Colin Hay is the kind of guy you want to have a yarn with. He’s a master songwriter from his days in Men at Work, and the long solo career that has followed. Colin captures the world in a beautiful way. He’s also a recent recipient of the Ted Albert Award for Outstanding Services to Australian music, and came back to Australia to accept it.

While he was in the county, I asked him to Take 5. Because I knew he’d tell a good story or two, but I also wanted to know what were the songs of service to him? As someone who has honed their craft over more than 40 years, I wanted to hear him speak about music. From Booker T and the MG’s to Joni Mitchell to Leonard Cohen, this is a stunning conversation about song craft, life, and gratitude.

• Booker T & the MG’s – Green Onions 
• Bob Dylan – Gotta Serve Somebody 
• Joni Mitchell – Court & Spark 
• Glen Campbell – Wichita Lineman 
• Leonard Cohen – Hallelujah