The Actor's Candid Playlist: From Early Loves to Peculiar Aversions
The initial track I was captivated by
My earliest recollection is entering a room at kindergarten where they were blasting Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was captivated by the sound effects, and Lennon bellowing: “Full speed ahead!” When it got to the hook, I recall believing: “This must be music!”
The first record I bought
When I was eight years old, I won a contest at school to select a brand new record to play at the weekly dance party we had on Fridays. My teacher took me to a local store, and I picked out Come Back My Love by Darts. The first record I bought with my own savings was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a record shop in Colne. It was No 1 at the time, and I chose it when my father mentioned that it was by one of the Beatles.
The track I do at sing-along
I frankly do not enjoy public singing and dodge it at all costs. But if I had to, I’d select Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.
The song I oddly remember all the words to
I just realised that I have memorized virtually the entire lyrical content to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and the entire album on Graceland by Paul Simon.
The perfect tune to play at a soirée
It depends on what stage of the party you are at. At the start it would probably be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the night wears on, I’d transition into the Artist, the Stones and Bowie, and when it hits its peak, Phat Planet by the electronic act, Born Slippy .NUXX by the techno pioneers, and Ascension by Gorillaz, which is an absolute banger.
The track I can not listen to
I inexplicably detest Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.
The ultimate piece to make love to
Come Together by the Beatles.
The LP that transformed me
When I was twelve and starting to study the guitar, I’d only listen to classic rock and roll, and was consumed by Elvis, the rock pioneer, Jerry Lee Lewis, the New Orleans legend, Buddy Holly and Eddie Cochran. Then my childminder brought round Let There Be Rock by the Australian rockers. It was still guitar music, but it was electrifying rock music. The moment he put the record on the record player, I was captivated.
The song that motivates me in the AM
What’d I Say in its full glory by Ray Charles.
The piece that brings me to tears
Most music leaves me emotional. Aretha Franklin, The Chairman of the Board, Elvis and the Beatles all bring a tear to my eye because of the tune and utter beauty of the voices. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley strikes a chord consistently.
The music I’d like 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.
