The Actor's Candid Playlist: Starting with Childhood Loves to Peculiar Dislikes
The earliest tune I became enamored with
My earliest memory is entering a space at preschool where they were playing Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was enthralled by the audio textures, and John Lennon yelling: “Full speed ahead!” When it reached the hook, I recall believing: “This must be music!”
The first single I acquired
When I was eight, I won a competition at school to choose a new record to play at the mini disco we had on Fridays. My instructor took me to a local store, and I chose Come Back My Love by Darts. The first single 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 chose it when my dad pointed out that it was by one of the Beatles.
The song I do at sing-along
I candidly actively avoid public singing and steer clear at all costs. But if forced, I’d go with Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.
The track I strangely know each line to
I not long ago became aware that I can recall pretty much the entire lyrical content to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and the entire album on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.
The ideal tune to put on at a party
It depends on the point of the event you are at. At the start it would most likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the evening progresses, I’d transition into the Artist, the Rolling Stones and Bowie, and when it really kicks off, Phat Planet by Leftfield, Born Slippy .NUXX by Underworld, and Ascension by the virtual band, which is an absolute banger.
The song I can not hear
I strangely loathe Mr Brightside by the Killers.
The best track to get intimate to
Come Together by John, Paul, George, and Ringo.
The album that changed my life
When I was 12 and just learning to learn the six-string, I’d only listen to early rock and roll, and was fixated on Elvis, the rock pioneer, Jerry Lee Lewis, Fats Domino, Buddy Holly and the rockabilly star. Then my babysitter introduced me to Let There Be Rock by the Australian rockers. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was powerful rock ’n’roll. As soon as he dropped the record on the turntable, I was captivated.
The song that wakes me in the AM
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by Ray Charles.
The song that gets me emotional
Virtually any music leaves me touched. The Queen of Soul, The Chairman of the Board, Elvis and the Beatles all make me cry because of the harmony and sheer brilliance of the voices. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley hits me hard without fail.
The track I’d like performed at my funeral
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.