The Actor's Revealing Playlist: Starting with Childhood Loves to Unexplained Aversions
The initial song I was captivated by
My first recollection is stepping into a room at nursery school where they were playing Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was enthralled by the sound effects, and Lennon bellowing: “Full speed ahead!” When it reached the hook, I distinctly thought: “This must be music!”
The very first record I bought
When I was eight, I won a competition at school to choose a new record to play at the small dance we had on Friday afternoons. My instructor took me to Woolworths, and I picked out Come Back My Love by Darts. The first record I purchased with my own pocket money was Mull of Kintyre by Paul McCartney's Wings from a record shop in Colne. It was number one at the time, and I selected it when my father mentioned that it was by a former member of the Beatles.
The song I perform at karaoke
I honestly actively avoid karaoke and dodge it at all costs. But if forced, I’d choose Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.
The track I strangely remember each line to
I not long ago realised that I can recall virtually every word to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and the entire album on Graceland by Paul Simon.
The perfect track to play at a soirée
It hinges on the point of the party 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 move on to the Artist, the Stones and David Bowie, and when it hits its peak, Phat Planet by Leftfield, Born Slippy .NUXX by Underworld, and Ascension by Gorillaz, which is an absolute banger.
The song I can no longer hear
I inexplicably loathe Mr Brightside by the Killers.
The ultimate piece to have sex to
Come Together by the Beatles.
The LP that changed my life
When I was twelve and beginning to study the guitar, I’d only listen to early rock and roll, and was consumed by Elvis, Chuck Berry, the killer, the New Orleans legend, Buddy Holly and Eddie Cochran. Then my childminder brought round Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still guitar music, but it was powerful rock music. As soon as he dropped the record on the record player, I was captivated.
The song that wakes me in the morning
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by The Genius.
The track that makes me cry
Virtually any music makes me emotional. The Queen of Soul, The Chairman of the Board, Elvis and the Fab Four all make me cry because of the harmony and sheer perfection of the voices. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner hits me hard consistently.
The track I’d like performed at my funeral
Elvis. If I’m given a cremation, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m buried, I’ll have Way Down.
