Circular Review

uh yes, I love the black keys

2012-02-22T15:30:00.001-08:00

Okay, let me just say that I know I haven't written anything on this site for literally a year but my love of music is BACK!!!!

A good album not only helps you appreciate music and contemplate life and sound but it also makes you realize that you have been neglecting MUSIC! For me the wake up call came over the holidays when I picked up the latest Black Keys album El Camino for my husband as a Christmas Gift. We have been Black Keys fans for years since their early gritty blues stuff through their new transformation with a little polish and final mixing and production by Danger Mouse.

I remember laying in bed one lazy day listening to an interview on NPR with the Black Keys. The interviewer said "how do you get that gritty blues sound?" and the response was this: "we turn the amp all the way up."

From their tribute Chulahoma to Junior Kimbrough to their Big Come up, the Black Keys are what modern blues is all about. They have great licks, great lyrics and are so gosh darn catchy! The latest album is certainly no exception.

At first listen their 70's throwback of "Sister" will grab you and have you tapping your foot to the beat but as you listen through a second, third and fourth time you will begin to connect with all of their songs. One of my favorites is a quieter number that has a traditional rock ending: Black Submarines. It is a mellower piece with a tambourine and gentle lyrics and then at the end a big electric guitar comes smashing onto the scene with chunky chords and a sparkly finish. And Gold on the Ceiling is another wonderful infectious tune that makes you want to dance even if you don't know how.

Several years ago I had the opportunity to hear the Black Keys in concert and they were totally awesome. It was the basement bar here in Bellingham with awesome acoustics. They rocked the place and filled it with an energy that only two guys with a bunch of electronic equipment can do.

So, if you are needing inspiration, if you need to be reminded how much music matters or how important music is to your livelihood, check out El Camino, you won't be let down (except perhaps by the art work of ironically a bunch of minivans, hmmmmm.)

good ol' rock & roll

2011-02-18T00:22:00.000-08:00

I have been really digging on Social Distortion's new album: Hard Times & Nursery Rhymes. More to come on their new album soon....

the longest hiatus

2010-12-22T20:42:00.000-08:00

Friends, if you still read this blog, it has been a very very long time. I'd like to say I am actively searching out new music but since having a baby 8 months ago my life has been a bit busier than normal.

Group I am digging on this December:

*Greg Laswell*

Check it out and post your comments here!

shearwater

2009-06-25T20:30:00.000-07:00

Can I just say, Shearwater is my new favorite band? I had been in Everyday Music months ago (our local music store) and they cranked out this amazing music on the sound system while I was aimlessly browsing for a new musical selection. I asked who they were playing and I jotted down in scribbled handwriting: Shearwater. I stuffed this small business card in a place holder on my desk and just uncovered it amongst the bills and other laid aside paperwork only to find: a treasure. I immediately plugged them into Pandora and lo and behold my new favorite band appeared.

Their truly eclectic sound is not describable by any means but will be easily loved by all with their mix of instrumentals, lovely and sweet but dark lyrics, soothing guitar riffs and variety of moods. One of the pieces I particularly enjoy is "On the Death of the Waters" which starts out quietly and slowly and then rips in with heavy thick guitar chords adding another layer of depth to their sound.

Although, admittedly, I know little about this band so far, they appear to have a great variety of music to sample with 7 albums to roll over your pallet. In addition, what makes me know that they are a great band is that every other music that is played on Pandora which shares some sort of musical "similarity" is really awesome. So far: DeVotchKa, Elvis Perkins, the Smiths, Ida, Calexico, and Kahoots have been played and I've enjoyed each song.

Check them out here.

New Release

2009-03-17T08:55:00.000-07:00

I don't know if anyone else has been eagerly anticipating Joe Purdy's new Cd "Last Clock on the Wall" but it was released this morning and it is worth every moments listen. Click on this link to listen to it online. He has echoes of Bob Dylan with some gentle fiddling and harmonica with haunting lyrics reminiscent of Bon Iver and a passionate longing in every song. So far his title track is my favorite. Check it out! Oh, and happy St. Patties Day.

