The Actor's Revealing Playlist: Starting with Childhood Favorites to Unexplained Dislikes
The first tune I was captivated by
My most primal recollection is entering a room at preschool where they were spinning Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was mesmerized by the sound effects, and John Lennon bellowing: “Full speed ahead!” When it reached the chorus, I recall believing: “This must be music!”
The inaugural record I acquired
When I was eight years old, I was victorious in a competition at school to select a new record to play at the weekly dance party 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 record I purchased with my own savings was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a record shop in Lancashire. It was number one at the time, and I selected it when my father noted that it was by a former member of the Beatles.
The track I perform at sing-along
I frankly cannot stand public singing and dodge it at all costs. But if I had to, I’d select Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.
The track I strangely recite all the words to
I not long ago discovered that I have memorized pretty much all the lyrics to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and the entire album on Graceland by Paul Simon.
The perfect song to put on at a soirée
It depends on what stage of the evening 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 work through the Artist, the Stones and Bowie, and when it really kicks off, Phat Planet by Leftfield, Born Slippy .NUXX by Underworld, and Ascension by Gorillaz, which is an undeniable hit.
The track I can never bear
I for some reason detest Mr Brightside by the Killers.
The best track to get intimate to
Come Together by the Beatles.
The album that changed my life
When I was 12 and just learning to play the guitar, I’d only listen to classic rock ’n’roll, and was fixated on Elvis, the rock pioneer, the killer, the New Orleans legend, Buddy Holly and Eddie Cochran. Then my babysitter played Let There Be Rock by the Australian rockers. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was high voltage rock music. Instantly after he put the record on the record player, I was a fan for life.
The tune that gets me up in the AM
What’d I Say in its full glory by Ray Charles.
The track that gets me emotional
Most music leaves me touched. Aretha Franklin, The Chairman of the Board, Presley and the Beatles all stir my emotions because of the melody and pure brilliance of the singing. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley strikes a chord every time.
The track I’d like to be played 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.
