The Actor's Honest Playlist: Starting with Childhood Loves to Unexplained Aversions
The first tune I was captivated by
My earliest memory is entering a space at nursery school where they were blasting Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was mesmerized by the sound effects, and John Lennon shouting: “Full speed ahead!” When it got to the chorus, I remember thinking: “This must be music!”
The inaugural 45 I purchased
When I was eight, I was victorious in a competition at school to select a new record to play at the mini disco we had on Fridays. My instructor took me to a local store, and I chose Come Back My Love by Darts. The first single I purchased with my own pocket money was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a music store in Lancashire. It was number one at the time, and I selected it when my dad pointed out that it was by a former member of the Beatles.
The tune I do at karaoke
I candidly do not enjoy public singing and steer clear at all costs. But under duress, I’d go with Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.
The song I inexplicably remember all the words to
I recently realised that I can recall virtually 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 perfect tune to put on at a party
It hinges on what stage of the evening you are at. At the start it would probably be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by the soul legend. As the night wears on, I’d transition into the Artist, the 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 undeniable hit.
The number I can no longer bear
I for some reason cannot stand Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.
The ultimate piece to make love to
Come Together by the Beatles.
The LP that altered my perspective
When I was 12 and just learning to learn the six-string, I’d only listen to classic rock and roll, and was consumed by Elvis, Chuck Berry, Jerry Lee Lewis, Fats Domino, the glasses-wearing icon and Eddie Cochran. Then my babysitter played Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still guitar music, but it was high voltage rock music. Instantly after he dropped the record on the turntable, I was a fan for life.
The track that wakes me in the morning
What’d I Say in its full glory by Ray Charles.
The song that brings me to tears
Virtually any music makes me emotional. Aretha Franklin, The Chairman of the Board, Elvis and the Beatles all bring a tear to my eye because of the melody and utter brilliance of the voices. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner hits me hard without fail.
The track I’d like performed at my memorial service
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.
