Book excerpt: 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. Following this, 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 - let's face it, during the 1970s Virgin defined the nation's - if not the world's - musical taste. All known releases on Virgin and related labels are documented here - from Tubular Bells to numerous forgotten gems that deserve much greater recognition.