The Actor's Candid Playlist: Starting with Childhood Favorites to Unexplained Dislikes
The first track I was captivated by
My first recollection is stepping into a room at nursery school where they were playing Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was mesmerized by the sonic landscape, and John Lennon bellowing: “Full speed ahead!” When it got to the refrain, I remember thinking: “This must be music!”
The inaugural record I acquired
When I was eight years old, I won a competition at school to pick a brand new vinyl to play at the weekly dance party we had on Friday afternoons. My teacher took me to Woolworths, and I opted for Come Back My Love by Darts. The first record I purchased with my own allowance was Mull of Kintyre by Paul McCartney's Wings from a music store in Lancashire. It was No 1 at the time, and I chose it when my father noted that it was by a former member of the Beatles.
The song I perform at sing-along
I honestly cannot stand public singing and dodge it at all costs. But under duress, I’d choose Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.
The piece I oddly recite every lyric to
I recently discovered that I can recall almost all the lyrics to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and every song on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.
The ideal track to put on at a party
It depends on what stage of the evening you are at. For the beginning it would most likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the night wears on, I’d work through Prince, the Stones and Bowie, and when it really kicks off, Phat Planet by the electronic act, Born Slippy .NUXX by Underworld, and Ascension by Gorillaz, which is an massive track.
The number I can not listen to
I for some reason loathe Mr Brightside by the Killers.
The best track to have sex to
Come Together by John, Paul, George, and Ringo.
The record that changed my life
When I was twelve and starting to play the guitar, I’d only listen to classic rock and roll, and was consumed by Elvis, Chuck Berry, the killer, Fats Domino, the glasses-wearing icon and the rockabilly star. Then my babysitter brought round Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was electrifying rock music. The moment he placed the vinyl on the record player, I was captivated.
The tune that wakes me in the AM
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by Ray Charles.
The track that makes me cry
Most music leaves me emotional. Aretha Franklin, Frank Sinatra, Presley and the Fab Four all stir my emotions because of the harmony and pure beauty of the vocals. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley hits me hard consistently.
The music I’d like played at my funeral
The King. If I’m cremated, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m laid to rest in the ground, I’ll have Way Down.
