The Actor's Honest Playlist: Starting with Childhood Favorites to Unexplained Dislikes
The first track I became enamored with
My earliest memory is stepping into a room at kindergarten where they were playing Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was captivated by the sound effects, and John Lennon shouting: “Full speed ahead!” When it reached the chorus, I distinctly thought: “This must be music!”
The inaugural record I bought
When I was eight, I won a competition at school to pick a new record to play at the weekly dance party we had on Fridays. My instructor took me to a local store, and I picked out Come Back My Love by Darts. The first record I purchased with my own allowance was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a music store in Colne. It was number one at the time, and I chose it when my dad mentioned that it was by a former member of the Beatles.
The song I do at sing-along
I frankly actively avoid karaoke and steer clear at all costs. But if forced, I’d choose Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.
The piece I inexplicably know each line to
I just discovered that I know pretty much 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 perfect track to blast at a party
It hinges on which phase of the event you are at. For the beginning it would probably be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the evening progresses, I’d move on to the Artist, the Stones and Bowie, and when it really kicks off, 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 bear
I strangely loathe Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.
The ultimate piece to make love to
Come Together by the Beatles.
The record that altered my perspective
When I was twelve and beginning to learn the guitar, I’d only listen to 1950s rock ’n’roll, and was consumed by The King, Chuck Berry, the killer, the New Orleans legend, Buddy Holly and the rockabilly star. Then my babysitter played Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still guitar music, but it was electrifying rock music. The moment he placed the vinyl on the turntable, I was a fan for life.
The tune that motivates me in the AM
What’d I Say in its full glory by Ray Charles.
The song that makes me cry
Most music makes me moved. Aretha Franklin, Frank Sinatra, Elvis and the Beatles all bring a tear to my eye because of the tune and sheer perfection of the vocals. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley hits me hard every time.
The track I’d like performed at my final send-off
Elvis. If I’m cremated, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m laid to rest in the ground, I’ll have Way Down.