The Actor's Honest Playlist: Starting with Childhood Favorites to Unexplained Aversions
The first song I became enamored with
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 John Lennon bellowing: “Full speed ahead!” When it reached the hook, I distinctly thought: “This must be music!”
The very first single I acquired
When I was eight, I won a competition at school to pick a new record to play at the small dance we had on Fridays. My instructor took me to a local store, and I opted for Come Back My Love by the group Darts. The first single I bought with my own pocket money was Mull of Kintyre by Paul McCartney's Wings from a music store in Lancashire. It was topping the charts at the time, and I selected it when my dad mentioned that it was by a former member of the Beatles.
The song I do at sing-along
I frankly cannot stand karaoke and dodge it at all costs. But if forced, I’d select Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.
The piece I inexplicably remember every lyric to
I not long ago became aware that I can recall virtually every word 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 depends on what stage of the evening you are at. Early doors it would likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by the soul legend. As the evening progresses, I’d transition into Prince, the Stones and David Bowie, and when it really kicks off, Phat Planet by Leftfield, Born Slippy .NUXX by the techno pioneers, and Ascension by the virtual band, which is an undeniable hit.
The number I can no longer bear
I strangely detest Mr Brightside by the Killers.
The ultimate track to get intimate to
Come Together by the Beatles.
The album that transformed me
When I was 12 and beginning to play the guitar, I’d only listen to classic rock ’n’roll, and was consumed by Elvis, Chuck Berry, Jerry Lee Lewis, the New Orleans legend, Buddy Holly and Eddie Cochran. Then my childminder brought round Let There Be Rock by the Australian rockers. It was still guitar music, but it was high voltage rock music. As soon as he put the vinyl on the turntable, I was hooked.
The song that motivates me in the AM
What’d I Say in its full glory by Ray Charles.
The song that makes me cry
All music leaves me moved. Aretha Franklin, Frank Sinatra, Elvis and the Beatles all bring a tear to my eye because of the tune and sheer brilliance of the vocals. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley strikes a chord every time.
The song I’d like played at my final send-off
Elvis. If I’m given a cremation, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m buried, I’ll have Way Down.
