The Actor's Revealing Playlist: Starting with Childhood Loves to Peculiar Dislikes
The first tune I became enamored with
My first recollection is walking into a room at nursery school where they were spinning Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was enthralled by the sonic landscape, and John Lennon shouting: “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 won a competition at school to pick a brand new record to play at the small dance we had on Friday afternoons. My teacher took me to a local store, and I chose Come Back My Love by the group Darts. The first single I purchased with my own pocket money was Mull of Kintyre by Paul McCartney's Wings from a record shop in Lancashire. It was number one at the time, and I chose it when my dad noted that it was by a former member of the Beatles.
The track I do at karaoke
I candidly actively avoid public singing and avoid it at all costs. But if forced, I’d select Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.
The track I inexplicably recite all the words to
I just became aware that I know 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 tune to blast at a gathering
It relies on the point of the event you are at. For the beginning it would likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the night wears on, I’d transition into Prince, the Stones and Bowie, and when it hits its peak, Phat Planet by Leftfield, Born Slippy .NUXX by the techno pioneers, and Ascension by the virtual band, which is an massive track.
The number I can no longer listen to
I inexplicably loathe Mr Brightside by the Killers.
The best song to have sex to
Come Together by John, Paul, George, and Ringo.
The LP that changed my life
When I was 12 and just learning to play the guitar, I’d only listen to early rock ’n’roll, and was obsessed with Elvis, Chuck Berry, Jerry Lee Lewis, the New Orleans legend, Buddy Holly and the rockabilly star. Then my childminder introduced me to Let There Be Rock by the Australian rockers. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was high voltage rock music. As soon as he placed the vinyl on the turntable, I was a fan for life.
The song that motivates me in the morning
What’d I Say in its full glory by Ray Charles.
The track that makes me cry
Virtually any music makes me touched. The Queen of Soul, The Chairman of the Board, Presley and the Beatles all make me cry because of the harmony and utter brilliance of the vocals. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley strikes a chord consistently.
The track I’d like performed at my memorial service
The King. If I’m given a cremation, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m buried, I’ll have Way Down.
