The Actor's Revealing Playlist: From Early Favorites to Peculiar Aversions
The initial track I became enamored with
My most primal recollection is entering a space at preschool where they were blasting Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was enthralled by the sound effects, and Lennon yelling: “Full speed ahead!” When it arrived at the hook, I recall believing: “This must be music!”
The first record I bought
When I was eight years old, I won a contest at school to choose a new record to play at the small dance we had on Fridays. My instructor took me to Woolworths, and I opted for Come Back My Love by the group Darts. The first record I bought with my own savings was Mull of Kintyre by Paul McCartney's Wings from a record shop in Colne. It was No 1 at the time, and I chose it when my dad noted that it was by a former member of the Beatles.
The tune I perform at karaoke
I candidly actively avoid public singing and steer clear at all costs. But if forced, I’d select Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.
The track I inexplicably recite each line to
I just discovered that I know virtually every word to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and the entire album on Graceland by Paul Simon.
The perfect track to blast at a gathering
It depends on the point of the party you are at. At the start it would likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the night wears on, I’d move on to the Artist, the Stones and David Bowie, and when it really kicks off, Phat Planet by the electronic act, Born Slippy .NUXX by Underworld, and Ascension by the virtual band, which is an massive track.
The number I can never hear
I inexplicably detest Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.
The ideal piece to have sex to
Come Together by John, Paul, George, and Ringo.
The record 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 obsessed with Elvis, Chuck Berry, Jerry Lee Lewis, the New Orleans legend, the glasses-wearing icon and Eddie Cochran. Then my childminder brought round Let There Be Rock by the Australian rockers. It was still guitar music, but it was high voltage rock ’n’roll. As soon as he placed the vinyl on the turntable, I was captivated.
The song that motivates me in the AM
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by Ray Charles.
The piece that gets me emotional
All music leaves me touched. The Queen of Soul, Frank Sinatra, Presley and the Fab Four all bring a tear to my eye because of the harmony and utter beauty of the vocals. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner hits me hard every time.
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 buried, I’ll have Way Down.
