Castaway Choons - Emily's Picks...

It’s always best to be prepared. You never know when you might need a life jacket, a portable phone charger, or a life changing playlist in case you’re to be stranded on a desert island (You never know!) So, here are my music choices…

Here's a link to the playlist itself -

https://open.spotify.com/user/118563163/playlist/7JKzhxKvIJu3SWHH8haQ4O

Give Me One Reason - Tracey Chapman 

Did anyone used to think she was a man? Me too. I challenge anyone to escape the emotional turmoil of Chapman’s life when listening to her unique vocals. Okay, ‘Fast Car’ is an incredibly emotional song, but this song screams ‘sassiness!’ It’s my go-to getting ready song. This song is a prime example of there being much more to Chapman than ‘Fast Car’.

To Be Young (Is to Be Sad, Is to Be High) - Ryan Adams  

I’ve recently discovered my adoration for this man’s music. It hit me so hard that I had to visit the place he grew up in Raleigh (North Carolina). His music tells you his deepest darkest secrets and his true colours are always present. In my opinion, there aren’t as many artists around nowadays that can do that anymore. Could he be a modern day, Dylan? …Who knows?

Gold Dust Woman - Fleetwood Mac

If I didn’t have Stevie Nicks in my life, it would be a very boring one indeed. Hopefully her ‘witchy’ magic would protect me from island monsters or rats - I hate rats.

Tee Pees 1-12 - Father John Misty 

I should imagine this track would be hilarious to dance to on a desert island. Maybe I’m a bit delirious from the heat? Quite dehydrated and I begin to hallucinate. This song would definitely be very fitting for any unusual situation!

Gun In My Hand - Dorothy

Dorothy’s fiery vocals are enough to make any woman feel 10 foot tall. This band is very new, yet they hold the key to a type of nostalgia that you do not often come across in modern music. Like Chapman, this particular track would instigate a lot of courage within me.  

Hurry Up And Wait - Stereophonics

I like to use this track for times of reflection. It never fails to amaze me how Kelly Jones’s lyrics can be so observational yet carry a heavy load of wisdom in a simple yet catchy hook. Plus, Stereophonics are one of those bands that I associate with growing up. I am very attached!

Teeth White - The Staves

With voices like angels you have no choice but to be captivated by their music. This song is much more upbeat than their usual dreamy melody’s and expresses a huge understanding for the everyday person. When the album, ‘If I Was’ was released in 2014, it was the sound track to my summer. As Bon Iver’s, Justin Vernon produced the album, it’s to no surprise that every song is faultless.

Holy Roller Novocaine - Kings of Leon

I have a huge amount of respect for music from the deep south of America. Watching the music documentary, ‘Talihina Sky: The Story of Kings of Leon’ takes you through the journey of the band. It sparked my current obsession with Southern Rock.

Failure - Laura Marling 

This is one of the first songs I learned how to play properly on guitar. In fact, it’s probably the only song I can play properly on guitar! Marling is one of those artists of my generation that has grown with us. Choosing this song is a given and always will be.

EmmyLou - First Aid Kit
This song instantly stood out to me. I remember when I first heard it and it was one of those songs that I just played on repeat. Without hesitation, it is a perfect ending for a playlist that I would choose to take with me on a desert island. I hope you agree!