John Peel - A Tribute - T.Rex,David Bowie,The Clash,The Undertones,Billy Bragg,Miscellaneous Performers Album Review

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Album Review

Last year, BBC radio lost a true maverick - John Peel. Never knowing whether his contract would be renewed from year to year, he single- handedly launched the career of many of today's top acts. Peel was the Beeb's longest serving jock. Always looking for the next big thing across a wide selection of music, mostly rock'n'pop, he had a keen ear for seeking out what was different, and remained at the cutting edge until his untimely death in Peru in October 2004.

These 40 outstanding selections reflect the fearless modus operandi of the most humble of broadcasters the world has heard on the airwaves.

In many ways it's a timeline of his phenomenal career. Audio snapshots spanning over three decades, there's the stars and less well known all pooled together. Peel wasn't a hit seeker as such, as he invariably creamed - off what he considered to be the best on the scene, mostly away from the charts - inevitably some made it big time. Many simply became cult icons.

Peel not only defined his own generation, he went on to define several generations as he continued to move with the times. As a broadcaster, he would, unlike some of his peers, talk to you like a trusted friend. He had an almost free rein away from overly-produced programmes and strict playlist guidelines. Peel did things his way and succeeded beyond his wildest dreams.

In effect, he called the shots till the end, which was quite some feat.

As the liner notes indicate, the acts were (initially) up-and-coming, so there were no visuals to depend on - it was a truly music orientated agenda.

Mark Ellen, editor of Word magazine quoted Peel as saying," ...if I didn't play them...then who would?"

This collection was compiled by recording industry veteran Nick Stewart and assisted by BBC radio veteran Chris Lycett. It has been vetted by John's widow Sheila and four children, thus ensuring that his legacy is respectfully kept intact.

Of the bumper tracklisting, personal favourites include - Debora - T.Rex, Song 2 - Blur, Culture -Lion Rock, Elmore James - Dust My Blues, Life On Mars - David Bowie and Love Will Tear Us Apart -Joy Division.