View Full Version : Kats Karavan - The History of John Peel on the Radio
I've decided to treat myself to this, and have just ordered it... Should be ace. What a cool cover, too! :cool:
http://www.systemrecords.co.uk/various-artists-kats-karavan-history-john-peel-radio-p-1018690.html
Does anyone already have it?
Marco.
Talking about Peel (and a bit OOT) I was tracking this one for me : http://www.chrisspedding.com/session/rh/rh3.htm
I've decided to treat myself to this, and have just ordered it... Should be ace. What a cool cover, too! :cool:
http://www.systemrecords.co.uk/various-artists-kats-karavan-history-john-peel-radio-p-1018690.html
Does anyone already have it?
Marco.
It appears to have no HMHB on it!
Hi Joe,
Sorry, excuse my ignorance, but what is HMHB?
Marco.
(Half Man Half Biscuit ?)
Shit, yeah! :doh:
Yes that is a shock... Despite that, I'm sure it'll still be a great listen :)
Marco.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio1/johnpeel/artists/h/halfmanhalfbiscu/
I felt sure I had already posted this, but can't find anything, so please indulge me if I already have!
Some of you may well be aware that John Peel lived in Suffolk - I hired a guy who used to go out with his daughter, and although I never knew him, I was a big fan, regular listener, and gutted when he passed on, especially as he was a similar age to my dad, and that is too close for contemplation...
Anyway, this goes back to my bachelor days of the early "noughties" (hate that, but it explains it well), when I spent a lot of time listening to radio, and rarely missed the JP show. It reinforces my music philospohy of "if it's good, I like it." JP was playing (live on air) Sugababes, Round Round (yes, really!) and said (words to the effect) - "that's a white label 12", I have no idea who or what it is, but I rather like it" - this of course, was not long after said track, had been number 1, without him having any idea of it! I wish I could go back and find the show in the archives because I remember it as clear as anything, and there is something of an irony, if not a purity, that John Peel could like a Sugababes track without any knowledge of who or what they were. Bless him, and God rest his soul.
The Grand Wazoo
04-11-2009, 00:34
The track listing on those CD's encapsulates why he was so great - despite Alex's tale above(!), he was often able to spot a kernal of greatness in so many acts way ahead of anyone else. That's not to say that he didn't play stuff I didn't like - far from it. But his shows were always interesting.
I was one of those in the 70's who used to go to bed with a mono ear-piece stuck in one ear under the covers. I have John Peel to thank for my love of Julian Cope & the Teardrop Explodes, if nothing else.
It was always interesting to discover stuff that he'd championed in the past too, long after it was current. How many people who listened to his shows during the height of punk would have believed he was the same man who had loved Wishbone Ash when they were emerging?
No genres / No prejudices
The Grand Wazoo
04-11-2009, 00:41
To clarify, what I mean is this:
..........despite Alex's tale above(!), he was often able to spot a kernal of greatness in so many acts way ahead of anyone else.
I would 100% agree, and my tale was not in any way supposed to be derogatory.
The Grand Wazoo
04-11-2009, 00:54
Alex,
I didn't think that for a moment, but I was concerned that some may think I was being derogatory!
I have a different view on the decline of good manners to at least one esteemed member - 'scuse me I'm just off to re-inflate my violets
The Vinyl Adventure
04-11-2009, 01:29
I, in my darkest days of insomnia, depresion, paranoia and hatred (late teenage years made worse by a dad with alzhimers and no other family to tern to) used to find a lot of peace listening to jp's show on a crap bed side clock radio whilst playing endless games of patience (solitaire)! I will never ever forget that... Ever!! It was the only time of day (1,2,3 am I can't remember .. Late night) I ever felt happy! I to was very very sorry to learn of his death! I had a news paper clipping photo of him on my wall for a long time after he died!
=The Grand Wazoo;77082It was always interesting to discover stuff that he'd championed in the past too, long after it was current. How many people who listened to his shows during the height of punk would have believed he was the same man who had loved Wishbone Ash when they were emerging?
