The Actor's Candid Playlist: From Early Favorites to Peculiar Dislikes
The initial track I was captivated by
My earliest recollection is walking into a room at preschool where they were playing Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was captivated by the sound effects, and Lennon bellowing: “Full speed ahead!” When it reached the hook, I recall believing: “This must be music!”
The very first record I purchased
When I was eight years old, I won a contest at school to choose a brand new vinyl to play at the small dance we had on Friday afternoons. My instructor took me to a local store, and I opted for Come Back My Love by the group Darts. The first record I bought with my own allowance was Mull of Kintyre by Paul McCartney's Wings from a music store in Lancashire. 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 cannot stand karaoke and avoid it at all costs. But if I had to, I’d go with Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.
The track I inexplicably remember each line to
I not long ago realised that I have memorized virtually all the lyrics 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 party
It hinges on the point of the event you are at. Early doors it would most likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by the soul legend. As the night wears on, I’d move on to Prince, the Rolling Stones and Bowie, and when it gets lively, Phat Planet by Leftfield, Born Slippy .NUXX by Underworld, and Ascension by Gorillaz, which is an absolute banger.
The track I can never listen to
I strangely cannot stand Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.
The ultimate song to make love to
Come Together by John, Paul, George, and Ringo.
The album that altered my perspective
When I was 12 and just learning to play the six-string, I’d only listen to classic rock and roll, and was fixated on The King, the rock pioneer, Jerry Lee Lewis, the New Orleans legend, 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 powerful rock ’n’roll. As soon as he put the vinyl on the record player, I was hooked.
The song that wakes me in the AM
What’d I Say in its full glory by Ray Charles.
The piece that makes me cry
All music leaves me touched. Aretha Franklin, The Chairman of the Board, Presley and the Beatles all bring a tear to my eye because of the tune and sheer beauty of the voices. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley strikes a chord consistently.
The song I’d like to be played at my final send-off
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.
