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Elly Roberts reviews
Warner Music UK
- Cat.no: WSMCD226
- Released: October 2005
- Rating: 10/10
- Format: 2- CD set
Last year, BBC radio lost a true maverick – John Peel.,
Never knowing whetherhis contract would be renewed from year to year, he single-handedlylaunched the career of many of today’s top acts. Peel was the Beeb’s longestserving jock. Always looking for the next big thing across a wide selectionof music, mostly rock’n’pop, he had a keen ear for seeking out what wasdifferent, and remained at the cutting edge until his untimely death in Peruin October 2004.
These 40 outstanding selections reflect the fearless modus operandi of themost humble of broadcasters the world has heard on the airwaves.
In many ways it’s a timeline of his phenomenal career. Audio snapshotsspanning over three decades, there’s the stars and less well known allpooled 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 thecharts – inevitably some made it big time. Many simply became cult icons.
Peel not only defined his own generation, he went on to define severalgenerations as he continued to move with the times. As a broadcaster, hewould, unlike some of his peers, talk to you like a trusted friend. He hadan almost free rein away from overly produced programmes and strict playlistguidelines. 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, sothere 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’tplay them, then who would?”
This collection was compiled by recording industry veteran Nick Stewart andassisted by BBC radio veteran Chris Lycett. It has been vetted by John’swidow Sheila and four children, thus ensuring that his legacy isrespectfully 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.
I’m sure you find your own faves, and there’s plenty to choose – 40.
Would John Peel approve? – Of course!
NOTE: Warner Music will be making a donation from sales of this album toJohn’s favourite charities.
The full list of tracks included are :
1. Lonnie Donegan – Lost John
2. T-Rex – Debora
3. Pink Floyd – Set The Controls For The Heart Of The Sun
4. Jimi Hendrix Experience – Spanish Castle Magic
5. Van Morrison – Sweet Thing
6. David Bowie – Life On Mars
7. The Doors – Five To One
8. Tim Buckley – Song For A Siren
9. Faces – Stay With Me
10. The Misunderstood – I Can Take You To The Sun
11. Country Joe & The Fish – Not So Sweet Martha Lorraine
12. Fairport Convention – Meet On The Ledge
13. Captain Beefheart – Big Eyed Beans From Venus
14. Loudon Wainwright III – Be Careful There’s A Baby In The House
15. Roy Buchanan – I Am A Lonesome Fugitive
16. The Bonzo Dog Doo Dah Band – Mr Apollo
17. Ramones – I Don’t Want To Walk Around With You
18. The Clash – Complete Control
19. Joy Division – Love Will Tear Us Apart
20. New Order – Ceremony1. The Undertones – Teenage Kicks
2. Altered Images – Happy Birthday
3. The Smiths – How Soon Is Now?
4. The Cocteau Twins Pearly-Dewdrops’ Drops
5. The Jesus & Mary Chain – Sidewalking
6. Blur – Song 2
7. Culture – Lion Rock
8. Billy Bragg – New England
9. Robert Wyatt – Shipbuilding
10. The Wedding Present – Brassneck
11. Pj Harvey – Sheila Na Gig
12. Pulp – Common People
13. The Fall – Theme From Sparta F.C. #2
14. Super Furry Animals – Something For The Weekend
15. Nina Nastasia – Bird Of Cuzco
16. The Delgados – Pull The Wires From The Wall
17. Belle & Sebastian – Lazy Line Painter Jane
18. Laura Cantrell – Two Seconds
19. Orbital – Chime
20. Elmore James – Dust My Blues
Elly Roberts passed away in 2011, but he was a man who was so passionate about all types of music and loved meeting his musical heroes, such as Mick Hucknall at a book signing at the Trafford Centre, Manchester in 2007.
A former teacher and also a music journalist, DJ and radio presenter on local community station Calon FM, plus appearances on BBC Radio Wales, BBC Radio Cymru and BBC Radio 2, Elly started doing reviews for DVDfever.co.uk in 2004 and he did the majority of the CD and concerts reviews on the website.
I know also that he loved getting away for the summer to Spain and I hope that wherever he is now he is enjoying the hot sunshine and, as one of his friends has said on his Facebook page, that he is interviewing his musical heroes.