The Actor's Candid Playlist: Starting with Childhood Favorites to Peculiar Aversions
The first tune I fell in love with
My earliest recollection is entering a room at preschool where they were spinning Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was enthralled by the sound effects, and Lennon yelling: “Full speed ahead!” When it reached the hook, I distinctly thought: “This must be music!”
The very first record I purchased
When I was eight, I was victorious in a competition at school to select a new vinyl to play at the small dance we had on Friday afternoons. My teacher took me to a local store, and I picked out Come Back My Love by Darts. The first record I purchased with my own pocket money was Mull of Kintyre by Paul McCartney's Wings from a music store in Colne. It was No 1 at the time, and I chose it when my dad mentioned that it was by a former member of the Beatles.
The tune I perform at karaoke
I honestly actively avoid karaoke and dodge it at all costs. But under duress, I’d choose Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.
The track I inexplicably know each line to
I recently became aware that I know virtually the entire lyrical content to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and every song on Graceland by Paul Simon.
The ideal track to put on at a soirée
It hinges on the point of the party you are at. Early doors it would likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the night wears on, I’d move on to Prince, the Rolling Stones and David Bowie, and when it gets lively, Phat Planet by Leftfield, Born Slippy .NUXX by Underworld, and Ascension by the virtual band, which is an undeniable hit.
The song I can not bear
I for some reason detest Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.
The ideal song to make love to
Come Together by John, Paul, George, and Ringo.
The album that altered my perspective
When I was 12 and starting to learn the guitar, I’d only listen to 1950s rock and roll, and was obsessed with The King, Chuck Berry, the killer, Fats Domino, the glasses-wearing icon and the rockabilly star. Then my babysitter played Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still guitar music, but it was high voltage rock music. Instantly after he placed the vinyl on the record player, I was hooked.
The tune that motivates me in the AM
What’d I Say in its full glory by The Genius.
The piece that gets me emotional
All music leaves me touched. Aretha Franklin, The Chairman of the Board, Elvis and the Fab Four all bring a tear to my eye because of the tune and sheer beauty of the voices. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner gets me going every time.
The music I’d like to be played at my final send-off
Elvis. If I’m given a cremation, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m buried, I’ll have Way Down.
