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Revision as of 19:12, 17 September 2014

Salma_&_Sabina_-_Toba_Toba_(Mamma_Mia)

Salma & Sabina - Toba Toba (Mamma Mia)

"This is a programme that likes a good cover version.” (John Peel, 23 April 2002)

Unusual cover versions are among the best-remembered features of Peel’s programmes, from ABBA hits sung in Hindi by Pakistani sisters Salma & Sabina and Elvis Presley covers by Eilert Pilarm (the “Swedish Elvis”) to full sessions of covers by artists including Cat Power, Chumbawamba, Cuban Boys, Delgados, The French, FSK, Hefner, June Tabor & The Oyster Band, Nirvana, Samurai Seven, Sex Clark Five and Sonic Youth.

In 1991, the DJ devoted four consecutive shows to alternative takes on other artists’ songs (see Cover Version Specials). During the third of these, Peel cited a God Bullies demolition of 'Tie A Yellow Ribbon' as a “demonstration of the near-perfect cover version – one that leaves the original lying bruised and tattered in the gutter.”[1]

Peel was especially happy to air new versions of songs that were personal favourites, including at least a dozen covers of Teenage Kicks. In spring 1982, the DJ asked all session guests to attempt Liverpool anthem You'll Never Walk Alone for a proposed album project,[1] although this was eventually abandoned because many bands were unwilling to play the song.[2]

Between 1991 and 1993, Peel undertook a long and ultimately successful hunt through his singles to track down a much-loved cover of Little Richard’s ‘Tutti Frutti’, treating listeners to unexpected gems he unearthed along the way (see Little Richard Cover Search). The version in question eventually turned out to be by American singer Mickey Lee Lane. The record was later found stored safely among his most precious 45s in John Peel's Record Box.

Other favorite covers in the same collection included a reggae version of the ‘Coronation Street’ theme by Izzy Royal and the Galactic Symposium double-header ‘Y.M.C.A.’ / ‘Money’ (covers of Village People and Pink Floyd), as well as a version of ‘Dancin’ Queen’ (ABBA) by Cheeze, described by JP on 08 March 1992 as "infinitely better than the original".

Talking to BBC World Service in 2004, the DJ commented:

“I don't like cover versions when they're just a faithful replica of the original - you get an awful lot of that and it seems to me to be utterly pointless. But when somebody comes along and does something original that you wouldn't have expected, then that is particularly welcome.”[2]

Peel himself performed a cover with Tony Blackburn of 'You Don't Bring Me Flowers' by Neil Diamond and Barbra Streisand. Recorded sometime in the 80s, it was played during a BBC Radio One tribute show to JP on 28 October 2004.

Covers Played

The following list was compiled only from the database of this site and Lorcan's Tracklistings Archive and is far from complete. Please add further details if known. Searches for covered artists can be done by using the search function of your browser.

Performing Artist | Song | Covered Artist | First Known Play

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

J

K

L

M

N

O

P

Q

R

S

T

Temple_City_Kazoo_Orchestra_-_Whole_Lotta_Love

Temple City Kazoo Orchestra - Whole Lotta Love

U

V

W

X

Y

Z

References

  1. ↑ See Ken Garner's In Session Tonight, pg 311.
  2. ↑ As admitted by Peel on 13 July 1982.
  3. ↑ See comment on 22 October 1979).
  4. ↑ Object of the Little Richard Cover Search.
  5. ↑ See comment on 22 October 1979)
  6. ↑ See comment on 22 October 1979)
  7. ↑ See comment on 22 October 1979)
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