The Actor's Candid Playlist: From Early Favorites to Unexplained Dislikes
The first tune I fell in love with
My first recollection is entering a room at preschool where they were playing Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was enthralled by the sound effects, and Lennon shouting: “Full speed ahead!” When it got to the chorus, I distinctly thought: “This must be music!”
The first record I acquired
When I was eight years old, I won a contest at school to choose a new record to play at the mini disco we had on Friday afternoons. My instructor took me to a local store, and I picked out Come Back My Love by Darts. The first single I purchased with my own pocket money 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 track I perform at karaoke
I candidly cannot stand karaoke and avoid it at all costs. But if I had to, I’d select Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.
The piece I strangely know every lyric to
I recently became aware that I can recall pretty much the entire lyrical content 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 hinges on the point of the evening you are at. For the beginning it would likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the party deepens, I’d move on to the Artist, the Stones and David Bowie, and when it gets lively, Phat Planet by the electronic act, Born Slippy .NUXX by Underworld, and Ascension by the virtual band, which is an massive track.
The song I can not listen to
I strangely cannot stand Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.
The ideal song to get intimate to
Come Together by John, Paul, George, and Ringo.
The album that changed my life
When I was twelve and beginning to play the six-string, I’d only listen to early rock and roll, and was fixated on The King, Chuck Berry, the killer, the New Orleans legend, Buddy Holly and the rockabilly star. Then my babysitter played Let There Be Rock by the Australian rockers. It was still guitar music, but it was electrifying rock music. The moment he placed the record on the record player, I was captivated.
The song that gets me up in the morning
What’d I Say in its full glory by The Genius.
The song that brings me to tears
All music leaves me emotional. Aretha Franklin, The Chairman of the Board, Elvis and the Fab Four all stir my emotions because of the tune and pure brilliance of the vocals. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner hits me hard without fail.
The song I’d like performed at my final send-off
Elvis. If I’m given a cremation, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m buried, I’ll have Way Down.
