The Actor's Honest Playlist: Starting with Childhood Loves to Peculiar Dislikes
The earliest track I became enamored with
My first recollection is entering a space at nursery school where they were playing Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was captivated by the sound effects, and Lennon yelling: “Full speed ahead!” When it got to the chorus, I distinctly thought: “This must be music!”
The first single I purchased
When I was eight, I won a contest at school to pick a new vinyl to play at the small dance we had on Friday afternoons. My teacher took me to a local store, and I chose Come Back My Love by Darts. The first single I purchased with my own allowance was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a record shop in Colne. It was No 1 at the time, and I selected it when my dad mentioned that it was by one of the Beatles.
The song I sing at sing-along
I frankly actively avoid public singing and avoid it at all costs. But under duress, I’d select Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.
The song I inexplicably know each line to
I not long ago realised that I know almost 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 song to blast at a gathering
It hinges on the point of the party you are at. Early doors it would likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by the soul legend. As the party deepens, I’d move on to the Artist, the Stones and David Bowie, and when it gets lively, Phat Planet by Leftfield, Born Slippy .NUXX by the techno pioneers, and Ascension by Gorillaz, which is an massive track.
The number I can never listen to
I strangely detest Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.
The ultimate track to have sex to
Come Together by John, Paul, George, and Ringo.
The album that altered my perspective
When I was twelve and just learning to study the guitar, I’d only listen to early rock ’n’roll, and was fixated on The King, the rock pioneer, the killer, Fats Domino, the glasses-wearing icon and the rockabilly star. Then my babysitter played Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still guitar music, but it was powerful rock music. Instantly after he placed the record on the turntable, I was hooked.
The song that wakes me in the morning
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by The Genius.
The track that gets me emotional
All music leaves me touched. Aretha Franklin, Frank Sinatra, Elvis and the Beatles all stir my emotions because of the melody and pure beauty of the vocals. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner hits me hard every time.
The song I’d like performed at my funeral
Elvis. If I’m cremated, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m laid to rest in the ground, I’ll have Way Down.
