The Actor's Revealing Playlist: From Early Favorites to Unexplained Dislikes
The initial track I was captivated by
My earliest recollection is stepping into a room at nursery school where they were blasting Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was mesmerized by the audio textures, and John Lennon yelling: “Full speed ahead!” When it got to the chorus, I distinctly thought: “This must be music!”
The very first record I purchased
When I was eight, I was victorious in a contest at school to choose a brand new vinyl to play at the small dance we had on Friday afternoons. My instructor took me to Woolworths, and I opted for Come Back My Love by the group Darts. The first single I bought with my own allowance was Mull of Kintyre by Paul McCartney's Wings from a music store in Colne. It was No 1 at the time, and I chose it when my father noted that it was by a former member of the Beatles.
The track I perform at sing-along
I frankly actively avoid public singing and avoid it at all costs. But if forced, I’d go with Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.
The track I inexplicably know every lyric to
I just discovered that I have memorized almost all the lyrics to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and every song on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.
The ideal tune to put on at a soirée
It depends on what stage of the party you are at. For the beginning it would most likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the party deepens, I’d work through Prince, the Stones and David Bowie, and when it gets lively, Phat Planet by Leftfield, Born Slippy .NUXX by the techno pioneers, and Ascension by Gorillaz, which is an absolute banger.
The number I can no longer hear
I strangely detest Mr Brightside by the Killers.
The ultimate piece to get intimate to
Come Together by John, Paul, George, and Ringo.
The album that transformed me
When I was twelve and beginning to play the guitar, I’d only listen to classic rock ’n’roll, and was obsessed with The King, the rock pioneer, Jerry Lee Lewis, the New Orleans legend, Buddy Holly and the rockabilly star. Then my babysitter introduced me to Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still guitar music, but it was electrifying rock music. The moment he put the record on the record player, I was captivated.
The track that gets me up in the AM
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by Ray Charles.
The song that gets me emotional
Most music leaves me moved. The Queen of Soul, The Chairman of the Board, Elvis and the Beatles all bring a tear to my eye because of the harmony and sheer beauty of the voices. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner hits me hard consistently.
The song I’d like performed at my memorial service
Elvis. If I’m cremated, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m buried, I’ll have Way Down.
