The Actor's Revealing Playlist: Starting with Childhood Loves to Peculiar Dislikes
The earliest tune I became enamored with
My first memory is entering a room at preschool where they were playing Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was enthralled by the sonic landscape, and Lennon shouting: “Full speed ahead!” When it reached the refrain, 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 brand new vinyl to play at the mini disco we had on Fridays. My instructor took me to Woolworths, and I opted for Come Back My Love by Darts. The first single I bought with my own allowance was Mull of Kintyre by Paul McCartney's Wings from a record shop in Colne. It was topping the charts at the time, and I selected it when my dad pointed out that it was by a former member of the Beatles.
The tune I sing at sing-along
I frankly actively avoid karaoke and dodge it at all costs. But if forced, I’d select Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.
The song I inexplicably remember each line to
I recently discovered that I can recall virtually every word to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and every song on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.
The perfect song to play at a party
It depends on what stage of the event you are at. Early doors it would likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the night wears on, I’d work through Prince, the Rolling 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 undeniable hit.
The number I can never bear
I for some reason detest Mr Brightside by the Killers.
The ultimate track to get intimate to
Come Together by John, Paul, George, and Ringo.
The album that changed my life
When I was twelve and just learning to play the six-string, I’d only listen to early rock and roll, and was fixated on Elvis, the rock pioneer, Jerry Lee Lewis, the New Orleans legend, Buddy Holly and Eddie Cochran. Then my childminder played Let There Be Rock by the Australian rockers. It was still guitar music, but it was electrifying rock ’n’roll. The moment he dropped the vinyl on the turntable, I was captivated.
The track that motivates me in the AM
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by The Genius.
The piece that makes me cry
Most music makes me emotional. Aretha Franklin, The Chairman of the Board, Presley and the Beatles all bring a tear to my eye because of the harmony and utter beauty of the singing. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley gets me going consistently.
The track I’d like to be played at my funeral
Elvis. If I’m cremated, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m laid to rest in the ground, I’ll have Way Down.
