The Actor's Revealing Playlist: Starting with Childhood Loves to Unexplained Aversions
The earliest tune I fell in love with
My earliest memory is walking into a room at kindergarten where they were playing Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was mesmerized by the sonic landscape, and John Lennon bellowing: “Full speed ahead!” When it reached the hook, I recall believing: “This must be music!”
The first record I bought
When I was eight years old, I won a contest at school to select a new record to play at the mini disco we had on Friday afternoons. My instructor took me to a local store, and I opted for Come Back My Love by Darts. The first single I bought 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 selected it when my dad pointed out that it was by a former member of the Beatles.
The song I perform at sing-along
I honestly actively avoid public singing and dodge it at all costs. But under duress, I’d select Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.
The song I strangely remember all the words to
I not long ago discovered that I know almost the entire lyrical content to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and every song on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.
The best tune to play at a soirée
It hinges 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 evening progresses, I’d transition into Prince, the Stones and Bowie, and when it really kicks off, Phat Planet by Leftfield, Born Slippy .NUXX by Underworld, and Ascension by Gorillaz, which is an absolute banger.
The number I can no longer listen to
I for some reason detest Mr Brightside by the Killers.
The best track to make love to
Come Together by the Beatles.
The album that changed my life
When I was twelve and just learning to study the guitar, I’d only listen to 1950s rock and roll, and was consumed by Elvis, Chuck Berry, Jerry Lee Lewis, Fats Domino, Buddy Holly and Eddie Cochran. Then my babysitter played Let There Be Rock by the Australian rockers. It was still guitar music, but it was powerful rock music. The moment he put the record on the record player, I was captivated.
The tune that gets me up in the morning
What’d I Say in its full glory by The Genius.
The piece that makes me cry
Most music leaves 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 pure perfection of the voices. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner strikes a chord consistently.
The track I’d like played at my final send-off
Elvis. If I’m given a cremation, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m buried, I’ll have Way Down.
