The Actor's Revealing Playlist: Starting with Childhood Loves to Unexplained Aversions
The first track I fell in love with
My first memory is entering a space at kindergarten where they were blasting Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was captivated by the sonic landscape, and Lennon bellowing: “Full speed ahead!” When it reached the hook, I remember thinking: “This must be music!”
The very first record I acquired
When I was eight years old, I was victorious in a contest at school to choose a brand new record to play at the small dance we had on Fridays. My teacher took me to Woolworths, and I opted for Come Back My Love by the group Darts. The first single I purchased with my own savings 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 noted that it was by a former member of the Beatles.
The song I perform at sing-along
I honestly actively avoid karaoke and steer clear at all costs. But if forced, I’d go with Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.
The track I strangely recite every lyric to
I just discovered that I know 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 song to blast at a party
It hinges on what stage of the party 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 move on to the Artist, the 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 absolute banger.
The number I can never bear
I strangely loathe Mr Brightside by the Killers.
The ultimate piece to make love to
Come Together by the Beatles.
The LP that altered my perspective
When I was twelve and just learning to play the guitar, I’d only listen to classic rock and roll, and was fixated on Elvis, Chuck Berry, 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 high voltage rock ’n’roll. As soon as he put the vinyl on the turntable, I was hooked.
The track that gets me up in the AM
What’d I Say in its full glory by The Genius.
The track that gets me emotional
Virtually any music leaves me emotional. The Queen of Soul, Frank Sinatra, Presley and the Fab Four all stir my emotions because of the melody and sheer perfection of the singing. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner strikes a chord consistently.
The song I’d like to be played at my memorial service
The King. If I’m given a cremation, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m laid to rest in the ground, I’ll have Way Down.