The Actor's Honest Playlist: Starting with Childhood Loves to Peculiar Dislikes
The first song I became enamored with
My most primal recollection is entering a space at kindergarten where they were playing Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was captivated by the sound effects, and John Lennon yelling: “Full speed ahead!” When it arrived at the refrain, I remember thinking: “This must be music!”
The first single I bought
When I was eight years old, I was victorious in a contest at school to pick a new vinyl to play at the mini disco we had on Fridays. My instructor took me to Woolworths, and I chose Come Back My Love by Darts. The first record I purchased with my own allowance was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a music store in Lancashire. It was No 1 at the time, and I chose it when my father pointed out that it was by one of the Beatles.
The tune I do at karaoke
I candidly actively avoid karaoke and dodge it at all costs. But under duress, I’d choose Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.
The track I inexplicably remember every lyric to
I not long ago discovered that I can recall virtually all the lyrics to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and each track on Graceland by Paul Simon.
The best song to blast at a party
It depends on what stage of the evening you are at. Early doors it would most likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the night wears on, I’d move on to the Artist, the Rolling Stones and Bowie, and when it really kicks off, Phat Planet by Leftfield, Born Slippy .NUXX by Underworld, and Ascension by the virtual band, which is an absolute banger.
The song I can no longer hear
I strangely cannot stand Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.
The ultimate piece to have sex to
Come Together by the Beatles.
The album that altered my perspective
When I was 12 and beginning to learn the guitar, I’d only listen to classic rock ’n’roll, and was fixated on The King, the rock pioneer, the killer, the New Orleans legend, the glasses-wearing icon and Eddie Cochran. Then my babysitter brought round Let There Be Rock by the Australian rockers. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was powerful rock music. The moment he placed the vinyl on the record player, I was captivated.
The track that wakes me in the morning
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by The Genius.
The piece that makes me cry
Most music makes me moved. Aretha Franklin, Frank Sinatra, Presley and the Fab Four all bring a tear to my eye because of the melody and sheer perfection of the vocals. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley hits me hard without fail.
The track I’d like to be played at my final send-off
The King. If I’m given a cremation, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m buried, I’ll have Way Down.