VA - John Peel Right Time Wrong Speed 1977-1987 (2006)

Throughout his lengthy radio career, John Peel promoted underdogs from almost every genre - folk, prog-rock, reggae and punk to hip-hop, jungle, Madchester and Britpop. Released to coincide with the anniversary of his death in 2004 (12 October has been officially designated John Peel Day in the UK), Right Time, Wrong Speed is a compilation of tracks championed by the legendary jock between 1977 and 1988, focusing on the kind of music his name has become most associated with: punk, post-punk and indie rock. Kicking off with The Buzzcocks' sprightly "What Do I Get", the first disc leads into a colourful selection of tracks from the likes of Stiff Little Fingers (their classic "Alternative Ulster"), Killing Joke and the Slits. Then there are other indie classics and curios including The Cure's "A Forest", Laurie Anderson's ambient/experimental "O Superman", Jesus & Mary Chain's haunting "Just Like Honey", plus tunes by reggae legends Misty In Roots, reggae-punks The Ruts and long-time Peel fave poet/humorist Ivor Cutler. The second CD moves into the 80s with tracks by Joy Division ("Atmosphere"), The Cocteau Twins ("Musette and Drums"), The Sugarcubes ("Birthday"), Gang Of Four ("Damaged Goods") and Grandmaster Flash's "The Message". A collection of genuine leftfield classics, Right Time, Wrong Speed is also a wonderful insight into the arcane tastes of a genuine -- and sorely missed -- broadcasting legend.