Jennifer Aniston's stunning admission that she keeps a collection of recorded messages from ex-hubby Brad Pitt, insiders tell us that it goes far behind saving mementos — the actress obsessively listens to the tapes regularly in an attempt to relive the joy of their early romance.

"She's spent many lonely nights going through old keepsakes," an insider tells Star.

Among her favorite messages is one from when she and Brad first started dating, says a source. Jen still gets butterflies when she hears Brad whispering passionately, "I love you, Ms. Aniston." And, "I can't wait to get my hands on you, Golden." That was his pet name for her, the pal explains, and she called him "Baby." Another came after a spicy evening, Brad left this morning-after message: "You're the perfect lover!"

As their relationship went south — and Brad started spending time with Angelina Jolie on the set of Mr. and Mrs. Smith — the tone of his messages to his wife soon changed dramatically, says a source. We have all the details on those tapes, too.
We also reveal that the messages Jen is saving are just part of the stash of Brad memorabilia she's keeping years after they split. "It's all a bit creepy," a friend tells Star.