The Actor's Revealing Playlist: From Early Favorites to Unexplained Dislikes
The initial song I fell in love with
My earliest recollection is walking into a space at preschool where they were blasting Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was mesmerized by the sonic landscape, and John Lennon shouting: “Full speed ahead!” When it reached the refrain, I recall believing: “This must be music!”
The very first 45 I bought
When I was eight years old, I was victorious in a contest at school to choose a new record to play at the mini disco we had on Fridays. My teacher took me to Woolworths, and I chose 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 record shop in Colne. It was topping the charts at the time, and I selected it when my dad noted that it was by a former member of the Beatles.
The tune I sing at sing-along
I honestly do not enjoy karaoke and steer clear at all costs. But under duress, I’d choose Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.
The piece I oddly remember each line to
I just discovered that I know almost the entire lyrical content to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and the entire album on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.
The best tune to blast at a gathering
It relies on the point of the party you are at. For the beginning it would most likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by the soul legend. As the evening progresses, I’d work through Prince, the Stones and Bowie, and when it really kicks off, Phat Planet by the electronic act, Born Slippy .NUXX by Underworld, and Ascension by Gorillaz, which is an absolute banger.
The song I can no longer hear
I for some reason detest Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.
The ultimate piece to make love to
Come Together by the Beatles.
The album that changed my life
When I was twelve and starting to play the six-string, I’d only listen to 1950s rock ’n’roll, and was fixated on Elvis, the rock pioneer, the killer, the New Orleans legend, Buddy Holly and Eddie Cochran. Then my childminder played Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still guitar music, but it was high voltage rock ’n’roll. As soon as he dropped the vinyl on the record player, I was captivated.
The tune that wakes me in the morning
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by The Genius.
The track that makes me cry
Most music makes me moved. The Queen of Soul, Frank Sinatra, Presley and the Fab Four all bring a tear to my eye because of the harmony and sheer perfection of the vocals. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner strikes a chord without fail.
The track 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.