In anticipation of Teenage Fanclub's only show in Brazil in 2025, in São Paulo on September 4th, this writer is rummaging through the Scottish band's memorabilia acquired in the 1990s, when their most magnificent work was released.
Among these recordings, I find the forgotten 1995 CD Frank Black & Teenage Fanclub – The John Peel Session, which tells the story of the day the Scots were the American singer's musicians.
In May 1994, the then-former Pixies member was in Europe to promote his second solo album, Teenager of the Year, which would be released that month. Accustomed to participating in BBC Radio 1's legendary Peel Sessions with the band—five sessions between 1988 and 1991 — Frank Black was invited to another session.
However, the singer had a problem. He was in Europe without a band. Black had a brilliant idea. He called the Teenage Fanclub to support him at this John Peel session. And the Scots accepted.
The session was recorded on May 14, 1994. Frank Black and Teenage Fanclub played four songs, which were released on CD the following year by Strange Fruit Records, a label founded in 1986 by Peel himself and Clive Selwood.
Contrary to what might be expected, Black didn't include any songs from Teenager of the Year in this session. The setlist includes two covers and two of his own compositions.
See the songs listed below and listen to the audio from this session, including John Peel's vocals.
The tracks
"Handyman"
"Handyman" is a 1950s song recorded by an American group called The Sparks of Rhythm. In 1959, member Jimmy Jones recorded a version reworked by composer Otis Blackwell. It was this Jones version that Frank Black and Teenage Fanclub revived in the 1990s.
"The Man Who Was Too Loud"
Here, Black pays homage to Jonathan Richman. The song was re-recorded for the 1998 album Frank Black and the Catholics.
"The Jacques Tati"
A tribute to French actor and filmmaker Jacques Tati (1907-1982), often compared to Charlie Chaplin.
"Sister Isabel"
A cover of the 1970 song "Sister Isabelle" by Del Shannon.