Submissions Welcome

2009-03-16T14:48:00.000-07:00

Recently I was casually browsing through my cd collection and stumbled upon an oldie but a goody and then I realized how truly amazing this album was. When it came out I was a bit suspect at its immediate notoriety as a "best hits" album since the group had only had 2 studio albums at the time but I became an even bigger fan of the album once this double live was released. I have bought no other studio albums by this band in 11 years but this album still remains a favorite of all time. As I sat and really re listened to favorites such as "Anna Begins" and "Round Here" I was struck by how awesome the lyrics were. When given more than just a radio play listen, there is much to gleam as to the depth of Counting Crows lyrics and musical genius. I began to think of this album as starting what I'd like to think of as the top 10 of all time. I hesitate to place this type of label on albums because it ultimately doesn't leave room for upcoming albums but I do think that this one has earned it spot. So, without ado, here you are:

(not in a particular order)

1. Counting Crows: Across a Wire (Double Live CD- 1998)

2. Sarah McLachlan: Fumbling Towards Ecstasy (1993)

What are your ideas.....? I'm happy to fill in the rest but am curious what comes to mind.

Here are a few other ideas....votes: (I have reasons for each of these but I'm curious if you vote what you reasons might be!)

The Beatles: Revolver or Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band

Coldplay: Rush of Blood to the Head

Dave Matthews: Crash

Dixie Chicks: Home

Eva Cassidy: Songbird

Elton John: Honky Chateau

JET: Shine On

U2: Achtung Baby

(just to name a few).

And, I hope it goes without saying, if you don't already own the Counting Crows album, you should have already clicked itunes and started downloading it.

Blind Without It

2009-01-29T18:34:00.000-08:00

It is truly amazing how colorful music can make your life. Often I've wondered if somehow in those "what if" games, I could manage being blind or deaf? Without question, when you listen to music, it would be blind. A great song makes you want to live, it makes you feel poetic, it makes you question the deeper meaning of life and it gives you perspective. Humorous lyrics, non sequitur rhymes and just the whole system of creation is just so awesome. Movies can be made or broken by the use of lyrics. Commercials, TV, even websites and emails are all colored by the use of music. The wealthy have always privileged the use of music. The ways of the educated were spattered by training in music, music theory and by exposure to music like the symphony or opera.

When you put a piece of plastic given to you as a friend for your birthday, you don't know if it will have any meaning, any depth or anything that will emotionally draw you in but once the first down stroke of a chord hits the ears, you know that there is no reason you should have questioned it at all.

It takes me out of this world to listen to music. You simply turn up the volume, close your eyes and visualize the world. This beautiful world that we get to see everyday. The sun, the moon, the stars, the sunsets and clouds and reflections in water and leaves changing colors. But when we want to visualize these things without the soundtrack in life, it doesn't seem worth it.

Put down your book, your child, your guitar, your cup of coffee, your camera, your shovel, your hands, your heart, your eyes and just breathe in and listen. The caramel voice of that sweet singer, the rough lyrics of that lifetime musician...they all color our lives in un-mistakable ways that cannot be duplicated no matter what.

JET

2008-11-30T23:43:00.000-08:00

All I can say is, if you haven't listened to them yet, you need to do it RIGHT NOW! As I'm sure some other insightful music reviewers have already noted, this band rocks hard. A group of Australian guys are almost the Beatles reincarnate (especially if you look at their pictures on their website!). From the first chords of the album "Get Born" to the last, you'll have no regrets that you didn't spend your money on something else worth $18. Their songs are eclectic in the sense of rock and have glimmerings of many other band's songs. "Skin and Bones" starts with a Red Hot Chili Peppers inspired lyric sound and then seamlessly blends into a Beatles harmony and guitar solo. "Bring it on Back" is reminiscent, again, of no other band than our friends McCartney and Lennon. Even the instrumental solo sounds like any other iconic rock song from a Beatles album. Shine On's "All You Have to Do" has the harmonies that kick off Sargent Pepper's Lonely Heart's Club Band and then "Eleanor's" sweet melodies make you want to walk hand in hand with the one you love (anyone for Eleanor Rigby?). On Get Born, "Are you Gonna Be My Girl" kicks off their first guitar licks with a fun, clap-to that-happy-beat so often used during the 1960's and commonly heard with musicians like James Brown or other funk rock classics. While they experiment with many different sounds an styles, they show that they still like to rock on songs like "Hey Kids", "Rip it Up" and "Stand Up." Stand Up shows that their influences do not miss the classic rock bands of the 70's and 80's and yet they still manage to have their own style.

