The Actor's Honest Playlist: Starting with Childhood Loves to Unexplained Dislikes
The first song I was captivated by
My first memory is walking into a room at preschool where they were blasting Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was captivated by the audio textures, 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 years old, I was victorious in a competition at school to pick a new vinyl to play at the mini disco we had on Friday afternoons. My teacher took me to a local store, and I opted for Come Back My Love by Darts. The first single I purchased with my own savings was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a music store in Colne. It was topping the charts at the time, and I selected it when my father mentioned that it was by a former member of the Beatles.
The tune I do at karaoke
I candidly do not enjoy karaoke and steer clear at all costs. But if I had to, I’d select Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.
The piece I strangely remember each line to
I not long ago realised that I can recall virtually all the lyrics to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and the entire album on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.
The best tune to play at a soirée
It hinges on what stage of the evening you are at. Early doors it would probably be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. 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 song I can not listen to
I for some reason cannot stand Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.
The ultimate piece to have sex to
Come Together by John, Paul, George, and Ringo.
The record that transformed me
When I was twelve and beginning to play the guitar, I’d only listen to early rock ’n’roll, and was fixated on Elvis, Chuck Berry, Jerry Lee Lewis, Fats Domino, Buddy Holly and the rockabilly star. Then my childminder introduced me to Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was powerful rock music. The moment he placed the vinyl on the turntable, I was a fan for life.
The track that motivates me in the AM
What’d I Say in its full glory by The Genius.
The piece that gets me emotional
Most music leaves me touched. The Queen of Soul, The Chairman of the Board, Presley and the Beatles all stir my emotions because of the tune and pure brilliance of the vocals. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley hits me hard without fail.
The music I’d like performed at my funeral
Elvis. If I’m cremated, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m buried, I’ll have Way Down.
