The Actor's Candid Playlist: Starting with Childhood Favorites to Peculiar Aversions
The initial tune I became enamored with
My earliest memory is stepping into a space at kindergarten where they were blasting Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was mesmerized by the audio textures, and Lennon shouting: “Full speed ahead!” When it got to the hook, I distinctly thought: “This must be music!”
The first single I bought
When I was eight years old, I won a competition at school to select a new vinyl to play at the small dance we had on Friday afternoons. My instructor took me to Woolworths, and I picked out Come Back My Love by Darts. The first single I bought with my own savings was Mull of Kintyre by Paul McCartney's Wings from a music store in Colne. It was number one at the time, and I selected it when my dad noted that it was by a former member of the Beatles.
The song I perform at sing-along
I frankly actively avoid karaoke and avoid it at all costs. But if I had to, I’d choose Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.
The track I strangely remember every lyric to
I not long ago discovered that I know virtually the entire lyrical content to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and every song on Graceland by Paul Simon.
The ideal tune to put on at a party
It relies on the point of the party you are at. At the start it would most likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the party deepens, I’d move on to the Artist, the Stones and David Bowie, and when it gets lively, Phat Planet by Leftfield, Born Slippy .NUXX by the techno pioneers, and Ascension by the virtual band, which is an absolute banger.
The song I can never bear
I inexplicably cannot stand Mr Brightside by the Killers.
The ideal piece to make love to
Come Together by John, Paul, George, and Ringo.
The record that altered my perspective
When I was 12 and starting to learn the guitar, I’d only listen to early rock and roll, and was obsessed with Elvis, the rock pioneer, the killer, the New Orleans legend, Buddy Holly and Eddie Cochran. Then my childminder introduced me to Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still guitar music, but it was powerful rock music. As soon as he placed the vinyl on the record player, I was captivated.
The track that gets me up in the morning
What’d I Say in its full glory by Ray Charles.
The song that makes me cry
Most music leaves me moved. The Queen of Soul, Frank Sinatra, Elvis and the Fab Four all bring a tear to my eye because of the harmony and utter beauty of the voices. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner gets me going every time.
The song 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.
