The Actor's Honest Playlist: From Early Favorites to Peculiar Aversions
The initial track I became enamored with
My most primal recollection is stepping into a room at kindergarten where they were playing Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was mesmerized by the sound effects, and Lennon shouting: “Full speed ahead!” When it got to the hook, I distinctly thought: “This must be music!”
The first single I purchased
When I was eight years old, I was victorious in a competition at school to pick a new record to play at the mini disco we had on Fridays. My teacher took me to a local store, and I picked out Come Back My Love by the group Darts. The first single I purchased with my own pocket money was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a record shop in Lancashire. It was number one at the time, and I chose it when my father pointed out that it was by a former member of the Beatles.
The song I perform at sing-along
I candidly actively avoid karaoke and steer clear at all costs. But under duress, I’d choose Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.
The piece I oddly remember each line to
I not long ago became aware that I know pretty much all the lyrics to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and each track on Graceland by Paul Simon.
The ideal song to blast at a soirée
It relies on which phase of the event you are at. Early doors it would likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the party deepens, I’d transition into Prince, the 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 massive track.
The number I can not bear
I strangely loathe Mr Brightside by the Killers.
The ideal song to make love to
Come Together by the Beatles.
The album that transformed me
When I was twelve and beginning to study the six-string, I’d only listen to classic rock ’n’roll, and was consumed by The King, the rock pioneer, the killer, the New Orleans legend, Buddy Holly and the rockabilly star. Then my childminder introduced me to Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was high voltage rock ’n’roll. The moment he dropped the vinyl on the record player, I was captivated.
The tune that motivates me in the morning
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by Ray Charles.
The song that gets me emotional
All music leaves me touched. Aretha Franklin, Frank Sinatra, Elvis and the Beatles all stir my emotions because of the melody and sheer beauty of the vocals. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley strikes a chord consistently.
The music I’d like played 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.
