Avon Calling: The Bristol Compilation (1979) is a highly acclaimed, seminal compilation from Heartbeat Records that showcased the fertile 1978–1980 post-punk scene in Bristol, UK. Praised by John Peel as "truly superb", it is a diverse collection featuring punk, new wave, and experimental tunes, challenging the mainstream, narrow definition of post-punk with bands like The X-Certs, Art Objects, and Glaxo Babies.
Avon Calling: The Heartbeat Singles Collection 1978-1981 (found on CD 2 of the Cherry Red compilation) is a 24-track retrospective showcasing the vibrant Bristol punk and post-punk scene. It is highly regarded for its raw, creative, and varied sound, featuring bands that operated independently from the London music scene, often described as a crucial post-punk compilation.
Praised by John Peel as a top-tier compilation, it is considered a "cult favourite". It captures the spirit of the era, where bands aimed to impress peers with authentic, DIY-style music.