Did he still love Wishbone Ash once prog had gone out of fashion?
The Grand Wazoo
04-11-2009, 09:02
Did he still love Wishbone Ash once prog had gone out of fashion?
Well, I don't know for sure, but I'd imagine with a record collection of the size of his & growing daily at the speed it did due to his being inundated with new stuff, he wouldn't have much time to listen to Argus again!
I reckon his postman probably had the least desirable job in Royal Mail!
Well, I don't know for sure, but I'd imagine with a record collection of the size of his & growing daily at the speed it did due to his being inundated with new stuff, he wouldn't have much time to listen to Argus again!
I reckon his postman probably had the least desirable job in Royal Mail!
25,000 Vinyl LPs according to this!
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1532070/John-Peel-leaves-his-wife-1.5m-oh-and-25000-records.html
I love the fact he had an "emergency escape pod" of his favourite 142 singles...
Back on topic, I've just ordered the CD.
Temptations are all around you on here, eh Alex? ;)
Yep, JP's record collection is undoubtedly to die for. The full contents of it are intriguing enough on their own, but what I find equally as intriguing is (apparently) the system he used to play his music at home, which appears to be on the front cover of the album. In fact, it looks like a home studio...
Did he ever broadcast his Radio one show from home? I know that some DJ's do this, or have done so in the past.
Marco.
Yes - "Peel Acres" in Great Finborough, Suffolk:
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/e5/JP_Peel_Acres.jpg
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/e0/JP_Homestudio.jpg
And this is the contents of his box...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Peel%27s_Record_Box
Ah, nice one! Any chance of someone (Alex, if you can) taking that pic of his studio and 'zooming in' (using photoshop or whatever) as close as possible to highlight the T/Ts being used? :)
Marco.
Not sure there's enough detail in the photo - but try this...
Around 1min 40sec
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qv7gdjUor-g
....
Yep, JP's record collection is undoubtedly to die for. The full contents of it are intriguing enough on their own, but what I find equally as intriguing is (apparently) the system he used to play his music at home, which appears to be on the front cover of the album. In fact, it looks like a home studio...
Did he ever broadcast his Radio one show from home? I know that some DJ's do this, or have done so in the past.
Marco.
I though John Peel had left his record collection to the British Library (I know that he was talking to them about this before he tragically died). Apparently he had to have the house reinforced with stronger beams and timbers, so as to support the sheer weight of the records.
Yes he did broadcast from home, so some of that equipment would have been supplied by the BBC. I seem to remember reading that he used Quad amplification based his experience of them at the BBC and their use by Pink Floyd. I think the record deck used was an EMT 948. No doubt the latter is still at Peel Acres, as I can imagine the BBC wouldn't be too bothered about collecting it.
Regards
Nice one, guys - thanks for that :)
Marco.
Spectral Morn
04-11-2009, 11:08
I picked up his book recently Margrave of the Marshes; 50p in a S/H bookshop unread, thats sad. (among many books I still have to read). I came to him via his radio 4 Saturday morning show Home Truths....which I used to listen to while making my 43 mile journey into work. Loved it and missed him on it when he died. They kept it going for quiet a while after John's death but it was not the same.
I was aware of John's radio 1 show, but in those days it was to alternative for me...Incredible String band to Napalm Death (and lots in between). My young formative radio listening was done to the Tommy Vance and his Radio 1 rock show (that is until death speed and thrash metal took over from more melodic rock music) and American forces radio (for the melodic rock/AOR).
I do respect John's love of music and the influence he had on it...his like will probably not be seen again...though Bob Harris comes a close second imho.
Regards D S D L
I'm now off to the big smoke for meetings, and the You Tube clip has inspired me to want to put some White Stripes on through the ipod on the train - best dig out those non-leaking Shure headphones then!
R.I.P. JP - fondly remembered.
