In terms of that quintessentially English sport, cricket, knocking up a half-century of runs is something of an achievement, writes Eddie Grimstead.

But it's not just applicable to sporting prowess, however. Oxford-based independent record label Shifty Disco release their 50th Singles Club CD.

To celebrate the event, which coincides with their fourth anniversary, there's a five-band showcase on Saturday at The Zodiac. Shifty Disco take over the whole venue upstairs and downstairs for what promises to be something really special.

When Shifty Disco 'arrived' four years ago, there was a profusion of quality local acts whose careers were given that all-important first step on the ladder. Early releases included Dustball, Unbelievable Truth and Nought, even in their fledgling first few months Shifty Disco made their intentions to be an eclectic imprint known, as the diversion of the aforementioned proved.

When Radio 1 Sound City descended on Oxford, the band's output was picked up by John Peel. Subsequent singles from the likes of Beaker, for instance, had Shifty Disco singles receiving airplay on Radio 1.

Into their second year of existence while still featuring mainly local acts such as the Samurai Seven and a 'side project' release from uplifting techno trio The Secret, under the name of The Sect, Shifty Disco, under the guidance of head of A&R Angela Sammon, began to cast their net a little wider.

Acts such as Beulah from America, with Beach Boy type harmonies, Nottingham's Manatee who include Jonny Aitken, brother of Rich 'Narco' in their line-up, a tenuous local connection if you need one, also Derby's Scribble, who featured Witney-based drummer, Squib on their contribution.

Truck Records and Truck Festival organisers Whispering Bob and current Steve Lamaq faves The Four Storeys, had their debut singles with Shifty. Also during Shifty Disco's third year, Frigid Vinegar's punk'n'bass anthem Dogmanaut 2000 which found its way on to a major label, eventually had an outing along with Welsh popsters Murray the Hump.

Last year saw probably the smallest number of local acts with Shifty Disco releases, reflecting the year 2000. As a transitory one for the local scene, though with high-quality releases from the likes of The Panda Gang, The Dawn of the Replicants offshoot Pluto Monkey, Blue Apple Boy and Jack Drag, kept both the eclectic flavour of the label and the quality control at a premium.

The Singles Club singles have proved to be highly sought-after and collectable; subscribers are issued with a unique number. Every year thus far Shift Disco have released all the A-sides on a compilation album.

To mark their achievements so far there's a Shifty Fifty box set, with all 50 A-sides from Dustball through to Morbius, retailing at 20.01. Numbers seem to feature heavily with the local label, but that's a Shifty Disco thing, so it is said.

We're now in the 21st century. Here's to the next 50 and Shifty's 'ton-up'.