Without music, life would be a mistake.
– Friedrich Nietzsche, Twilight of the Idols

What is a desert island song?

A desert island song is a special song. It makes me feel the sheer joy of living. It brings me to tears of joy or heartache within a minute of the start, sending goosebumps to my arms.

A desert island song infuses me with a feeling of power, energy and well-being. It transports me intensely and succinctly back to a time and place in my life that was moving, important or meaningful.

A desert island song makes me feel totally centred and existing in the moment; it gives me an overwhelming feeling that all is well.

Music has always been my refuge – it’s there when there’s nothing else. Through all the difficult times and crap that life can deal out, music has always been my sanctuary and strength.

The following songs are part of my life’s soundtrack. If I were given advance notice I were to be marooned on a desert island, this is the music I would bring with me:

Perfect Day – Lou Reed

The Ghost In You – Psychedelic Furs

Superstar – Carpenters

Golden Brown – The Stranglers

Here Comes That Rainy Day Feeling Again – The Fortunes

True To Life – Roxy Music

Whistle Down The Wind – Nick Heyward

Reasons For Waiting – Jethro Tull

Don’t Leave Me This Way – Thelma Houston

Turn The Beat Around – Vicki Sue Robinson

Lovers In A Dangerous Time – Bruce Cockburn (I’ll accept the Barenaked Ladies version in a pinch)

This Time I Know It’s For Real – Donna Summer

Never Can Say Goodbye – Gloria Gaynor’s original and Jimmy Somerville’s cover

I Will Go With You (Con Te Partiro) – Donna Summer

Nightswimming – R.E.M.

Sukiyaki – Kyu Sakamoto

Adagio For Strings – Samuel Barber (comp.)

Only You – Virgin

Getting Away With It – Electronic

Under The Milky Way – The Church

Only The Lonely – The Motels

Cry For Help – Rick Astley

When Love Takes Over – David Guetta (feat. Kelly Rowland)

Strong – London Grammar

King’s Cross – Pet Shop Boys

Born This Way – Lady Gaga

Rescue Me – Fontella Bass

Downtown – Petula Clark

Heroes – Icehouse/Iva Davies

Crazy (Midnight Mix) – Icehouse

Ooh Aah… Just A Little Bit (Motiv 8 Extended Vocal Mix) – Gina G

I Wish We Were Leaving – Bright Light Bright Light

Rebel Rebel – David Bowie

Unison (Extended 12″ Dance Remix) – Celine Dion