The Actor's Candid Playlist: Starting with Childhood Favorites to Peculiar Aversions
The earliest tune I fell in love with
My first recollection is walking into a room at preschool where they were blasting Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was captivated by the sonic landscape, and Lennon bellowing: “Full speed ahead!” When it got to the refrain, I distinctly thought: “This must be music!”
The very first record I acquired
When I was eight, I won a contest at school to pick a new record to play at the mini disco we had on Fridays. My instructor took me to Woolworths, and I picked out Come Back My Love by the group Darts. The first single I purchased with my own allowance was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a record shop in Lancashire. It was number one at the time, and I selected it when my dad pointed out that it was by one of the Beatles.
The song I sing at sing-along
I honestly do not enjoy public singing and avoid it at all costs. But if forced, I’d go with Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.
The track I oddly know each line to
I recently realised that I can recall virtually every word to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and each track on Graceland by Paul Simon.
The best tune to play at a party
It relies on what stage of the event you are at. At the start it would likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. 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 the electronic act, Born Slippy .NUXX by the techno pioneers, and Ascension by Gorillaz, which is an massive track.
The song I can not listen to
I inexplicably loathe Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.
The ultimate track to make love to
Come Together by John, Paul, George, and Ringo.
The record that transformed me
When I was 12 and just learning to learn the guitar, I’d only listen to early rock ’n’roll, and was fixated on The King, Chuck Berry, the killer, Fats Domino, Buddy Holly and the rockabilly star. Then my childminder brought round Let There Be Rock by the Australian rockers. It was still guitar music, but it was high voltage rock ’n’roll. The moment he placed the vinyl on the turntable, I was captivated.
The tune that wakes me in the morning
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by The Genius.
The track that makes me cry
Virtually any music makes me emotional. Aretha Franklin, The Chairman of the Board, Presley and the Beatles all stir my emotions because of the tune and sheer brilliance of the singing. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley hits me hard every time.
The track I’d like to be played at my final send-off
Elvis. If I’m given a cremation, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m laid to rest in the ground, I’ll have Way Down.
