The Actor's Honest Musical Selections: Starting with Childhood Loves to Unexplained Dislikes
The first track I became enamored with
My most primal recollection is stepping into a space at preschool where they were spinning Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was mesmerized by the sound effects, and John Lennon shouting: “Full speed ahead!” When it reached the chorus, I remember thinking: “This must be music!”
The very first single I bought
When I was eight years old, I won a contest at school to select a brand new vinyl to play at the mini disco we had on Friday afternoons. My teacher took me to a local store, and I opted for Come Back My Love by 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 number one at the time, and I chose it when my dad pointed out that it was by one of the Beatles.
The track I perform at sing-along
I candidly actively avoid public singing and steer clear at all costs. But under duress, I’d go with Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.
The song I strangely recite all the words to
I not long ago discovered that I have memorized almost all the lyrics to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and each track on Graceland by Paul Simon.
The best tune to put on at a party
It depends on which phase of the evening you are at. For the beginning it would probably be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by the soul legend. As the night wears on, I’d move on to the Artist, the Rolling Stones and David Bowie, and when it really kicks off, Phat Planet by Leftfield, Born Slippy .NUXX by the techno pioneers, and Ascension by the virtual band, which is an absolute banger.
The song I can not bear
I for some reason loathe Mr Brightside by the Killers.
The ideal piece to make love to
Come Together by John, Paul, George, and Ringo.
The album that changed my life
When I was twelve and starting to learn the guitar, I’d only listen to 1950s rock and roll, and was consumed by Elvis, Chuck Berry, the killer, Fats Domino, Buddy Holly and Eddie Cochran. Then my babysitter brought round Let There Be Rock by the Australian rockers. It was still guitar music, but it was electrifying rock music. As soon as he placed the vinyl on the turntable, I was captivated.
The song that wakes me in the morning
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by The Genius.
The piece that makes me cry
Most music leaves me touched. Aretha Franklin, The Chairman of the Board, Presley and the Beatles all stir my emotions because of the harmony and pure beauty of the voices. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner gets me going every time.
The music I’d like to be 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.
