Desert Island Discs, the UK’s longest running radio show, chalked up another significant milestone recently when it celebrated its 80th birthday on 29th January. Paying homage to this marvellous institution and in keeping with the format of the show, I have been asked by the “Revolver” editorial team to volunteer as a castaway, tasked with choosing 8 pieces of my favourite music to accompany me on my desert island, with the caveat that all the selections must be Beatles songs. 

Connoisseurs of the programme will be aware that each castaway is permitted to select a book of their choice and a luxury item to bring to the island – again my selections must conform to a Beatles theme. The radio show also provides its guests with complementary editions of the Bible and the complete works of William Shakespeare. In this fab four inflected version ,”The Beatles A To Z”, beloved by fanzine writers in the 1980s and a font of wisdom, knowledge and the occasional error, takes the place of the Bible. As for the Bard, the complete works of Mark Lewisohn represent a more than adequate replacement  (volumes 2 and 3 of Mark’s “Tune In” trilogy to be couriered to the island by way of an airdrop upon publication).

Music Selections

• This Boy
• You Can’t Do That
• Things We Said Today
• Baby’s In Black
• And Your Bird Can Sing
• For No One
• Happiness Is A Warm Gun
• A Day In The Life

Book

” The Beatles Illustrated Lyrics Volume 1″ by Alan Aldridge

Luxury Item

“Get Back” DVD – Peter Jackson’s 18 hour director’s cut.

NB Brief consideration was given to an amphibious life size yellow submarine to facilitate a hasty retreat back to what is generally perceived to be “civilisation”. However this idea was soon discarded, when upon reflection, I realised that I would actually rather enjoy a prolonged stay on my own desert island replete with Beatles treasure…..

By Phil Wood.

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With many thanks to Phil for being our first castaway. If you’d like to submit your 8 castaway tunes then feel free to drop us a line here.