The Joy of Compilations

The first single from Birdpen’s debut album On/Off/Safety/Danger is released on Friday 15th August.

It’s called Breaking Precedent and is available to download from iTunes and Napster.



Birdpen first came to the original Showcase’s attention when we received the compilation “The Coming of The Railways” – the best of the south coast’s bands [search on ebay]

Collections like that are an ideal resource and, as the artists are from the same area, give a great musical snap shot of the local scene.

In that 19 band collection I had my first experience of Subgiant, Scarlet Soho, Plastic Toys and Sine Star Project all of which are Showcase regulars.

Last week another fine compilation landed on our desk and not only does it originate from the Isle of Wight but also serves another purpose.

Complied by John Cattle, chairman of the Save Ventnor Skatepark Group the CD “Transitions” is a major part in their fund raising process.

They’ve enlisted the help of Paul Butler and Aaron Fletcher from The Bees and on this first volume you’ll hear some old favourites of the Showcase: acts like Jet Harris, Jackson Analogue, The Chancers and Shanklin Freak Show.

But I have also been introduced to the Wight Light Orchestra, The Shutes and The Peas.

This Sunday we’ll be playing three more songs from the album which, for £10, you get 22 bands of varying styles but definitely a high standard. Visit
www.wight-trash.co.uk to buy your copy.