Music, Style & Culture

Keeping It Peel: John Peel Playlist

It's more important than ever that Peel's legacy is maintained.

Today (25th October) marks the seventh anniversary of the death of John Peel; perhaps the UK’s most celebrated and respected broadcaster and undoubtedly one of the most important musical figures in history. In today’s age when the relevance of music to peoples' lives is becoming increasingly diluted, it is more important than ever that his legacy is maintained and the musical principals, boundless enthusiasm and joyful love of music that he had is passed on. This playlist features songs that either Peel himself championed, or that continue on in his spirit.

The Undertones - Teenage KicksIt is impossible to compile a play list of songs in the spirit of John Peel without including this punk classic that was famously Peel’s favourite single. The opening line says it all: “Teenage dreams so hard to beat.”



The Fall - BuryStill going after over 30 years, The Fall are perhaps the quintessential Peel group and this typically caustic track from their latest album ‘Your Future, Our Clutter’ shows all the strange and compelling qualities that caused Peel to hold them so dear.



The Sugarcubes - BirthdayOne of the most loved features of Peel’s radio show was his yearly countdown of listeners favourite tracks the ‘Festive Fifty’ This classic was a winner of the festive fifty in 1987 and is perhaps the best recipient of that award.



The White Stripes - Hello OperatorJohn Peel was the first UK DJ to play the White Stripes and it is arguable that he was instrumental in launching their career over here.



Battles - My MachinesOne of the honours bestowed on Peel in the wake of his death was the naming of a stage at Glastonbury after him. Battles were one of the highlights of The John Peel stage at this year’s festival and their intricate and inventive art rock was a perfect fit for a stage bearing his name.



Jeffrey Lewis - Cult BoyfriendJeffrey Lewis was a long time favourite of Peel and this latest track from his sixth album shows the charm and personality that made him such a favourite of the great man.



Wild Beasts - Bed Of NailsEarlier this year Domino Records announced the launch of a radio station drawing on the spirit of the John Peel show, among the bands and artists presenting shows on the stations week long duration were Kendal’s Wild Beasts, a band that no doubt would be right up Peel's street.



Katy B - On A MissionPeel was always quick to spot an exciting and innovative sound; this is an ethos shared by Rinse FM who are at the forefront of exciting and fresh UK dance culture represented by this outstanding single from Katy B.



Gerry & The Pacemakers - You’ll Never Walk AloneFinally, as well as being hugely passionate about music Peel also had one other great passion and that was Liverpool football club and their adopted anthem, ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’.