““7-inches for Planned Parenthood” is a reminder that each of us has the power to use our voice to speak out for what we believe.”
That’s Cecile Richards, longtime president of the Planned Parenthood Federation of America, speaking on the introduction of “7-inches for Planned Parenthood,” a massive compilation release created by staunch defenders of health care access and reproductive rights.
A statement on the official website explains the motivation behind this ambitious collaboration:“Lawmakers with extreme views are working hard to shut down Planned Parenthood. If they succeed, millions of Americans will lose access to basic health services, including STD testing and treatment, birth control and cancer screenings.”
““7-inches for Planned Parenthood” is a response to this threat. This curated series of records is made by a group of people who believe that access to health care is a public good that should be fiercely protected.”
The set of seven-inch vinyl records (released digitally on Oct. 20 and available for full box set purchase on Nov. 17) features a stacked lineup of musicians and comedians, some with new releases and others with rarities or live-version tracks.
“Down Side of Me” is a reflective synth-pop dream from Scottish indie rockers CHVRCHES, while Mary J. Blige’s “Strength of a Woman” adds some soul to the mix.
Estelle’s latest release is a bluesy anthem aptly titled “Woman’s World.” John Legend and St. Vincent donated a live version of their tender duet, “Lovin’ You,” and Feist is on hand with “Born to Bond,” an acoustic-heavy soother that breaks into temporary rage mode at the halfway point.
Mitski paints a Floydian dreamscape on “I’m a Fool to Want You,” and Common spins his uplifting single “Love Star” with Marsha Ambrosius and PJ.
Foo Fighters bring the heart with the slow-burning “Soldier,” originally an outtake from last month’s “Concrete and Gold,” smoothly nuanced for maximum effect.
On the comic relief side of things, the box set includes sound bites from live acts by Margaret Cho, Zach Galifianakis and Janeane Garofalo, just to name a few.
Unity is the driving force of the genre-spanning compilation, and that’s why bands like Sleater-Kinney “love the idea of putting out 7 inches – new music, to get people fired up about something. It’s a great way to inspire passion in people.” The Riot Grrrl mainstays unveiled a new song for “7-inches,” a railing punk blast called “Here We Come.”
For the curators of “7-inches,” it’s as much a statement as it is a musical tribute.
“This project is a chance for artists and fans to take meaningful action to protect access to health care for millions of women, men and young people,” the online statement reads. “We hope to further Planned Parenthood’s mission to build a world where we all have full control over our own bodies and can determine our own destinies – regardless of race, immigration status, socioeconomic status, gender identity, or sexual orientation. It’s writers, artists, musicians, comedians, visual artists and other public thinkers – all making something together in support of health care and human rights.”