The Actor's Candid Playlist: Starting with Childhood Favorites to Unexplained Aversions
The earliest song I was captivated by
My first memory is walking into a space at preschool where they were playing Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. 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 inaugural single I purchased
When I was eight, I won a contest at school to pick a new record to play at the small dance we had on Fridays. My teacher 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 savings was Mull of Kintyre by Paul McCartney's Wings from a music store in Colne. It was number one at the time, and I selected it when my father noted that it was by a former member of the Beatles.
The song I sing at sing-along
I candidly cannot stand public singing and steer clear at all costs. But under duress, I’d go with Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.
The piece I inexplicably know all the words to
I just became aware that I have memorized pretty much the entire lyrical content to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and every song on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.
The perfect tune to blast at a soirée
It relies on the point of the event you are at. At the start it would probably be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by the soul legend. As the night wears on, I’d transition into Prince, the Stones and David 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 massive track.
The song I can not hear
I strangely loathe Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.
The ideal track to make love to
Come Together by the Beatles.
The record that changed my life
When I was twelve and starting to learn the six-string, I’d only listen to classic rock and roll, and was fixated on Elvis, Chuck Berry, Jerry Lee Lewis, Fats Domino, the glasses-wearing icon and the rockabilly star. Then my babysitter introduced me to Let There Be Rock by the Australian rockers. It was still guitar music, but it was electrifying rock music. Instantly after he put the vinyl on the turntable, I was hooked.
The track that motivates me in the morning
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by Ray Charles.
The track that makes me cry
Most music makes me emotional. The Queen of Soul, The Chairman of the Board, Presley and the Beatles all make me cry because of the harmony and pure beauty of the singing. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner strikes a chord every time.
The music 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.
