The Actor's Honest Playlist: Starting with Childhood Loves to Peculiar Dislikes
The earliest song I was captivated by
My first recollection is stepping into a space at preschool where they were playing Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was mesmerized by the sound effects, and Lennon bellowing: “Full speed ahead!” When it arrived at the refrain, I recall believing: “This must be music!”
The very first single I purchased
When I was eight, I won a competition at school to choose a new record to play at the weekly dance party we had on Friday afternoons. My teacher took me to a local store, and I chose 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 record shop in Colne. It was No 1 at the time, and I selected it when my dad noted that it was by a former member of the Beatles.
The tune I sing at sing-along
I frankly do not enjoy karaoke and steer clear at all costs. But if I had to, I’d go with Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.
The track I strangely recite each line to
I not long ago realised that I can recall virtually every word to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and every song on Graceland by Paul Simon.
The perfect song to blast at a gathering
It hinges on which phase of the party you are at. For the beginning it would probably be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by the soul legend. As the night wears on, I’d move on to Prince, the Rolling Stones and Bowie, and when it gets lively, Phat Planet by Leftfield, Born Slippy .NUXX by the techno pioneers, and Ascension by Gorillaz, which is an undeniable hit.
The song I can never listen to
I inexplicably cannot stand Mr Brightside by the Killers.
The ideal track to get intimate to
Come Together by John, Paul, George, and Ringo.
The LP that transformed me
When I was twelve and beginning to study the guitar, I’d only listen to 1950s rock ’n’roll, and was consumed by The King, the rock pioneer, the killer, Fats Domino, Buddy Holly and Eddie Cochran. Then my childminder introduced me to Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still guitar music, but it was electrifying rock music. As soon as he dropped the record on the turntable, I was captivated.
The track that motivates me in the morning
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by The Genius.
The piece that gets me emotional
Most music leaves me moved. Aretha Franklin, Frank Sinatra, Elvis and the Fab Four all make me cry because of the melody and pure perfection of the singing. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley hits me hard every time.
The track I’d like performed at my final send-off
Elvis. If I’m cremated, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m laid to rest in the ground, I’ll have Way Down.