(Apparently his headstone just reads his name, and the line from Teenage Kicks - "Teenage dreams, so hard to beat")
Beechwoods
04-11-2009, 20:46
I wish someone could compile a reference to the setlists from his shows. I have a few of his Festive Fifties, and a few complete shows from the late 60's, but sadly my own tapes from the late 80's and early 90's were butchered by my earlier self not appreciating the importance of the 'bits between the bits' (his dialogue) and Peel's approach to sequencing the records. It bugs me that I have tapes from his shows (minus his intros which I edited out :doh:) that have tracks on that I have been completely unable to identify since. And being shoegazing stuff, and probably unreleased, there's no chance of making out a lyric to take investigations further!
I owe it to Peel for a lot of my formative musical discoveries. Child of Peel, 88-91 :)
I shall be forever indebted to JP's memory - he played Tangerine Dream's experimental early stuff (Atem was the main one I think) and got a certain Richard Branson interested. Phaedra was the result and this one record changed my life...
There were other great radio shows in the mid seventies too - Sounds Good on radio 3 with Derek Jewell(!) , Your Mother Wouldn't Like It (Nicky Horne on Capital radio) and a David Jensen show on BBC Radio London IIRC. I mustn't forget Fluff's Rock Show on Saturday afternoons. John Peel's show outlived them all.
aquapiranha
04-11-2009, 21:38
DEAF SCHOOL !!!
Cool! a bit left of centre but a great band all the same, shame I missed them first time round.
I wish someone could compile a reference to the setlists from his shows.
You probably know about this, but just in case:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio1/johnpeel/tracklistings/
You probably know about this, but just in case:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio1/johnpeel/tracklistings/
That is brilliant Joe, the "Sugababes show" must surely be in there, as working it back it was sometime between September 2002 and July 2004... Bit of digging to do, but thanks for the link. Meanwhile, 14th January 2004 illustrates my point very well - something wrong technically with the list, but you'd never in a million years have expected that track to open a John Peel show, would you?
http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio1/johnpeel/tracklistings/peel_archive_shtml.shtml?20020114
DEAF SCHOOL !!!
Cool! a bit left of centre but a great band all the same, shame I missed them first time round.
HERE'S (http://www.seetickets.com/see/price.asp?filler3=id1safe&code=428568) Your chance to put that right:smoking:.
Cheers.
Beechwoods
05-11-2009, 14:41
You probably know about this, but just in case:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio1/johnpeel/tracklistings/
Thanks Joe - I had come across this, but it starts too late for me :( I'm sure that soemone somewhere was compiling lists back in the day though. It'll turn up sometime!
Well I had an early start this morning to be in Northampton first thing, and then on the way back I found myself not far from Great Finborough (I pass within about 5 miles of it on the A14 very regularly) just as the day was turning to evening, and despite it chucking it down, decided to see if I could find the church where JP (or rather John Ravenscroft, to give him his real name) is buried.
As if on cue, the rain stopped and the sun shone as I parked up - the church (St Andrew's) is unusual and very pretty, (if you are interested, some info here: http://www.great-finborough.co.uk/church.php#) and whilst not being obvious I found the grave straight away, sited around the back of the church (the aisle end) and seems to be away from most of the other new plots.
It didn't feel right to take any photos, (there are plenty of historic ones via google images) but the grave is well decorated with lots of flowers, mainly red roses, presumably from the 5th anniversary of his death, which was on the 25th October. An amazingly peaceful resting place, overlooking rolling Suffolk fields and just what he would have wanted I'm sure.
After thinking about him and reading all of the posts in this thread I just felt I wanted to say "thanks" and belatedly pay my respects.
The next challenge was what music to play when I got back in the car - too tough a choice - so instead I opted for some contemplative silence.
---------------------------------------
"Teenage dreams, so hard to beat"
---------------------------------------
Beechwoods
05-11-2009, 22:30
Good on you Alex. Last time I did something like that it was to trot up Silbury Hill on the way back from a meeting in Andover. Both pilgrimages of sorts.
A little nostalgia for you. GRINDERSWITCH (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GlilCxnmek0)
Nice thought Alex.
