Album Review – American Aquarium’s “The Fear of Standing Still”
#564 (Alt-country) on the Country DDS
Out of the wreckage of the American experience comes the pointed, propulsive, sometimes polarizing, and at other times gentle and ruminative musings of B.J. Barham and his long-running band of alt-county misfit toys, American Aquarium. They take the stage like musical warriors, and leave behind puddles of sweat and tears in one of the most engrossing shows out there. In the studio, they both try to capture this live energy, and compose songs that challenge for dominance over the deepest musings of Americana’s greatest singer/songwriters.
The Fear of Standing Still is in many respects an album from the road, of the road, and for the road. Though it delves into other subjects for sure, it’s bookmarked by two barn burner rock songs in “Crier” and “Head Down, Feet Moving” that you can’t wait to melt your face off the next time you catch AA live. “The Getting Home” and “The Fear of Standing Still” are much more behaved and thoughtful—and superbly written by Barham—but speak specifically to the tug and pull upon the heart of a touring musician.
The Fear of Standing Still is perhaps more viscerally enjoyable than their previous album Chicamacomico. Where the last one looked to be more purposely subtle, the new one ventures to be more uninhibited. Where the last one produced by Brad Cook felt surprisingly country and rootsy—facilitated by that more subtle approach—this one produced by Shooter Jennings feels much more progressive and omnivorous. It’s alt-country, while at times crossing over into straight up rock.
BJ Barham has never been one to shy away from sharing his opinions, whether it’s on the ills of the music business and venues taking a share of their merch sales, or his hopes for a reformed South that can keep the cool aspects of the region while finally moving on from some of it’s most ill-conceived projects. Unlike the way some others who engage in this effort colossally fail by falling into judgy and elite-feeling opinion-giving, Barham often finds the right balance between respecting his audience, but also asking the audience for the respect and latitude to follow his songwriting muse into sometimes contentious subjects among the country crowd.
The song “Southern Roots” featuring Katie Pruitt speaks to this work, and in a way that shows Barham at his best, including not running away from his Southern identity as a North Carolina native, but taking ownership of it and working towards a more positive future that all Southerners can be proud of.
Another issue Barham tackles effectively is the machismo culture of the American male being unwilling to express his feelings. Maybe Barham watched the recent wrestling film The Claw, or maybe it was something heavy on the heart already. But “Crier” and portions of “The Curse of Growing Old” speak to how suppressing feelings often leads to deeper problems than publicly expressing vulnerability.
“Babies Making Babies” makes use of a colloquialism to illustrate the complexities behind the abortion issue that have come into sharper contrast in the last year or two thanks to current events. Though Barham does what every good songwriter should try to do, which is using story to illustrate a point as opposed to invective indictments of direct rebuke, he arguably crosses the line when he presents a couple getting an abortion having to navigate through a sea of Christian protestors.
Has that scenario happened before? Of course it has. Is it common to the American experience while looking for abortion access? No, it’s not, and it bleeds the subtly out of the song and renders it more polarizing, especially towards the Christian audience. If anything, the issue is abortion access, period.
But one of the reasons so many American Aquarium fans allow BJ Barham and the band the latitude to go where they wish is because this band has continued to forward their blue collar attitude, and don’t actively look to alienate their own fan base in the name of “artistry.” They also just happen to be a killer band.
If nothing else, fans respect American Aquarium for their honesty and the unvarnished nature that has never left this band. Barham is also one of these guys who takes personal growth seriously, as well as taking responsibility for his previous behavior. The songs “Messy As a Magnolia” and “Piece By Piece” are about BJ and his wife’s relationship, and delve into his previous behavior intimately.
One may ask what makes an album like The Fear of Standing Still even adjacent to the country realm. Along with the presence of steel guitar, there is a decent amount of nostalgia in these songs like in the appealing track “Cherokee Purples,” which might be one of the album’s best. But it’s fair to say that this album might not be the best entry point for country fans to find favor with American Aquarium after hearing about them for years, though it might be the ideal entry point for rock fans who’ve also heard about them, but never jumped on board.
It’s always important to keep an open mind with American Aquarium, because no matter who you are or where you come from, they take you somewhere you want to go.
8/10
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American Aquarium also consists of guitarist Shane Boeker, bassist Alden Hedges, Rhett Huffman on keys, Neil Jones on pedal steel guitar, and drummer Ryan Van Fleet.
