The Actor's Candid Playlist: From Early Favorites to Unexplained Dislikes
The earliest track I became enamored with
My most primal recollection is walking into a space at nursery school where they were spinning Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was enthralled by the sound effects, and John Lennon shouting: “Full speed ahead!” When it arrived at the chorus, I recall believing: “This must be music!”
The first record I acquired
When I was eight years old, I was victorious in a competition at school to pick a new record to play at the weekly dance party we had on Friday afternoons. My teacher took me to a local store, and I chose Come Back My Love by Darts. The first single I purchased with my own savings was Mull of Kintyre by Paul McCartney's Wings from a music store in Lancashire. It was topping the charts at the time, and I chose it when my father mentioned that it was by a former member of the Beatles.
The song I sing at karaoke
I frankly do not enjoy public singing and dodge it at all costs. But if forced, I’d choose Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.
The piece I inexplicably remember all the words to
I recently became aware that I know almost all the lyrics to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and each track on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.
The best song to play at a gathering
It depends on what stage of the party you are at. For the beginning it would likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by the soul legend. As the party deepens, I’d transition into the Artist, the Rolling Stones and 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 song I can not bear
I for some reason cannot stand Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.
The ultimate track to have sex to
Come Together by John, Paul, George, and Ringo.
The record that altered my perspective
When I was twelve and just learning to study the guitar, I’d only listen to early rock ’n’roll, and was obsessed with Elvis, the rock pioneer, Jerry Lee Lewis, the New Orleans legend, the glasses-wearing icon and Eddie Cochran. Then my babysitter brought round Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still guitar music, but it was powerful rock ’n’roll. As soon as he put the record on the turntable, I was a fan for life.
The tune that gets me up in the morning
What’d I Say in its full glory by The Genius.
The piece that makes me cry
Virtually any music makes me moved. Aretha Franklin, Frank Sinatra, Elvis and the Beatles all make me cry because of the harmony and sheer beauty of the voices. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner strikes a chord without fail.
The music I’d like performed at my memorial service
The King. If I’m cremated, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m buried, I’ll have Way Down.
