The Actor's Revealing Playlist: From Early Favorites to Peculiar Aversions
The first tune I fell in love with
My most primal memory is stepping into a room at preschool 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 reached the hook, I remember thinking: “This must be music!”
The inaugural record I purchased
When I was eight, I won a competition at school to choose a new record to play at the mini disco we had on Fridays. My instructor took me to a local store, and I chose Come Back My Love by Darts. The first single I purchased with my own savings was Mull of Kintyre by Paul McCartney's Wings from a music store in Colne. It was topping the charts at the time, and I chose it when my father noted that it was by one of the Beatles.
The tune I perform at sing-along
I honestly cannot stand karaoke and avoid it at all costs. But under duress, I’d go with Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.
The track I inexplicably remember all the words to
I not long ago became aware that I know 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 best track to play at a party
It depends on which phase of the party you are at. Early doors it would most likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the evening progresses, I’d work through Prince, the Rolling Stones and Bowie, and when it gets lively, Phat Planet by the electronic act, Born Slippy .NUXX by the techno pioneers, and Ascension by the virtual band, which is an massive track.
The song I can never bear
I strangely cannot stand Mr Brightside by the Killers.
The ideal song to have sex to
Come Together by the Beatles.
The record that changed my life
When I was 12 and just learning to study the guitar, I’d only listen to early rock ’n’roll, and was fixated on The King, the rock pioneer, the killer, Fats Domino, the glasses-wearing icon and the rockabilly star. Then my childminder brought round Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still guitar music, but it was electrifying rock ’n’roll. As soon as he placed the vinyl on the turntable, I was a fan for life.
The track that wakes me in the morning
What’d I Say in its full glory by Ray Charles.
The track that brings me to tears
All music leaves me touched. The Queen of Soul, Frank Sinatra, Elvis and the Beatles all make me cry because of the melody and pure brilliance of the singing. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner strikes a chord every time.
The song I’d like performed at my funeral
Elvis. If I’m cremated, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m laid to rest in the ground, I’ll have Way Down.