Search results: The Beat Runners

Review: A favourite of John Peel's - they ended recording no less than five sessions for his revered show - the Hebden Bridge-formed band saw success in the 1980s with a heady mix of rhythmically-propelled post-punk and Hartley's distinctively wired vocals. Before splitting in 1986 they released two albums and numerous EPs, but until now they've been on vinyl only - this definitive box set (or Bog Set as they have it) sees five different CDs of both original masters and rarities, plus an exclusive booklet of background info.

Review: As the title makes clear, this three-disc, unmixed collection has one simple aim: to soundtrack kitchen discos, living room dances and long car journeys with a jam-packed selection of disco hits and disco-tinged pop favourites. It does a good job at that, even if some of the selections tend towards the lesser-known end of the commercial disco spectrum, with all three discs showcasing such disco must-haves and part-starting sing-alongs as Dan Hartman's soaring 'Relight My Fire' (famously covered by Take That in the 90s), Diana Ross's 'I'm Coming Out', Chaka Khan's inspired 'Young Hearts Run Free', Grace Jones' punk-funk Roxy Music cover 'Love Is The Drug', McFadden & Whitehead's epic 'Ain't No Stopping Us Now' and Cheryl Lynn's peerless 'Got To Be Real'.

Review: Given that the concept of the 12" version was born during the mid-to-late 1970s, it seems fitting that this four-disc trawl through extended mixes of the era leans heavily on classic disco cuts. Of course, there are some genuine must-haves among the DJ-friendly disco extensions on offer, not least Elton John's Philly Soul anthem 'Are You Ready For Love', Cerrone's 'Supernature', Dan Hartman's 'Relight My Fire' and Diana Ross's epic 'Love Hangover'. Throw in a smattering of post-punk and new wave gems, plus arguably the greatest end-of-night anthem of all, Wings' 'Goodnight Tonight' (the extended version of which gets brilliantly dubbed-out in the middle and is far superior to the seven-inch mix) and you have a rock-solid collection of club-ready '70s sing-alongs.