Out of the Ratliff text, I chose the song “Have Love, Will Travel” by The Sonics. Over the course of an hour of the song on a constant repeat, I began to dissect it’s layers of sounds and lyrics. The first time listening, I noticed most the ongoing guitar and bass riff and the sound of the singer’s voice. The next few times, I paid closer attention to the lyrics. Often when I listen to music, I find I pay more attention to the melody and tune than I do to the lyrics, and it requires my active attention to really hear what is being sung. Listening further, I started picking up the background instrumentals. I did not even realize the song had piano in it at first, but once I noticed it was there, I couldn’t not hear its contribution to the song. This is the value of listening to a song actively and in detail. Each time a new element appears, it’s a bit like a reward, like uncovering an Easter egg, whether it’s a denotation in the lyrics or a fun lick on an instrument. I find I appreciate a piece of music more when I listen this way. And after hearing that saxophone solo 20 or 30 times, I could definitely rip a good version of it on my tenor sax.