The Actor's Honest Playlist: Starting with Childhood Loves to Peculiar Aversions
The initial song I was captivated by
My most primal memory is walking into a room at kindergarten where they were spinning Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was enthralled by the audio textures, and John Lennon shouting: “Full speed ahead!” When it reached the chorus, I recall believing: “This must be music!”
The inaugural 45 I acquired
When I was eight years old, I won a contest at school to choose a new record to play at the small dance we had on Friday afternoons. My teacher took me to a local store, and I opted for Come Back My Love by the group 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 number one at the time, and I selected it when my father pointed out that it was by one of the Beatles.
The track I do at karaoke
I candidly cannot stand public singing and dodge it at all costs. But if I had to, I’d select Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.
The piece I strangely recite all the words to
I just realised that I can recall almost every word to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and the entire album on Graceland by Paul Simon.
The best tune to put on at a soirée
It hinges on which phase of the party you are at. At the start it would most likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by the soul legend. As the night wears on, I’d move on to Prince, the Stones and David Bowie, and when it really kicks off, Phat Planet by the electronic act, Born Slippy .NUXX by the techno pioneers, and Ascension by Gorillaz, which is an massive track.
The number I can no longer listen to
I strangely cannot stand Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.
The ultimate track to get intimate to
Come Together by the Beatles.
The record that altered my perspective
When I was 12 and just learning to play the guitar, I’d only listen to 1950s rock and roll, and was obsessed with The King, Chuck Berry, the killer, Fats Domino, Buddy Holly and Eddie Cochran. Then my childminder brought round Let There Be Rock by the Australian rockers. It was still guitar music, but it was powerful rock music. Instantly after he placed the record on the turntable, I was hooked.
The track that wakes me in the AM
What’d I Say in its full glory by The Genius.
The song that gets me emotional
Most music makes me touched. Aretha Franklin, The Chairman of the Board, Presley and the Beatles all bring a tear to my eye because of the melody and utter brilliance of the vocals. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner strikes a chord consistently.
The music I’d like to be played at my memorial service
The King. If I’m cremated, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m buried, I’ll have Way Down.