The Actor's Revealing Playlist: Starting with Childhood Favorites to Peculiar Aversions
The earliest track I fell in love with
My most primal recollection is walking into a room at nursery school where they were blasting Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was enthralled by the sonic landscape, and Lennon yelling: “Full speed ahead!” When it reached the hook, I distinctly thought: “This must be music!”
The first 45 I purchased
When I was eight, I won a contest at school to select a brand new vinyl to play at the mini disco we had on Friday afternoons. My instructor took me to a local store, and I chose Come Back My Love by Darts. The first record I purchased with my own allowance was Mull of Kintyre by Paul McCartney's Wings from a record shop in Colne. It was number one at the time, and I selected it when my father mentioned that it was by a former member of the Beatles.
The tune I sing at sing-along
I honestly do not enjoy public singing and avoid it at all costs. But under duress, I’d select Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.
The track I strangely remember all the words to
I not long ago became aware that I have memorized almost all the lyrics to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and each track on Graceland by Paul Simon.
The perfect song to put on at a party
It depends on which phase of the evening you are at. Early doors it would most likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the party deepens, I’d transition into the Artist, the Stones and David Bowie, and when it really kicks off, Phat Planet by Leftfield, Born Slippy .NUXX by the techno pioneers, and Ascension by Gorillaz, which is an undeniable hit.
The number I can not listen to
I strangely detest Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.
The ultimate track to make love to
Come Together by John, Paul, George, and Ringo.
The LP that changed my life
When I was twelve and beginning to learn the guitar, I’d only listen to classic rock ’n’roll, and was obsessed with Elvis, Chuck Berry, the killer, Fats Domino, Buddy Holly and Eddie Cochran. Then my childminder brought round Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still guitar music, but it was powerful rock ’n’roll. As soon as he put the record on the turntable, I was captivated.
The song that motivates me in the morning
What’d I Say in its full glory by Ray Charles.
The song that brings me to tears
All music leaves me emotional. The Queen of Soul, Frank Sinatra, Presley and the Fab Four all stir my emotions because of the melody and utter beauty of the vocals. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley strikes a chord without fail.
The song I’d like performed at my funeral
Elvis. If I’m cremated, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m buried, I’ll have Way Down.
