Kats Karavan: The History of John Peel on the Radio

(Universal)

There’s been plenty released to celebrate DJ John Peel’s legacy and this expansive four-disc set tries to replicate the magic of the quintessential John Peel show. By that we mean throwing the tough techno of Dave Clarke up against the delicate melancholy of Tindersticks or the righteous roots of Linton Kwesi Johnston against the twee jangle of early Pulp. This 74 tracker covers the period from the late 60s through to Peel’s death in 2004 and is even inter-cut with some classic Peel patter. One hit wonders, cult classics and soon to be superstars are all here. It’s low on the prog, grindcore, African and ragged electronica he delighted in, but is still the best representation of an evening with Peel outside those dusty cassettes recorded off the radio at the time.