John Peel 30 August 1939 – 25 October 2004

Tomorrow, Saturday 25th October 2008, is the fourth anniversary of the death of John Peel. Much has been said about Peel's contribution to music in the UK and there is little I feel I need to add. On a personal note though John Peel is by far the single greatest influence on my musical journey. As music is central to my very existence that makes him very, very important indeed. His influence undoubtedly lives on but nothing has, or could come, close to replacing him. I for one miss him very much.

I have posted a small selection of session tracks. I expect that most of these tracks are already out there and I apologise if I am not adding to the greater sum of Peel show mp3s. This, though, is by way of a personal tribute.

On 19th October 1988 Peel broadcast a Sonic Youth session in which they only played Fall covers. Somehow this seems to encapsulate a great deal of what music meant to me back then.

Sonic Youth - Psycho Mafia

Sonic Youth - My New House

Sonic Youth - Rouche Rumble

Sonic Youth - Victoria

Way back in 1975 (on 19th May), before I was listening to John Peel shows, Can recorded two session tracks; Geheim and Mighty Girl. It would be about 10 years later that I got seriously into Can and othe krautrock bands via a mate's love of all things Amon Duul. Here's Geheim:-

Can - Geheim

A band that I remember Peely having a particular fondness for were Quickspace. They released just three albums but recorded four sessions. For me, they never got the attention they deserved. Here is the last of those sessions from 29th September 1999.

Quickspace - They Shoot Horses Don't They?

Quickspace - The Lobbalong Song

Quickspace - The Flat Moon Society

Quickspace -Gloria Clip

Finally, less than six weeks after John's death the BBC put out a session by Shellac. Their song The End of Radio is incredibly poignant.

Shellac - The End of Radio

THANKS JOHN.