This four-CD punk collection accompanies Clinton Heylin's book of the same name. I haven't read the book but would recommend the box set.

The first CD looks at the very early American punk scene with the New York Dolls, Patti Smith and The Modern Lovers, with a brilliant rendition of Chinese Rocks by Johnny Thunders' Heartbreakers.

Disc two is full of classic tracks from predominately British bands such as The Damned, Buzzcocks and Sex Pistols - no surprises there - but also throws in The Lurkers and Slaughter And The Dogs, while covering 1974 to 1977.

Disc three looks at 1977 and 1978 with X-Ray Spex, The Adverts, Wire and the greatest single of all time, The Only Ones' Another Girl, Another Planet.

The years 1977 to 1979 fill the last disc, where Irish punk rockers The Undertones and Stiff Little Fingers rub shoulders with The Ruts and the fabulously named Alberto Y Lost Trio Paranoias.

The 91 tracks include demos, live versions and John Peel sessions, encompassing the years 1972 to 1979 in a phenomenal line-up of great bands and great lyrics.

However, how can a history of punk leave out The Clash and The Ramones?


- Terry Ruane