Bumpers

A rich double album compilation gathering the best of UK Island label’s 1970 releases, featuring recent hits and teasing upcoming ones, continuing a tradition started by previous compilations like “You Can All Join In” and “Nice Enough To Eat.”

During the turn of the decade, Island stood out as the most adventurous label in the UK, curating a roster that seamlessly combined folk-infused hard rock with bluesy prog. This unique blend allowed artists like King Crimson, Mott The Hoople, Cat Stevens, and Traffic to coexist, capturing the essence of the British underground scene. These compilations not only showcased the label’s best but also maintained a musical coherence that artists sometimes struggled to achieve on their own.

Beyond mere promotional tools, “Bumpers” offers two genuine rarities: previously unreleased versions of tracks by Mott The Hoople and Fairport Convention. Additionally, songs from bands like Renaissance, Clouds, and Quintessence serve as reminders of a time when even the most sought-after collectibles were just regular releases.

Island remains one of the most sought-after British labels of the rock’n’roll era, and each track on “Bumpers” contributes to its allure.

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