The Peel Sessions: A Story Of Teenage Dreams & One Man’s Love Of New Music
by Ken Garner

A session in itself!

Since John Peel’s unfortunate passing in October 2004, there have been many publications paying tribute to his career, character and the lasting impression that he made. This makes one dubious as to whether another book dedicated to the radio presenter and journalist is needed. This latest release comes from the writer of In Session Tonight, which the author confesses a large chunk of the book is taken from. It closely focuses on the Peel Sessions, however, taking time to include enlightening listener contributions, anecdotes on “classic” sessions recorded with artists such as The Smiths, Jimi Hendrix and many more, intriguing photos of Peel and the artists, not to mention a monster of a sessionography. Garner begins with the death of Peel, which naturally pulls at the heart strings and is genuinely compelling. Before it all gets too emotional, he moves onto the sessions themselves, covering everything about them that could possibly be addressed: the historical context, the politics, the original controversy. Fascinating stuff, yet we couldn’t help thinking, “God, this is a lot of detail.” The added extras (anecdotes and tit-bits on one-session wonders) provide some much needed sweet relief.

3 stars 3 stars 3 stars

ISBN 9781846072826

Reviewed by Emilie Bincliffe
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