tennis...and I said yes,but I don't have a racquet with me.He said he did,and he'd like to volley with me early the next morning.That particular Holiday Inn has a tennis court on the roof.That evening while walking the halls I ran into the man and said "I didn't catch your name."He said" it's Les McCann".I said "are you a musician Les" and he said he plays piano.He invited me into his room(filled with the sweet aroma of pot)where he showed me a painting he was working on of a recent rainstorm that just came off of Lake Erie.What a great gentleman.We spoke for about an hour on music and life.This is the first time I've heard his music.No he wasn't very good at tennis.


kcar wrote:

"No he wasn't very good at tennis."

{#Roflol}{#Roflol}

That's like the 32nd question I would've asked you about that encounter. "Oh, he didn't play tennis well? Ta hell with Les!"


lissen wrote:
How great!! I first heard Eddie Harris in a dive bar on Lincoln St in Chicago about 3 AM in 1971 jamming with other musicians gathering after their evening's gigs. I just happened to have been sent there by a friend who tipped me off to the amazing folks I could see. Priceless.
 
{#Clap} {#Clap} {#Clap} These stories are as cool as the song!
Posted 7 years ago by skindy    [ Reply ]
How great!!  I first heard Eddie Harris in a dive bar on Lincoln St in Chicago about 3 AM in 1971 jamming with other musicians gathering after their evening's gigs.  I just happened to have been sent there by a friend who tipped me off to the amazing folks I could see.  Priceless.
Posted 7 years ago by lissen    [ Reply ]
Agree!
 
gregskrtic wrote:
9  >——————> 10

{#Bananajam}{#Drummer}{#Bananapiano} {#Guitarist}{#Dancingbanana}
           

 


Posted 7 years ago by merrickw    [ Reply ]
Oh now damn IT!  You've done gone and made me....{#Bananapiano}{#Bananasplit}{#Dancingbanana}

Curses on you RP!  This is right smack in the middle of me work day! 

Highlow
American Net'Zen
Posted 7 years ago by Highlowsel    [ Reply ]
"i hate the human love of that stinking mutt"
damn right!
dysfunctional dog lovers care more about Korean Dog Meat than they do their fellow human beings 
Posted 7 years ago by thewiseking    [ Reply ]
{#Cheesygrin}  wow  10+
Posted 7 years ago by ciarataylor    [ Reply ]
9  >——————> 10

{#Bananajam}{#Drummer}{#Bananapiano} {#Guitarist}{#Dancingbanana}
           
Posted 7 years ago by gregskrtic    [ Reply ]
{#Bananapiano} Oh, my goodness, it's been a while and this is fantastic. {#Notworthy}
Posted 7 years ago by mach-hog    [ Reply ]
Gets me toe-tapping every time
Posted 7 years ago by DigitalJer    [ Reply ]
And here it is again, a week later. Sock it to me!
Posted 8 years ago by Zep    [ Reply ]
Pure ten-ness.
Posted 8 years ago by Zep    [ Reply ]
Bill & Rebecca, thanks for bringing yet another smile by sharing your music. Love what you do!

I never heard the Roberta Flack version that preceeded the wonderful Les McCann/Eddie Harris from Montreux, but none of the other covers afterwards have touched what Les and Eddie created here. I first ran across this record when a freshman in college in 1972, when someone else's good ears suggested I listen. I loved it then and still do over 40 years later. Thank you for the grin on my face.
Posted 8 years ago by dougmbrown    [ Reply ]
The commentary in the lyrics is still so very relevant, and the whole thing is still amazing. {#Good-vibes}
Posted 8 years ago by nevar23    [ Reply ]
 boober wrote:

I hate to do this....but I am bumping my comment from 6 years ago. Meeting Les was a moment in time that I will never forget.

 

In 1984 I was checking into the Holiday Inn in downtown Cleveland.Behind me was a huge black man with luggage and some music equipment.I asked the front desk if they had a workout room cause I brought my workout clothes.The man behind me asked if I played tennis...and I said yes,but I don't have a racquet with me.He said he did,and he'd like to volley with me early the next morning.That particular Holiday Inn has a tennis court on the roof.That evening while walking the halls I ran into the man and said "I didn't catch your name."He said" it's Les McCann".I said "are you a musician Les" and he said he plays piano.He invited me into his room(filled with the sweet aroma of pot)where he showed me a painting he was working on of a recent rainstorm that just came off of Lake Erie.What a great gentleman.We spoke for about an hour on music and life.This is the first time I've heard his music.No he wasn't very good at tennis. 



