The Actor's Honest Playlist: Starting with Childhood Favorites to Peculiar Aversions
The initial track I fell in love with
My earliest recollection is stepping into a space at kindergarten where they were blasting Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was mesmerized by the audio textures, and Lennon shouting: “Full speed ahead!” When it arrived at the chorus, I recall believing: “This must be music!”
The first 45 I acquired
When I was eight, I was victorious in a contest at school to select a brand new record to play at the small dance we had on Friday afternoons. My instructor took me to a local store, and I chose Come Back My Love by the group Darts. The first record I purchased with my own allowance was Mull of Kintyre by Paul McCartney's Wings from a record shop in Lancashire. It was number one at the time, and I selected it when my dad pointed out that it was by a former member of the Beatles.
The track I sing at karaoke
I frankly actively avoid karaoke and avoid it at all costs. But if I had to, I’d choose Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.
The piece I inexplicably recite each line to
I just discovered that I know almost every word to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and each track on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.
The best track 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 night wears on, I’d move on to Prince, the Stones and David Bowie, and when it really kicks off, Phat Planet by Leftfield, Born Slippy .NUXX by Underworld, and Ascension by the virtual band, which is an massive track.
The track I can never bear
I inexplicably cannot stand Mr Brightside by the Killers.
The ultimate piece to have sex to
Come Together by John, Paul, George, and Ringo.
The record that altered my perspective
When I was twelve and starting to play the guitar, I’d only listen to classic rock ’n’roll, and was consumed by The King, the rock pioneer, Jerry Lee Lewis, the New Orleans legend, the glasses-wearing icon and Eddie Cochran. Then my babysitter brought round Let There Be Rock by the Australian rockers. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was electrifying rock music. The moment he put the vinyl on the record player, I was hooked.
The tune that wakes me in the morning
What’d I Say in its full glory by The Genius.
The piece that makes me cry
Most music makes me moved. Aretha Franklin, The Chairman of the Board, Elvis and the Beatles all make me cry because of the melody and sheer beauty of the vocals. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner hits me hard every time.
The music I’d like performed at my funeral
The King. If I’m cremated, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m laid to rest in the ground, I’ll have Way Down.