To do 'my bit', I'm playing 'Before the Fall: The Peel Sessions 67 - 77':
Hendrix
Free
Queen
Elton John
Lindesfarne
Arthur Brown
Chicken Shack
Kevin Coyne
Medicine head
T Rex
Soft Machine
Can
Family
Thin Lizzy
Tim Buckley
June Tabor
Bonzo Dog
Cheers
I've decided to treat myself to this, and have just ordered it... Should be ace. What a cool cover, too!
Has yours come yet Marco? Mine arrived this morning!
Currently only on CD 1 - but this is a great package, the tunes (a mix of original releases, and Peel Sessions recordings) the book, (lots of anecdotes from artists who have contributed, photos of both JP with and without the artists, cover art, show memorabilia) topped off by the occasional JP voice clip between tracks.
So far, well chuffed - so thanks for the find and posting about it Marco! :cheers:
Just have to add this to the thread - a quote from the man himself:
Somebody was trying to tell me that CDs are better than vinyl because they don't have any surface noise. I said, "Listen, mate, *life* has surface noise."
http://www.ilxor.com/ILX/ThreadSelectedControllerServlet?boardid=41&threadid=34945
Yeah, CDs are better than life ! :lol:
I wish someone could compile a reference to the setlists from his shows.
This appears to be the best Peel reference site I can find:
http://peel.wikia.com/wiki/Main_Page
But, of course, it's a wiki - so pinches of salt needed - though looks pretty good to me. Lots of work to be done, but some full set lists are there, and it will grow over time, no doubt.
Has yours come yet Marco? Mine arrived this morning!
Currently only on CD 1 - but this is a great package, the tunes (a mix of original releases, and Peel Sessions recordings) the book, (lots of anecdotes from artists who have contributed, photos of both JP with and without the artists, cover art, show memorabilia) topped off by the occasional JP voice clip between tracks.
So far, well chuffed - so thanks for the find and posting about it Marco! :cheers:
Yup, Alex, 'tis here. Ace innit? :)
You're welcome dude. That's what this section of the forum is all about. I get Mojo and Uncut every month. The Kats Karavan release was advertised in the former mag, so I thought that some folks here might be interested in it.
Marco.
Beechwoods
09-11-2009, 22:33
This appears to be the best Peel reference site I can find:
http://peel.wikia.com/wiki/Main_Page
But, of course, it's a wiki - so pinches of salt needed - though looks pretty good to me. Lots of work to be done, but some full set lists are there, and it will grow over time, no doubt.
Wow - thank you Alex. I'll keep an eye on this :)
Found this over on pfm, thought it might be of interest to a few peeps here, what is it, only the whole PEEL FESTIVE 50s (http://drownedinsound.com/news/4136745-spotifriday--peel-tastic-playlists-on-spotify) on Spotify, that's all. Yes you read that rightly, the whole bleedin' lot, from '76 to 2000, dive right in and ENJOY:smoking::smoking:.
Cheers
That is awesome Ralph - THANK YOU for posting that, there's about a years worth of (mainly punk) listening there! Right, I'm off to dust-down some Dead Kennedys... thanks again!
Found this over on pfm, thought it might be of interest to a few peeps here, what is it, only the whole PEEL FESTIVE 50s (http://drownedinsound.com/news/4136745-spotifriday--peel-tastic-playlists-on-spotify) on Spotify, that's all. Yes you read that rightly, the whole bleedin' lot, from '76 to 2000, dive right in and ENJOY:smoking::smoking:.
Cheers
Saddo that I am, I'm working on the 2001 onwards lists, as the link ends at 2000...
Anyway, also on that page later on in the article there's a link to this one:
http://open.spotify.com/user/mitchellstirling/playlist/3HoGQX9EMZxI8A9PckuDrE
Unfortunately you can't open the article it mentions, but appears to be a collective top 1000 (where available on Spotify, so no Beatles, Floyd etc.) but my god, there's some awesome stuff on there!
Enjoy!
