The Actor's Candid Playlist: Starting with Childhood Loves to Unexplained Dislikes

The initial tune I fell in love with
My most primal memory is entering a room at preschool where they were spinning Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was captivated by the sonic landscape, and Lennon yelling: “Full speed ahead!” When it got to the chorus, I recall believing: “This must be music!”

The inaugural record I bought
When I was eight years old, I was victorious in a contest at school to pick a 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 savings was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a music store in Colne. It was topping the charts at the time, and I chose it when my dad pointed out that it was by a former member of the Beatles.

The song I perform at sing-along
I honestly cannot stand karaoke and steer clear at all costs. But under duress, I’d go with Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.

The song I inexplicably recite each line to
I not long ago discovered that I know virtually the entire lyrical content to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and every song on Graceland by Paul Simon.

The best song to play at a soirée
It depends on what stage of the party you are at. Early doors it would likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by the soul legend. As the party deepens, I’d work through Prince, the Rolling 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 undeniable hit.

The track I can no longer listen to
I for some reason detest Mr Brightside by the Killers.

The best piece to have sex to
Come Together by John, Paul, George, and Ringo.

The record that transformed me
When I was twelve and just learning to study the six-string, I’d only listen to classic rock ’n’roll, and was obsessed with Elvis, the rock pioneer, the killer, the New Orleans legend, the glasses-wearing icon and the rockabilly star. Then my babysitter brought round Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was powerful rock ’n’roll. As soon as he placed the record on the record player, I was a fan for life.

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

The song that gets me emotional
All music makes me emotional. The Queen of Soul, The Chairman of the Board, Presley and the Fab Four all stir my emotions because of the melody and pure beauty of the singing. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley strikes a chord every time.

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