The Actor's Candid Playlist: From Early Favorites to Unexplained Aversions
The earliest track I fell in love with
My earliest recollection is entering a space at nursery school where they were spinning Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was enthralled by the audio textures, and John Lennon shouting: “Full speed ahead!” When it got to the refrain, I recall believing: “This must be music!”
The inaugural record I purchased
When I was eight, I won a competition at school to select a brand new vinyl to play at the mini disco we had on Friday afternoons. My instructor took me to Woolworths, and I chose Come Back My Love by Darts. The first single I bought with my own pocket money was Mull of Kintyre by Paul McCartney's Wings from a music store in Lancashire. It was number one at the time, and I chose it when my father mentioned that it was by a former member of the Beatles.
The track I perform at karaoke
I frankly do not enjoy public singing and avoid it at all costs. But if forced, I’d choose Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.
The song I oddly remember each line to
I not long ago became aware that I can recall virtually all the lyrics to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and each track on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.
The perfect track to play at a gathering
It hinges on which phase of the event you are at. Early doors it would most likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by the soul legend. As the night wears on, I’d work through Prince, the Rolling Stones and David Bowie, and when it really kicks off, Phat Planet by Leftfield, Born Slippy .NUXX by Underworld, and Ascension by the virtual band, which is an undeniable hit.
The track I can not hear
I strangely loathe Mr Brightside by the Killers.
The ultimate song to have sex to
Come Together by John, Paul, George, and Ringo.
The record that changed my life
When I was twelve and starting to play the guitar, I’d only listen to early rock and roll, and was fixated on The King, the rock pioneer, the killer, the New Orleans legend, Buddy Holly and the rockabilly star. Then my babysitter brought round Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was high voltage rock ’n’roll. The moment he put the record on the record player, I was captivated.
The song that wakes me in the morning
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by The Genius.
The song that gets me emotional
Virtually any music makes me moved. The Queen of Soul, Frank Sinatra, Presley and the Beatles all make me cry because of the harmony and sheer brilliance of the singing. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley hits me hard consistently.
The music I’d like performed at my final send-off
Elvis. If I’m cremated, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m laid to rest in the ground, I’ll have Way Down.