It takes a strong band to stick together for almost three decades. But through ups and downs, and even near bankruptcy, Northern Ireland trio ASH have done just that. The band got together when they were teenagers; they were still finishing high school when they first got signed. With catchy songs like Girl from Mars, Kung-Fu and Shining Light, they’ve become the soundtrack to every indie rock fan’s life. I’ve never given a “desert island discs” style theme before for a Take 5, but with a new album called Islands, it was too good an opportunity to miss. From records they heard as kids that changed their lives, to revealing a penchant for drum and bass nights, Ash were a total delight. This is one of the most wholesome and joyful Take 5’s to date.

The Kinks - ‘Waterloo Sunset’

The Ramones - ‘Blitzkrieg Bop’

Thin Lizzy - ‘Cowboy Song/The Boys Are Back In Town’

The Pixies - ‘Debaser’

Ride - ‘Leave Them All Behind’