The Actor's Candid Playlist: Starting with Childhood Loves to Peculiar Dislikes
The first song I fell in love with
My earliest recollection is entering a space at nursery school where they were playing Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was mesmerized by the audio textures, and Lennon shouting: “Full speed ahead!” When it arrived at the hook, I distinctly thought: “This must be music!”
The inaugural single I bought
When I was eight years old, I won a contest at school to choose a brand new vinyl to play at the small dance 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 Paul McCartney's Wings from a record shop in Colne. It was No 1 at the time, and I chose it when my dad mentioned that it was by one of the Beatles.
The track I perform at sing-along
I candidly actively avoid karaoke and dodge it at all costs. But if I had to, I’d select Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.
The piece I strangely recite every lyric to
I just realised that I can recall 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 perfect track to blast at a party
It relies on which phase of the event you are at. Early doors it would most likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the party deepens, I’d transition into the Artist, the Rolling Stones and David Bowie, and when it really kicks off, Phat Planet by the electronic act, Born Slippy .NUXX by Underworld, and Ascension by the virtual band, which is an undeniable hit.
The number I can no longer bear
I inexplicably loathe Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.
The best piece to make love to
Come Together by John, Paul, George, and Ringo.
The album that transformed me
When I was 12 and beginning to study the guitar, I’d only listen to classic rock ’n’roll, and was consumed by The King, the rock pioneer, Jerry Lee Lewis, Fats Domino, Buddy Holly and the rockabilly star. Then my babysitter played Let There Be Rock by the Australian rockers. It was still guitar music, but it was high voltage rock music. The moment he dropped the record on the turntable, I was captivated.
The tune that motivates me in the AM
What’d I Say in its full glory by The Genius.
The track that brings me to tears
All music leaves me moved. Aretha Franklin, The Chairman of the Board, Presley and the Beatles all make me cry because of the harmony and utter beauty of the vocals. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley gets me going consistently.
The music I’d like played at my funeral
Elvis. If I’m cremated, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m buried, I’ll have Way Down.
