The Actor's Candid Playlist: From Early Favorites to Peculiar Aversions
The first song I fell in love with
My earliest memory is walking into a space at preschool where they were playing Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was mesmerized by the audio textures, and Lennon yelling: “Full speed ahead!” When it got to the hook, 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 choose a brand new vinyl to play at the small dance we had on Friday afternoons. My teacher took me to a local store, and I picked out Come Back My Love by the group Darts. The first single I bought with my own savings was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a record shop in Lancashire. It was No 1 at the time, and I chose it when my dad noted that it was by a former member of the Beatles.
The song I sing at sing-along
I honestly actively avoid karaoke and avoid it at all costs. But if I had to, I’d choose Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.
The song I oddly remember every lyric to
I recently realised that I can recall pretty much every word to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and every song on Graceland by Paul Simon.
The best tune to put on at a party
It relies on the point of the party you are at. For the beginning it would likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by the soul legend. As the evening progresses, I’d transition into the Artist, the Stones and Bowie, and when it hits its peak, Phat Planet by Leftfield, Born Slippy .NUXX by Underworld, and Ascension by the virtual band, which is an absolute banger.
The song I can never hear
I strangely detest Mr Brightside by the Killers.
The ideal track to make love to
Come Together by John, Paul, George, and Ringo.
The LP that changed my life
When I was twelve and starting to study the guitar, I’d only listen to early rock ’n’roll, and was obsessed with The King, the rock pioneer, Jerry Lee Lewis, the New Orleans legend, the glasses-wearing icon and Eddie Cochran. Then my childminder brought round Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still guitar music, but it was powerful rock music. As soon as he dropped the vinyl on the turntable, I was hooked.
The song that motivates me in the morning
What’d I Say in its full glory by Ray Charles.
The track that brings me to tears
Virtually any music leaves me touched. The Queen of Soul, The Chairman of the Board, Presley and the Beatles all stir my emotions because of the tune and utter brilliance of the voices. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley hits me hard without fail.
The track I’d like performed at my funeral
Elvis. If I’m given a cremation, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m buried, I’ll have Way Down.
