A new Channel Four documentary is to take as its subject matter John Peel's favourite singles. As you all surely know, Peel's music collection is thought to have numbered somewhere in the region of 100,000 recordings, but the new programme is focus on a two foot long, battered metal box, belonging to the late great DJ, and containing 142 of his favourite 7" singles.
The box is said to contain an eclectic variety of songs, which is hardly surprising. Amongst the singles are a version 'Ilkley Moor Baht 'At' by former Goodie and bird-watcher Bill Oddie, a couple of Sheena Easton tunes, Status Quo's 'Down Down', a three track single by The Beatles, and no less than ten White Stripes releases.
The documentary, which will feature interviews with Peel's family as well as artists whose music is in the box, will be broadcast on 14 Nov.