 
"No he wasn't very good at tennis."

 {#Roflol}{#Roflol}

That's like the 32nd question I would've asked you about that encounter. "Oh, he didn't play tennis well? Ta hell with Les!"

Seriously, that's a cool story. He absolutely cooks on this track—hell, they all do. When I first heard this on a Boston station—WGBH, perhaps—I called the station and the DJ answered while the song was playing. Eric Jackson of "Eric in the Evening" (still going strong AFAIK) was very gracious while I asked what the name of the song was and babbled in general.

I bought the LP soon after. I regret not digging into Les' and Eddies careers more deeply. One for the to-do list. 
Posted 8 years ago by kcar    [ Reply ]
                              Hello anybody from Zurich Kreis 5 Wohlgroth fabric squat era ?
                Next thing I know Uli is an angel handing me the keys, how about public library ?
                 city fathers always trying to remain calm, I guess they'll close an eye to stunts.
Posted 8 years ago by twoplain2sea    [ Reply ]
Ouch! It's sooooo Good!
Posted 8 years ago by Booza    [ Reply ]
Simply 10 out of 10!{#Clap}
Posted 8 years ago by VH1    [ Reply ]
This just jams!
Posted 8 years ago by dragon1952    [ Reply ]
Sock it to me?
Posted 8 years ago by Grammarcop    [ Reply ]
This moves me every time hear it. Magic.
Posted 8 years ago by Sunman    [ Reply ]
I never get tired of this.  One of the best live jazz recordings ever (the whole album).  Basically a pick up band a day before this was captured.  IMHO Benny Bailey steals the show - as you can hear by the audience reaction.  He was a favorite given he lived in Amsterdam and was well known in Europe.

And oh yeah, he totally rocked it!
 
Posted 8 years ago by buddy    [ Reply ]
I have not heard this in I don't know how long, decades....thank you thank you thank you RP 
Posted 8 years ago by ddaro    [ Reply ]
Am I the only one that just herd the bumper between Compared to What and The Tragically Hip "Ahead by a Century" where Bill says it was recorded in 1868 ?  I mean if it had been a network blip I'm sure I didn't hear the N in nineteen ... :)
Posted 8 years ago by TreborG2    [ Reply ]
it must have been a hell of a night when this was made
the buzz feels so real
 
Posted 8 years ago by Skydog    [ Reply ]
Shit! 
Can you imagine being able to play like this?

damn that's good!
 
Posted 8 years ago by FrankDebbieCote    [ Reply ]
One of many albums purchased on Amazon after hearing it here at RP... I need to buy Amazon stock I guess!
Posted 8 years ago by BBoyes    [ Reply ]
More cowbell
Posted 8 years ago by greiffenstein    [ Reply ]
I've owned this album in one form or another since it came out in 1968 and never, ever tire of it.  If this is the only song you've heard from it, buy it and enjoy!

{#Dancingbanana_2}{#Dancingbanana_2}{#Dancingbanana_2}{#Bananapiano}{#Bananajam} {#Dancingbanana_2}{#Dancingbanana_2}{#Dancingbanana_2}
Posted 8 years ago by buddy    [ Reply ]
The Real Thing !!! (compared to everything else)   1968 was an intense time...
Posted 8 years ago by TAI    [ Reply ]
 Jake and Elwood and Ray give this an ELEVEN! SOCK IT TO ME!


Posted 9 years ago by jhorton    [ Reply ]
Compared to What? Good God, why are we just treading water? Compared to another great song, just don't know, except, Im thinking and jambing but don' know .......
Posted 9 years ago by jimtyrrell    [ Reply ]
 AhhtheMusic wrote:
An old standby, this is a classic that will never become outdated.

 
AGREED! If you can't get part of your body moving on this one, well lol personal problem! feet twitching time to dance! {#Dancingbanana_2}
Posted 9 years ago by willmcnaught    [ Reply ]
I'm dancing at my desk.
Posted 9 years ago by grogg    [ Reply ]
{#Dancingbanana_2}oh yeah
Posted 9 years ago by Dahlia_Gumbo    [ Reply ]
utmost in cool
Posted 9 years ago by oofus521    [ Reply ]
I really needed to hear this song this morning, hence the 10 rating.  Not that it doesn't deserve it all on it's own.

