The Actor's Revealing Playlist: Starting with Childhood Favorites to Peculiar Aversions
The earliest tune I was captivated by
My earliest memory is walking into a space at nursery school where they were blasting Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was captivated by the sound effects, and John Lennon shouting: “Full speed ahead!” When it got to the chorus, I recall believing: “This must be music!”
The inaugural single I purchased
When I was eight, I won a contest at school to pick a new vinyl to play at the weekly dance party we had on Friday afternoons. My teacher took me to a local store, and I chose Come Back My Love by the group Darts. The first record I bought with my own savings was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a record shop in Colne. It was No 1 at the time, and I selected it when my dad mentioned that it was by one of the Beatles.
The song I sing at karaoke
I frankly cannot stand public singing and avoid it at all costs. But if I had to, I’d go with Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.
The piece I oddly recite all the words to
I recently became aware that I know almost every word to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and each track on Graceland by Paul Simon.
The perfect song to put on at a party
It depends on which phase of the event you are at. Early doors it would most likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by the soul legend. As the party deepens, I’d transition into Prince, the Rolling Stones and David Bowie, and when it really kicks off, Phat Planet by Leftfield, Born Slippy .NUXX by the techno pioneers, and Ascension by the virtual band, which is an absolute banger.
The track I can no longer bear
I strangely loathe Mr Brightside by the Killers.
The ultimate piece to have sex to
Come Together by the Beatles.
The album that altered my perspective
When I was 12 and just learning to play the six-string, I’d only listen to classic rock and roll, and was fixated on Elvis, the rock pioneer, Jerry Lee Lewis, Fats Domino, Buddy Holly and Eddie Cochran. Then my babysitter played Let There Be Rock by the Australian rockers. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was powerful rock music. Instantly after he dropped the record on the turntable, I was hooked.
The tune that wakes me in the morning
What’d I Say in its full glory by Ray Charles.
The song that brings me to tears
All music leaves me emotional. The Queen of Soul, The Chairman of the Board, Presley and the Beatles all bring a tear to my eye because of the melody and utter beauty of the vocals. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley strikes a chord consistently.
The music I’d like to be played at my funeral
The King. If I’m cremated, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m buried, I’ll have Way Down.
