The Actor's Honest Playlist: Starting with Childhood Favorites to Unexplained Dislikes

The initial song I was captivated by
My earliest recollection is stepping into a room at kindergarten where they were spinning Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was captivated by the sound effects, and John Lennon bellowing: “Full speed ahead!” When it arrived at the refrain, I recall believing: “This must be music!”

The very first record I purchased
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 Friday afternoons. My teacher took me to Woolworths, and I picked out Come Back My Love by Darts. The first single I purchased with my own allowance was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a music store in Colne. It was No 1 at the time, and I selected it when my dad mentioned that it was by one of the Beatles.

The song I sing at karaoke
I frankly do not enjoy karaoke and steer clear at all costs. But under duress, I’d choose Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.

The song I oddly recite each line to
I just discovered that I have memorized virtually the entire lyrical content to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and the entire album on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.

The best song to put on at a soirée
It hinges 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 work through the Artist, the Rolling Stones and David Bowie, and when it really kicks off, 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 number I can not bear
I strangely cannot stand Mr Brightside by the Killers.

The ideal track to make love to
Come Together by the Beatles.

The album that changed my life
When I was 12 and beginning to learn the guitar, I’d only listen to 1950s rock and roll, and was consumed by The King, the rock pioneer, the killer, the New Orleans legend, Buddy Holly and the rockabilly star. Then my babysitter played Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was electrifying rock music. The moment he dropped the record on the turntable, I was captivated.

The tune that motivates me in the AM
What’d I Say in its full glory by Ray Charles.

The track that gets me emotional
Virtually any music makes me moved. The Queen of Soul, The Chairman of the Board, Presley and the Fab Four all make me cry because of the tune and utter brilliance of the voices. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner hits me hard consistently.

The music I’d like performed at my memorial service
Elvis. If I’m given a cremation, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m buried, I’ll have Way Down.