The Actor's Revealing Playlist: From Early Favorites to Peculiar Dislikes
The earliest track I was captivated by
My most primal recollection is stepping into a space at kindergarten where they were blasting Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was enthralled by the sonic landscape, and John Lennon bellowing: “Full speed ahead!” When it got to the chorus, I remember thinking: “This must be music!”
The very first record I bought
When I was eight years old, I was victorious in a competition at school to select a brand new vinyl to play at the mini disco we had on Friday afternoons. My instructor took me to a local store, and I opted for Come Back My Love by Darts. The first record I purchased with my own pocket money was Mull of Kintyre by Paul McCartney's Wings from a music store in Colne. It was number one 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 karaoke
I honestly cannot stand public singing and dodge it at all costs. But if forced, I’d go with Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.
The song I strangely remember each line to
I not long ago discovered that I know virtually every word to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and every song on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.
The ideal song to put on at a gathering
It hinges on what stage of the evening you are at. Early doors it would most likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the evening progresses, I’d transition into the Artist, the Rolling 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 the virtual band, which is an undeniable hit.
The number I can not bear
I strangely detest Mr Brightside by the Killers.
The ultimate song to have sex to
Come Together by the Beatles.
The LP that transformed me
When I was 12 and just learning to study the guitar, I’d only listen to classic rock and roll, and was fixated on Elvis, Chuck Berry, Jerry Lee Lewis, the New Orleans legend, Buddy Holly 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 powerful rock ’n’roll. The moment he dropped the vinyl on the turntable, I was a fan for life.
The song that gets me up in the morning
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by The Genius.
The piece that brings me to tears
Most music makes me moved. The Queen of Soul, Frank Sinatra, Presley and the Beatles all stir my emotions because of the tune and sheer perfection of the singing. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley gets me going consistently.
The song I’d like to be played at my final send-off
Elvis. If I’m cremated, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m buried, I’ll have Way Down.