The Actor's Candid Playlist: From Early Favorites to Peculiar Dislikes
The first song I fell in love with
My first recollection is walking into a space at preschool where they were playing Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was captivated by the sonic landscape, and John Lennon bellowing: “Full speed ahead!” When it got to the refrain, I distinctly thought: “This must be music!”
The very first 45 I acquired
When I was eight, I won a competition at school to select a new record to play at the weekly dance party we had on Friday afternoons. My teacher took me to Woolworths, and I opted for Come Back My Love by the group Darts. The first single I bought with my own savings was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a music store in Lancashire. It was number one at the time, and I selected it when my dad mentioned that it was by a former member of the Beatles.
The track I sing at karaoke
I honestly cannot stand public singing and dodge it at all costs. But if I had to, I’d select Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.
The track I inexplicably know every lyric to
I just became aware that I know pretty much all the lyrics to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and every song on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.
The perfect tune to blast at a soirée
It hinges on which phase of the party you are at. Early doors it would probably be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by the soul legend. As the night wears on, I’d transition into the Artist, the Rolling Stones and Bowie, and when it hits its peak, Phat Planet by Leftfield, Born Slippy .NUXX by Underworld, and Ascension by Gorillaz, which is an massive track.
The track I can not hear
I for some reason loathe Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.
The ultimate piece to make love to
Come Together by the Beatles.
The LP that changed my life
When I was 12 and just learning to play 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, the glasses-wearing icon and Eddie Cochran. Then my childminder played Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still guitar music, but it was electrifying rock ’n’roll. Instantly after he put the vinyl on the turntable, I was hooked.
The tune that motivates me in the morning
What’d I Say in its full glory by Ray Charles.
The track that makes me cry
Virtually any music makes me touched. Aretha Franklin, The Chairman of the Board, Presley and the Beatles all bring a tear to my eye because of the tune and utter perfection of the vocals. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner gets me going consistently.
The music I’d like performed at my memorial service
Elvis. If I’m given a cremation, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m buried, I’ll have Way Down.