Purchase from American Aquarium
Purchase from Amazon
August 2, 2024 @ 7:44 am
American Aquarium is a band that feels confident in their ability to damn near anything they want at this point. Country, rock, folk, anything in between…they can do it and do it confidently. When I first saw them live over ten years ago, my favorite thing about them as a band was how they could seamlessly switch from rock and country vibes live.
August 2, 2024 @ 7:52 am
This album is vying for AOtY for me and quickly closing the gap with Taylor Swift’s TTPD. An absolute 10/10. Can’t wait to hear these songs live when I see them in September.
August 3, 2024 @ 12:30 am
Taylor Swift , if thats all the competition theyve got , theyve won easy.
August 2, 2024 @ 8:05 am
I always tell people if you’re on the fence about AA go see a live show because there’s not many bands that bring the energy they do night in and night out. This album is great and I’d also highly recommend going to a Roadtrip to Raleigh show for AA fans.
August 2, 2024 @ 8:09 am
I love AA and also this record. AA is killer live and I have seen them at least eight times since 2020 in various sized venues. From intimate Shank Hall in MKE to a larger club in Tampa to the big stage at Mile 0 Fest to Red Rocks. Every show satisfying. Barham is an excellent song writer and appreciate the mostly-nuanced hand with which he writes. Have met him five to six times and he always gracious and appreciative of his audience.
More than just the song writer and front man for AA, he is the “CEO” of the enterprise. Personally sends merch and always with a note and/or autograph. Super-active on social media as well.
I grew up on Petty, Springsteen, Yoakam and the Replacements and AA has moved towards the top of faves. Love the Jeff Crosby and Red Clay Strays efforts too so this was a good two weeks for music! Great weekend to Trig and the readers.
August 2, 2024 @ 8:13 am
This album seems well balanced with musical styles and lyrical content. BJ keeps impressing me with the quality of his lyrics over all this time. The band fits will together and freakin’ rock. Keep keeping real, AA!
August 2, 2024 @ 8:18 am
With apologies for dipping my toe into political-adjacent waters, I want to give a little context to the Christian protestor thing that might could have informed BJ’s songwriting. Idk how it is elsewhere, but Christians protesting outside Planned Parenthoods is specifically common in the Triangle area of NC, where American Aquarium resides. I used to drive past one on 15-501 often, and it was mebbe 50/50 whether there’d be protestors there or not. Doesn’t really detract from your overall point, but if you know someone who’s had an abortion in the past ten years in that part of the world, there’s a decent chance that they’ve got a story like that. Bet he’s heard one.
August 2, 2024 @ 9:30 am
I had an abortion via a visit to that specific planned Parenthood. It absolutely gets targeted by asshole protesters.
August 2, 2024 @ 10:08 am
Cool story. You should put it on your LinkedIn and Facebooks.
August 2, 2024 @ 11:57 am
@Stellar. It ain’t my place to speak for all Christians, but as a Christian just want to say that whatever your faith journey is there ain’t nothing you can do that will place you out of God’s love.
“They called her names, while they called themselves Christians
Sort of hate’s got no place in any faith of mine”
– American Aquarium
August 2, 2024 @ 12:03 pm
@hamster This. 100% this!
August 2, 2024 @ 9:58 am
Like I tried to say in my comments, I don’t doubt people have had that experience, and perhaps it’s especially common in North Carolina. Years ago I used to live down the street from a Planned Parenthood, and never saw a protestor. But it wasn’t in North Carolina.
My bigger concern is that particular verse bleeds the nuance out of the topic when we simply lump all anti-abortion sentiments on “Christians.” Even most Christians are for invasive medical procedures when the life or health of the mother is involved, or in cases of rape or incest. And a good portion of them are for elective abortions over a reasonable time period. It’s only through the fact that we no longer live in a representative republic, but one ruled by the extreme ideologies on both sides pandering to the most strident elements of their constituencies and donor bases that we get laws that the vast majority of people don’t want.
In most of the Western World, this is a settled matter. We can’t settle it here because there is lots of money to be made turning people against each other.
August 2, 2024 @ 10:32 am
It’s a little deeper then the money to be made Mr. Trigger.
Many us know the truth of this matter is we are murdereing/killing babies. Modern day child sacrifice.
