The Actor's Honest Playlist: From Early Loves to Peculiar Aversions
The initial track I became enamored with
My earliest recollection is walking into a room at kindergarten where they were blasting Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was enthralled by the sonic landscape, and Lennon bellowing: “Full speed ahead!” When it got to the refrain, I recall believing: “This must be music!”
The first 45 I acquired
When I was eight, I was victorious in a competition at school to choose a brand new record to play at the weekly dance party we had on Fridays. My teacher took me to a local store, and I picked out Come Back My Love by the group Darts. The first record I purchased with my own allowance 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 father pointed out that it was by a former member of the Beatles.
The song I perform at karaoke
I honestly actively avoid public singing and dodge it at all costs. But under duress, I’d go with Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.
The piece I inexplicably know all the words to
I just became aware that I know almost all the lyrics to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and each track on Graceland by Paul Simon.
The ideal tune to put on at a gathering
It hinges on what stage of the evening you are at. For the beginning it would probably be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the night wears on, I’d work through Prince, the Rolling Stones and David 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 undeniable hit.
The song I can not bear
I for some reason cannot stand Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.
The ideal song to have sex to
Come Together by John, Paul, George, and Ringo.
The album that changed my life
When I was twelve and just learning to play the six-string, I’d only listen to classic rock ’n’roll, and was obsessed with The King, the rock pioneer, the killer, Fats Domino, the glasses-wearing icon and Eddie Cochran. Then my childminder introduced me to Let There Be Rock by the Australian rockers. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was high voltage rock ’n’roll. The moment he dropped the vinyl on the record player, I was hooked.
The song that gets me up in the morning
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by Ray Charles.
The track that makes me cry
Most music leaves me moved. The Queen of Soul, Frank Sinatra, Elvis and the Fab Four all bring a tear to my eye because of the tune and sheer brilliance of the voices. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley hits me hard every time.
The track I’d like to be played at my memorial service
The King. If I’m cremated, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m buried, I’ll have Way Down.
