Teardrop Explodes Peel Sessions Plus CD

Sixteen songs cannot even begin to take in the full range of music that Teardrop Explodes recorded for the BBC between October 1979 and July 1982, which comprise at least a dozen sessions for DJs across the corporation and some of the most vibrant performances in the band's entire canon. But incompleteness does not dent the sheer power and beauty of this set, as they kick things off with songs from their John Peel debut, killer versions of "Brave Boys Keep Their Promises," "Went Crazy," "Chance," and, best of all, "Ha Ha I'm Drowning." They then march through the bulk of the gestating KILLAMANJARO album, and onto the band's low key finale, the utterly apt farewell of "You Disappear from View." It is not an altogether easy listen; the band's own mid-career musical shift can certainly distract unwary ears. But persevere and it is clear to see how this band ascended to modern legend.