The Actor's Candid Playlist: Starting with Childhood Loves to Peculiar Aversions
The first tune I fell in love with
My first memory is entering a space at nursery school where they were playing Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was enthralled by the audio textures, and John Lennon shouting: “Full speed ahead!” When it arrived at the chorus, I remember thinking: “This must be music!”
The first 45 I bought
When I was eight years old, I was victorious in a competition at school to choose a new vinyl to play at the weekly dance party we had on Fridays. My instructor took me to Woolworths, and I opted for Come Back My Love by Darts. The first record I purchased with my own savings was Mull of Kintyre by Paul McCartney's Wings from a record shop in Lancashire. It was No 1 at the time, and I chose it when my father mentioned that it was by one of the Beatles.
The track I perform at karaoke
I frankly cannot stand karaoke and steer clear at all costs. But if I had to, I’d choose 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 ideal tune to put on at a party
It relies on what stage of the evening you are at. At the start it would most likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by the soul legend. As the party deepens, I’d transition into Prince, the Rolling Stones and David 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 track I can never bear
I inexplicably detest Mr Brightside by the Killers.
The best piece to have sex to
Come Together by John, Paul, George, and Ringo.
The album that transformed me
When I was 12 and just learning to study the six-string, I’d only listen to early rock and roll, and was obsessed with Elvis, the rock pioneer, Jerry Lee Lewis, Fats Domino, Buddy Holly and Eddie Cochran. Then my babysitter played Let There Be Rock by the Australian rockers. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was electrifying rock music. As soon as he dropped the vinyl on the record player, I was hooked.
The song that gets me up in the AM
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by The Genius.
The song that makes me cry
Most music makes me moved. The Queen of Soul, The Chairman of the Board, Elvis and the Beatles all stir my emotions because of the tune and sheer perfection of the voices. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner gets me going without fail.
The track I’d like to be played at my funeral
The King. If I’m given a cremation, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m buried, I’ll have Way Down.
