The Actor's Candid Playlist: Starting with Childhood Favorites to Peculiar Dislikes
The first track I became enamored with
My first recollection is stepping into a room at nursery school where they were spinning Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was enthralled by the audio textures, and John Lennon bellowing: “Full speed ahead!” When it got to the chorus, I recall believing: “This must be music!”
The first 45 I bought
When I was eight years old, I won a contest at school to choose a brand new record to play at the small dance we had on Fridays. My instructor took me to a local store, and I opted for Come Back My Love by the group Darts. The first record I purchased with my own allowance was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a record shop in Colne. It was topping the charts at the time, and I chose it when my father pointed out that it was by one of the Beatles.
The song I perform at karaoke
I frankly actively avoid karaoke and avoid it at all costs. But if I had to, I’d choose Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.
The piece I inexplicably remember all the words to
I recently became aware that I can recall almost the entire lyrical content to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and every song on Graceland by Paul Simon.
The perfect track to play at a party
It depends on what stage of the evening you are at. For the beginning it would likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the evening progresses, I’d transition into Prince, the Rolling Stones and David Bowie, and when it hits its peak, Phat Planet by Leftfield, Born Slippy .NUXX by Underworld, and Ascension by the virtual band, which is an undeniable hit.
The track I can never hear
I for some reason cannot stand Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.
The ultimate song to have sex to
Come Together by the Beatles.
The LP that transformed me
When I was twelve and starting to play the guitar, I’d only listen to classic rock and roll, and was consumed by Elvis, Chuck Berry, the killer, Fats Domino, Buddy Holly and Eddie Cochran. Then my babysitter introduced me to Let There Be Rock by the Australian rockers. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was powerful rock music. The moment he put the vinyl on the record player, I was captivated.
The tune that motivates me in the morning
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by The Genius.
The song that brings me to tears
Most music makes me moved. The Queen of Soul, The Chairman of the Board, Presley and the Fab Four all bring a tear to my eye because of the tune and utter beauty of the vocals. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner gets me going consistently.
The track I’d like performed at my funeral
The King. If I’m cremated, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m laid to rest in the ground, I’ll have Way Down.