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

The first track I was captivated by
My first memory is walking into a room at preschool where they were spinning Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was captivated by the sound effects, and John Lennon yelling: ā€œFull speed ahead!ā€ When it reached the hook, I remember thinking: ā€œThis must be music!ā€

The first record I acquired
When I was eight, I was victorious in a competition at school to choose a brand new record to play at the weekly dance party we had on Fridays. My teacher took me to Woolworths, and I chose Come Back My Love by the group Darts. The first record I purchased with my own pocket money was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a record shop in Lancashire. It was topping the charts at the time, and I selected it when my dad pointed out that it was by one of the Beatles.

The song I perform at sing-along
I frankly actively avoid karaoke and dodge it at all costs. But if forced, I’d choose Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.

The track I oddly know all the words to
I just realised that I have memorized pretty much every word to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and every song on Graceland by Paul Simon.

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 Marvin Gaye. As the party deepens, I’d work through the Artist, the Stones and David 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 no longer bear
I for some reason loathe Mr Brightside by the Killers.

The best piece to have sex to
Come Together by the Beatles.

The record that altered my perspective
When I was 12 and beginning to play the six-string, I’d only listen to 1950s rock ’n’roll, and was consumed by Elvis, Chuck Berry, the killer, Fats Domino, Buddy Holly and Eddie Cochran. Then my childminder played Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still guitar music, but it was electrifying rock music. Instantly after he placed the record on the record player, I was a fan for life.

The tune that motivates me in the morning
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by Ray Charles.

The piece that brings me to tears
Virtually any music makes me touched. Aretha Franklin, The Chairman of the Board, Elvis and the Beatles all stir my emotions because of the tune and pure beauty of the vocals. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley gets me going without fail.

The music I’d like played 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.

Zachary West
Zachary West

Elara Vance is a seasoned gaming analyst specializing in UK online casinos, with over a decade of experience in reviewing slots and betting strategies.