"A collection of songs recorded at Maida Vale over a 2 year period for the BBC showcases the raw essence of the Pogues, capturing them at key stages of their development. Few would disagree that The Pogues are responsible for the worldwide phenomenon of Celtic Punk. While others have influenced and developed the sound it’s a case of No Pogues, No Celtic Punk – it’s that simple. These recordings capture the Pogues at just the right time to chart the band through the initial rowdiness of the Red Roses For Me period in the first 2 sessions, through the development of a more intricate sound that would appear on Rum Sodomy and the Lash and finally the beginnings of the transition into the powerhouse that would record If I Should Fall From Grace with God. As an aside, it’s notable that the 2 John Peel Sessions were produced by Mark Radcliffe, who went on to perform in his own Pogues inspired folk rock band The Family Mahone." (louderthanwar.com)
