The Actor's Candid Playlist: Starting with Childhood Loves to Peculiar Aversions
The earliest track I became enamored with
My most primal recollection is walking into a room at preschool where they were playing Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was mesmerized by the sound effects, and John Lennon bellowing: “Full speed ahead!” When it arrived at the hook, I distinctly thought: “This must be music!”
The inaugural record I bought
When I was eight years old, I was victorious in a contest at school to choose a new vinyl to play at the small dance we had on Fridays. My instructor took me to Woolworths, and I picked out Come Back My Love by the group Darts. The first single I purchased with my own savings was Mull of Kintyre by Paul McCartney's Wings from a music store in Lancashire. It was number one at the time, and I selected it when my father mentioned that it was by one of the Beatles.
The tune I perform at karaoke
I honestly actively avoid karaoke and dodge it at all costs. But under duress, I’d select Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.
The track I inexplicably recite each line to
I recently became aware that I can recall almost all the lyrics to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and the entire album on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.
The best track to put on at a soirée
It hinges on what stage of the party you are at. At the start it would probably be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by the soul legend. As the party deepens, I’d work through Prince, the Rolling Stones and David Bowie, and when it hits its peak, Phat Planet by Leftfield, Born Slippy .NUXX by the techno pioneers, and Ascension by Gorillaz, which is an undeniable hit.
The number I can no longer listen to
I for some reason detest Mr Brightside by the Killers.
The ultimate piece to make love to
Come Together by the Beatles.
The record that changed my life
When I was 12 and beginning to study the six-string, I’d only listen to early rock ’n’roll, and was consumed by The King, the rock pioneer, Jerry Lee Lewis, Fats Domino, the glasses-wearing icon and Eddie Cochran. Then my babysitter brought round Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still guitar music, but it was high voltage rock music. The moment he put the record on the turntable, I was hooked.
The track that gets me up in the morning
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 bring a tear to my eye because of the harmony and pure perfection of the voices. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley strikes a chord consistently.
The song I’d like performed at my memorial service
Elvis. If I’m cremated, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m laid to rest in the ground, I’ll have Way Down.