JET is clearly a leader in the rock music industry. Just because you may never have heard of them doesn't mean that they aren't a powerhouse. Their melodies and lyrics are catchy to say the least (without being cliche or too repetitive) and their sound makes them an instant classic. Since they remind you of some of the bands you grew up with, you instantly have a musical connection with them while they draw you into their own style infused with the best of rock from the last 4 decades. Not to be missed, their first album : Get Born or their sophomore release of Shine On will fill you up but never let you down. In the studio now, look forward to their crowning glory and third time's a charm album.

Album Review

2008-11-07T13:54:00.000-08:00

Augustana - "Can't Love, Can't Hurt"

Oh - how can I express how much I love this album? Augustana is best known for their smash hit "Boston", however my own personal song of their's is "Sweet and Low" off this album. It's catchy and gets stuck in your head easily. I loved seeing Augustana live and encourage you to check them out if they are ever in your area. This is their second release and they are definitely not suffering from a sophmore slump. The songs and lyrics are beautiful and you will find yourself singing along to the CD the same day you buy it. Other favorites off this album include "Fire" (slow and displaying Dan's amazing voice), "I Still Ain't Over You" and "Meet You Ther" (both upbeat and fun).

Ray LaMontagne - Gossip in the Grain

I can't imagine a world where I don't listen to Ray LaMontagne. This is his newest album and I would definitely recommend checking out his other albums. While I did not love this album as much as "Trouble", his music reminds me at times like Ray Charles. One critic describes Ray oh so accurately saying, "The Jesus-bearded troubadour is sort of a recluse. He doesn't enjoy doing interviews, refuses to make music videos, and hates reviews of his work--be they positive or negative. But for all the coffeehouse hacks trying to emulate Bob Dylan's verbosity and Van Morrison's impassioned croon, there's the soft-spoken Ray LaMontagne, singing his own wistful tunes without the weight of pretension and the hype of MTV." Check him out. You should be in a world where you don't listen to Ray LaMontagne.

Pinback - "Summer in Abaddon"

Cheers to what could possibly be one the most innovative and original bands out there today. They have been under the radar for quite some time now, but I love this album because I find myself bobbing my head along with the unique sound. I could try to describe them (some Radiohead, some Tool, some Portishead.....) but it never comes out right. Not that that's a bad thing. To not be able to compare the album to something that has come before truly makes them an original. They are mellow and I find that I want to listen to this music despite what type of mood I am in. Give it a try.

Oh Joe

2008-11-07T00:09:00.000-08:00

Joe Purdy has recently become one of my favorite artists. Joe's song "In The City" was introduced to me by my sister-in-law. In the true vein of folk and acoustic musicians like Bob Dylan, Amos Lee, Shawn Mullins, John Mayer & Jack Johnson, Purdy's relaxing chords and melodies will not disappoint. Unlike the previous artists, Purdy's voice reveals an old soul. When you see his picture, you'll be surprised at how young and unassuming he is. His husky voice is tentative at times and sweetly melodic at others. His songs have been featured on Grey's Anatomy, Lost, House and most recently featured on the Secret Life of Bees soundtrack.

What I am especially impressed about Joe is that his records are self-released and contain the quintessential purity of folk: true storytelling. He tells a story with enough reprise for you to tell it yourself someday. The simple gentleness of his voice, his stories through music and his easily memorable melodies will create in you an instant fan. His new album "Last Clock on the Wall" is going to be released soon and you can better believe that I'll be at the next concert coming my way. Julie Blue, my first Joe Purdy CD purchase was written and recorded in less than a week's time as the artist enjoyed some musical meditation on a tiny river island in upstate New York. Although I've owned the album for only weeks, I've memorized each song's lyrics and it already feels like an old favorite, a lot like Joe.

