Desert Island Discs 2.0 - Paul Richardson

We asked for your must have music (and more) to accompany you to the Library's Desert Island. Paul Richardson (Library Assistant at PRL (Sundays)) is the next person to be castaway...

1.   Pick 3 or more pieces of music that are special to you

- ‘Way Down’ by Elvis Presley. Hearing that for the first time in August/September 1977 kickstarted my interest in The King.

- ‘In My Life’ by The Beatles. A beautiful song from the wonderful Rubber Soul album (1965). One of the finest numbers that John Lennon wrote.

- ‘Bring Me Sunshine’ by Morecambe & Wise. It is impossible not to smile when you hear Morecambe & Wise’s signature tune.

- Johann Sebastian Bach’s Cello Suites (any or all six of them). Simply superb and mesmerising.

- ‘Rhapsody in Blue’ by George Gershwin. A sublime piece that deserves to be played on repeat.

2.   What band/singer would you like to perform for you on the island?

Elvis Presley (obviously), supported by The Beatles and with extra backing vocals provided by Morecambe & Wise. Throw in Gershwin on the piano and Bach on the cello and you have the ultimate supergroup.

3.   What book would you like to take with you? You will already find the Complete Works of Shakespeare and a copy of the Bible or your choice of sacred text waiting for you on the island. 

Salem’s Lot by Stephen King. A great horror book to get your teeth into. Read it if you dare and then watch the creepy 1979 TV movie adaptation starring David Soul and James Mason.

4.   What podcast and/or radio station would you like access to? 

Anything featuring LBC presenter, James O’Brien, a man who talks a lot of sense.

5.   What TV show and/or film would you like to watch? 

The Sopranos (the greatest TV series ever) and any of the classic Hal Roach-produced Laurel & Hardy movies/shorts.

6.   Pick a luxury item for your stay!

A working, fuelled and staffed superyacht.