The Actor's Candid Playlist: From Early Favorites to Unexplained Aversions
The initial track I fell in love with
My first recollection is stepping into a space at kindergarten where they were playing Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was captivated by the audio textures, and John Lennon yelling: “Full speed ahead!” When it got to the refrain, I remember thinking: “This must be music!”
The first 45 I purchased
When I was eight years old, I was victorious in a competition at school to pick a brand new vinyl to play at the mini disco we had on Fridays. My instructor took me to a local store, and I picked out 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 No 1 at the time, and I chose it when my dad mentioned that it was by a former member of the Beatles.
The track I perform at karaoke
I frankly cannot stand public singing and dodge it at all costs. But if forced, I’d go with Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.
The song I inexplicably remember every lyric to
I not long ago became aware that I know pretty much 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 blast at a gathering
It relies on the point of the event you are at. For the beginning it would most likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by the soul legend. As the party deepens, I’d work through Prince, the Stones and Bowie, and when it gets lively, Phat Planet by Leftfield, Born Slippy .NUXX by Underworld, and Ascension by Gorillaz, which is an massive track.
The number I can not bear
I strangely loathe Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.
The best track to get intimate to
Come Together by the Beatles.
The LP that transformed me
When I was 12 and just learning to play the guitar, I’d only listen to classic rock ’n’roll, and was consumed by Elvis, the rock pioneer, Jerry Lee Lewis, the New Orleans legend, the glasses-wearing icon and the rockabilly star. Then my childminder introduced me to Let There Be Rock by the Australian rockers. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was powerful rock music. Instantly after he dropped the vinyl on the turntable, I was captivated.
The track that gets me up in the AM
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by The Genius.
The song that makes me cry
All music leaves me emotional. Aretha Franklin, Frank Sinatra, Elvis and the Beatles all stir my emotions because of the melody and sheer beauty of the vocals. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner strikes a chord consistently.
The music I’d like played at my funeral
Elvis. If I’m cremated, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m laid to rest in the ground, I’ll have Way Down.
