My 399th post, and I’m pleased that people are still reading.

So, ten more tracks for today and I’ll do a special post tomorrow…watch this space…

First up, the first UK punk record.

Damned -‘New Rose.’ mp3 (Deep breath: 1978 Festive Fifty no.13, 1979 Festive Fifty no.10, 1980 Festive Fifty no.8, 1981 Festive fifty no.12, 1982 all-time Festive Fifty no.13)

Northern Ireland’s top two bands of the punk-era (there seems to be quite a political tone to today’s post BTW)

Stiff Little Fingers -‘Alternative Ulster.’ mp3 (Another deep breath: 1978 Festive Fifty no.11, 1979 Festive Fifty no.6, 1980 Festive Fifty no.9, 1981 Festive fifty no.16, 1982 all-time Festive Fifty no.16)

Undertones -‘ You’ve Got My Number (Why Don’t You Use It?).’ mp3 (1979 Festive Fifty no.29)

I know next to nothing about this band, again, info etc.. etc..

Red Guitars -‘Good Technology.’ mp3 (1983 Festive Fifty no.11)

With the emphasis on Red (very much the colour of their politics) things were not getting any better in 1984.

Redskins -‘Keep On Keeping On.’ mp3(1984 Festive Fifty no.10)

By 1986, Britain’s ‘special relationship’ with the USA (ha, bloody ha) lead to commenting in two tracks that year about this being the 51st state of America. This was one of them, can you name the other? (Not in the Festive fifty, but by a band hat Peel did champion)

The The -‘Heartland.’ mp3 (1986 Festive Fifty no.32)

My all-time favourite song:

Joy Division -‘Atmosphere.’ mp3 (1980 Festive Fifty no.2, 1981 Festive Fifty no.1, 1982 All-time festive Fifty no.2, 2000 Millennium Chart no.1)

Mr. Peel’s favourite band EVER. This wasn’t political per se, though the Pharmacist in question may not have been dealing in over the counter medicine…

Fall -‘Mr. Pharmacist.’ mp3 (1986 Festive Fifty no.3)

Two Peel favoured artists I’m just discovering and loving:

Nina Nastasia -‘You, Her and Me.’ mp3 (2003 Festive Fifty no.13)

Laura Cantrell -‘Queen Of The Coast.’ mp3 (2000 Festive fifty no.42)

There will be more music tomorrow.