The Actor's Honest Playlist: From Early Favorites to Unexplained Aversions
The initial track I was captivated by
My first recollection is stepping into a space at nursery school where they were blasting Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was captivated by the sound effects, and Lennon shouting: “Full speed ahead!” When it got to the hook, I recall believing: “This must be music!”
The inaugural 45 I acquired
When I was eight, I was victorious in a competition at school to choose a new record to play at the small dance we had on Fridays. My instructor took me to a local store, and I picked out Come Back My Love by the group Darts. The first single I bought with my own savings was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a music store in Colne. It was number one at the time, and I selected it when my dad noted that it was by a former member of the Beatles.
The track I do at sing-along
I honestly actively avoid karaoke and steer clear at all costs. But if I had to, I’d choose Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.
The song I inexplicably remember all the words to
I just discovered that I can recall virtually every word to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and each track on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.
The best song to blast at a party
It depends on which phase of the party you are at. At the start it would probably be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the evening progresses, I’d transition into the Artist, the Rolling Stones and David Bowie, and when it hits its peak, Phat Planet by the electronic act, Born Slippy .NUXX by the techno pioneers, and Ascension by Gorillaz, which is an undeniable hit.
The track I can no longer listen to
I for some reason cannot stand Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.
The best song to get intimate to
Come Together by John, Paul, George, and Ringo.
The album that transformed me
When I was 12 and beginning to learn the guitar, I’d only listen to classic rock and roll, and was consumed by Elvis, Chuck Berry, Jerry Lee Lewis, the New Orleans legend, the glasses-wearing icon and the rockabilly star. Then my babysitter played Let There Be Rock by the Australian rockers. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was high voltage rock ’n’roll. The moment he placed the record on the turntable, I was a fan for life.
The song that wakes me in the AM
What’d I Say in its full glory by The Genius.
The track that brings me to tears
Most music leaves me moved. The Queen of Soul, Frank Sinatra, Elvis and the Fab Four all bring a tear to my eye because of the harmony and utter beauty of the singing. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley gets me going without fail.
The track I’d like played 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.