I know, I know I’m a radical fundi for Christ “@$$!hole protester”
He is risen!
August 2, 2024 @ 11:53 am
“And yet, and yet. Who knows what treasure life may hold for even such children as those, or what treasures even such children as those may grow up to become? To bear a child even under the best of circumstances, or to abort a child even under the worst—the risks are hair-raising either way and the results incalculable.
How would Jesus himself decide, he who is hailed as Lord of Life and yet who says that it is not the ones who, like an abortionist, can kill the body we should fear, but the ones who can kill body and soul together the way only the world into which they are born can kill unloved, unwanted children (Matthew 10:28)? ”
– Frederick Buechner (RIP; Well done Christian)
August 2, 2024 @ 2:53 pm
Mr Hamster are you advocating as someone who is in Christ for the killing of the children that the Lord sowed together in the womb?
I completely agree with your above comment to Stellar about there is no unforgivable sin besides blasphemy against the Holy Spirit.
In my original comment I was responding to Trigger about $. Making the point from a biblical take that for the common Christian, the killing of babies in the womb has nothing to do with money.
I responded to a comment with truth, maybe a little more love was warranted. Fair enough brother.
August 2, 2024 @ 12:07 pm
Just curious Fletch…is this due to the Word of the same God who flushed out all life on Earth with the exception of Noah and his family? Or the same God who killed every firstborn in Egypt?
You can try to claim otherwise, but the Bible is not as pro-life as you’d have us believe.
August 2, 2024 @ 2:17 pm
When the scales have fallen, you realize the difference between when man elevates himself and when the All Mighty makes the decision.
Nice try.
😉
August 5, 2024 @ 6:31 am
my fav is when god sent two bears to kill 42 kids that called a guy bald. idk maybe god has a receding hairline which is why he prefers to be depicted with long flowing locks.
August 5, 2024 @ 8:11 am
“I FOLLOW THE TEACHINGS OF #JESUS.
To me Jesus is clear in his teachings about never seeking to destroy the other, but to #transform the other into #friends. Jesus’s teachings, not naively but strategically centered around #love ; love to neighbor; even love to enemy. For Jesus knows that the logic of an eye to an eye could easily turn into the logic of one eye versus 100 eyes and so on. I preach about this all the time that we cannot be prisoners of hatred. …”
– Rev Munther Isaac (Pastors the Evangelical Lutheran Christmas Church in Bethlehem. Palestinian Christian pastor and theologian)
August 2, 2024 @ 12:10 pm
Interesting subtext. I always like the band because the writing felt eventually honest, the guy cleaned up his shit, got better, kept going, got a lot more interesting. In a similar vein to everybody’s favorite here, Isbell. You can say it’s political when folks write about their lives and experience, or not. Either way, the ‘fan alienation’ is becoming a tired point of view. Gives a listener something to consider vs the ‘truck yeah’ of modern country, and the trash can see itself out.
August 2, 2024 @ 12:27 pm
You might be tired of the point of view that some performers alienate their fan bases to prove their “artistry,” but it’s certainly still relevant. I don’t think what’s going on with BJ Barham and American Aquarium though. As I spoke about at length in this article, Barham has avoided much of the same criticism Isbell fans from not being down-looking toward his own fans, while also being steadfast in his convictions, proving both can be possible.
As for tackling the abortion issue, you don’t have to go any farther than this comments section to prove it solves nothing. But I do appreciate Barham’s effort more than others.
August 2, 2024 @ 1:47 pm
Finding that line youre describing between speaking in your own voice and not alienating fans- I don’t see much evidence of that statement in the band’s music. I see the comment section as the most recent example… I’d suggest that the difference in that regard between BJ and Isbell is simply one of degree- Isbell is much more successful, much better known, and so has a louder mic, and is that much more clicky/lucrative for media to write about, faces ‘gotcha’ press, hit the guy holding the ball, etc …Having spent time around the band, should they reach Isbell press, I have little doubt the same criticism will be levied against them, amplified and shared in the media on media orgy. Meanwhile, of course, great music and a great show.
August 2, 2024 @ 2:03 pm
“I don’t see much evidence of that statement in the band’s music.”
