The Actor's Revealing Playlist: From Early Loves to Unexplained Aversions
The earliest track I was captivated by
My most primal memory is entering a room at kindergarten where they were playing Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was mesmerized by the audio textures, and Lennon bellowing: “Full speed ahead!” When it arrived at the chorus, I remember thinking: “This must be music!”
The first record I purchased
When I was eight years old, I was victorious in a competition at school to pick a brand new record to play at the mini disco we had on Fridays. My instructor took me to a local store, and I chose Come Back My Love by Darts. The first single I bought with my own allowance was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a music store in Lancashire. It was topping the charts at the time, and I chose it when my dad noted that it was by a former member of the Beatles.
The song I do at karaoke
I frankly do not enjoy public singing and steer clear at all costs. But if forced, I’d choose Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.
The track I oddly remember all the words to
I just realised that I can recall pretty much all the lyrics to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and every song on Graceland by Paul Simon.
The ideal song to put on at a party
It hinges on which phase of the evening you are at. For the beginning it would likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the party deepens, I’d move on to Prince, the Stones and Bowie, and when it hits its peak, Phat Planet by the electronic act, Born Slippy .NUXX by the techno pioneers, and Ascension by the virtual band, which is an undeniable hit.
The song I can no longer listen to
I inexplicably detest Mr Brightside by the Killers.
The best song to make love to
Come Together by John, Paul, George, and Ringo.
The album that altered my perspective
When I was 12 and just learning to learn the guitar, I’d only listen to 1950s rock ’n’roll, and was fixated on The King, the rock pioneer, the killer, Fats Domino, Buddy Holly and Eddie Cochran. Then my childminder brought round Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still guitar music, but it was high voltage rock ’n’roll. Instantly after he placed the vinyl on the turntable, I was hooked.
The tune that gets me up in the AM
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by The Genius.
The piece that brings me to tears
All music makes me moved. The Queen of Soul, Frank Sinatra, Presley and the Beatles all stir my emotions because of the melody and utter beauty of the singing. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley strikes a chord without fail.
The music I’d like performed at my final send-off
Elvis. If I’m given a cremation, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m laid to rest in the ground, I’ll have Way Down.