The Actor's Candid Playlist: Starting with Childhood Favorites to Unexplained Aversions
The earliest tune I was captivated by
My most primal recollection is walking into a space at kindergarten where they were spinning Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was enthralled by the sound effects, and John Lennon bellowing: “Full speed ahead!” When it arrived at the hook, I recall believing: “This must be music!”
The very first 45 I acquired
When I was eight, I was victorious in a contest at school to select a new record to play at the mini disco we had on Fridays. My teacher took me to a local store, and I chose Come Back My Love by Darts. The first record I bought with my own pocket money was Mull of Kintyre by Paul McCartney's Wings from a record shop in Colne. It was topping the charts 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 sing-along
I candidly actively avoid public singing and avoid it at all costs. But if forced, I’d go with Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.
The piece I strangely know all the words to
I not long ago became aware that I know virtually every word to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and every song on Graceland by Paul Simon.
The ideal song to play at a soirée
It depends on what stage of the party you are at. At the start it would probably 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 undeniable hit.
The song I can not listen to
I inexplicably loathe Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.
The ultimate song to make love to
Come Together by John, Paul, George, and Ringo.
The LP that altered my perspective
When I was twelve and just learning to learn the guitar, I’d only listen to early rock and roll, and was fixated on The King, the rock pioneer, the killer, the New Orleans legend, Buddy Holly and Eddie Cochran. Then my babysitter introduced me to Let There Be Rock by the Australian rockers. It was still guitar music, but it was electrifying rock music. The moment he dropped the vinyl on the record player, I was hooked.
The song that motivates me in the morning
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by Ray Charles.
The piece that gets me emotional
Virtually any music makes me emotional. The Queen of Soul, Frank Sinatra, Presley and the Beatles all stir my emotions because of the harmony and pure beauty of the singing. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner gets me going every time.
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 laid to rest in the ground, I’ll have Way Down.
