The Actor's Honest Playlist: From Early Favorites to Peculiar Aversions
The initial tune I was captivated by
My first recollection is entering a space at kindergarten where they were playing Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was enthralled by the sound effects, and Lennon bellowing: “Full speed ahead!” When it got to the chorus, I distinctly thought: “This must be music!”
The very first single I purchased
When I was eight, I was victorious in a contest at school to choose a new record to play at the weekly dance party we had on Friday afternoons. My instructor took me to a local store, and I picked out Come Back My Love by the group Darts. The first record I bought with my own savings was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a record shop in Lancashire. It was No 1 at the time, and I selected it when my dad mentioned that it was by a former member of the Beatles.
The tune I sing at karaoke
I frankly actively avoid karaoke and dodge it at all costs. But if forced, I’d choose Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.
The piece I strangely recite all the words to
I recently discovered that I can recall pretty much every word to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and the entire album on Graceland by Paul Simon.
The best track to play at a soirée
It depends on what stage of the event you are at. Early doors it would 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 gets lively, Phat Planet by the electronic act, Born Slippy .NUXX by the techno pioneers, and Ascension by the virtual band, which is an massive track.
The song I can not listen to
I inexplicably cannot stand Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.
The ideal track to have sex to
Come Together by John, Paul, George, and Ringo.
The record that altered my perspective
When I was 12 and beginning to study the six-string, I’d only listen to early rock ’n’roll, and was obsessed with Elvis, the rock pioneer, the killer, the New Orleans legend, the glasses-wearing icon and Eddie Cochran. Then my childminder played Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was electrifying rock music. As soon as he put the record on the record player, I was hooked.
The track that gets me up in the morning
What’d I Say in its full glory by The Genius.
The piece that brings me to tears
Most music leaves me emotional. The Queen of Soul, The Chairman of the Board, Elvis and the Fab Four all bring a tear to my eye because of the melody and sheer perfection of the vocals. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley hits me hard without fail.
The music 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 buried, I’ll have Way Down.