In many respects, this is the fundamental difference between Barham and Isbell. At this point, more people know Isbell through his social media presence (X.Threads) than they do his music. In fact, his social media presence has dramatically hurt his music. Isbell currently has about 840,000 monthly listeners on Spotify. Zach Top has 1.5 million. Sierra Ferrell has 2.5 million. The Red Clay Strays have nearly 7 million. This is because Isbell actively tells people who don’t agree with him to not listen to his music. In fact, he goes even further to bully them, deride them, and encourage his fans to deride these people as well. As another commenter pointed out, Barham’s take is, “And let me say this to you, if along the way I lose you, I appreciate you listening as long as you did.” This is what he said through his music on this album.
Jason Isbell is still more popular than American Aquarium. Perhaps it’s because ultimately, Isbell is more talented than Barham. But there is a reason Isbell is opening for the Turnpike Troubadours despite being the most lauded artists in Americana with Brandi Carlile, who has 4 million listeners on Spotify per month. It’s because Isbell comes across as a judgemental elitist, which creates a lot of traction for him on social media and the dopamine hit that comes with it, while completely undermining every cause he stands for, as well as the audience for his music, rendering his voice as an agent for change inert at best, and often counter-productive.
But I’ve said this ad nauseum to deaf ears. So if you think the Isbell approach is effective, full speed ahead!
August 2, 2024 @ 2:46 pm
“It’s only through the fact that we no longer live in a representative republic”
The decision of the time frame on abortions was pushed back to the States. That is exactly giving the voice and power back to the people of each state.
I am not suprised that someone like BJ tends to look at political issues thru clique extremes that always make there way into social media rambling – because they are easy arguments, not always accurate and nuanced ones.
We’ve come a long way since when Red Ragtop was banned from terrestrial radio. That song is a very good take on a tough issue, and it’s probably one of Tim Mcgraw’s best songs.
(I am Libertarian on the issue and do not support restricting abortion. After choosing to read medical papers on it and why there are 2nd and 3rd trimester abortions I am more left-leaning on the issue than most. I don’t morally support it but that is seperate from my political beliefs)
August 2, 2024 @ 3:02 pm
“The decision of the time frame on abortions was pushed back to the States. That is exactly giving the voice and power back to the people of each state.”
No, it’s not. Every popular vote on abortion has failed, including in conservative states such as Nebraska and Ohio. Meanwhile, certain state legislatures have passed complete abortion bands that don’t even include exceptions for the life of the mother, let alone rape and incest, which 80% of Americans are for. This directly flies in the face of public sentiment. These state legislature laws are simply being passed as red meat to constituencies and so politicians can run on being tough on abortion.
Generally speaking, though passing responsibility off to state and local governments is probably a good idea, the ideological severeness on this particular issue is so extreme—including certain states’ almost unlimited ability to receive an abortion late into pregnancy—we have created a patchwork of stupid laws that the vast majority of citizens do not want.
The whole issue is a mess. I respect BJ for trying to broach it in a thoughtful manner, and trying to instill some of the nuance back into it. But unfortunately, it’s unlikely to persuade anyone one way or another. It will just instigate arguments like the ones we’re seeing here.
August 2, 2024 @ 3:24 pm
I will admit that I have not read into the votes on bills and amendments in each state. I had to Google Amendment 1 in Tennessee and it was voted on and was passed by a higher vote in favor. I realize that evangelical sections of the Republican party will pounce on this freedom and that there are currently overreaches on the issue. I also don’t expect most people who are fired up about the issue to have read my last statement in my previous post.
August 2, 2024 @ 3:47 pm
The 80% that you mention is polled public sentiment, not a vote percentage.
August 2, 2024 @ 3:45 pm
Over 60% of the US population identifies at Christian and statistically a good chunk of them are getting abortions too.
I wish people would really get into the dark parts here of why there are 2nd and 3rd trimester abortions. If you read medical papers on the issue it’s mainly for genetic anomolies. Even the majority of most Christians don’t want to end up with a down syndrome kid or a “stroller adult” that they have to push around until they are in the grave. No one has ever given me an argument for how you can force families to carry to term a baby that will need constant care until it dies, or a baby that historically would have died soon after birth anyway. Everyone wants to banter from the safe and easy points but as soon as you bring up the actual reason for 3rd trimester abortions – not to mention divorce rates for couples with a special needs kid – everyone wants to change the damn topic.
August 2, 2024 @ 5:29 pm
@Strait
I’m having a conversation not an argument (no emotion).
