BBC Radio 4's Desert Island Discs is, without question, a national institution and my personal obsession. It’s a snooper’s paradise– 45 minutes of candid interview, interspersed with the widest range of music one could wish for on an afternoon. It’s often a symptom of over-exposure to the programme that means you end up questioning everyone around you in Kirsty Young’s soft voice, but also that you've got an ever-changing list of your own Desert Island Discs. I’ve given my top eight tracks a lot of thought.
When they’re not bopping to their tracks in the studio, the islanders (as we're calling them) are prone to accidentally dishing out advice. So, we decided to share with you our favourite life lessons from the vast Desert Island Discs archive. Read on and learn…
If in doubt, play a little hard to get – David Bailey, 1991
Every romantic comedy like, ever, features someone playing hard to get, but does it work in real life? Well it did for photographer David Bailey, who, when called up by Vogue, initially turned them down. 'I think through ignorance and saying no, it made them want me even more,' he said. Want a job? Hesitate a little and they’ll ring you the next day. Well, hopefully anyway.
Listen to David Bailey’s Desert Island Discs here.
Less is more, always – Felicity Green, 2011
'I think fashion needs to be followed at a very, very respectful distance,' said the first lady of Fleet Street. 'Simplicity is the best watchword.' Need we say anymore, really? Tone it down, ladies. Remember every Chanel quote you’ve ever heard about taking off accessories before you leave the house 'cos old Coco knew what the hell she was talking about.
Listen to Felicity Green’s Desert Island Discs here.
You are not alone – Craig Brown, 2012
It’s hard to believe sometimes, but most of the problems you've got. someone else has already had. ‘I think every human being thinks they’re on the outside,’ said satirist Craig Brown in 2012. ‘I don’t think it's anything special to feel on the outside.’ No, no it’s not. Newsflash: We all do! We’re all in this together, etc.
Listen to Craig Brown’s Desert Island Discs here.
There’s an opportunity in everything – Marlene Dietrich, 1965
Her voice is super-soothing and, she’s a wise one too. The starlet told Roy Plomley, 'I don’t think anyone knows when they’re making a masterpiece.' Do everything as brilliantly as you can, just in case. It’s pretty sound advice in my book.
Listen to Marlene Dietrich’s Desert Island Discs here.
Never mind the haters – Tina Brown, 2000
'If you’re going to be the agent of change, you’re bound to get some controversy,' journalist Tina Brown told Sue Lawley in the millennium year. The take-away from this? Do stuff and do it well. Worry about the haters later.
Listen to Tina Brown’s Desert Island Discs here.
If in doubt, have some wine – Fay Maschler, 1999
This one has conditions. The Evening Standard’s restaurant critic is paid to eat and drink in public, but I like to think that her quip back in 1999, ‘The drink helps it all go down,’ applies to absolutely any scenario. Great things can happen after a glass of red, am I right? Just a glass mind, not the bottle – steady on.
Listen to Fay Maschler’s Desert Island Discs here.
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This article originally appeared on The Debrief.