The Actor's Revealing Playlist: Starting with Childhood Favorites to Peculiar Dislikes
The initial song I fell in love with
My first recollection is stepping into a space at kindergarten where they were blasting Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was captivated by the sound effects, and John Lennon yelling: “Full speed ahead!” When it reached the refrain, I recall believing: “This must be music!”
The first record I purchased
When I was eight, I was victorious in a competition at school to choose a brand new vinyl to play at the weekly dance party we had on Friday afternoons. My instructor took me to a local store, and I picked out Come Back My Love by Darts. The first record I bought with my own pocket money was Mull of Kintyre by Paul McCartney's Wings from a music store in Lancashire. 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 sing at karaoke
I candidly do not enjoy karaoke and avoid it at all costs. But under duress, I’d go with Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.
The track I inexplicably recite all the words to
I recently discovered that I have memorized pretty much every word to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and every song on Graceland by Paul Simon.
The perfect tune to put on at a gathering
It relies on what stage of the event 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 the Artist, the Stones and Bowie, and when it really kicks off, 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 hear
I for some reason cannot stand Mr Brightside by the Killers.
The ideal piece to get intimate to
Come Together by the Beatles.
The album that altered my perspective
When I was 12 and just learning to play the six-string, I’d only listen to classic rock ’n’roll, and was obsessed with The King, Chuck Berry, the killer, the New Orleans legend, Buddy Holly and Eddie Cochran. Then my childminder introduced me to Let There Be Rock by the Australian rockers. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was electrifying rock ’n’roll. The moment he placed the vinyl on the record player, I was captivated.
The tune that motivates me in the AM
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by Ray Charles.
The piece that makes me cry
All music makes me emotional. Aretha Franklin, The Chairman of the Board, Elvis and the Fab Four all make me cry because of the harmony and sheer perfection of the vocals. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner gets me going consistently.
The music I’d like to be played at my memorial service
Elvis. If I’m cremated, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m buried, I’ll have Way Down.
