The Actor's Revealing Playlist: Starting with Childhood Favorites to Unexplained Dislikes
The earliest track I became enamored with
My most primal recollection is walking into a space at preschool where they were spinning Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was enthralled by the sonic landscape, and Lennon bellowing: “Full speed ahead!” When it reached the hook, I distinctly thought: “This must be music!”
The very first 45 I purchased
When I was eight years old, I won a competition at school to select a brand new vinyl to play at the mini disco we had on Friday afternoons. My teacher took me to Woolworths, and I picked out Come Back My Love by the group Darts. The first record I bought with my own pocket money was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a music store in Colne. It was number one at the time, and I selected it when my father noted that it was by one of the Beatles.
The song I sing at karaoke
I frankly actively avoid public singing and steer clear at all costs. But if I had to, I’d go with Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.
The song I oddly remember all the words to
I just discovered 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 best track to put on at a soirée
It hinges on which phase of the evening you are at. Early doors it would most likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by the soul legend. As the party deepens, I’d work through the Artist, the Rolling Stones and David Bowie, and when it really kicks off, Phat Planet by the electronic act, Born Slippy .NUXX by the techno pioneers, and Ascension by Gorillaz, which is an massive track.
The track I can no longer hear
I strangely loathe Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.
The ideal piece to have sex to
Come Together by the Beatles.
The LP that altered my perspective
When I was 12 and starting to play the guitar, I’d only listen to early rock ’n’roll, and was consumed by The King, Chuck Berry, the killer, Fats Domino, 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. As soon as he put the vinyl on the record player, I was a fan for life.
The track that motivates me in the AM
What’d I Say in its full glory by The Genius.
The piece that brings me to tears
Most music makes me touched. Aretha Franklin, The Chairman of the Board, Elvis and the Beatles all bring a tear to my eye because of the harmony and pure perfection of the singing. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley strikes a chord without fail.
The song I’d like to be played at my funeral
The King. If I’m given a cremation, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m buried, I’ll have Way Down.
