The Actor's Honest Playlist: From Early Favorites to Peculiar Dislikes
The initial song I became enamored with
My first memory is stepping into a room at kindergarten where they were blasting Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was mesmerized by the sonic landscape, and John Lennon bellowing: “Full speed ahead!” When it got to the hook, I distinctly thought: “This must be music!”
The inaugural record I purchased
When I was eight years old, I was victorious in a contest at school to pick a brand new vinyl to play at the small dance 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 record I purchased with my own savings was Mull of Kintyre by Paul McCartney's Wings from a record shop in Lancashire. It was No 1 at the time, and I selected it when my dad noted that it was by one of the Beatles.
The song I do at sing-along
I candidly actively avoid public singing and dodge it at all costs. But if forced, I’d go with Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.
The piece I inexplicably recite every lyric to
I recently realised that I can recall virtually every word to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and each track on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.
The ideal track to blast at a party
It hinges on the point of the party you are at. Early doors it would likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by the soul legend. As the party deepens, I’d move on to Prince, the Rolling Stones and Bowie, and when it really kicks off, Phat Planet by the electronic act, Born Slippy .NUXX by the techno pioneers, and Ascension by the virtual band, which is an undeniable hit.
The number I can never bear
I strangely detest Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.
The ultimate song to have sex to
Come Together by the Beatles.
The LP that altered my perspective
When I was twelve and beginning to play the six-string, I’d only listen to classic 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 brought round Let There Be Rock by the Australian rockers. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was electrifying rock music. Instantly after he put the vinyl on the record player, I was a fan for life.
The tune that wakes me in the morning
What’d I Say in its full glory by The Genius.
The song that gets me emotional
Virtually any music leaves me touched. Aretha Franklin, The Chairman of the Board, Presley and the Beatles all stir my emotions because of the melody and utter perfection of the vocals. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner gets me going every time.
The track I’d like performed at my memorial service
Elvis. If I’m cremated, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m buried, I’ll have Way Down.
