The Actor's Honest Musical Selections: Starting with Childhood Favorites to Unexplained Aversions
The earliest track I fell in love with
My first memory is stepping into a room at preschool where they were playing Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was enthralled by the sound effects, and John Lennon shouting: “Full speed ahead!” When it reached the hook, I remember thinking: “This must be music!”
The first single I acquired
When I was eight years old, 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 instructor took me to a local store, and I picked out Come Back My Love by the group Darts. The first record I purchased with my own pocket money was Mull of Kintyre by Paul McCartney's Wings from a record shop in Colne. It was number one at the time, and I chose it when my dad noted that it was by a former member of the Beatles.
The song I do at karaoke
I frankly do not enjoy karaoke and dodge it at all costs. But if I had to, I’d go with Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.
The piece I oddly recite every lyric to
I recently discovered that I can recall 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 perfect tune to put on at a soirée
It relies on which phase of the party you are at. At the start it would probably be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the party deepens, I’d transition into Prince, the Rolling Stones and Bowie, and when it really kicks off, Phat Planet by the electronic act, Born Slippy .NUXX by Underworld, and Ascension by the virtual band, which is an absolute banger.
The track I can not listen to
I strangely detest Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.
The ideal piece to make love to
Come Together by John, Paul, George, and Ringo.
The record that changed my life
When I was 12 and beginning to learn the guitar, I’d only listen to 1950s rock ’n’roll, and was consumed by Elvis, Chuck Berry, the killer, Fats Domino, Buddy Holly and the rockabilly star. Then my childminder introduced me to Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was high voltage rock music. As soon as he dropped the vinyl on the turntable, I was a fan for life.
The track that motivates me in the AM
What’d I Say in its full glory by Ray Charles.
The track that brings me to tears
Virtually any music leaves me touched. The Queen of Soul, The Chairman of the Board, Presley and the Beatles all stir my emotions because of the tune and sheer perfection of the singing. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley hits me hard every time.
The song I’d like played at my final send-off
Elvis. If I’m given a cremation, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m buried, I’ll have Way Down.
