The Actor's Honest Playlist: Starting with Childhood Favorites to Peculiar Dislikes
The initial tune I was captivated by
My earliest recollection is stepping into a room at nursery school where they were playing Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. 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 very first record I acquired
When I was eight years old, I won a competition at school to select a brand new vinyl to play at the small dance we had on Friday afternoons. My teacher took me to Woolworths, and I chose Come Back My Love by Darts. The first record I bought with my own allowance was Mull of Kintyre by Paul McCartney's Wings from a music store in Colne. It was No 1 at the time, and I chose it when my father mentioned that it was by one of the Beatles.
The track I perform at karaoke
I frankly cannot stand karaoke and dodge it at all costs. But under duress, I’d go with Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.
The song I inexplicably recite all the words to
I just realised that I know almost all the lyrics to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and the entire album on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.
The ideal track to play at a gathering
It relies on which phase of the event you are at. For the beginning it would likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the night wears on, I’d work through Prince, the Rolling Stones and Bowie, and when it hits its peak, Phat Planet by Leftfield, Born Slippy .NUXX by the techno pioneers, and Ascension by Gorillaz, which is an undeniable hit.
The number I can not bear
I inexplicably loathe Mr Brightside by the Killers.
The best song to get intimate to
Come Together by the Beatles.
The album that altered my perspective
When I was twelve and beginning to play the guitar, I’d only listen to early rock ’n’roll, and was obsessed with The King, the rock pioneer, the killer, Fats Domino, Buddy Holly 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 powerful rock ’n’roll. The moment he placed the record on the record player, I was hooked.
The tune that motivates me in the morning
What’d I Say in its full glory by The Genius.
The song that brings me to tears
Virtually any music leaves me moved. The Queen of Soul, Frank Sinatra, Elvis and the Beatles all stir my emotions because of the tune and sheer perfection of the vocals. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley strikes a chord every time.
The song I’d like played at my funeral
Elvis. If I’m given a cremation, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m buried, I’ll have Way Down.