There is a huge difference between identifying as Christian vaguely and actually being transformed to die to self. Empowered by the Spirit to pick up your cross and making Jesus master of your life.
When talking about the killing of babies in the 2nd and 3rd trimester that have congenital disorders, we’re zeroing in on such a small percentage of abortions that get performed. When we do this along with talking about rape or incest we sweep the bigger issue at hand under the rug. Taking a life as a form of contraception.
I don’t have an eye opening enlightening answer for you, to persuade your opinion on how it’s right to let life live that has a congenital disorders. Beside my faith and what would be cliche answers to most, but is what Bible believing Christians adhere to. God ordains such things.
Also there was more aborted lives in 2023 than in 2022, 2021 and 2020. Check the stats
August 2, 2024 @ 10:43 pm
The 2nd and 3rd trimester abortions is what spurred the Supreme Court decision on Roe v Wade – it was Gov Northum stating his support for abortion right up to birth. Yes it’s a rare % of abortions but it spurred the political action yet no one is talking about the reason for them.
And it’s not hypocritical to belive that it is morally wrong yet believe it should be legal. The Bible doesn’t call people into political activism.
August 4, 2024 @ 8:06 am
@ Striat.
I sat on your response for a couple of days. I’m glad you brought up morality. That’s the key to this topic (aborted lives)
Your right the Bible does not call for political action but it does call for civil disobedience when magistrates make morally wrong decisions.
I do have an answer for your bottom line question about 2nd/3rd trimester children. It would be wrong for a parent to kill a down syndrome toddler at the age of 3 years old, cause of hardship or inconvenience correct? So for me at least, there is no difference for a down syndrome child in the womb at the 2nd or 3rd trimester. Just time and space my man. It’s still murder.
August 5, 2024 @ 10:24 am
I drive by the Asheville, NC Planned Parenthood 2x a day most days and I’ve never not seen protestors outside.
August 5, 2024 @ 11:18 am
Fair enough. Maybe this is a common phenomenon in North Carolina. I’m just not sure how common it is nationally.
August 2, 2024 @ 8:21 am
I love American aquarium for a few reasons, one being not many bands are out here specifically putting on for North Carolina so hey thanks for that. I also love their sort of pure alt country sound. Alt country is I think in retrospect a specifically 90s thing. But I love that moment and I enjoy that these guys feel like a legit throwback to early Wilco, old 97s, the bottle rockets.
I probably don’t love this quite as much as their last two. That’s based on two full listens it might grow on me. Messy as a magnolia is the real standout so far that’s one of their best. Seeing these guys on Labor Day weekend I’m excited.
I
August 2, 2024 @ 8:26 am
More to the point, this album is awesome, and Cherokee Purples is the best song about North Carolina since Raise Up.
August 2, 2024 @ 8:42 am
I really enjoyed this album from start to finish, the production feels more “rock” than the previous one for sure, at times reminding me more of bands like Gaslight Anthem more than anything country but it’s still very much in my lane. Overall it’s both intelligent enough to be interesting and still easy on the ears. Can’t wait to see the live show when they roll through Philly this fall.
August 2, 2024 @ 9:26 am
I saw BJ Barham do a solo show at Eddie’s Attic. It was a master set of storytelling and songs. I was mad with myself that I did not buy tickets for the second show that night, he was that good.
August 2, 2024 @ 9:29 am
This album might be my favorite this year. It comes close to matching that late 90s alt country sound and attitude that Drew me into country to begin with. I’ve yet to see them live, but I have tickets for way off in December. Until then, I’ll be jamming this album and Diving deeper into their back catalog. Messy as a magnolia, the fear of growing old, and Cherokee purple stand out, but there’s not a bad song on this album. Good review.
August 2, 2024 @ 9:56 am
Simpin’ pretty hard there, Trig.
You can put your megaphone and poster board down.
This isn’t a political website.
And, you aren’t nearly as slick as you think.
And, the South is just fine.
North Carolina, is great.
Blacks and whites get along much better in the South, than they do in the PNW, and the North.
August 2, 2024 @ 11:09 am
HA. grew up in arkansas, live in mississippi, work in memphis.
i can tell you that it can definitely still be an issue.
i had to find a new realtor after he casually told us we didnt have to worry about a neighborhood we were looking at ‘getting overrun with n*ggers and mexicans’. As well as past employers making me reshoot videos or revise ads because the were ‘too ethnic’, ie: ‘we dont want any black people in this, ok?’.
don’t kid yourself, lady.
