From post-punk roots, Echo & The Bunnymen grew to become Liverpool's second most famous foursome with music that was darkly mysterious, sweepingly romantic and increasingly ambitious. BBC DJ John Peel was one of British alternative rock's leading tastemakers during the band's initial incarnation; as can be heard on The John Peel Sessions 1979-1983, their paths crossed several times. The six radio dates with Peel take the group from its beginnings (when drum machine Echo was still supplying the beats) to its masterpiece Ocean Rain. Showcasing fiery performances and Ian McCullough's talent for improvising lyrics, these 21 recordings include revelatory versions of such Bunnymen favorites as "The Killing Moon," "Seven Seas" and "Heaven Up Here." The John Peel Sessions 1979-1983 is a collection no fan of the band should be without.