Part of an irregular series of bite-sized posts about 7″ singles I own – shameless nostalgia from the days of vinyl. (Search ‘Backtracking’ to collect the set!)
Altered Images – Dead Pop Stars b/w Sentimental (Epic Records, 1980)
- Sleeve design by David Band
Nobody in their right mind could ever have accused John Peel of impropriety.
His hugely influential Radio 1 shows were a model of non racist, non sexist broadcasting without getting all tight-assed and PC about it.
He famously smashed a hip-hop record on air for its homophobic content and played reggae bands before any other mainstream DJ, refusing to be put off by the bigoted hate mail he received as a result.
This was also a man who was once seduced by Germaine Greer!
However, while the music always came first , there were frequently occasions when Peel was given to crushes on female artists, especially if they combined femininity with a strong, sassy attitude. Into this category I’d place PJ Harvey alongside modern Alt.Country divas Neko Case and Laura Cantrell.
Perhaps a more paternal affection was reserved for super cute Glaswegian 19-year-old Clare Grogan whose schoolgirl voice was more petulant than rebellious. Continue reading