Thanks Radio Paradise!  
Posted 9 years ago by LPCity    [ Reply ]
An old standby, this is a classic that will never become outdated.
Posted 9 years ago by AhhtheMusic    [ Reply ]
Straight Soul-Funk-Punk all up in yer face, love it.

=9= 
Posted 9 years ago by Bone    [ Reply ]
One of the prized gems I have mined from RP. Thanks Bill!{#Dancingbanana}
Posted 9 years ago by Sunman    [ Reply ]
Holy shizzz.... this tune is amazing. Loving it. 1968, its like he wrote these lyrics today. 
Posted 9 years ago by JanzieNL    [ Reply ]
More cowbell!
Posted 9 years ago by leafmold    [ Reply ]
This is one of my favorite songs of all time! Brings back great memories of seeing Les live at the Keystone Corner in San Francisco in the late 70's. Very Cool... thanks for playing it!
Posted 9 years ago by rcohn    [ Reply ]
Few songs demonstrate such keen social consciousness and sound so damn good. 
Posted 9 years ago by Falcon    [ Reply ]
President he's got his war
Folks don't know just what it's for
Nobody gives us rhyme or reason
Have one doubt they call it treason

No comment needed.
Posted 9 years ago by GeorgeMWoods    [ Reply ]
Haven't heard this song in probably 20 years! Thanks for playing it and reminding me how good Les McCann was.
Posted 9 years ago by leland1015    [ Reply ]
Hot damn, this thing REALLY SWINGS! Wish I could be sitting in a real jazz dive, digging the fission of this awesome frantic vibe live...
Posted 9 years ago by coloradojohn    [ Reply ]
Groundbreaking. Unreal! And Live at the Montreux Jazz Festival. Amazing.Socially ahead of it's time

Posted 9 years ago by hempmandan    [ Reply ]
{#Arrowd} ha - that's a cool story - {#Arrowd}
Posted 9 years ago by moodfood    [ Reply ]

I hate to do this....but I am bumping my comment from 6 years ago. Meeting Les was a moment in time that I will never forget.

 

In 1984 I was checking into the Holiday Inn in downtown Cleveland.Behind me was a huge black man with luggage and some music equipment.I asked the front desk if they had a workout room cause I brought my workout clothes.The man behind me asked if I played tennis...and I said yes,but I don't have a racquet with me.He said he did,and he'd like to volley with me early the next morning.That particular Holiday Inn has a tennis court on the roof.That evening while walking the halls I ran into the man and said "I didn't catch your name."He said" it's Les McCann".I said "are you a musician Les" and he said he plays piano.He invited me into his room(filled with the sweet aroma of pot)where he showed me a painting he was working on of a recent rainstorm that just came off of Lake Erie.What a great gentleman.We spoke for about an hour on music and life.This is the first time I've heard his music.No he wasn't very good at tennis. 


Posted 9 years ago by boober    [ Reply ]
 TwinEngine wrote:
I first heard this on an Atlantic Records compilation, so I beat RP for once. ;-) As a teenager this collection got me a little interested in jazz, at least. (And to the song comments criticizing jazz as inaccessible, you do realize that you're barking up the wrong tree with this particular song?)  I take exception to the line "I hate the human love of that stinking mutt", but at least he's honest. The modern approach would be to condemn this song to the "pre-politically correct era", before people could only talk in bullshit codes and passive voices, because it could possibly offend someone ("rednecks", animal lovers) — so I'm glad it exists.

That compilation also had a really nice, melodic, accessible jazz piece called Hard Times by David 'Fathead' Newman (youtube link) that I have not forgotten. I would recommend it for RP if I dared.



 
Upload it! Give it a shot. If Bill and Rebecca don't like it, their loss. 

https://www.radioparadise.com/?name=review


Wow, Bill, still pushing that segue from this into Nirvana's "Smells Like Teen Spirit"? Dear God, no, please.  
Posted 10 years ago by kcar    [ Reply ]
 Can I get an amend for that !

msymmes wrote:
No such thing as playing this too much !
 

 


Posted 10 years ago by michaelc    [ Reply ]
No such thing as playing this too much !
 
Posted 10 years ago by msymmes    [ Reply ]
Please play the version of 'Nils Landgren Funk Unit - Live in Montreux' instead.

They play it with much more drive and passion.
Posted 10 years ago by norbertZ    [ Reply ]
I hear this on RP way too often. The thrill is gone.
Posted 10 years ago by Shimmer    [ Reply ]