The Actor's Honest Playlist: Starting with Childhood Favorites to Unexplained Dislikes
The initial track I was captivated by
My earliest memory is entering a room at preschool where they were playing Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was mesmerized by the audio textures, and Lennon bellowing: “Full speed ahead!” When it reached the hook, I recall believing: “This must be music!”
The very first 45 I acquired
When I was eight, I was victorious in a contest at school to choose a brand new record to play at the small dance we had on Fridays. My instructor took me to Woolworths, and I opted for Come Back My Love by Darts. The first record I bought with my own allowance was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a music store in Colne. It was No 1 at the time, and I selected it when my dad mentioned that it was by a former member of the Beatles.
The tune I do at sing-along
I honestly do not enjoy public singing and dodge it at all costs. But if forced, I’d select Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.
The piece I inexplicably recite every lyric to
I just became aware that I have memorized virtually all the lyrics to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and each track on Graceland by Paul Simon.
The ideal track to play at a gathering
It hinges on what stage of the party you are at. For the beginning it would likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by the soul legend. As the party deepens, I’d transition into Prince, the Rolling 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 Gorillaz, which is an undeniable hit.
The number I can no longer listen to
I strangely detest Mr Brightside by the Killers.
The best track to make love to
Come Together by the Beatles.
The record that altered my perspective
When I was 12 and starting to play the guitar, I’d only listen to 1950s rock and roll, and was obsessed with Elvis, the rock pioneer, Jerry Lee Lewis, the New Orleans legend, Buddy Holly and Eddie Cochran. Then my babysitter brought round Let There Be Rock by the Australian rockers. It was still guitar music, but it was electrifying rock music. As soon as he placed the record on the turntable, I was captivated.
The track that wakes me in the AM
What’d I Say in its full glory by The Genius.
The piece that brings me to tears
Most music leaves me moved. Aretha Franklin, Frank Sinatra, Presley and the Beatles all stir my emotions because of the melody and utter beauty of the vocals. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley strikes a chord every time.
The song I’d like played at my memorial service
The King. If I’m given a cremation, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m buried, I’ll have Way Down.
