The Actor's Revealing Playlist: From Early Loves to Peculiar Aversions
The initial tune I fell in love with
My first memory is entering a room at kindergarten where they were blasting Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was captivated by the audio textures, and John Lennon yelling: “Full speed ahead!” When it reached the hook, I recall believing: “This must be music!”
The inaugural single I purchased
When I was eight years old, I won a contest at school to choose a new vinyl to play at the weekly dance party we had on Fridays. My teacher took me to Woolworths, and I chose Come Back My Love by the group 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 Lancashire. It was number one at the time, and I selected it when my dad pointed out that it was by a former member of the Beatles.
The song I sing at karaoke
I frankly actively avoid public singing and avoid it at all costs. But if forced, I’d go with Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.
The track I strangely remember all the words to
I not long ago became aware that I know almost the entire lyrical content to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and each track on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.
The ideal song to play at a soirée
It relies on the point of the event 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 transition into the Artist, the Rolling Stones and David Bowie, and when it gets lively, Phat Planet by the electronic act, Born Slippy .NUXX by Underworld, and Ascension by the virtual band, which is an massive track.
The track I can never listen to
I for some reason cannot stand Mr Brightside by the Killers.
The ideal track to get intimate to
Come Together by the Beatles.
The LP that transformed me
When I was 12 and beginning to study the six-string, I’d only listen to early rock and roll, and was fixated on Elvis, Chuck Berry, Jerry Lee Lewis, the New Orleans legend, Buddy Holly and Eddie Cochran. Then my childminder brought round Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was high voltage rock music. Instantly after he put the vinyl on the record player, I was captivated.
The song that gets me up in the morning
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by The Genius.
The piece that gets me emotional
Virtually any music leaves me moved. The Queen of Soul, The Chairman of the Board, Presley and the Fab Four all stir my emotions because of the tune and utter perfection of the vocals. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner strikes a chord consistently.
The song I’d like performed at my funeral
Elvis. If I’m cremated, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m buried, I’ll have Way Down.