August 2, 2024 @ 11:31 am
“It” can be an issue, anywhere.
Have lived in many places around the U.S.
Have lived and worked in Shelby, Charlotte, Greenville, N. Carolina.
Worked hard and played hard in Kill Devil Hills, and Hatteras.
The way Blacks and Whites come together in work and play, get togethers, sports, everyday life is of a very genteel, goodwill, help your neighbor kind of way.
August 2, 2024 @ 10:07 am
Point of clarification: Shooter also produced Chicamacomico.
August 2, 2024 @ 10:40 am
Every indication I can see is that Brad Cook produced “Chicamacomico,” including the press releases I received, the metadata for the tracks, etc. Shooter Jennings did produce their 2020 album “Lamentations,” which I also got confused about for a bit, and made sure to double check this.
August 2, 2024 @ 10:55 am
other than hearing the new ones at live shows, i avoided listening to any of the new songs before getting the album, preferring to experience the album as a whole as much as possible.
AA didn’t disappoint
August 2, 2024 @ 11:06 am
Raise hell praise Dale death is coming for us all. One of my favorite lyrics in a long time.
August 2, 2024 @ 12:32 pm
Loved this one.
I was really interested in what direction this album would go when I heard Crier hit. Live versions damn near sounded like a Chuck Ragan/Hot Water Music track.
Out of all the great music we’ve gotten this summer, I think “Messy as a Magnolia” might be my favorite song. Catchy as hell, and a song a ton of people will relate to. Have blasted it early and often since last week.
Also love that following up the abortion song with that last track might be the most BJ Barham thing of all time. “And let me say this to you, if along the way I lose you, I appreciate you listening as long as you did” literally made me laugh out loud.
August 2, 2024 @ 2:01 pm
Hell of a damn band. Going to see them 3 nights in a row on this upcoming tour. Keep getting better. And no one works as hard or respects his fans as much as BJ.
August 2, 2024 @ 3:15 pm
This is an album I will sit down with a cigar and listen all the way through. I’ve only casually listened to some of their songs.
August 2, 2024 @ 6:09 pm
Live American Aquarium and really liking this band. At the top of my list of bands to see that I haven’t yet.
I don’t agree with much of BJ politically but respect how he handles the discourse. A guy who made a lot of mistakes in the past accepting that he isn’t perfect. What a novel concept.
August 3, 2024 @ 8:11 am
It is very good and they seem to get better with each release. I am looking forward to seeing them live later in the year.
August 3, 2024 @ 8:54 am
This is their best since at least Burn.Flicker.Die IMO. I didn’t care for Chicamacomoco and while I dug Lamentations at first, the more I listened to it, the more forgettable it became despite some damn catchy tunes. Maybe that happens to this one too, but for now, I very much approve.
August 4, 2024 @ 6:57 am
BJ is a fool.
Abortion is a modern child sacrifice.
No civilized people should support it.
The man’s music is vastly overrated.
August 5, 2024 @ 6:34 am
lol.
August 5, 2024 @ 6:54 am
The last AA album I ordered from Amazon got lost in delivery. But it took me about a month to notice, so I realized I just didn’t care..
August 5, 2024 @ 3:03 pm
Definitely a band I should pay more attention to.
The Cherokee Purple track had a somewhat Ryan Bingham sound to it (who I’m a fan of), so that catches my attention. Yeah, I will check out more AA when I can.
August 6, 2024 @ 12:04 pm
This is a good album, but I find Barham to be a walking contradiction at times, he’s pragmatic enough to know that “crying won’t bring them back, it’s just a waste of time” (curse of getting old) yet still finds the time to complain about a flag that’s been flying in the south long before he was born and will continue to fly in certain parts of the region long after he’s gone, and for most of those places it’s less about hate and more about heritage and the rebellious spirit that still permeates the southland. I wish he was a little more consistent in his story telling at times.
October 3, 2024 @ 8:04 pm
I can tell you from personal experience that those protesters at clinics are very, very common, and usually Christian, and present nationwide.
It’s a mess! But in all honesty they are super common and hell to get through, even if you happen to just be going to Planned Parenthood for other care….