The History of John Peel

The late John Peel introduced countless bands to the masses during his 37 years as deejay at the BBC's Radio 1. Via "The Peel Sessions" show, Peel embraced what he loved the various genres of alternative rock, pop, British hip-hope, dance, and even death metal. Some of my favorite acts such as Joy Division, The Smiths, The Cure, and Siouxsie and the Banshees appeared on his show.

Fans can fondly remember or discover for the very first time the brilliance behind the man with the smashing collection, Kats Karavan: The History of John Peel on the Radio. The four-disc box set, out October 26th, spans his entire career, while including one-hit wonders, major chart toppers and other rarities. The Jam, The Slits, Mercury Rev, and Bloc Party are just a few of the many artists who appear of this fantastic retrospective.

John Peel passed away October 25, 2004.

[Thanks to The Line of Best Fit]

Fifth Graders Sing With The Cure

Many many thanks to my friend Rob for passing this along. Here, the PS22 Chorus in New York City does a pretty amazing rendition of The Cure's "Picture of You." The group is comprised of 70 fifth graders, and the following clip is quite an emotional one, for this was last day of school for the 2009 class. The PS22 Chorus has also covered songs by Coldplay, Fleetwood Mac, Tori Amos, Crowded House and more. Absolutely lovely!

Iggy Pop Still Knocking 'Em Down

Happy Birthday to the coolest rocker on the planet and my favorite Detroiter, the godfather of punk Iggy Pop. The Stooges frontman turns a 62 years young today.

Pop is also prepping for the release of his 15th solo album, Préliminaires, out May 18th. Set for only 6,000 copies worldwide, this special box set includes the full album and a collector "Les Feuilles Mortes"/"King of the Dogs" seven-inch. Iranian-French author and illustrator Marjane Satrapi, best known for her book Persepolis, designed the album sleeve and contributed drawings to the album's 28-page book.

On his blog, Iggy says Préliminaires is less rock, more jazz and inspired by Michel Houellebecq's novel, The Possibility of an Island. Iggy even sings "Les Feuilles Mortes" (aka "Autumn Leaves") in French. J'adore Iggy Pop!

Pop also gives a shout out to my alma mater, Michigan State University (GO STATE)! The Detroit Free Press announced today that Pop supports MSU's decision to ban animal circuses from campus in the coming year, but is hoping the university will make it permanent.

In a letter addressed to the MSU Board of Trustees, and written on behalf of PETA, Pop stated:

"As students who are concerned about animal welfare have told you, performing animals are deprived of everything that is natural to them, including the ability to roam, forage and form families and friendships ... The circus industry is big, wealthy and powerful, and I'm sure that its leaders are encouraging you to reverse your decision."

Also, The Cure's Robert Smith turns the big 5-0 today. Yikes, Bob is THAT old? That make ME old, too, I suppose? For more on what The Cure -- who just played Coachella over the weekend -- is up to, check out the Cure blog ... Robert rambles on about free music, etc.

It's a Lucky 13 for The Cure

In support of their forthcoming thirteenth album, revered Brit rockers and one of my dear, dear favorites The Cure is prepping to offer fans a tidy, little package of fresh tunes. The catch is that all singles leading up to the new album will be issued on the 13th of each month, starting May 13th with "The Only One." The currently untitled LP, the band's first since their 2004 self-titled effort, is slated for a September 13th release date via Suretone/Geffen.

While "The Only One" arrives May 13th with the "NY Trip" b-side, second single "Freakshow" and the "All Kinds of Stuff" b-side will follow June 13th. Both tracks, produced by frontman Robert Smith and Keith Uddin, will not be included on the full-length.

Next up, the band -- vocalist/guitarist Robert Smith, bass player Simon Gallup, drummer Jason Cooper and guitarist Porl Thompson -- will kick off their U.S. tour May 9th in Washington DC. New Yorkers get served two gigs in June -- the 20th (Madison Square Garden) and the 21st (Radio City Music Hall).