The Actor's Honest Playlist: From Early Loves to Unexplained Dislikes
The initial tune I became enamored with
My earliest memory is stepping into a space at preschool where they were blasting Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was mesmerized by the sonic landscape, and Lennon shouting: “Full speed ahead!” When it got to the refrain, I remember thinking: “This must be music!”
The first 45 I purchased
When I was eight years old, I was victorious in a contest at school to select a brand new vinyl to play at the mini disco we had on Fridays. My teacher took me to a local store, and I opted for Come Back My Love by Darts. The first single I bought with my own allowance was Mull of Kintyre by Paul McCartney's Wings from a music store in Lancashire. It was number one at the time, and I chose it when my father mentioned that it was by a former member of the Beatles.
The track I sing at sing-along
I candidly cannot stand public singing and steer clear at all costs. But if forced, I’d go with Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.
The piece I strangely know every lyric to
I just realised that I can recall virtually all the lyrics to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and each track on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.
The best track to play at a gathering
It hinges on which phase of the event you are at. At the start it would probably be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by the soul legend. As the evening progresses, I’d move on to Prince, the Rolling Stones and Bowie, and when it hits its peak, Phat Planet by the electronic act, Born Slippy .NUXX by Underworld, and Ascension by Gorillaz, which is an massive track.
The track I can not hear
I inexplicably detest Mr Brightside by the Killers.
The best piece to make love to
Come Together by John, Paul, George, and Ringo.
The album that altered my perspective
When I was twelve and starting to play the six-string, I’d only listen to 1950s rock and roll, and was consumed by Elvis, the rock pioneer, the killer, Fats Domino, the glasses-wearing icon and Eddie Cochran. Then my babysitter introduced me to Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was electrifying rock ’n’roll. Instantly after he put the record on the turntable, I was captivated.
The tune that gets me up in the morning
What’d I Say in its full glory by Ray Charles.
The track that gets me emotional
All music leaves me emotional. Aretha Franklin, The Chairman of the Board, Elvis and the Beatles all make me cry because of the harmony and sheer beauty of the vocals. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley hits me hard without fail.
The music I’d like performed at my final send-off
The King. If I’m given a cremation, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m buried, I’ll have Way Down.