The Actor's Candid Playlist: From Early Loves to Peculiar Aversions
The earliest tune 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 John Lennon shouting: “Full speed ahead!” When it got to the hook, I recall believing: “This must be music!”
The first single I purchased
When I was eight, I won a contest at school to choose a new vinyl to play at the weekly dance party we had on Fridays. My teacher took me to Woolworths, and I picked out Come Back My Love by the group Darts. The first single I purchased with my own allowance was Mull of Kintyre by Paul McCartney's Wings from a music store in Colne. It was topping the charts at the time, and I chose it when my father pointed out that it was by one of the Beatles.
The song I sing at sing-along
I honestly actively avoid public singing and avoid it at all costs. But if forced, I’d go with Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.
The song I inexplicably recite every lyric to
I just realised that I have memorized almost all the lyrics to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and every song on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.
The ideal track to play at a soirée
It hinges on the point of the evening you are at. Early doors it would probably be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the night wears on, I’d move on to Prince, the Stones and Bowie, and when it gets lively, Phat Planet by Leftfield, Born Slippy .NUXX by the techno pioneers, and Ascension by the virtual band, which is an massive track.
The number I can not listen to
I inexplicably loathe Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.
The ideal piece to have sex to
Come Together by John, Paul, George, and Ringo.
The album that changed my life
When I was 12 and beginning to play the six-string, I’d only listen to early rock and roll, and was fixated on The King, Chuck Berry, the killer, Fats Domino, the glasses-wearing icon and the rockabilly star. Then my childminder brought round Let There Be Rock by the Australian rockers. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was high voltage rock music. Instantly after he dropped the record on the record player, I was hooked.
The tune that motivates me in the morning
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by Ray Charles.
The song that brings me to tears
All music makes me emotional. Aretha Franklin, The Chairman of the Board, Presley and the Fab Four all stir my emotions because of the harmony and pure brilliance of the voices. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner strikes a chord consistently.
The track I’d like played at my memorial service
Elvis. If I’m given a cremation, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m buried, I’ll have Way Down.
