The Actor's Honest Playlist: Starting with Childhood Loves to Peculiar Aversions
The first track I fell in love with
My most primal recollection is walking into a space at preschool where they were spinning Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was enthralled by the sound effects, and John Lennon shouting: “Full speed ahead!” When it reached the refrain, I remember thinking: “This must be music!”
The inaugural record I bought
When I was eight years old, I won a contest at school to pick a new record to play at the weekly dance party we had on Fridays. My instructor took me to a local store, and I opted for Come Back My Love by the group Darts. The first record I bought with my own allowance was Mull of Kintyre by Paul McCartney's Wings from a music store in Lancashire. It was No 1 at the time, and I selected it when my dad mentioned that it was by a former member of the Beatles.
The track I perform at karaoke
I frankly cannot stand public singing and steer clear at all costs. But under duress, I’d go with Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.
The song I strangely recite every lyric to
I just realised that I have memorized almost every word to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and every song on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.
The perfect tune to blast at a party
It relies on which phase 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 work through Prince, the Stones and Bowie, and when it gets lively, Phat Planet by Leftfield, Born Slippy .NUXX by Underworld, and Ascension by the virtual band, which is an massive track.
The number I can not bear
I inexplicably cannot stand Mr Brightside by the Killers.
The best track to have sex to
Come Together by John, Paul, George, and Ringo.
The record that altered my perspective
When I was twelve and beginning to study the six-string, I’d only listen to classic rock ’n’roll, and was consumed by The King, the rock pioneer, the killer, the New Orleans legend, the glasses-wearing icon and the rockabilly star. Then my babysitter brought round Let There Be Rock by the Australian rockers. It was still guitar music, but it was electrifying rock ’n’roll. Instantly after he placed the vinyl on the turntable, I was hooked.
The song that motivates me in the AM
What’d I Say in its full glory by The Genius.
The track that brings me to tears
Virtually any music makes me emotional. 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 singing. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley strikes a chord every time.
The track I’d like played at my funeral
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.