Hi Alex
Yes, there is just a little bit to be getting on with, wont take long will it :lol:.
There's the original list (up to 2005) at INDIEFY (http://indiefy.wordpress.com/).
And there's more DANDELION RADIO (http://www.dandelionradio.com/index.htm) are keeping the Festive 50 flag flying, how good is that!:smoking:
The Grand Wazoo
13-11-2009, 09:35
Saddo that I am, I'm working on the 2001 onwards lists, as the link ends at 2000...
Anyway, also on that page later on in the article there's a link to this one:
http://open.spotify.com/user/mitchellstirling/playlist/3HoGQX9EMZxI8A9PckuDrE
Unfortunately you can't open the article it mentions, but appears to be a collective top 1000 (where available on Spotify, so no Beatles, Floyd etc.) but my god, there's some awesome stuff on there!
Enjoy!
Ok, Well - I've got the day off today, so if you can have it ready by lunchtime I suppose that'll have to do.
I think you'll have to make do with just 2001, Chris, as that was all I could finish before work - I'll try and work on the others this evening - but the 800 odd in the other list shoud keep you going! ;)
http://open.spotify.com/user/alex_steel1969/playlist/1l9MG4G4ijw8t7ddPBeaW0
Just to complete, up until 2004 - the year of his death:
2001 - http://open.spotify.com/user/alex_steel1969/playlist/1l9MG4G4ijw8t7ddPBeaW0
2002 - http://open.spotify.com/user/alex_steel1969/playlist/57xOdtxzcV78j4C7xU5P4y
2003 - http://open.spotify.com/user/alex_steel1969/playlist/4HfyCJDjGB0Wb5Fp366pzS
2005 - http://open.spotify.com/user/alex_steel1969/playlist/6IakgsmQIrpvqDGoTiM9O8
The Festive 50s do carry on after 2004, but to me, it's not the same...
If anyone is interested, the majority of John Peels Record Box can be downloaded from http://my.opera.com/JohnPeelsRecordBox/blog/ That's A & B sides. There's some missing.
My favourite is Psycho Daisies - the B side of 134 by The Henchmen (feat. jack white)
Thanks Kris - will definitely investigate that.
Beechwoods
04-12-2009, 21:07
There's the original list (up to 2005) at INDIEFY (http://indiefy.wordpress.com/).
Thanks for the link to Indiefy... some very nice jangly indie; just the thing :carrot:
Although the BBC haven't commemorated it since 2007, today is "John Peel Day" - the 7th Anniversary of John's last ever show.
Find something eclectic in your collection and give it a spin in his memory - and remember that his legacy is an awful lot of music you would probably never have heard were it not for his passion. (Some of it you may never want to hear again, of course! :lol:) Heck, maybe even play some vinyl at the wrong speed! ;)
I might even break the "no drinking in the week" rule and toast his memory with a glass of red this evening. Cheers John - hope you're still finding new music, wherever you are. :cheers:
Time for the Fall I think...
RIP JP...:cool:
John Peel Day seems to have dropped off the radar, and after the recent "revelations" it is probably not "PC" to be a fan of Peely - but today is 8 years since he died, and I still miss him. If you feel the same play something strange, and be thankful for John Ravenscroft - because you can be sure the music scene wouldn't have been the same without him.
RIP JP.
John Peel Day seems to have dropped off the radar, and after the recent "revelations" it is probably not "PC" to be a fan of Peely - but today is 8 years since he died, and I still miss him. If you feel the same play something strange, and be thankful for John Ravenscroft - because you can be sure the music scene wouldn't have been the same without him.
RIP JP.
Only a fool would let the recent Savile scandle to affect the enormous respect most of us have for John Peel. He was certainly instrumental in my education of, and introduction to, the pop and rock music of the late '60s and '70s.
Pink Floyd, Captain Beefheart, Frank Zappa, Fairport Convention, Pentangle, Bridget St.John, Family, ..........................!!!!!!!!!!
I shall certainly be raising a glass to JP.
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