The Actor's Revealing Playlist: From Early Loves to Peculiar Dislikes
The earliest tune I fell in love with
My most primal memory is walking into a space at preschool where they were blasting Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was captivated by the audio textures, and Lennon bellowing: “Full speed ahead!” When it reached the chorus, I distinctly thought: “This must be music!”
The inaugural single I purchased
When I was eight years old, I won a contest at school to choose a new vinyl to play at the weekly dance party we had on Friday afternoons. My teacher took me to Woolworths, and I picked out Come Back My Love by the group Darts. The first single I purchased with my own savings was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a record shop in Colne. It was number one at the time, and I selected it when my father pointed out that it was by one of the Beatles.
The tune I sing at sing-along
I honestly do not enjoy public singing and dodge it at all costs. But if I had to, I’d go with Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.
The track I inexplicably remember each line to
I not long ago became aware that I can recall 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 ideal track to play at a gathering
It depends on the point of the evening you are at. For the beginning it would likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by the soul legend. As the evening progresses, I’d work through the Artist, the Rolling Stones and David Bowie, and when it gets lively, Phat Planet by Leftfield, Born Slippy .NUXX by the techno pioneers, and Ascension by the virtual band, which is an massive track.
The track I can not bear
I inexplicably loathe Mr Brightside by the Killers.
The best track to get intimate to
Come Together by John, Paul, George, and Ringo.
The album that transformed me
When I was 12 and beginning to learn the six-string, I’d only listen to classic rock and roll, and was obsessed with The King, Chuck Berry, the killer, Fats Domino, the glasses-wearing icon 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 high voltage rock music. As soon as he put 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 The Genius.
The piece that brings me to tears
All music leaves me touched. Aretha Franklin, Frank Sinatra, Presley and the Beatles all make me cry because of the tune and sheer brilliance of the vocals. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley gets me going without fail.
The track I’d like played at my final send-off
Elvis. If I’m given a cremation, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m laid to rest in the ground, I’ll have Way Down.
