Granite Island Discs: Ned McHenry

What five songs would you take to a desert island?

1. Billy Joel – ‘We Didn’t Start The Fire’

2. Kenny Rogers – ‘The Gambler’

3. Cold Chisel – ‘Khe Sanh’

4. Darius Rucker – ‘Wagon Wheel’

5. James Blundell – ‘Way Out West’

If you could only pick one, what would it be?

‘Khe Sanh’. This song is a sing-along classic where everyone knows the lyrics, but it has a really serious undertone. I have powerful, nostalgic memories of my family playing this music while having a few beers, in the shed, around the fire or out fishing... It’s stuck with me forever.

What’s your favourite album?

Probably Sticky Fingers’ 2013 album, Caress Your Soul. [That album] doesn’t miss. It has great backyard tunes like Australia Street and Bootleg Rascal, as well as songs that hit you hard like ‘These Girls’, ‘Laika’ and ‘How To Fly’. Stickies’ old music is great.

What’s your favourite song by an SA artist/band?

Cold Chisel are probably my favourite band ever. I love Paul Kelly, too.

Favourite music-related memory?

My favourite music memories are when everyone starts joining in and singing a song around a fire or when they’re out having a few drinks.