The Actor's Honest Playlist: Starting with Childhood Favorites to Peculiar Dislikes
The initial tune I fell in love with
My earliest memory is entering a space at kindergarten where they were playing Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was captivated by the sonic landscape, and John Lennon shouting: “Full speed ahead!” When it got to the chorus, I distinctly thought: “This must be music!”
The very first single I acquired
When I was eight years old, I was victorious in a contest at school to select a brand new vinyl to play at the small dance we had on Fridays. My instructor took me to Woolworths, 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 music store in Colne. 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 tune I perform at karaoke
I frankly cannot stand public singing and steer clear at all costs. But under duress, I’d select Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.
The piece I inexplicably remember each line to
I recently realised that I know virtually every word to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and every song on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.
The perfect song to put on at a soirée
It relies on what stage of the evening you are at. Early doors it would probably be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by the soul legend. As the party deepens, I’d move on to the Artist, 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 absolute banger.
The number I can never hear
I strangely detest Mr Brightside by the Killers.
The ideal piece to have sex to
Come Together by John, Paul, George, and Ringo.
The album that transformed me
When I was twelve and starting to learn the six-string, I’d only listen to early rock ’n’roll, and was consumed by Elvis, the rock pioneer, the killer, the New Orleans legend, Buddy Holly and Eddie Cochran. Then my babysitter brought round Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was high voltage rock ’n’roll. As soon as he placed the record on the turntable, I was hooked.
The tune that gets me up in the AM
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by Ray Charles.
The song that gets me emotional
Most music leaves me moved. Aretha Franklin, The Chairman of the Board, Presley and the Fab Four all make me cry because of the melody and pure beauty of the voices. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley gets me going every time.
The song I’d like played 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.
