Includes 7,000 reviews, charts, and columns from the Record Mirror archives.
Photo credit: Neighbourhood
A new book celebrating the legacy of pioneering UK music journalist James Hamilton is out now via Super Weird Substance. Titled ‘Dance Pages 1983–1989’, the 800-page volume charts the birth of electronic dance music through Hamilton’s legendary Record Mirror columns.
Known for his work as a columnist, DJ, and chart compiler, James Hamilton played a critical role in shaping UK dance music culture during its formative years. His columns in Record Mirror, spanning from the late 1970s to the early rave era, introduced readers to BPM counting, beat-mixing, and emerging genres that would later define electronic music.
Following ‘Disco Pages 1975–1982’, this new volume continues the story, chronicling the transition from disco to electro, house, techno, and more. With nearly 7,000 reviews, monthly and annual charts, and scene commentary, the book serves as both a historical document and a working DJ’s archive.
Introductions by Pete Tong, Greg Wilson, and Mike Atkinson open the book, while Hamilton’s columns track in real time the rise of artists, records, and techniques that would go on to define global club culture. Hamilton famously championed Donna Summer’s ‘I Feel Love’ before its single release and witnessed Larry Levan at Paradise Garage—an experience that led him to push for beat-mixing in the UK, manually timing every track he reviewed from 1979 onwards.
“James validated and inspired a whole generation of the club scene,” said Pete Tong. “He could make your day or ruin your week with his opinions, but he always had respect because – for a long time – he was always there.”
From Hi-NRG to hip hop, synth-pop to techno, Hamilton remained a restless advocate for innovation, often backing new genres before they gained acceptance. His columns connected DJs across the UK for the first time, building a national club network in the years before digital communication.
‘Dance Pages 1983–1989’ is out now on Super Weird Substance. Get your copy here.