Check him out at www.joepurdy.com

Concert Review: Fleet Foxes

2008-10-24T22:29:00.000-07:00

If Crosby, Stills and Nash had travelled forward in time about 25 or 30 years, they would be Fleet Foxes, the Seattle Band with eerily similar melodies and harmony. Saturday October 18th at Western Washington's PAC was a wonderfully crisp fall night battling the mid 40 degree temperatures while inside the warming harmonies of the 5-piece band the Fleet Foxes surrounded me. Rarely has a band with such talent in terms of their singing autonomy struck me. Four of the band's five members contributed to the rich tones and harmonies that ricocheted throughout the hall. The band's main singer never stuck out more than any other singer as they all brought such a balanced sound. The drummer displayed amazing coordination techniques as he played the drums with tambourines, sang lovely harmonies and still played alternating rhythms on the bass drum. The multitude of instruments used to layer in the sound of their music was also quite astonishing: mandolin, several acoustic and electric guitars, multiple hand percussion instruments such as tambourines, maracas, and an organ.

While this band seems to avoid being placed in any one genre, I believe they are a blend of folk, acoustic rock and "alternative." If you enjoy the Decemberists, Crosby, Stills & Nash or Van Morrison, you would enjoy this band. The lead singer repeatedly referred to songwriters that he admired (all ones I've never heard of except for Joni Mitchell). It was clear that their musical interests went far beyond listening to playbacks of their own songs on reel to reel. As their tour is carrying them on now across the Western part of Europe, it is clear that their music contains elements that are drawing multiple crowds. The fans packing out the PAC ranged in age from mid-teens to ex-hippies in their mid 50's although the average age was probably around 25-30. It will be interesting to see what the future holds for these talented songwriters and musicians.

Afterthought: As I was looking for more information about the Fleet Foxes, I went to google and found a link to Wikipedia (which has everything). I felt good reading that Rolling Stone magazine had also compared them to the likes of Crosby, Stills and Nash (and that I came up with that on my own). After reading this review at the Stranger (a Seattle indie-newspaper), I realized with shock that this incredible stage presence that singer Robin brings is from an only 21 year old man. If you just heard his voice on the lyrics of Mykonos, you'd swear he was at least 40. Just think what world travelling, more maturity and a few beers might do for him and his mates!

What's been playing in my ear lately.....

2008-10-17T11:33:00.000-07:00

A video list of the top songs I've been listening to lately......

John Mayer's version of "Free Fallin'" is the most frequently listened to song at my house. I've been a long time fan of John Mayer and was fortunate enough to get to see him and Sheryl Crow a couple years ago. He is definitely one of my favorites and I hope you enjoy this as much as I do.

This is not the official music video for Augustana's song "Sweet and Low" however it is an amazing song and I wanted to make sure you got a chance to listen to it. Bryce and I saw Augustana last month along with Maroon 5 and Counting Crows and Augustana was absolutely incredible! I've started singing this song a lot with my student workers in the office and I just love love love it.

"Love Remains the Same" by Gavin Rossdale. I have nothing to say other than that I get goosebumps everytime I hear this song......

"Keep Breathing" by Ingrid Michaelson - I couldn't download the actual video itself so instead you get to listen to it while getting caught up on Grey's Anatomy. :) Enjoy!

Bon Iver

2008-10-14T09:47:00.000-07:00

Probably one of my favorite finds of the year is a band named Bon Iver. I say it Bon I-ver, but it is french so it is pronounced Bon ee-ver. This is a guy who holed up in a cabin in Wisconsin and came out with the CD, For Emma, Forever Ago. The music and vocals are haunting and beautiful. I cannot compare him to anybody as I can't really place him in a category as well. If you are looking for something different, but safe, buy this album. Bon Iver has already been featured on Grey's Anatomy and last night he was on the NBC series "Chuck". Here is a YouTube video of him:

3 more albums - 2 Grammy Winners and a Newbie (for the most part)

2008-10-09T22:24:00.000-07:00

Dixies Chicks - "Taking the Long Way"

This album was one of the more highly anticipated ones in recent years due to the controversy surrounding the band's outspoken comments against President Bush. For the first time each of the tracks on this particular album are co-written by the Dixie Chicks themselves tackling issues that are not only personal, but also very political. My favorite songs on the album are "Lullaby" (which they referred to as a gift to their kids) as well as "Favorite Year" (which they co-wrote with Sheryl Crow reflecting on how they started out and which year was the best). Another song worth mentioning is "I Hope" which the Dixie Chicks performed during a telethon to benefit the victims of Hurricane Katrina. It truly is a wonderful song further emphasized with the resounding "I hope......I hope......"

