The Virgin label began with an eclectic and esoteric mix of left-field artists, including Mike Oldfield, Gong, Faust, Tangerine Dream and Henry Cow. Many of the resulting LPs are now considered to be important cultural reference points – is there anyone who hasn't heard of Tubular Bells? In 1977 Virgin signed the Sex Pistols. A horde of punk and new wave bands followed, such as XTC, Magazine, The Ruts and - as the Sex Pistols imploded – PIL. Later, the iconic Front Line label was responsible for some of the best reggae ever heard, from artists such as U-Roy, Tapper Zukie, I-Roy, Keith Hudson, The Gladiators, Culture and the Twinkle Brothers. This book covers the ‘classic’ years and is an absolute must for anyone with half an ear open. During the 1970s Virgin defined the nation’s – if not the world’s – musical taste. All known releases on all related labels are documented – from Tubular Bells to numerous forgotten gems that deserve much greater recognition. The Rawtenstall Concertina Orchestra anyone?
