The Actor's Candid Playlist: From Early Favorites to Unexplained Aversions

The earliest track I fell in love with
My earliest memory is walking into a room at preschool where they were playing Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was captivated by the sonic landscape, and Lennon bellowing: “Full speed ahead!” When it arrived at the refrain, I remember thinking: “This must be music!”

The inaugural 45 I acquired
When I was eight, I was victorious in a competition at school to pick a new vinyl to play at the small dance we had on Friday afternoons. My teacher took me to Woolworths, and I chose Come Back My Love by Darts. The first single I purchased with my own savings was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a record shop in Colne. 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 tune I sing at sing-along
I candidly actively avoid public singing and avoid it at all costs. But if forced, I’d choose Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.

The piece I inexplicably remember every lyric to
I just became aware that I can recall virtually every word to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and each track on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.

The ideal track to blast at a gathering
It relies on which phase of the event you are at. Early doors it would likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by the soul legend. As the evening progresses, I’d transition into Prince, the Rolling Stones and Bowie, and when it gets lively, Phat Planet by Leftfield, Born Slippy .NUXX by the techno pioneers, and Ascension by Gorillaz, which is an undeniable hit.

The song I can not hear
I inexplicably cannot stand Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.

The ultimate track to get intimate to
Come Together by John, Paul, George, and Ringo.

The LP that changed my life
When I was twelve and beginning to study the six-string, I’d only listen to classic rock ’n’roll, and was fixated on Elvis, Chuck Berry, the killer, the New Orleans legend, the glasses-wearing icon and the rockabilly star. Then my childminder brought round Let There Be Rock by the Australian rockers. It was still guitar music, but it was high voltage rock ’n’roll. As soon as he dropped the vinyl on the turntable, I was hooked.

The tune that gets me up in the AM
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by The Genius.

The track that gets me emotional
Most music makes me touched. Aretha Franklin, Frank Sinatra, Elvis and the Beatles all make me cry because of the melody and pure perfection of the vocals. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner gets me going every time.

The track I’d like to be played at my funeral
Elvis. If I’m cremated, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m buried, I’ll have Way Down.