Soundbites: Banded Together

Ever since the current presidential administration took office — that is, when our nation began its descent into Mad Max-style chaos — we've seen an outpouring of benefit concerts for various causes under threat of defunding and even extinction. Planned Parenthood continues to be a popular beneficiary, as it's one of the most publically embattled organizations in the nation. With that in mind, you might consider hopping on Bandcamp and downloading the new compilation record We Stand With Each Other. Vermont expat Sara Jean Larsson Greenberg (wash your hands) spearheaded and organized the comp. The 18-track collection is bursting with regional artists, several of whom are Vermont based or familiar in the local scene. The album is an eclectic mix of sounds and styles, ranging from lo-fi folk to experimental pop to hardcore. All proceeds go to support Planned Parenthood. Repping Vermont is Windsor-based rock band the Pilgrims, who contribute "Barely Alive" from their most recent record, No Focus. Derek and the Demons, who also hail from Windsor, add their bluesy, laid-back rock number "Crack in the Cosmic Egg" from 2016's Rite of Passage. Then there's Ludlow-based artist Maxwell Dysobey, the "one-human band" Jagweed. He provides an ultra-timely, eerily appropriate cover of Yip Harburg and Jay Gorney's Depression-era anthem, "Brother, Can You Spare a Dime?" He turns the classic tune into a freak-folk slow burn, which comes from his EP, Sing for Yr Supper. Bradford punks Be Aggressive! add "Ca$ual Fa$ci$m," their brisk and scathing indictment of, well, everybody's most hated form of government. The track stems from their most recent EP, WHOA! It...Is What It Is. Also included are tracks from Bichael No and Beastmeats, two side projects from members of Carton and the Pilgrims. Other regional contributors include upstate New York rockers Asa Morris and the Mess and indie punks TEENCAT, New Hampshire-based transgender alt-punkers Chodus, and a buttload of others. Also rallying for Planned Parenthood this week are the house and techno DJs of Burlington-based collective Mitteltöner. On Saturday, March 25, DJs Vetica, Sir Alec Jeffries and OD3 hold late-night court at Radio Bean with a benefit called "For Your Health! A Benefit in Support of Planned Parenthood." Along with special guest DJs MFNelson and Air, they join forces with Light Club Lamp Shop resident DJ Taka for a complete takeover. They've even given the two venues fancy designations. LCLS becomes the Disco Lounge, while…