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John Peel tribute

It's well known how important John Peel was to the British music scene of the 1970s and 1980s. Not only did he like and understand punk, he also always supported new bands with countless radio sessions at the BBC. Without him many of these bands may not have had the exposure they deserved, or even been discovered at all. The alternate versions that appeared on his sessions were always superb, and in many ways superior to the standard versions that came out as albums and singles. I have compiled here Peel sessions from my favourite artists, and I think you'll agree it's quite an impressive tracklisting.

(The 'Strange Fruit' label released BBC Radio Sessions from John Peel and other producers. Many are still in print today, but many aren't. Often the famous 'grey-sleeved' Strange Fruit Peel Session albums appear on eBay. If you ever have trouble acquiring a certain Peel Session from a favourite band, and have looked everywhere, I can help you out if I have it myself.)

The Compilation

Disc One

Punk, Post Punk and New Wave

  1. The Adverts - Gary Gilmore's Eyes
  2. The Undertones - Listening In
  3. The Damned - Liar
  4. Magazine - Give Me Everything
  5. Wire - Practice Makes Perfect
  6. The Cure - Plastic Passion
  7. The Slits - So Tough
  8. Siouxsie & The Banshees - Hong Kong Garden
  9. Joy Division - Colony
  10. A Certain Ratio - Flight
  11. Gang Of Four - Natural's Not In It
  12. Adam & The Ants - Deutscher Girls
  13. Buzzcocks - Pulse Beat
  14. The Jam - In The City

Disc Two

Electro and Indie

  1. The Chameleons - Looking Inwardly
  2. The Smiths - Rusholme Ruffians
  3. James - What For
  4. The Wake - Here Comes Everybody
  5. New Order - Turn The Heater On
  6. Cocteau Twins - Wax And Wane
  7. Depeche Mode - Boys Say Go!
  8. Cabaret Voltaire - Big Funk
  9. OMD - Bunker Soldiers
  10. Echo & The Bunnymen - Stars Are Stars
  11. Primal Scream - Leaves
  12. Inspiral Carpets - Keep The Circle Around
  13. The Strokes - Hard To Explain
  14. Happy Mondays - Do It Better

Note: Firstly, I know I forgot all about The Fall. Secondly, I made this tribute before I knew about Peel's underhand behaviour. I therefore do not respect him as I once did.