Sometimes it's bigger than the music

Earlier this year, a group of volunteers came together to create Respond II, the second in a series of benefit CD collections organized by Catalyst Disc/Signature Sounds. This two-disc set, which features female artists from all branches of the musical spectrum, who donated their songs for use in the collection, sets out to spread its message of female power and strength while raising money for victims of domestic violence.

Respond II is unique in that it represents a rare show of solidarity in the music business. The wide spectrum of artists highlighted in the collection, including Dolly Parton, Ani DiFranco, Joan Baez, and Sleater-Kinney, speaks out against domestic violence and carries on the collection's theme of staying strong in the face of adversity. With songs ranging in genre from Latin pop to bluegrass to rock and roll, Respond II truly features something for everyone, reaching out to all sorts of music fans in an attempt to spread its message.

It is worth noting that all profits resulting from sales of the album will go directly to RESPOND, Inc., one of the first countrywide programs to offer support to victims of domestic violence, as well as the Family Violence Prevention Fund (FVPF), the premier national organization fighting to prevent domestic abuse. Both groups serve thousands of women per year and strive for laws to better protect battered women and children.

The collection itself opens with "Lily", a song by noted folk singer and activist Joan Baez, whose dedication to civil rights and the anti-war movement stretches all the way back to her days protesting the Vietnam War. "Lily" is a gentle, upbeat number that features Baez's smooth voice and sets an uplifting tone for the rest of the album.

It is followed by "Steady Pull" by Jonatha Brooke, a more contemporary piece with a laid-back feel, and the Indigo Girls' "She's Saving Me", which demonstrates flowing lyrics that settle well against an acoustic guitar harmony.

The first disc also features several upbeat Latin pop numbers, including Ely Guerra's "Yo No" and Angelique Kidjo's energetic rendition of "Tumba". The mixture of styles, ranging from the aforementioned pop and country to songs such as "You're No Rock 'N' Roll Fun" by Sleater-Kinney create a shifting medley of tunes that translate well to the album's stated purpose, promoting a unity of voices across the female spectrum.

Patty Griffin, whose roots lie originally in Cambridge, stands out with her short bluegrass piece "Chie". The first disc is capped by the haunting lyrics of "Silver", sung by Meghan Toohey and The So and Sos.

The second disc starts off with the smooth tones of Suzanne Vega's "Luka," a beautiful piece that continues the laid-back mode of the previous album. This is followed by "Mountain Top", sung by Toshi Reagon, which features haunting bluegrass melodies that soar over the beautiful rhythmic harmonies and make the piece one of the prominent songs of the collection.

Sarah McLachlan's "Witness" and Dolly Parton's "Endless Stream of Tears" both add a more contemporary flavor to the album, and Tracy Bonham's short feature, "I'm No Giant", showcases her unique lyrical ability and vocal talents.

The second disc does a good job of picking up where the first left off, though it features many more energetic songs, like Erin McKeown's "Queen of Quiet", and finally culminates in the riveting "More Love" by Wannetta Jackson.

Taken as a whole, the collection is well-produced, with a wide distribution of songs from myriad different styles. Fans of all genres should be pleased with the dual albums and featured artists. Though some songs seem to drag a bit at times, and the first disc features a few too many slow pieces to really work up an energetic mood, Respond II is overall a solid album and a necessary addition to any CD collection, especially for fans of female artists.