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

The earliest track I became enamored with
My earliest memory is walking into a space at nursery school where they were blasting Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was mesmerized by the audio textures, and John Lennon bellowing: “Full speed ahead!” When it reached the chorus, I remember thinking: “This must be music!”

The very first single I purchased
When I was eight, I was victorious in a competition at school to pick a brand new vinyl to play at the small dance we had on Friday afternoons. My instructor took me to a local store, and I picked out Come Back My Love by Darts. The first single I purchased with my own pocket money was Mull of Kintyre by Paul McCartney's Wings from a music store in Colne. It was number one at the time, and I selected it when my dad noted that it was by one of the Beatles.

The tune I perform at sing-along
I candidly actively avoid karaoke and avoid it at all costs. But if I had to, I’d select Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.

The track I strangely know every lyric to
I just discovered 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 the legendary songwriter.

The ideal tune to play at a party
It relies on the point of the evening you are at. For the beginning it would most likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by the soul legend. As the night wears on, I’d transition into Prince, the Rolling 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 massive track.

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

The ultimate track to have sex to
Come Together by John, Paul, George, and Ringo.

The record that altered my perspective
When I was twelve and just learning to study the guitar, I’d only listen to early rock ’n’roll, and was obsessed with Elvis, Chuck Berry, Jerry Lee Lewis, Fats Domino, Buddy Holly and the rockabilly star. Then my babysitter brought round Let There Be Rock by the Australian rockers. It was still guitar music, but it was electrifying rock ’n’roll. As soon as he put the record on the turntable, I was hooked.

The track that wakes me in the morning
What’d I Say in its full glory by The Genius.

The track that gets me emotional
Virtually any music leaves me emotional. Aretha Franklin, Frank Sinatra, Elvis and the Fab Four all stir my emotions because of the melody and sheer perfection of the vocals. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner hits me hard without fail.

The music I’d like to be played at my final send-off
The King. If I’m given a cremation, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m buried, I’ll have Way Down.

George Butler
George Butler

A certified personal trainer with over 10 years of experience, specializing in strength training and nutrition coaching.