First Generation: Twenty Five Years of Virgin Records (2-CD)

by Various Artists

Producers include: Mike Oldfield, Tom Newman, Simon Heyworth, Human League, Steve Levine.

Includes liner notes by Keith Bourton and Jon Webster.

In the '70s, maverick entrepeneur Richard Branson did things his own way and established a successful record company by breaking all the music business rules. Branson followed his heart and his ear more than his wallet. Mike Oldfield's spooky instrumental "Tubular Bells," famous for its use in the exorcist, put Virgin Records on the map. The label kept going strong for decades to come, and its 25th anniversary is celebrated on this two-disc compilation of Virgin recordings. Everything from the pioneering synth-pop of the Human League's "Don't You Want Me" through the atmospheric balladry of Phil Collins' breakthrough solo hit "In the Air Tonight" to techno gods the Chemical Brothers' funky "Block Rockin' Beats," this collection is a virtual history of pop.