James Blunt - "All The Lost Souls"

Back in 2005 James Blunt became an overnight sensation after he released "Back to Bedlam". With his new album he became known as the guy who actually brought some meaning back into rock music. On his second album you are immediately drawn in with his lyrics and unique voice. James Blunt has been compared primarily to David Gray and Damien Rice, however I think he stands alone on his own. James Blunt is the artist most recently whose songs I continually find stuck inside my head. He's also the artist my husband frequently requests on long road trips. Check him out - he's truly something special.

Tony Lucca - "Canyon Songs"

This is Tony Lucca's fourth album and is a collection of songs that pay homage to the spirit of Laurel Canyon. The album was created while Tony was traveling on tour and seeing the world differently than before. As you listen to the music you can visualize all the architecture, landscapes and spirit of the people Tony was trying to capture. Not very many people have discovered this artist yet, however if you get a chance to find this album and to listen to Tony, I'm sure that you will truly appreciate this soulful and talented musician.

ode to a long standing favorite

2008-10-09T20:21:00.000-07:00

I cannot believe that I started a music blog and didn't mention that my all time favorite artist, Sarah McLachlan, is releasing her first ever "greatest hits." I just happened to be browsing the websites of my favorite artists and noticed that in one week (one week ago) her new cd would be released. I immediately jumped on and pre-ordered the Closer: Deluxe cd which has handpicked songs from her studio albums and a second cd of singles, duets and previously unreleased stuff plus two new songs. While in some ways I don't like to give in to the "greatest hits" albums, I cannot pass it up since it does have new material (a marketing scheme) and I am a die hard fan.

I started listening to Sarah McLachlan just before her 1993 breakthrough record Fumbling Towards Ecstasy was released. Her music got me through a lot of emotional times all throughout high school as I listened to hours of her amazing voice through headphones laying in my bed. After the album Surfacing was released in 1997, I fell deeper in love with her music (and my now husband, Abe). I had just moved to Eugene Oregon and as friends we lay in the bed out in the living room letting the echoing chords and her rich voice fill the almost empty room.

With eager anticipation, I know that this new album will contain treasures yet untold. I'm sure that Closer will not be a disappointment for any true fan. Look forward to a true review once I've heard all the material!

Some of my faves right now.....

2008-10-09T09:47:00.000-07:00

First of all - I think that this is a great idea Vale! An opportunity for everyone to share their favorite music and artists. As an avid music lover I'm always excited at sharing what I'm listening to. So - here are just a few of my current favorites......

Yael Naim - I will admit that I bought this album primarily because of the Macbook Air commercial featuring her song"New Soul." However I fell in love with this French artist and her CD full of tracks in Hebrew, French and English. Naim has a very distinct singing voice, specializing in sultry jazz numbers often with a folksy lilt. The song of the album is of course "New Soul", and there's an unusual and unexpected interpretation of "Toxic", originally sung by Britney Spears. My other favorite song on the album is "Paris" which is sung in Hebrew and French, and when translated is an ode to her favorite city. In addition, check out "Far Far" featuring one of my favorite lines, "How can you stay outside? / There's a beautiful mess inside."

Missy Higgins - while I do love her album On a Clear Night, I may have to give the edge to her first CD, The Sound of White. Higgins released the The Sound Of White after a trip backpacking across Europe. Wavering between a young Aimee Man and a direct Natalie Merchant, tthis Aussie is only recently getting a lot of buzz and deservedly so. The album starts out with a bang in the song All For Believing." -It's the kind of song one would listen to in order to stay in a relationship. I continually find myself singing "Scar" which is slightly more up-tempo yet continues the ongoing theme of a tumultuous relationship. I find her voice to be haunting, raw and emotional - all the qualities that make an artist completely unforgettable.

Mason Jennings - quite possibly one of the best kept secrets in pop music in my opinion. I've loved Mason for a long time now primarily because he continues to write clever, thoughtful and succinct lyrics, and is not afraid to take risks and experiment with new styles. This is his sixth album and was released through Jack Johnson's Brushfire records because Johnson himself personally recruited him for the label. According to Jennings, the songs on the new album can be interpreted about an individual or the longing for God. If you get a chance and are just now learning about Jennings let this be the first album to start with. Enjoy!

lufrednow

2008-10-08T13:01:00.000-07:00

This weeks wonderful discoveries in reverse!

