The Actor's Candid Playlist: From Early Loves to Unexplained Dislikes

The initial song I fell in love with
My first memory is stepping into a room at nursery school where they were spinning Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was captivated by the sound effects, and Lennon shouting: “Full speed ahead!” When it reached the refrain, I distinctly thought: “This must be music!”

The very first 45 I bought
When I was eight, I was victorious in a competition at school to pick a brand new vinyl to play at the weekly dance party we had on Fridays. My teacher took me to a local store, and I picked out Come Back My Love by Darts. The first record I bought with my own pocket money was Mull of Kintyre by Paul McCartney's Wings from a record shop in Lancashire. It was number one at the time, and I selected it when my father mentioned that it was by one of the Beatles.

The track I perform at karaoke
I honestly actively avoid public singing and avoid it at all costs. But if I had to, I’d go with Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.

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

The ideal track to play at a soirée
It relies on which phase of the event you are at. For the beginning it would probably be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the party deepens, I’d work through the Artist, the 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 absolute banger.

The track I can never bear
I strangely cannot stand Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.

The ultimate piece to make love to
Come Together by the Beatles.

The LP that changed my life
When I was 12 and beginning to learn the six-string, I’d only listen to early rock ’n’roll, and was obsessed with Elvis, Chuck Berry, the killer, the New Orleans legend, Buddy Holly and Eddie Cochran. Then my babysitter introduced me to Let There Be Rock by the Australian rockers. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was powerful rock ’n’roll. Instantly after he dropped the vinyl on the record player, I was captivated.

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

The song that brings me to tears
Virtually any music makes me touched. The Queen of Soul, Frank Sinatra, Presley and the Fab Four all stir my emotions because of the harmony and sheer beauty of the voices. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley hits me hard consistently.

The music I’d like performed at my final send-off
The King. If I’m cremated, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m buried, I’ll have Way Down.

Curtis Yoder
Curtis Yoder

A certified fitness trainer and wellness coach passionate about helping others achieve their health goals through sustainable practices.

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