The Actor's Revealing Playlist: From Early Loves to Peculiar Dislikes
The first track I was captivated by
My most primal memory is walking into a room at nursery school where they were playing Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was mesmerized by the sound effects, and John Lennon yelling: “Full speed ahead!” When it reached the chorus, I distinctly thought: “This must be music!”
The inaugural record I purchased
When I was eight years old, I won a contest at school to pick a new vinyl to play at the mini disco we had on Fridays. My instructor 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 savings was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a music store in Lancashire. It was number one at the time, and I selected it when my dad noted that it was by one of the Beatles.
The tune I do at sing-along
I frankly actively avoid karaoke and dodge it at all costs. But if I had to, I’d select Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.
The track I inexplicably remember each line to
I not long ago became aware that I have memorized pretty much all the lyrics to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and each track on Graceland by Paul Simon.
The best tune to blast at a gathering
It depends on what stage of the party you are at. At the start it would most likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by the soul legend. As the evening progresses, I’d transition into the Artist, the 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 absolute banger.
The number I can never listen to
I strangely cannot stand Mr Brightside by the Killers.
The ideal piece to make love to
Come Together by the Beatles.
The album that changed my life
When I was twelve and starting to play the guitar, I’d only listen to classic rock and roll, and was obsessed with Elvis, the rock pioneer, the killer, the New Orleans legend, the glasses-wearing icon and Eddie Cochran. Then my babysitter 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 hooked.
The track that gets me up in the morning
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by Ray Charles.
The piece that gets me emotional
All music leaves me touched. Aretha Franklin, The Chairman of the Board, Presley and the Beatles all make me cry because of the tune and utter brilliance of the vocals. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley gets me going without fail.
The track I’d like to be played at my final send-off
The King. If I’m given a cremation, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m laid to rest in the ground, I’ll have Way Down.
