The Actor's Honest Playlist: Starting with Childhood Favorites to Peculiar Dislikes
The earliest song I fell in love with
My earliest recollection is walking into a room at kindergarten where they were spinning Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was captivated by the sound effects, and John Lennon yelling: “Full speed ahead!” When it reached the refrain, I recall believing: “This must be music!”
The first record I acquired
When I was eight years old, I won a competition at school to pick a new record to play at the mini disco we had on Fridays. My teacher took me to Woolworths, and I opted for Come Back My Love by the group Darts. The first single I bought with my own pocket money was Mull of Kintyre by Paul McCartney's Wings from a record shop in Colne. It was number one at the time, and I chose it when my father pointed out that it was by one of the Beatles.
The track I perform at karaoke
I honestly cannot stand public singing and dodge it at all costs. But if forced, I’d select Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.
The track I strangely remember each line to
I not long ago became aware that I have memorized almost the entire lyrical content to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and each track on Graceland by Paul Simon.
The perfect song to blast at a party
It relies on what stage of the evening you are at. Early doors it would most likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by the soul legend. 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 Underworld, and Ascension by the virtual band, which is an absolute banger.
The number I can no longer bear
I strangely cannot stand Mr Brightside by the Killers.
The ideal piece to get intimate to
Come Together by John, Paul, George, and Ringo.
The album that changed my life
When I was twelve and starting to play the six-string, I’d only listen to classic rock ’n’roll, and was fixated on Elvis, Chuck Berry, the killer, Fats Domino, Buddy Holly and Eddie Cochran. Then my childminder brought round Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was powerful rock music. The moment he put the vinyl on the turntable, I was hooked.
The track that motivates me in the morning
What’d I Say in its full glory by The Genius.
The piece that makes me cry
All music leaves me moved. Aretha Franklin, The Chairman of the Board, Elvis and the Fab Four all bring a tear to my eye because of the melody and sheer perfection of the singing. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner hits me hard consistently.
The song I’d like performed at my final send-off
The King. If I’m given a cremation, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m laid to rest in the ground, I’ll have Way Down.