Yesterday I really listened to the Beck album titled "Sea Change" and I am absolutely loving it. It has some great acoustic riffs and is peppered with some lovely symphonic layered sounds. It is reminiscent of symphonic Led Zeppelin or the Beatles. The song "Paper Tiger" is so far my favorite and is musically complex and yet not too busy. If you were previously a Beck fan (or not) this will not be a prerequisite as this album sounds nothing like Odelay, Mellow Gold or anything else for that matter.

The second contribution I have is for Franz Ferdinand's album title "You Could Have It So Much Better." A great pop-rock album that gets you walking with a purpose and bopping your head from side to side. They always fill you up and never let you down. If you want a fun and hip album to listen to then check it out. The clean power chords and fun upbeat sounding lyrics are refreshing for cool fall afternoons.

Behind the Title

2008-10-04T16:47:00.001-07:00

Inspiration

Inspired by a lack of new music to listen to, I thought about how I learn about new music. Usually friends recommend artists or songs for us to listen to based on their own taste and hopefully what they know of ours. Recently I've gotten some good tips from friends who have passed on mixed cds and suggested places I could go to find more music I might like. This is when I stumbled upon Pandora. This amazing site is radio from the Human Genome Project (which is a little scary at first) but then you realize what it offers. Custom made music stations designed by you. You can type in your favorite artist or song and similar songs will continue playing all day and into the night. This is a great way to find out about other artists that you may like. I haven't run into an artist that they don't have on their site and you can give each song they play a thumbs up or thumbs down that further focuses the custom made station. I have heard so many lovely songs lately that I have regained faith in current musical choices!

Further

Based on the assumption that most of my friends like music, I thought about those who have frequently exposed me to artists I wouldn't otherwise know about. I wanted to create a site that allows all of you to post reviews of what you are listening to. Your reviews can be of new artists, old artists you've just discovered, mainstream, indie or whatever you like. I know that we all have very subjective musical tastes but I thought that by creating a forum where we could discuss what we like (and why we like it) we could gather the best information and share with each other.

Lastly

I thought I'd start by sharing my personal musical tastes and a little of my history.

History: I grew up in a household that listened to "soft rock" and a lot of classical music. Alan Parsons Project, Boston, The Beatles, The Beach Boys, Fleetwood Mac, A-ha, Jim Croce, Mike & The Mechanics and Michael Jackson's Thriller, were just some of my favorites. As I grew older I spent hours huddled on the oak floors of our living room with large headphones covering my tiny curious ears and played record after record. I began to notice not only the lyrics and the instruments played but small idiosyncrasies about each song as I listened to the same records again and again. Music began to be both an escape and an adventure for me. I slowly expanded my tastes and listed to my own music. Sure, I spent lots of Sunday afternoons listening to Rick Dees and the weekly top 40 but I also began to read Rolling Stone magazine and watch Mtv. It was a time that my life opened many new musical doors and there were an abundance of new things to listen to.

Musical Taste: What I've realized is that anyone who says they listen to "everything" is a liar. Myself included. I used to think that but there are certainly some things I draw the line at. Anyone who listens to everything means that they don't listen at all. If you really truly listened to music, you'd notice that there are certainly some very talented folks and some people that should be booted off the air once and for all! Growing up with classical music and being a musician myself, I appreciated the complex array of instruments that have historically been played in symphonies. Today, when I listen to music, I still notice many of those instruments but observe how they can be incorporated into different styles and genres of music. An example would be one of my current favorite artists, Brandi Carlile. She has some wonderful folk-rock songs that have amazing cello solos. My favorite brand of music is probably acoustic folk-rock. I love lots of classic rock (Foreigner, Bad Company and Pink Floyd), jazz (especially swing music), blues (Taj Mahal & Buddy Guy), crooners (Harry Connick Jr & Etta James), soul (like Aretha Franklin & Marvin Gay), cheesy pop now and then (Ricky Martin and Madonna) and some hard metal (Stavesacre & Social Distortion). We all have our own brands of musical taste and lets face it, it changes over the years. We may still hold a place in our hearts for music that helped shape and mold us or that we have sentimental moments with (such as Richard Marx's Everything I do, I do it for you), but what we truly hold close to our hearts may change. I definitely have my favorites, my all-time favorites, and the ones I'm listening to now. I look forward to sharing these with you and hearing about all that you have to bring to the table.

Happy listening, considering and contributing.