The Actor's Candid Playlist: From Early Favorites to Unexplained Aversions
The initial track I was captivated by
My most primal memory is entering a room at preschool where they were spinning Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was mesmerized by the sonic landscape, and John Lennon shouting: “Full speed ahead!” When it reached the hook, I distinctly thought: “This must be music!”
The first 45 I purchased
When I was eight years old, I won a contest at school to pick a brand new record to play at the mini disco we had on Fridays. My teacher took me to a local store, and I chose Come Back My Love by Darts. The first single I bought with my own pocket money was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a record shop in Lancashire. It was number one at the time, and I chose it when my dad pointed out that it was by one of the Beatles.
The track I perform at karaoke
I candidly actively avoid karaoke and dodge it at all costs. But under duress, I’d go with Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.
The track I oddly know each line to
I just discovered that I know virtually all the lyrics to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and the entire album on Graceland by Paul Simon.
The ideal track to blast at a soirée
It relies on which phase of the party you are at. Early doors it would likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the evening progresses, I’d move on to the Artist, the Stones and David Bowie, and when it hits its peak, Phat Planet by Leftfield, Born Slippy .NUXX by the techno pioneers, and Ascension by the virtual band, which is an undeniable hit.
The song I can not bear
I strangely loathe Mr Brightside by the Killers.
The best piece to get intimate to
Come Together by John, Paul, George, and Ringo.
The album that altered my perspective
When I was twelve and just learning to learn the six-string, I’d only listen to 1950s rock and roll, and was consumed by Elvis, the rock pioneer, the killer, the New Orleans legend, Buddy Holly and the rockabilly star. Then my babysitter played Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still guitar music, but it was powerful rock ’n’roll. The moment he put the vinyl on the record player, I was captivated.
The tune that motivates me in the AM
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by The Genius.
The piece that makes me cry
Most music leaves me moved. The Queen of Soul, The Chairman of the Board, Presley and the Fab Four all make me cry because of the harmony and utter brilliance of the singing. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley strikes a chord every time.
The song I’d like played at my final send-off
The King. If I’m given a cremation, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m buried, I’ll have Way Down.
