The Actor's Revealing Playlist: From Early Loves to Peculiar Aversions
The first track I became enamored with
My most primal recollection is entering a room at nursery school where they were spinning Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. 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 was victorious in a contest at school to choose a new record to play at the small dance we had on Friday afternoons. My instructor took me to Woolworths, and I chose Come Back My Love by the group Darts. The first single I purchased with my own allowance was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a record shop in Colne. 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 sing at sing-along
I frankly cannot stand public singing and dodge it at all costs. But if forced, I’d go with Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.
The song I oddly recite every lyric to
I not long ago became aware that I have memorized pretty much the entire lyrical content to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and every song on Graceland by Paul Simon.
The ideal track to play at a party
It depends on what stage of the event you are at. At the start it would most likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the night wears on, I’d move on to Prince, the Rolling Stones and Bowie, and when it hits its peak, Phat Planet by the electronic act, Born Slippy .NUXX by the techno pioneers, and Ascension by the virtual band, which is an undeniable hit.
The track I can not hear
I strangely loathe Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.
The ultimate piece to get intimate to
Come Together by John, Paul, George, and Ringo.
The record that changed my life
When I was twelve and just learning to learn the guitar, I’d only listen to early rock and roll, and was consumed by Elvis, the rock pioneer, the killer, Fats Domino, Buddy Holly and Eddie Cochran. Then my babysitter introduced me to Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still guitar music, but it was electrifying rock music. The moment he put the record on the turntable, I was hooked.
The song that gets me up in the AM
What’d I Say in its full glory by The Genius.
The piece that gets me emotional
Virtually any music makes me moved. The Queen of Soul, The Chairman of the Board, Presley and the Beatles all stir my emotions because of the melody and pure perfection of the voices. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley gets me going every time.
The song I’d like performed at my final send-off
Elvis. If I’m cremated, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m laid to rest in the ground, I’ll have Way Down.