The Actor's Revealing Playlist: From Early Loves to Unexplained Dislikes
The earliest tune I was captivated by
My most primal memory is stepping into a room at nursery school where they were blasting Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was captivated by the sound effects, and John Lennon yelling: “Full speed ahead!” When it arrived at the hook, I recall believing: “This must be music!”
The inaugural 45 I bought
When I was eight years old, I won a competition at school to select a new vinyl to play at the mini disco 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 single I bought with my own pocket money was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a record shop in Lancashire. It was No 1 at the time, and I chose it when my dad mentioned that it was by a former member of the Beatles.
The song I do at karaoke
I frankly do not enjoy karaoke and steer clear at all costs. But under duress, I’d choose Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.
The track I oddly remember all the words to
I not long ago realised that I can recall pretty much all the lyrics to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and each track on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.
The perfect song to play at a soirée
It hinges on which phase of the party you are at. At the start it would probably be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the evening progresses, I’d transition into the Artist, the Stones and David Bowie, and when it really kicks off, Phat Planet by the electronic act, Born Slippy .NUXX by Underworld, and Ascension by Gorillaz, which is an undeniable hit.
The number I can not bear
I inexplicably cannot stand Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.
The ideal piece to make love to
Come Together by the Beatles.
The record that transformed me
When I was twelve and starting to study the six-string, I’d only listen to early rock and roll, and was fixated on The King, Chuck Berry, Jerry Lee Lewis, the New Orleans legend, the glasses-wearing icon and the rockabilly star. Then my childminder brought round Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was electrifying rock music. The moment he placed the vinyl on the turntable, I was hooked.
The song that wakes me in the AM
What’d I Say in its full glory by The Genius.
The piece that brings me to tears
Most music leaves me moved. The Queen of Soul, The Chairman of the Board, Presley and the Fab Four all bring a tear to my eye because of the tune and sheer brilliance of the voices. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner hits me hard without fail.
The music I’d like performed at my memorial service
The King. If I’m given a cremation, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m buried, I’ll have Way Down.
