Two years in the making, this is the first of two books that collect James Hamilton’s weekly columns for Record Mirror into hardback form.
This book covers the period from 1975 to 1982, tracing the rise and fall of the classic disco era, which then mutated into the start of the electronic era. The second book, to be published in 2025, will continue the story from 1983 to 1989, as hip hop and house music emerged to become the dominant forces.
Containing over 5000 reviews, along with news and gossip from the club scene, mini-features, monthly/year-end disco charts, individual DJ charts/import picks, comprehensive indexes, lengthy introductions from DJ Greg Wilson and James’s stepson Mike Atkinson, plus a foreword from Norman Cook, its 550 pages have been edited, revised and fact-checked from the original source material, with some additional content that has not previously been published.
Each month comes with its own dedicated playlist, containing almost all the records that were reviewed. Together, these playlists add up to around four weeks of continuous listening!
To introduce the book, Greg and Mike have published Who Was James Hamilton?, a 90-minute one-off podcast, in which they discuss James’s impact and legacy, with some tunes along the way that help to illustrate the journey.
Ahead of its official publication date on December 9th, you can pre-order copies directly from SWS Books – priced at £30 plus postage/packing, these will be dispatched by the end of November. You can also follow the book on Instagram.
As Greg Wilson says: “Hopefully, with the new book, there’ll be a reappraisal of James’ role in shaping our culture, with the great man finally afforded the recognition he merits and his rightful place in the history.”
James Hamilton's Disco Page 
Wow! I was just thinking about James whilst listening to The Whispers this morning.
This looks superb. Ordered!
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Thanks, Al! The book has been beautifully laid out by Slim Smith, and I couldn’t be happier with it.
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Aged 13 I bought my first copy of Record Mirror in February 1975 and every week after until 1985. It was my pop bible- it published the weekly Official national charts alongside the Billboard charts and of course James Hamilton’s important Disco Column.
Pre internet era it was the only weekly information point for information about releases and artists and what was happening out in the big wide world. It was essential reading. James reviews were copper bottomed, you could take his recommendations to the bank.
I look forward to this book arriving in time for Christmas.
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Thanks David – and thanks also to all the other regular commenters on this blog, as your contributions have been fascinating to receive.
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Thank you so much for doing this – what a tribute!
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It was truly a labour of love!
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I live in Thailand and am very excited about this 2 part project.I was an avid reader of Hammy’s pages over the years and look forward to my early Xmas present.Thankyou for your Labour of love!!!🙏🙏
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Order done! Xmas present – to myself! I read and followed James Hamilton’s Disco Column in Record Mirror religiously all the way through the 80’s. His recommendations helped my understand and develop my passion for this music. Mike A – what a beautiful way to pay tribute! I understand that this has been a labour of love, but still – a massive thank you!
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In 1976 Record Mirror published DISCO MIRROR and short story about me – dj from Poland (check this link — https://disco-yahupawul.blogspot.com/p/disco-mirror-1976.html
Is there any archive I can find all these issues – how many printed / published ?
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