2nd September 1978, with Irvine Welsh

Each episode of Record Mirror Disco Charts is a deep, conversational dive into a specific week's dance music history, hosted by Greg Wilson and Mike Atkinson alongside a rotating guest. The format is elegantly simple yet rich with detail: a random Disco Top 20 chart from the UK's Record Mirror publication, dated anywhere from 1975 to 1982, is selected as the starting point. These weren't just sales lists; they were a unique snapshot of the nation's dancefloors, compiled from reaction reports sent in by DJs across the country. The discussion naturally flows through the tracks on that list, unpacking the stories behind the music, the artists, and the era's shifting sounds. Crucially, the conversation is framed by the witty and authoritative contemporary reviews of Record Mirror's legendary columnist, James Hamilton, whose writings from those years have been collected in the book *James Hamilton’s Disco Pages 1975-1982*. Listening to this podcast feels like opening a time capsule, where every forgotten B-side or chart-topper sparks memories, analysis, and a genuine sense of discovery about how disco and early electronic dance music evolved in the clubs of Britain. It’s a specific, lovingly researched journey for anyone fascinated by the roots of club culture, driven by hosts and guests who share a deep knowledge and passion for the subject.