The Actor's Candid Playlist: From Early Favorites to Peculiar Aversions
The initial tune I became enamored with
My most primal memory is walking into a space at kindergarten where they were blasting Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was enthralled by the sound effects, and Lennon bellowing: “Full speed ahead!” When it arrived at the refrain, I distinctly thought: “This must be music!”
The very first single I purchased
When I was eight years old, I won a competition at school to select a new vinyl to play at the weekly dance party we had on Fridays. My teacher took me to a local store, and I opted for Come Back My Love by the group Darts. The first record I bought with my own pocket money was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a record shop in Colne. It was number one at the time, and I chose it when my father noted that it was by one of the Beatles.
The track I sing at sing-along
I honestly do not enjoy karaoke and steer clear 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 just realised that I can recall virtually all the lyrics to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and the entire album on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.
The best song to play at a gathering
It depends on which phase of the party you are at. For the beginning it would likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by the soul legend. As the night wears on, I’d transition into the Artist, the Rolling Stones and David Bowie, and when it really kicks off, Phat Planet by the electronic act, Born Slippy .NUXX by the techno pioneers, and Ascension by the virtual band, which is an undeniable hit.
The song I can not hear
I for some reason cannot stand Mr Brightside by the Killers.
The ideal track to make love to
Come Together by the Beatles.
The LP that changed my life
When I was 12 and starting to play the guitar, I’d only listen to early rock and roll, and was consumed by The King, the rock pioneer, Jerry Lee Lewis, Fats Domino, Buddy Holly and Eddie Cochran. Then my babysitter brought round Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was powerful rock music. As soon as he placed the vinyl on the record player, I was hooked.
The song that wakes me in the morning
What’d I Say in its full glory by The Genius.
The piece that brings me to tears
All music makes me moved. The Queen of Soul, Frank Sinatra, Elvis and the Fab Four all make me cry because of the melody and sheer perfection of the singing. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley gets me going without fail.
The music I’d like performed at my funeral
The King. If I’m cremated, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m buried, I’ll have Way Down.
